Desert Sunset Funeral Homes

05/21/2026

Angelica Juarez

Angie Juarez was born to Simon and Guadelupe Gutierrez on October 14, 1945, in Balmorhea, TX. She had two sisters, Irene Aguila and Anita Hernandez, and two brothers, Candido Gutierrez and Dulces Gutierrez. After graduating from Grandfalls High School, she often visited her sister Irene, who lived in Tucson, AZ, and that’s where she met Gene Juarez while he was staying with his sister Bri and brother-in-law, Genaro, while attending the U of A. They fell in love and were married on June 11, 1966.

Gene and Angie made Tucson their home and had five children: Paul, Teresa, Leonard, Andrea, and Steven Daniel. She attended nursing school and later became a registered nurse while caring for her children with her husband. She worked at several hospitals in various capacities, including as a charge nurse in Oncology, where she often spoke of the love of Jesus to patients while holding a hand in their final moments so they would not be alone.

Angie later created and grew a successful business, A & S PICC Pros, with her partner and friend, Sue Barrett. They were contracted with local hospitals and assisted living/memory care homes in the Tucson, Benson, and Green Valley areas because of their highly specialized PICC line skills.

Our mother especially loved being “Grandma Angie” to her grandchildren and great-grandchild. Her retirement years were spent enjoying time with them. Angie was also very involved with the churches she attended. She was a Catechism teacher at Sacred Heart Church, and she worked closely with her Sisters in Christ, feeding the unhoused meals at the monthly “Church On The Street” events through Faith Community Church. Her faith was courageous and unwavering. Her love was gentle and everlasting.

There’s no greater gift than a mother’s love. There is no individual more heroic than a mother. We were so blessed to have such a strong and courageous Mother who loved with so much compassion. There was great strength in her gentleness. We will miss you and look forward to reuniting with you in Heaven.

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05/20/2026

Byron D. Haines

Rev. Byron D. Haines, 97, of Tucson, AZ, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Byron was born July 9, 1928, in Harvey, Illinois to parents, Russel and Blanche. He is preceded in death by his wife Connie, his parents, and sister, Carolyn. Byron is survived by his children John (Linda), Mark (Rachel), David (Kathy), Paul (Mary), Elizabeth (Todd), and Mary, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. As a child he enjoyed bike riding, piano playing, and visiting his grandparents’ farm in Indiana. At age 13, Byron received a standing ovation for playing Rachmaninoff’s Concerto in C-sharp Minor at his 8th grade graduation. In 1948, after an extended bout with pneumonia, he came to Tucson to heal.

At the University of Arizona, he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and via the Wesley Foundation met his beloved wife, Joyce Constance “Connie” Wilson. Married in the chapel of First UMC in Tucson, By and Connie were together for almost 73 years. He earned his Master of Divinity from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and completed a year of Clinical Pastoral Education for Hospital Chaplaincy at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA.

During his professional working years, Byron served as a United Methodist minister, a hospital Director of Pastoral Care, and a hospice chaplain. Over the years, the couple sojourned from their first 2-church charge in Earlham, Iowa to appointments in Desert Hot Springs and Independence, CA to Tucson, Glendale, Sun City West, and Phoenix, AZ.

Byron believed strongly in helping people in need, accepting, loving, and championing people as they are. He valued hard work and education and encouraged critical thinking both outside and inside the church. He brought humor and joy to many. Byron and family, with friends, spent summers at the family cabin on their treasured Flathead Lake in Montana. The memories and stories of building the cabin and various stone walls, wandering Glacier National Park, hiking, playing games, and boating will live on for generations. Further adventures led Byron and Connie to Oaxaca, Mexico, through the Panama Canal, to Oberammergau, Germany, Florence, Italy, Japan, the Great Wall of China, and up the St. Lawrence Seaway to Quebec. In retirement, they experienced many happy years in their desert casa outside Tucson. He enjoyed woodworking, listening to classical and big band music, being in nature, and spending time with family and friends. Byron never met a stranger and was cherished by many. His laughter will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am on July 11th at Vista de la Montaña United Methodist Church, 3001 E Miravista Ln, Tucson, AZ 85739.

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05/04/2026

Cynthia Ann Melby

"Cynthia Ann Melby (Ehl), 79, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully at her home on March 16th, 2026.

Cynthia was born on June 13th, 1946, in Yorkville, Illinois. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who found joy in cooking for her family, caring for her dogs, reading, and tending to her plants and garden. She was well known in the Montgomery community, where she worked for many years at the Bank of Montgomery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kevin, and her sons, Allen, Scott and Jon.

Cynthia is survived by her daughter, Kimberli Daugherty; her eight grandchildren, Christopher, James, Allen, Samuel, Chay, Mariana, Nicholas, and Olivia; and her great-grandchildren, Brantley, Ezra, Willow, Kash, and Hudson, who is expected later this year. She is also survived by her siblings.

Down to earth and thoughtful, she treated everyone with respect and had a natural way of bringing people together. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the way she made others feel welcome and cared for. She treated others with grace and understanding, regardless of their background.

