Elmo Carling Whetten

Elmo Carling Whetten passed away peacefully in the early hours of September 28, 2025. He had followed the prophets of God his whole life, and continued to follow the prophet, President Nelson… right up to heaven! (He passed away just hours after President Nelson) Carl, as most people knew him, was born July 5, 1925 and turned 100 years old just a few months ago. He loved telling people that he was 100 years old. He looked forward to his birthday and the party he would have. He thoroughly enjoyed that last celebration with family and friends.

Carl was the youngest of 10 children born to Martha Elizabeth Carling and the youngest of 23 children born to John Amasa Whetten. His mother passed away just two weeks after he was born. What a sweet reunion they must have had at Carl’s passing. He was raised by his father, sweet Ida whom he lovingly called “Mama,” and a host of brothers and sisters. He was born in Colonia Chuichupa, Chihuahua, Mexico but remembers his days as a child living in Colonia Juarez and the ranch nearby. He met his wife Viva Cluff during high school in Colonia Juarez, and they were married on September 12, 1945. They celebrated 79 years of marriage just before she passed away, one year and four days before him.

He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Japan at the end of World War II. Even at the end of his life, he would say “gracias” and “arigato” when telling someone “thank you,” using both of the languages he had learned in his younger years. Carl and Viva were the parents of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. With that many boys, Carl always felt like it was important to keep them busy so he provided for his family by being a farmer and dairy farmer. Life on the farm meant there were always plenty of chores for his children to do. He was so proud of the fact that his children knew how to work. This career also gave Carl the flexibility to be a Spanish temple worker in the Mesa, Arizona temple for 17 years. He helped with the Spanish temple excursions that came from Mexico and Central America because Mesa was the closest temple and provided the ordinances in Spanish.

Carl and Viva and their family lived in Colorado, Arizona, and Texas, but somehow always kept returning to the Phoenix valley. They retired in Mesa and he lived there until his passing. Carl always felt like his mission in later life was to help his wife write ten family history books. He loved his family and his Savior Jesus Christ. Even in the last few months of his life, he would take the opportunity to share the gospel and invite those at his care facility to come to church with him.

Carl is survived by his children Kenny (Pam), LeRoy (Irene), Clarence (LeeAnn), Annette Haws (Kayle), Rex (Dorothy), Amanda Schoof (Larry), Ross (Susan), and Andrew (Jennifer). Carl also has 49 grandchildren, 93 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Viva, his son Dorel (but we still have Janet), two grandchildren, one great grandchild, his parents, and all of his siblings. Carl loved to “visit.” What a happy reunion he is having “visiting” with them all! Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Fiesta Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 616 S. Extension Rd., Mesa, AZ. There will be a viewing at 9:00 a.m. followed by the funeral at 10:00 a.m. Those not able to attend may watch the service on Zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/91721752573?pwd=TUCoakifAQgBCcZzrVZsoU1D4KVmEY.1

Meeting ID:  917 2175 2573

Passcode: Liahona

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information