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Tina Konopnicki Obituary

Tina Konopnicki, 86, of Yuma, AZ passed away on July 31, 2008. Tina Lavina Huskins (1922-2008) 86 died on July 31, 2008 at the Yuma Regional Medical Center. She was born in Bakerville North Carolina to William Harrison Huskins and Martha Ann Woody. She was one of twelve children. Tina spent her childhood growing up in Newdale North Carolina. Tina attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for three years and majored in radio operations and management. During World War II she moved to Detroit, Michigan to take a job in the auto industry. It was in Detroit that she met and married her husband Stanley A. Konopnicki. He was home on leave from the US Army and working at the same plant to earn some extra money. They had three children, William, Rachael and Daniel. Tina and Stan moved their family to Yuma, Arizona in 1951. They were on their way to San Diego California where Stan had accepted a job with an aircraft company but Stan enjoyed the Yuma heat so the family bought a home and settled in Yuma.
Tina and Stanley opened Stan's Grocery and Laundry in Yuma where they spent the next twenty years operating their business. Stan's Grocery is still located in its original location on First Avenue in Yuma, Arizona. Tina and Stanley retired from their business in 1972 and enjoyed traveling and seeing their children and grandchildren. For the past seven years, Tina made her home at Emerald Springs where she made many friends. She is survivor by her sisters, Cora Huskins, Neal McMahan and Georgia Self of North Carolina, son William (Cathy) Konopnicki of Safford, AZ and daughter Rachael (John) Smelser of St. Charles, Missouri. Her grandchildren are David (Carol) Konopnicki, Kristina Villescas and Michael Konopnicki of Safford, Arizona, John Konopnicki of Huston, Texas and Tiffini (Andrew) Countaway of St. Charles Missouri. She also has ten great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Stanley and son Daniel Visitation will be August 8, 2008 at 10 AM at Johnson Mortuary 1415 1st Avenue, Yuma, Arizona with Services to follow at 11 AM. Interment will be at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. Kammman Mortuary Yuma, AZ Contributions may be made to the Yuma Center for Visually Impaired 2770 S Avenue B Yuma AZ 928 726-1310.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Aug. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Tina Konopnicki

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Dan, Nilah and Andrew Batchelor

August 14, 2008

Dear Friends, we sorrow with you over the loss of your mother. Our prayers are for your strength and encouragement during this time of memories and milestones. She must have been a great lady...after all, the Rachel and Tiffini we know are great ladies. You are wonderful friends. To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.

Rachel Smelser

August 11, 2008

Dearest Mom,

We miss you so very much but my heart is lighter because of the conversation we had a week before you went into the hospital. Little did I know that in one week you would be struggling for your life.

When I called my Mother that Sunday night, she had been wondering all day what she would do when she got to Heaven if they didn't have room for her. Finally a decision was made. She would ask the Lord if He would just let her sweep the streets of Heaven so she could stay. She wouldn't necessarily
have to have a place to stay.

Mom, I believe one day I'll visit you in your Mansion in Heaven and if you are sweeping the streets, it will only be because you are polishing the gold.

Thanks for giving of your self for us. There is one thing that stands out in my mind that you taught us. Today might not have been perfect, but that should not--in any way, shape or form--have anything to do with tomorrow! It would be a new day and a fresh start for everyone.

Thank you so much for all you have given us.

Your Daughter,
Becky
Rachel Rebecca "Becky" Konopnicki Smelser

Becky Miller

August 7, 2008

Brother and Sister Smelser and Tiffini, my thoughts and prayers are with at this time.
Becky Miller

Daron and Joy Hudspeth

August 7, 2008

Brother and Sister Smelser and Brother and Sister Countaway,We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will be keeping all of you in our prayers during this time. We love you.

Dorsey Burk

August 7, 2008

John, Rachel, and Tiffini,

We are saddened by the loss of your mother and grandmother. We pray that God's will comfort you and all the members of your family.

Sincerely,

Dorsey and Bev Burk

Marcia Jackson

August 7, 2008

To our good friends, the Smelsers, and Tiffini and Andrew - Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Although we didn't meet Sis. Konopnicki, we know she left you a great spiritual heritage, and we value your immense contributions to our church fellowship. David and Marcia Jackson

Mary Loudermilk

August 7, 2008

Becky, John, Tiffini & Andrew:

So sorry to hear of your loss, but you have a wonderful heritage and so many memories to cherish. May the Lord comfort you in the days ahead.

Daniel and Jane Buford

August 7, 2008

Our sympathies to John, Rachel, and Tiffini Smelser for the loss of their loved one. Loss is never easy, but when the loved one has gone to be with her Savior, all is not loss. To die really is gain. Jane and I offer our love and prayers during this time.