During the flood of 1996, Cynthia opened her home on higher ground to neighbors whose homes had been affected. Friends and families gathered there, sharing food, space, and support. It was just one example of how she showed up for others when it mattered most.

A celebration of life will be held at Phillips Park on May 30th, 2026, 12pm to 5pm. The address is 740 Parker Avenue in Aurora IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a local food bank or animal shelter in her honor.

The family would like to extend special thanks to her daughter-in-law, Maria, for the loving care, support, and compassion she provided in Cynthia’s final years."

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04/30/2026

Thomas Joon Lee

Thomas Joon Lee

09-13-2012 to 04-12-2026

TJ, we love you.

TJ, we miss you.

Heavenly Father sent you home way too early.

Thomas was known to his family as TJ or Teej

Most of his friends knew him as Thomas.

Monica loves TJ more than a Mom could possibly love a Child.

TJ is her baby, and he will always be one of her babies.

TJ was especially loved by his siblings: Katrina, Ahn, & Krystal.

TJ had Love, Hopes, Goals, Friends, and a Family who love him dearly.

TJ worked hard at everything he did.

TJ got straight A's and was taking enriched classes.

TJ loved athletics. He played soccer, basketball, flag football, and tackle football.

TJ planned to go to college and play football for a D1 school.

He was always training to get better, faster, and stronger.

TJ is kind, funny, and always loved to make his friends laugh.

TJ would often hang out with friends from the neighborhood, and had them over his house as well.

Our home was his playground, built by his Dad with Love.

TJ, you gave us 13 and a half years of pure joy, jubilation, with a perfect body and soul,

including an angelic boyhood innocence that was full of love.

TJ's leaving took away a huge piece of our hearts that will change us all forever.

TJ, your loved ones long to be with You again,

We Believe Families can be Together Forever.

We Will Strive to Serve Heavenly Father Until That Time Comes.

TJ is survived by;

Mother: Monica Lorraine Lee, Father: Joon Shik Lee, Sister: Katrina Jubi Lee,

Brother: Ahn Tool Lee, & Sister: Krystal Rose Lee.

Grandparents: Gerald G. Salko & Gloria J. Salko

Nana: Bertha L. Rialmo

Love forever

from the

Lee

Family

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04/30/2026

Malcom Potter

Malcolm Davis Potter, 85, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, following a brief illness in Tucson, AZ. Born on November 29, 1940, in White Plains, NY, and raised in Valhalla, NY, he lived a life defined by leadership, integrity, humor, and a deep commitment to those around him.

Malcolm attended Union College in Schenectady, NY, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. During his college years, he discovered his passion for broadcasting as a disc jockey, an early experience that launched a distinguished career in the broadcasting industry.

Over several decades, Malcolm built a distinguished career in broadcasting with Capital Cities Broadcasting Corporation and later the Hearst Corporation. He rose through the ranks from Promotions Manager to Vice President and General Manager. His work took him to television stations across the country, including Providence (WPRI), Durham (WTVD), New Haven (WTNH), New Orleans (WVUE), Pittsburgh (WTAE), and Baltimore (WBAL). While in New Orleans, he taught in the Department of Communications at Loyola University of New Orleans.

A proud patriot, he served his country in the United States Coast Guard Reserve for 16 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1979 (1963-1979).

In 1990, Malcolm and his wife, Sandy, relocated to Tucson, Arizona, drawn by a desire for change and quickly coming to appreciate the warmth, beauty, and spirit of the Southwest they would proudly call home. They purchased Worldwide Travel Agency, building the business together in its early years, with Malcolm ultimately leading its growth and long-term success.

Malcolm also gave generously of his time and leadership to numerous civic and professional organizations. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Consortium of Nursing Education and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine from 1983 to 1989, and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Baltimore Urban League from 1987 to 1990. His leadership extended across many organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Cable Copyright Committee of the National Association of Broadcasters; President of the Advertising Association of Baltimore; and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Baltimore Theatre Project, Inc.

After relocating to Tucson, he remained deeply engaged in his community as a member of the Tucson Urban League, SKAL International Tucson, where he served as president the Tucson Business Breakfast Club, Rotary Clubs, and the Community Veterans Club.

Beyond his professional and civic accomplishments, Malcolm embraced life with enthusiasm and creativity. An avid tennis player and softball enthusiast in his earlier years, he was also an accomplished stained-glass artist and designer. He had a lifelong love of gardening, from vegetable

gardens to succulents and cacti; he was always planting something. A devoted sports fan, he embraced each city he called home by supporting its local teams.

