Barbara Millan
TEMPE – It is with great sadness the family of Barbara Millan of Tempe, AZ announces her passing on February 5, 2021 at the young age of 66 following a brief battle with breast cancer and Covid-19.
Barbara was born in Waukegan, Illinois to Roy and Ann Banes. At a young age, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Barbara graduated South Mountain High School and shortly after married Robert, her husband of 48 years. Together they raised two daughters, Shelly and Janice. But Barbara’s true joy was becoming a Grammy to her five grandchildren, Paige, Austin, Trenton, Josh and Adyson.
Her love for family did not end with just her children and grandchildren but extended outward towards every niece, nephew, cousin, family friend, or coworker in her life. A cheerleader at South Mountain High School, she took that enthusiasm with her throughout her life, always being the loudest one clapping and hollering at any extra-curricular activity for any event she was invited.
If you knew Barbara, you likely knew her from her signature hair style, her love for all things sweet, the way she lit up at the idea of going to the movies, and her inability to not stop talking during a picture. But you’d also know her for her home where anyone and everyone was welcome. From holidays to birthdays to Bunko nights with friends, she loved having her home be the place for people to gather.
She brought unequivocable joy to every person who crossed her path and enveloped everyone in her unconditional love.
To know Barbara was to be loved by her. Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Roy and mother, Ann. She is survived by her husband, Robert, daughters Shelly Millan (John Rollo), Janice (Brian) Hebert, grandkids, Paige Millan, Austin Millan, Trenton Leonard, Josh Leonard and Adyson Hebert, her sisters Marcia Friddle and Kathie Banes, her brothers, Dick (Sue) Banes, Phil (Leslie) Banes and Steve Banes and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Until we see you again Grammy, we love you to the moon and back! XOXO
A private family service will be held at Queen of Heaven on February 26th. In lieu of flowers please make someone’s day by buying their dinner and paying it forward or make a donation to the charity of your choice.
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gary H. Wolf, 77, mourn his passing on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Born to Otto and Alice Wolf on August 21, 1943, Gary was a native of Phoenix, Arizona where he resided his whole life. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and was survived by his wife, Marlene, his son, Gary M. (Emily), his daughter, Rae Speciale (Chris), sister Carole Schwietz and his grandchildren Blake, Ashtyn, Caleb, Ryker, Stella, and Libby.
Gary attended St. Mary’s High School, and would often say “Once a Knight, always a Knight!” Gary was blessed with tremendous athletic ability and a huge passion for sports. He played baseball and football for the Knights throughout his high school career. His senior year in 1961, Gary was selected to the All-State baseball team. That summer, he played for the American Legion team “Kerr’s Sporting Goods”, which went on to win the National Championship in Hastings, Nebraska, home of the American Legion World Series. Gary was awarded a college scholarship to play baseball at Phoenix College. In his first year, the Phoenix College Bears won the Junior College World Series National Championship in 1962. Two National Championships in one year! Gary went on to play one season for the NAU Lumberjacks before deciding it is too cold to play baseball in Flagstaff. Gary was drafted at age 23 for the Vietnam War where he served two years (1966-67). He loved this great country and remained a true American patriot.
Gary met the love of his life in 1969, Marlene, and took her hand in marriage. Gary worked for Phoenix Newspapers Inc. for 36 years before retiring in 2008, where he valued and developed many lasting friendships over the years.
Gary’s hobbies included being an avid bird and deer hunter and loved horse racing. He was a huge Diamondbacks fan enjoying his summer evenings watching baseball games and looked forward to fall football season to root on the ASU Sun Devils. What Gary enjoyed most of all was being a loving grandfather. There wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for his grandchildren. He looked forward to attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events.
Gary will be fondly remembered for his servant attitude towards helping others, his kindness, humility, and complete dedication to his family.
There will be a visitation held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11:30A.M., with an escorted procession immediately following service to St. Francis Cemetery for burial with military honors. A lunch reception will be provided in Anderson Hall at St. Francis Parish following the cemetery. For those unable to attend you may view the Mass via live stream at: www.sfxphx.org/livestream. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.