Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thelma Speed Obituary
71, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on June 30, 2014. Thelma was the daughter of Eugene Ghiotto (d.) of Yuma, and Thelma Ghiotto Cooke (d.) of Phoenix. Cookie was a graduate of Yuma Union High School (1961). She was a prodigious reader and had a degree in storytelling from South Mountain College. One of her great loves in life was entertaining school children and adults of all ages with her creative, colorful tales. She enjoyed being an active member of the Roadrunner Ham Radio Club. She generously shared the produce of the multi-generational garden she created, truly an oasis in the desert. Nothing pleased her more than preparing a gourmet meal for her family. She was accomplished at needlework. Most of all, Cookie enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband, Charles "Chuck" of Phoenix, her son, Gary Paprocki (Lisa) of Redlands, Ca, grandchildren Christopher, Melissa, Megan, and great-grandson, Jaxson ; sisters, LInda Clarke (Coronado, CA), Rachel MacDougall (Tallahassee, FL), and Susan Green (Jordan), of Phoenix; nephew, David Thorn (Lori),grand-nieces Amelia and Stella of Bisbee, niece Stephanie Fillmore (Jeffrey) and grand-nephews, Stephen and Samuel, and niece Laurel Murphy of Bisbee, AZ. Our beloved "CooCoo" is sorely missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thelma Speed
5 Entries
August 3, 2014
Chuck, Gary & family, Linda, Rach and Susan,
We are so very sorry to hear of Cookie's passing. We will remember the good times in your home on Ave B with our parents and in school both Crane, IC and YUHS. It is with deep sorrow that we send our condolences to all of you. May she rest in our dear Lord's loving arms. God bless her soul and God bless all of you.
Charles and Anna (Ohlson) McCandless
[email protected]
July 21, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Cookie's passing. I will always remember her as one of my Arizona cousins. So glad I've had a chance to see her so many times over the last twenty years. Love to all of her family, my thoughts are with you all. Love, Cousin Ed
Richard Barriga
July 21, 2014
Linda, Rachel, Susan - I was so very sorry to hear about your sister. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May your hearts soon be filled with all the great memories of joyful times together with "Cookie" as you celebrate a life well lived.
Larry & Sarah Phillips
July 20, 2014
Sorry to read about your sisters passing, we both knew her in High School, and you all lived across Ave B from us and the stables. Know you all will be in our prayers and thoughts.
July 20, 2014
Linda, Rachel, Susan, I am so sad to hear of Cookies passing. I remember the good times in Yuma in your home, playing and growing up together. Please remember me to you mother.
Gail Betts Trader----Tucson, Az.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Thelma Speed's name
Memorial Events
for Thelma Speed
How to support Thelma's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thelma Speed's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