Above all, Malcolm was a loving father, devoted spouse, mentor, and true gentleman. A gifted communicator and natural leader, he had a remarkable ability to connect with people, mentor colleagues, and bring out the best in those around him. He will be remembered for his caring nature, strength, engaging personality, unmistakable sense of humor, and quick wit. His sharp mind was matched by his precision with language. He was a true wordsmith who never hesitated to offer a gentle correction in grammar. His presence brought warmth, guidance, and laughter to all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Christine (Chris) Selger Potter; his children, Cindy (Potter) Bork and her husband Mick Bork; David Potter; Dawn (Potter) Sander and her husband Doug Sander; his stepdaughter Megan (Selger) Nutt and her husband Daryl Nutt, and stepdaughter Jen and her husband Jon Mullen. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Kristen Pickens, Zack Pickens, Lauren Thomas, Hayden Thomas, Stephen Bork, Julianne Bork, Justin Selger, Alyssa Mullen, Marshall Nutt, Elizabeth Sander, Samantha Sander, and his four great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his only sibling, Pamela A. O’Neal and her husband James O’Neal, and six nieces and nephews: Amanda (O’Neal) Tyree and her husband Benjamin Tyree; Andrew O’Neal and his wife Cathleen O’Neal; and Abby Bilas and her husband Matt Bilas.

Malcolm was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Sandra (Sandy) Jean Potter, with whom he shared a wonderful 41- year marriage, his father, Malcolm J. Potter; his mother, Hazel (Potter) McComb; and his stepfather, Max McComb.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on June 13 at 4pm at the Sunflower Community Center, 9401 N. Sunflower Park Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85743, to honor and celebrate his life.

A private graveside service for close family and friends will be held on June 15 at 12:00 p.m. at Marana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) or the Gospel Rescue Mission in Tucson, organizations that reflect his proud military service, his dedication to the community, and his enduring belief in helping others.

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04/30/2026

Thomas Fitzpatrick

Thomas William Fitzpatrick, a cherished husband, devoted father, beloved brother and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on April 22, 2026.

Born in 1948, he grew up on a farm just outside of Iowa City, Iowa, with his parents, two brothers, and younger sister, where he developed a strong connection to the land and community that would stay with him throughout his life. Tom graduated from Regina High School in Iowa City and went on to attend Muscatine Community College.

In 1972, Tom married the love of his life, Jean Ann Waters, and the couple settled in Iowa City. Together, they welcomed three children: Daniel, born in 1974, followed by twin sons Joseph and Michael in 1979. Tom cherished his family deeply, always making time for his children and supporting their endeavors.

Tom also took immense joy in being a grandfather to his beloved grandchildren, Sean, 20, and Kate, 17, son and daughter of Daniel and Julie Fitzpatrick. He delighted in watching them grow and develop into remarkable individuals. His love and pride for Sean and Kate were evident, and he treasured the special moments spent with them.

In addition to his commitment to his family, Tom had a successful career in sales, working for various beverage distributors and later for Home Depot. His charisma and work ethic earned him lasting friendships and respect in the industry. He also served honorably in the Army Reserve during the 1970s, exemplifying his commitment to service.

In 1982, Tom and his family moved to Bettendorf, Iowa, where they built many lasting memories together. After their children graduated high school, Tom and Jean made a new home in Tucson, Arizona, in 1998. There, Tom continued his career in sales with Home Depot, bringing his signature warmth and enthusiasm to every customer interaction.

Tom’s passions reached beyond work. He always looked forward to special occasions with his brothers and sister to reminisce about old times. He also enjoyed hunting with a circle of close friends and celebrating his shared Valentine’s Day birthday with brother-in-law, Garth Livingston. He loved to travel with his family, exploring the beauty of the Caribbean and Alaska on cruises, venturing as far as Singapore, and especially making a pilgrimage to his ancestral home of Ireland.

Tom was a lifelong supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, sharing his love for the team with family and friends. He reveled in the excitement of tailgating at football games and celebrating victories together. Recently, he was overjoyed to see the Hawkeyes advance to the Elite Eight in this year's basketball tournament.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his children, Daniel, Joseph, and Michael; his grandchildren, Sean and Kate; and his surviving siblings, Edward and Gary. Tom was

preceded in death by his father, Richard Fitzpatrick; his mother, Phyllis Fitzpatrick (Sass); and his sister, Debra Fitzpatrick-Wellik. Thomas William Fitzpatrick will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

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12/19/2025

We are truly humbled to share that Desert Sunset Funeral Home has been recognized with the incredible honor as a Top 3 Funeral Home in Tucson for 2025 by BusinessRate. This recognition means so much because it is based entirely on verified Google review data and the heartfelt feedback of the families we serve.

To every family who has shared a review, offered a kind word, or simply allowed us to be part of your journey: thank you. You are the reason we show up each day striving to offer compassion, dignity, and care in all that we do.

07/04/2025

As we celebrate Independence Day, we express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and remember those who made it possible.

07/04/2025

As we celebrate Independence Day, we express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and remember those who made it possible.

06/29/2025

Writing letters can be a powerful way to navigate mourning, allowing you to express emotions that might feel overwhelming. We’ve compiled tips, examples, and a free writing prompt you can download.

Discover the healing power of letter writing after loss and how it can help with grief. Find expert tips and resources to guide you through the process.