Palm Valley Funeral Home

08/14/2025

Alejandro Manuel Lomas, 42, went to his eternal home on July 26, 2025, from his home in Goodyear, AZ.
Alex, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and faith. His passing has left a void in the hearts of
his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the
way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the
pleasure of knowing him.
Alex is survived by his loving wife, Carolann, and his children, Hannah, Rylee, Joshua, Meziah, and
Raymond of Goodyear, AZ; his father and mother, Lauren and Lori Page of Sun City, AZ; his father, Alberto Lomas of
California; his siblings, Tina, Celena, Christopher, and Calleigh; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews,
nieces, and friends. He is predeceased by his son, Alejandro Mark Lomas, Jr.
Those who knew Alex will remember him for his infectious smile, overwhelming laughter, and his unwavering
commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile
and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of crossing his path.
The list of people whose lives are better today because Alex stepped in and helped them through tough times, even
becoming a father, brother, cousin, or even a best friend when needed, that list of people is too long to list here. But
if you’d like to know more about this amazing man’s life, there will be a Celebration of Life service on August 16,
2025 at The Refinery Church, 16721 W. Indian School Road, Goodyear, AZ. Public visitation will be at 9:15 a.m. with
service at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service at the church. Guests are asked to wear blue in honor of
Alex’s favorite color.
Although Alex’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us.
And though he may not be here physically, we’re still giving him Disney hugs in our souls every day.

08/11/2025

08/02/2025

The Walker family lost a gem of a woman in the early morning of May 20th, 2025 when our matriarch Linda awoke in medical distress and passed shortly thereafter in Surprise, Arizona. She faced her last moments with calmness and stoicism, surely in part due to her Christian faith and belief in an afterlife. She was known for her southern charm, beautiful thick hair, and her sparkling smile. She loved to get dressed up and had great style, often wearing sparkly accessories and clothing to match her personality. She never met a stranger and could charm just about everyone she came into contact with. Her apparent purpose and mission in this realm was to lavish others with love, consideration and care and her family were major recipients of this. She leaves behind husband Jim (83), sons Stephen (59) and Erik (54), grandchild Meadow (39) and great-grandchild Logan (16).

Linda Ann Buck had humble but strong roots from her childhood in rural Reelsboro, North Carolina where she grew up attending the Reelsboro Methodist Church. Her family did not possess material wealth but owned land and were rich with both love and determination She grew up in her family home with her parents Eugene and Mildred, older brother Gene Raymond and sister Emily along with her maternal grandparents. Her grandfather was offered a Rhodes scholarship along with two of his brothers but all were unable to attend due to needing to stay home to help out with the family farm during the depression, he impressed upon all of the family the importance of education that Linda would go on to pass down to her children and grandchildren. Her father Eugene passed away when she was fourteen years old and her mother Mildred Hines Reel (Mimi) exercised great strength and fortitude in keeping the family strong and together. The family experienced times of scarcity and struggle but persevered. She worked in her family’s fields as a youth and loved the smell of to***co curing in the barn.

Ms. Buck graduated from Reelsboro High School and went on to go to Hardbarger Business College, earning a special degree in their secretarial course in 1962. She met husband-to-be Jimmy Walker while they were both attending college in Raleigh on a double date. The only hitch was they were both on the date with another partner. Jimmy memorized her phone number upon dropping her off at her home and called her the next day and suggested they be together and they were from that moment on. They were married two years later in 1964. Their first child, Stephen, was born in 1966 in Raleigh, NC.

Linda supported her husband in his career, using her charm and grace and savviness to help him get ahead in his business. He earned promotions moving them first to Corning, New York, then to Hoffman Estates, Illinois where their second son Erik was born in 1971, and finally to Washington state where they would live for their remaining years, aside from visiting their home in Surprise, Arizona in the winter months. Jim and Linda were planning to return to Washington just one week from the day she passed. Though she never lived in North Carolina again, she always considered it her home. The Walker family often visited for summers there, staying with her sister in New Bern and at the beach in Emerald Isle, her favorite place on Earth. She would wake up early and walk on the beach for hours often in solitude, and would spend the rest of the day with her immediate family and the extended family who still lived in North Carolina that she treasured so dearly. She was also very fond of a Pig Pickin’ gathering where a whole hog was cooked on the barbeque Eastern Carolina style with all the fixins’.

Linda was a multifaceted woman with many interests. In her midlife years, She loved playing tennis. She was naturally talented, but she also worked very hard to hone her shots and become an even better player. She enjoyed playing singles but also loved to play doubles with her friend Maria. She also hit the ball often with her family, teaching her sons and her grandchildren her love for the sport. In the early 1980's she and her son Erik even won a mother son tournament.

