Etchells, Billie Marie (nee Harris)2184 91,of Phoenix, passed away peacefully June 20, 2013. She was born October 1, 1921 in Chandler AZ to Welborn Richard Harris and Grace P. Smith-Harris. She was a life-long resident of the valley except for a couple of years during elementary school and while h r husband was stationed at Air Force Bases during WWII. Billie enjoyed excellent health until the very last year of a very happy and active life. Billie married Air Force pilot Samuel C Etchells Jr. of Trenton, NJ, in July 1943 in Phoenix, AZ. Two children were born to this marriage: Kenneth R. Etchells and Kathleen C. Etchells. Billie and Sam lived in the Arcadia area of Phoenix for many years until divorcing in 1965. At the young age of 15, she was Valedictorian of her Chandler High School Class of 1937. She graduated from Gregg Business College 1940. She graduated Cum Laude from Arizona State University in just 3 years in 1968 receiving a BA degree in Economics. In 1969 she received her Masters degree in Economics from ASU. She was a Phi Kappa Phi (National Honor Society) and Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics Honorary) Treasurer for the ASU Chapter. She taught Economics for a short while at ASU before starting her career with the State of Arizona’s Office of Economic Planning and Development. Billie retired in 1987 as the Chief Economist of the Arizona State Department of Revenue. Billie traveled the world for decades having visited over 35 countries including Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, all of Europe, and many more. She enjoyed Tournament Bridge, Genealogy, Reading, Movies, the Phoenix Suns, following news, current events and poli- tics; walking with neighbors/dogs; spending time with her family and always staying active and busy. She was a wonderful and generous mother, grandmother, sister and friend who was kind, humble and compassionate to all. Her life-long charitable donations were numerous and varied having quietly supported many charities including schools and the indigent. Billie is survived by her son, Kenneth R. Etchells (Linda) of Phoenix; Daughter Kathleen C. Etchells-Cella of Van Nuys CA; sister Rosa Lee Harris-Simmons of Phoenix; Grandchildren Elizabeth "Lisa" A. Etchells, Pamela M. Etchells-Bake r(Justin), Cynthia D. (Cindy) Brown, Peter R. Cella and Patrick B. Cella; and 3 Great grandchildren: Hunter W. True, Austin P. Baker and Jackson R. Baker. She was predeceased by her Parents, older sister Florence M. Harris-Shaw, and brother Richard Henry Harris (Cleo). She enjoyed many valued friendships throughout her life. Billie will be greatly missed and always remembered for her intelligence, kindness, independence and love of life. The family wishes to thank all of the compassionate staff at The Stratford Senior Living Home for providing excellent care to Billie. The family also would like to thank all of the excellent staff at Hospice of the Valley who provided such exceptional care and comfort to Billie during the last few months. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014. At herr equest, no services will beheld. The family will continuet o celebrate her life.
Etchells, Samuel C. Jr.2185Etchells, Samuel C. Jr., age 92, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully November 16, 2013.
He was born August 4, 1921 in Trenton, New Jersey to Samuel C. Etchells Sr. and Cecilia K. Quick-Etchells. Sam grew up in Trenton with his two brothers, Mel and Ron. He joined the service soon after his high school graduation. His military career sent him to the Phoenix area in the early forties for pilot flight training at several bases in Arizona.
Sam married Billie M. Etchells in July, 1943 in Phoenix, AZ and had two children, Ken and Kathy. He ended his active duty service as a flight instructor for almost two years at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV. After the War, he returned to New Jersey for a few months before soon returning to Arizona where he remained the rest of his life. Sam attended Phoenix College and Arizona State following his active military service. He subsequently spent many years following Sun Devil football with his family. He finished his military career in the Air Force retiring as a USAF Major.
He began a 20-year career at Phoenix Title and Trust in 1946 where he was a Vice President before leaving for similar positions at other organizations in the Valley. Sam is a past President of the National Association of Accountants where he met his wife Beverly, also a past President. He also was a long time member of the BPOE Elks.
Sam married Beverly K. Etchells, his wife of over 47 years, in April. 1966 and Sam welcomed another son, C. Robert Etchells, to the family. Sam and Beverly enjoyed a lifetime of ballroom dancing and many other hobbies and interests over the years during which they won many dance contests. Sam spent over 45 years traveling throughout the world with his wife Beverly. Sam was a dog lover and enjoyed walking with the many pet dogs he had in his life. Sam was an avid golfer most of his life during which he played golf several times a week with his buddies and wife Beverly for many years. He was always active and busy. He and Bev enjoyed hosting their annual holiday season parties at their Phoenix home for their many friends and family. Sam enjoyed many valued friendships throughout his life. Sam enjoyed excellent health most of his life and would tell everyone he had a wonderful wife, family and life.
He will be missed by all and always remembered for his sense of humor and love of life and family. Sam is survived by his wife, Beverly K Etchells, his sons, Kenneth R. Etchells (Linda) of Phoenix; C. Robert Etchells (Barbara) of Chandler, Daughter Kathleen C. Etchells-Cella of Van Nuys CA; Grandchildren: Tim Etchells, Bob Etchells, Kevin Etchells, Elizabeth "Lisa" A. Etchells, Pamela M. Etchells-Baker (Justin), Cynthia D.(Cindy) Brown, Peter R. Cella and Patrick B. Cella; and 3 Great-grandchildren: Hunter True, Austin P. Baker and Jackson R. Baker.
He was predeceased by his parents, and his brothers; W. Melvin Etchells and Ronald K. Etchells.