In Passing

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Vivienne Johnson

Vivienne Nadine (Kearby) Johnson passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2026, at the age of 104. Born on Dec. 5, 1921 in Fort Worth, Texas, Vivienne lived a life full of faith, service, and love.

A devoted educator, Vivienne earned degrees in Elementary Education and Remedial Reading and dedicated her professional life to teaching. Her passion for literacy and learning eventually led her to become a school administrator where she served as District Reading Coordinator and Director of Elementary Curriculum.

Vivienne married Elvis Johnson on Dec. 13, 1941. They enjoyed 62 years of love and companionship before Elvis’s passing in 2003.

Upon retirement, Vivienne and Elvis moved to Arizona. They first settled in a golf community in Queen Valley, but in 1993 moved to SunBird Golf Resort in Sun Lakes. At that time they became members of First Baptist Church Sun Lakes where they remained active members until their passing.

Vivienne is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Robert John Moren

Robert John Moren “Bob” passed away peacefully on Nov. 5, 2025, at the age of 81, surrounded by his children, Lisa and Andrew. He was born in St. Paul, Minn., on Oct. 5, 1944, and adopted at age 3 by Roy and Mable Moren, who raised him in a loving Christian home with his siblings Jim and Diane. From the start, Bob was competitive, hardworking, and fiercely independent.

The Moren family later moved to Seattle, where Bob graduated from Ballard High School and met Dorene, the love of his life. His relentless work ethic led him to earn top certifications in the fire-sprinkler industry, building a long, steady career that provided stability for his family. Bob and Dorene shared more than 60 years together, raising two children and later enjoying a deep bond with their grandchildren, Allison and Nathaniel.

Bob had a remarkable photographic memory and could recall every sprinkler system he ever designed. A natural leader, he trained and mentored countless people—always encouraging, always believing in their potential. He built strong teams, faced down challenges, and found creative solutions everywhere.

He was known for his optimism and humor. Bob had a gift for lifting spirits with a misplaced joke or one of his famous “Bob-isms.” He was the person you called on your hardest day and the one who made good days even better. His favorite reassurance, delivered with complete conviction, was: “Everything is going to be okay.”

In 2007, Bob and his son created the world’s first inspection-tracking method for fire and life-safety systems—an innovation that transformed the industry. The patented system remains the National Standard today, protecting millions of people.

In 2017, Bob and Dorene moved to Chandler, Ariz., and embraced retirement in the SunBird community. Bob became an avid golfer again, happily sharpening his swing and spending time with his golf friends.

A DNA test later connected Bob with his birth family. Though his birth mother, Phylis, had passed, he was reunited with his half-sister Lori and his aunt Beverly. Their warm welcome brought unexpected healing and peace to his final years.

Bob’s heart was broken when Dorene passed in May. Even through grief, he pushed himself to keep living—working with a trainer, learning healthier cooking, joining a church, and traveling—until complications with his kidneys took him unexpectedly.

Bob is survived by his children, Lisa Anderson and Andrew (Tracey) Moren; grandchildren Allison (Foster) Himmelstein and Nathaniel Moren; sister Diane (Tom) Saari; brother-in-law Darol Reynolds; and his newly found family members, including Lori (John) Graci and Beverly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim, and his beloved wife, Dorene.

He is dearly, deeply loved and missed.

Darlene “Gram” “Dolly” Thompson

In Loving Memory

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mom and grandma, Darlene Thompson, known to so many simply as “Gram” or “Dolly.” She left us peacefully on Oct. 27, 2025, surrounded by family, after several weeks filled with love, laughter, stories, and tears.

Mom is survived by her son, Steven L. Thompson (wife Cary Thompson; son Lars Thompson, and daughter-in-law Vicky Thompson) and her daughter, Rebecca Thompson (daughter Samantha McGee and husband Kyle McGee, son Chase Clark, and daughter Madi Clark and her/our Mason Varney); her sister, Betty Parr; and many nieces and nephews.

Darlene was born June 8, 1938. If you knew our Gram, you know she never missed a beat. Every game, concert, recital, and gradation, she was there, smiling ear to ear and cheering the loudest. She was the heart of our family; strong, kind, funny, and always ready with a hug and, of course, some fried ice cream before dinner (because life is too short to wait for dessert!).

Even through pain or hardship, she was the same bright light, always smiling, positive, and thinking of others first. Every caretaker, nurse, and hospice worker said she was their favorite, and just like them, she was ours too. She made everyone feel special with her kindness, warmth, and endless love.

She spent many happy years in the SunBird Resort Community surrounded by wonderful friends, especially Yvonne Beloney and Ken Reidenbach, sharing laughter and memories we’ll treasure forever. In 2021, she came to live with us, and we’re forever grateful for those precious years together. Rebecca and Darlene moved to Oakwood in 2024.

Our family would like to share our heartfelt gratitude to Adora Assisted Living for their incredible care and compassion over the past six months. Joey, you are truly an angel, and an exceptional chef, according to Mom. We are also thankful to Hospice of the West Valley for their comfort and support when we needed it most.

It is impossible to express how much love and support we have felt since Mom’s first stroke in March. To everyone who called, visited, prayed, or simply kept her in your thoughts, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Though our hearts ache, we find peace knowing she is no longer in pain and watching over us, just as she always has.

We love you always Mom.