In 1985, at the ripe old age of 39, Linda became a grandmother to Meadow. She was very nervous about her son Stephen becoming a dad so young, but she adored and doted on Meadow and the two would go on to share a uniquely strong bond. Linda was blessed with a great-grandchild in 2009, Logan, who she loved just as fiercely. She also acted as a surrogate “Granny” to Meadow’s siblings Mariah and Makayla Karlsen, and Makayla’s child, Asher. She was a treasured person in the lives of many people, always available to lend a listening ear as trusted confidant and a cheerleader when it was called for.

She attended church at the First Church of God in Vancouver (now Vancouver Church) and was very active in their women’s ministry. Her spirituality was personal to her and non judgemental. She vehemently supported and defended single mothers, whom she felt needed community support for the monumental challenges they face. She went on to join the P.E.O. Sisterhood which supports women’s education through scholarships, grants, and loans. Something very near and dear to her heart.

When her husband came home from a hunting trip with a dog as a surprise without discussing it with her she was understandably upset. She put her foot down and said the dog would not be allowed in the house and she wouldn’t feed him, walk him, or even look at him. Rock, an English Setter, got sick outside in his kennel and she allowed him to come into the house until he got better but he was only allowed in the basement. That didn’t last long. Soon he was sleeping at the foot of their bed and following her every move while she fixed him scrambled eggs. She took him for walks two or three times a day and fed him whatever we were having for dinner, unseasoned of course. She simply couldn’t keep herself from caring for a creature in need and she ended up becoming very fond of him. He got lost in some briar bushes on a hunting trip and couldn’t be found for over a day and she told her husband he was not to come home without him. She even penned a poem upon his passing titled “I Fell in Love with a Dog Named Rock”. She often wrote short stories and poems and would share them with the family and we are so lucky to have them now as a testament to her love and care of all of us.

Though she wasn’t able to communicate last words to her family upon her passing, she shared the sentiment with us all individually that if she should pass before us, she hoped her family would band together and love and support one another for their remaining days. A celebration of life will be taking place in the afternoon of August 31st at Abrams Park in Ridgefield, WA for all who would like to attend and remember her with us

07/14/2025

Pauline Katherine Hopkins, aged 61, passed away on July 9, 2025, in El Mirage, Arizona. Pauline was Born on April 4, 1964 to Leona and Ralph Mueller. She was a strong, caring, and independent woman who loved spending time with her family, friends and her dogs (Penny, Mable, and Curtis).
Pauline graduated from Clinton High School and later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Mount St. Claire College in Clinton, Iowa.
Her passions included crafting and gardening, activities that brought joy not only to her but also to those fortunate enough to experience her creative gifts.
Pauline was a cherished member of The Gathering Church, where she found a community of faith and fellowship. Her life was a testament to her strong will and the deep love she held for her family and friends.
She leaves behind the love of her life, her husband, Raymond Hopkins, and her children: Shaun (Christine) Hartman, Shane (Stephanie) Hartman, Megan (Sam) Juarez, Alex (Amber) Hopkins and Janeen (Joseph) Asay-Hopkins. Pauline was a proud grandmother to her thirteen grandchildren: David, Alex, Jacob, Hannah, Nora, Lucas, Elijah, Madison, Eden, Evan, Karsyn, Freya, and Natalia. She is also survived by her brothers Todd Mueller, Steven (Viki) Mueller, Matt Mueller, and Troy Mueller, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, Leona and Ralph Mueller, and her mother-in-law, Kathy Ford.
Services were held at Palm Valley Funeral Home in Sun City, Arizona, on Tuesday July 15th, 2025 where family, friends, and community members gathered to honor her memory and celebrate her life.

07/13/2025

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Federico “Freddy” T. Amavisca Sr.
August 14, 1962 – July 8, 2025

Federico “Freddy” T. Amavisca was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He lived a life grounded in compassion, integrity, and quiet strength. A skilled and certified electrician, Freddy used his talents not just as a profession, but as a way to serve others. He was always willing to lend a hand—fixing, building, or simply being there when someone needed him. No task was too small, and no favor too much.

Freddy’s kindness was second nature. He would give his last dollar without hesitation. His heart was big, his laughter contagious, and his sense of humor had a way of making everyone feel like family. His playful teasing and easy smile were trademarks of the deep love he held for those around him. To be loved by Freddy was to be seen, supported, and fiercely protected.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Nancy H. Amavisca—his partner, best friend, and light in this world. He is also survived by his devoted mother; his brother and sister; and his children—Eric, Tila, Stephanie, and his late son, Freddy Jr.—as well as five grandchildren who were the pride and joy of his heart. Freddy also embraced Nancy’s daughter as his own, offering her the same love, guidance, and laughter he gave to all he considered family. His love extended beyond blood, touching countless friends and relatives who were all better for having known him.

Freddy’s legacy is one of love in action. He taught us to give without expecting, to laugh through hard times, and to always show up for the people we care about. His presence will be missed beyond words, but his spirit will live on in every life he touched.