Jim & Linda Gunn

August 7, 2008

Bro. & Sis. Smelser and Tiffany

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Diana Dunlap

August 7, 2008

Dear Family,
I am honored to be friends with John, Rebecca and Tiffini, as well as co-worker with John and Tiffini. Tina must have been a wonderful godly woman from the entries I have read on this site. God bless you all during the days ahead. We will pray for you and we rejoice that Tina is with the Lord.

Jerry and Margie McNall

August 7, 2008

Dearest John and Becky Smelser,
So sorry to hear about your loss, we love you dearly and are praying for you through this. God will comfort you and we will be praying for you.

Love Jerry and Margie McNall

Jim Weiers

August 6, 2008

Dear Bill,
Gina and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. As much as we can rejoice in their eternal joy and peace, it is still very sad to lose a parent who has been a loving compass for the family. It's obvious that your Mom will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sherri Laguna-Elzey

August 6, 2008

I remember walking a few doors down from my grandmother's house on 1st Ave. to Stan's Grocery to pick up one or two items for Grandma. Mrs. Konopnicki always had a smile on her face & I remember her soft, gentle voice. My parents also rented my childhood home from the Konopnicki's I am reminded of Stan & Mrs. Konopnicki every time I go in for a breakfast burrito at Stan's now & it's nice to see a picture of them still in the store. With sympathy to all of her family.

Bill Konopnicki

August 5, 2008

Tina (my mother) has been without Stan (my father) for over 28 years. The loss of Dan (her youngest son) in November was very difficult for her. They are now all together.

Mom was a strong person. She never wanted to be a bother to her children. She did most things on her own and led a full and wonderful life. She lost her eye sight several years ago but would not let that stand in her way. She enjoyed the Yuma Center for The Visually Imparted and they made a big difference in her life. Thank you to the people in the center for giving her so much joy.

She also enjoyed visits from her children, Terry, Becky and me. She was always a mom first and had lot’s of advice for us on each visit but that is what mother’s are for--I for one will miss her wise councel and advice. Yes mom I will loose some weight.

Thank all you that have know her, help her and been part of her life. Chuck Laguna (a neighbor and my best friend) visited a month ago. Tina and she has not stopped talking about how nice Chuck was to come see her. She said you were handsome Chuck—something she did not say too many men.

While we will miss her we know that we shall see her again.

God's speed mom--until we meet again--we send our love.

Bill, Cathy and Sara

Gary Wammack

August 5, 2008

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family.
We have know this family for years and they where always kind to us.
Our oldest son is named Stan after (pop). Even though we have lived away from Yuma for years. We always remember these friends.
Gary and Sheilia Wammack

James & Bonny Smelser

August 4, 2008

Dear Becky and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
James and Bonny

J. Hugh Rose D. D.

August 4, 2008

We express our deepest sympathy to Rachel Rebecca Konopnicki Smelser, and to the entire family at the time of the passing of Sister Konopnicki. We had the privilege of meeting Sister Konopnicki on only one occasion, and that was a most pleasant experience. At a time like this, our minds go to Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." And Psalm 116:15 which says, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." You will certainly be in our prayers that the deep desires and prayers of Sister Konopnicki will be answered.
Our love, prayers, and deepest sympathy,
Nila and Hugh Rose

Chuck Laguna

August 4, 2008

Tina was like a 2nd mother to me. I spent most of my foundest childhood times with the Konopnicki family. I enjoyed the last few times I was able to spend time with Tina. Her stories were great,and I will always have them and her in my heart.

JD Bowman

August 4, 2008

Bill

I did not know your mother but she raised a wonderful son. From all you said about her, she was a blessing in your life.

Your family and you are in our prayers. She is in a better place with her family.

God bless you!

Sue Jackson

August 3, 2008

Although I did not know Mrs. Konopnicki personally I feel that I knew her "a little" through her daughter, Rachel and granddaughter, Tiffini, both wonderful Christian women. I worked with Tiffini for many years in Harvestime, the radio ministry of UPCI. I had no idea that her grandmother had also studied radio operations and management. Tiffini must have inherited some of her grandmother's abilities because she is truly talented in this field.

Tom and I, along with our entire family, send sincere condolences and prayers to the entire family. I'm sure you will all miss the prayers of your godly mother and grandmother.

Clancy Jayne

August 3, 2008

Bill,
Your mother had a very full and complete life. Will always rememebrs her view and understanding of the facts. May you and your family be blessed, as she is in a better place with your Dad.
Clancy & Kathleen Jayne

John Smelser

August 3, 2008

Tina was my wonderful Mother-in-law for the past 39 years. We will
miss her greatly.

Manuel Bermudez

August 3, 2008

We rented from Tina and Stan for many years. Tina was a very good friend. She always had a smile and we knew she cared about us.

To Billy, Becky and Terry--she was a wonderful person and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bill & Ewa Dent

August 3, 2008

Bill,
So sorry to read about the death of your mother. We are sure she will be missed. God bless.

Hal and Brenda Holbert

August 3, 2008

We have know Tina for many years. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.

Our thought, love and prayers are with her family.

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