James V. Fetterman

James V. (Jimmy) Fetterman died on Oct. 9, 2025. He was born Oct. 23, 1940, to James O and Virgie Arlene Wagner Fetterman in Canton, Ohio. Survived by wife of 60 years, Connie Yanok Fetterman, daughter and son-in-law Kelly and Jay Pordan of Broadview Heights, Ohio, son, Steven of Chandler, Ariz. Granddaughter Allison, husband Michael Dargenio, grandson Joey Pordan, and great-grandson Wesley James Dargenio. Brother Carl Fetterman, sisters and brothers-in-law Phyllis and Gene (Butch) Douglas, Sharon and Larry Smith, and Rebecca and Reverend David Vensel, many nieces and nephews, great and great-great. He is also survived by brother-in-law Donald Salewsky, husband of his wife’s sister, Tishie, deceased. Also survived by brother-in-law and sister-in-law George and Emma Yanok. He was preceded in death by his parents and two nephews, Craig and Keith Fetterman, and his brother’s wife, Nancy (Lewis) Fetterman.

Jim joined the Canton Police Department in Ohio on March 11, 1963. He retired from the Canton PD in 1989 at the age of 48 with 26 great years of service, and started working as Supervisor in CANCOM, the City’s Communications Center and helped bring 9-1-1 Computer Aided Dispatching on line, the first 9-1-1 Center in Stark County. In May 1996, when he retired, he and Connie moved to Chandler, Ariz.

Jim worked several jobs in Arizona in security and teaching positions until 2013.
Jim started enjoying his retirement in 2013 by getting more interested in photography, which was always a hobby of his, and won second place twice and third place once in Nature Photography contests sponsored by the City of Chandler, Ariz. He was still taking photos and started making hiking sticks in 2014 from a species of Yucca plants grown all over SunBird Golf Resort where he lived until his lung disease kept him pretty much homebound until his death. He was also on the first resident-involved SunBird HOA board when first moving to Arizona.

Jim was a Lector, and served on the church board for all his churches back home and St. Stevens here in Chandler.

Mass will be held at a later date (TBD) in Ohio. Donations may be made in his name to Widow and Orphans Fund Canton Police Department.

Randy Norton

Randy Norton passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2025, at his home in Sun Lakes surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Holy Cross Hospice.

Randy was born in Lansing, Mich., on April 10, 1945, to the late Robert and Marion Norton. He is survived by his loving wife Kathy of 58 years. He was a proud father of sons Chad Norton and Todd Norton and daughter-in-law Stacy Norton. Grandchildren Samuel, Ryan, Benjamin, Tyler and Jayden. Brother Ron and sister-in-law Lynn.

He was a journeyman electrician. In 1981 moved to Arizona and worked as an Electrical Foreman for The Arizona Republic newspapers for 25 years. After an early retirement he started his own home inspecting business—Looking Glass Home Inspections.

Randy loved his Catholic Faith and was a proud fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as both a Faithful Navigator and several leadership positions through his 20 years as a Knight. He loved the outdoors and spent many years with his photography, motorcycles, and off-road adventures with his Jeep. He loved football and cheered for the Green Bay Packers.

He fought a long battle with prostate cancer but always kept a positive outlook. Randy had a smile that warmed the hearts of many. He will be deeply missed.

He is in the Arms of His Loving God and we hold him always in our hearts.

Services were held at St. Timothy Catholic Church and interment was at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.

The family of Randy wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Holy Cross Hospice and No Place Like Home Care.

Pat Kelly

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved dad, husband, and friend, Pat Kelly, who departed this life on May 25, 2025, at the age of 76.

Pat was born on April 5, 1949, in Effingham, Ill., in the office of Dr. Gillesby. Fortunately, his mom and dad didn’t arrive at St. Anthony’s Hospital any earlier. Around midnight, the day before, a devastating fire claimed the lives of 77 individuals, including 11 precious newborns.

After graduating from Decatur high, Pat signed up for the Navy as an aviation machinist, and he often expressed how much he wished he had stayed. That’s just how deep his love for the Navy ran! After many years had gone by, he finally began his search for his Navy brothers. After reconnecting with several, Pat held a gathering in Branson and kept in touch until his death.

Pat was lucky enough to retire early from the phone company. He spent his days RVing across the United States with his family, always on the lookout for that perfect fishing spot, until his health started to decline. After Pat could no longer travel, he picked up his clarinet and saxophone and began playing in bands. For many years, he was part of several all-volunteer bands, enjoying the music and camaraderie they offered. In 2024-25, he poured all his energy into playing with the Desert Winds Concert Band. Whenever he had the chance, you could catch him jamming on his sax in the clubhouse restaurant, outdoors in the clubhouse area, or at various parties. At Sunday morning church, he always looked forward to playing a solo. Music was truly one of his greatest passions!

He had a great time playing cards with his SunBird neighbors and loved sharing meals with friends and family. His deep love for God, country, people, and music has helped him forge many friendships and connections along the way.

Even though Pat has found peace, our hearts ache in his absence.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the SunBird ballroom at 6250 S. Sunbird Blvd., Chandler, Ariz.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 2:30 p.m., Pat will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona with honors. The cemetery is located at 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, Ariz.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to SunBird KareBears, 6250 S. Sunbird Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85249, Attn: SunBird KareBears, or to your favorite charity.