🕯 Celebration of Life Service
📅 Friday, July 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM
📍 Palm Valley Funeral Home
10761 Grand Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351

🪦 final farewell :
Glendale Cemetery
7844 N. 61st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

07/10/2025

Craig Orville Lawson
August 27,1947-June 20,2025

Craig Orville Lawson, 77, of Glendale, Arizona, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025. He was born in Prescott, Arizona, on August 27, 1947.

Craig was a devoted husband to his wife of 51 years, Joan, a loving father to two sons, Todd and Sean, and a proud grandfather to two granddaughters. He was preceded in death by a beloved grandson. Craig was known for his quiet strength, steady presence, and deep love for his family.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. A private service will be held in his honor.

07/09/2025

Darlene Hayes, 91, of Sun City West, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025. She was born on May 18, 1934, in Colefax, Iowa, to Rollie and Martha Rettinghaus. She graduated salutatorian in 1952 from Clifton Hill High Scholl in Cliffton Hill, Missouri. She earned a teaching certificate from Kirksville, Missouri State Teachers College in 1956.
After college Darlene moved to St. Louis, Missouri where she met the love of her life, Lorn Hayes. They married on December 31, 1960, and were married over 58 years until his passing on October 5, 2019. They have one son, Geoffrey (Rebecca) of Surprise, Arizona.
Darlene worked as a secretary for Optimist International, St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, and later retired from Southwestern Bell. She also worked for many years as a homemaker. Aside from family, her biggest loves were animals and art. Among the pets gracing her life were a toy poodle named Bijou, and a cat Bingo named, after another favorite pastime. Her sister Betty said that as a young girl, Darlene also loved horses and rode two miles each way to grade school. And as for art, she was excellent at drawing, needlepoint, and her favorite - Bob Ross style painting. Several of her paintings adorn Geoffrey and Rebecca’s home.
Darlene was also a fighter. She got Polio at age 6. Doctors feared she would not be able to walk, but after undergoing surgery and therapy she kept her mobility into later life. She survived Covid twice and persevered through dementia.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Lorn, her parents, sister Elizabeth Moody, and brothers Lewis Rettinghaus and Lavern Rettinghaus. She is survived by her sister Betty Barron of Iowa, her son Geoffrey, his wife Rebecca, and their children Zachary Hayes and Kyle Breeze.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, July 12, 2025, in the chapel at Sierra Winds Retirement Center, 17300 N. 88th Avenue, Peoria AZ 85382

06/24/2025

Gabriel Rene Del Castillo, 30, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on June 12, 2025.
Born on November 30, 1994, in Phoenix, AZ.
Gabriel was a dedicated father, loving husband, extraordinary salesman, beloved brother and friend to many throughout the city. He had a deep passion for basketball, anime, and music, and was known for his quick wit and incredible sense of humor that could light up any room.

Gabriel is survived by his wife, Clarissa, and their daughter, Diana; his mother, Angela; his fathers, Rene and Joseph; and his siblings Christopher, Noah, Chloe, Seth, Rene Jr, Nicholas, and Jeremiah.

To help his family get through such a difficult loss, a celebration of Gabriel’s life will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Cortez High School North Gym in Phoenix, AZ. The Celebration of Life will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by the first game of the memorial basketball tournament at 6:30 PM.

Gabriel’s energy, laughter, and love will continue to echo in the lives of everyone he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of heart, hustle, and unforgettable memories. Though his time with us was far too short, his loving spirit will forever live on in those who knew and loved him.

“We’ll carry you with us, always — on the court, in our music, in our hearts.”

Any donations submitted online and in person are for his 2-year-old daughter, Diana. Please show up for her so she can see how many people loved her Father, and please wear your favorite Suns jersey to honor his memory!

Below is the Link for the event/dontions:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-dianas-future-and-gabriels-tribute?utm_campaign=natman_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&attribution_id=sl:843e658b-3685-4296-8f98-c42ffcc0e341

06/24/2025

Beautiful Barbara Singletary was celebrated today surrounded by her family and her many friends. You will be missed friend.

06/13/2025

Mae M Lauer, 95, of Sun City, formerly of the Lehigh Valley PA died Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Hospice of the Valley, Surprise.
She was the widow of Luther L Lauer. Born in South Whitehall Township, she was the daughter of the late John U. and Minerva S
(Meyer) Litzenberger.
Mae worked for Brown Shoe Company in the 60s and 70s. In the 80s, she worked for Allentown
Paper Box and for Kresge Paper Box Company.
Mae loved her cats, Stripes, Sonic, and Wolfie, and they will miss her.
She is survived by her daughter Charlotte, Gene Auman's wife.
She was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy Dankel.
Contributions can be made in her memory to Foxy’s Cradle, 5260 Overlook Rd, Coplay, PA
18037