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Our Angel Mother, Sharon Merrill, passed away on November 17, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. She was 70 years old. Sharon was the 2nd child of 3 children born to Richard Morgan and Darlene Engelbrecht. She was born on May 6, 1955, in Jerome, Idaho and was raised and lived there throughout her young life. The family eventually moved to Arizona and that was where they would call home. She has many wonderful memories of her childhood with her older brother, Bill and her younger sister, Vicki. Sharon attended and graduated from Mesa High School in 1973.

She married our father, Kurt Hansen Merrill in the Mesa Arizona Temple on September 12, 1975. Their marriage brought 5 children into the world, 4 sons and 1 daughter. They raised their children in Mesa, Arizona because it was a wonderful place to live. Our Father later passed away on December 24, 2012 and our Mother truly missed having her sweetheart by her side.

Sharon was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings throughout her life. These included Primary Teacher, Nursery Worker and loved any calling serving children. While raising her own family, Sharon enjoyed being employed outside of the home to help provide for them. One of her favorite jobs was working several years at a day care center. She also studied and acquired her medical assistant certificate. She was employed many years by the Banner hospitals, working in both medical records and radiology. She loved her job and being with the patients and her co-workers. She had a contagious smile and simply loved people.

Throughout her life, Sharon was loved by all who met and associated with her. She had a kind and tender heart that allowed her to feel love for everyone. The greatest joy of her life was serving others, but especially her family. She had a deep love for her special needs son, David. She loved and served him all of her life.

Her posterity presently includes 5 children, 14 grandchildren who are Branson, Dayton, Camden, Felicity, Rylee, Crew, Ridge, Kadence, JR, Beau, Ryden, Braxton, Kambria and Gage. She loved attending their events and being a Grandmother to them. Our mother had many wonderful qualities and one of those was the ability to recognize the needs of others and to love and serve them however she could. She faced many health challenges throughout her life, but persevered with a good attitude while enduring these trials. Her desire was to live the teachings of our Savior and always follow His example. As her children, we feel very blessed to have someone so Christ-like as our Mother.

Sharon is preceded in death by our dad, Kurt, her father and her brother. She is survived by her 5 children – John Merrill (Felicia), David Merrill, Tisha Mortensen (Ryan), Steven Merrill, Michael Merrill (Brooke), all of her grandchildren as well as her sister, Vicki Mrozinski.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 3930 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ, 85205. There will be a visitation from 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. prior to the service. We want to thank family and friends for their love and prayers for us on behalf of our Mother. Funeral arranged by Bunker’s University Chapel. Interment will take place at the Mesa City Cemetery following the Services. 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ, 85201.

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

Diane Hepworth Taylor was born March 26, 1956, in Phoenix, Arizona to Robert L. Hepworth and Edythe Mae Brookshire and passed away on October 31, 2025, at the age of 69.

Diane served in the Army; however, was honorably discharged for medical reasons. She worked as a seamstress sewing for her father’s awning business in Phoenix for many years until the business was sold. Diane loved to attend plays, concerts and movies with her son Daniel and loved to spend as much time as she could with all of her family.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Edythe and infant sister, Holly Ann. She is survived by her husband John Taylor, son Daniel Hepworth, two grandchildren Eric and Alex and 8 brothers and sisters Victoria (Jeff) Taylor, Dee (Mark) Carman, Suzanne (Donald) Wetter, Greg (Deborah) Hepworth, Rallet (David) Johnson, Claude (Jane) Hepworth, Jeremy (Lisa) Hepworth and Anna (Ken) Stoker. She was an Aunt to 31 and Great Aunt to 25, all of whom she loved and who loved her. She sadly left behind her beloved furry companions, dog Jack and two cats Salem and Moon.

A memorial service will be held December 5, 2025, at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2715 E. Ocotillo Rd., San Tan Valley, AZ 85140.

The interment and grave dedication will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024 December 5, 2025, at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Shelter of your choice in Diane’s honor.

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.

Robert Jay Anderson died peacefully in his Mesa home surrounded by his family on November 12, 2025. He was 89 years old. Some may know him by his many nicknames, Bob, Jay, Andy, Fuzzy, and Bobby Jay.

Bob, an only child, was born in Mesa, Arizona. He graduated from Mesa High in 1954. He is preceded in death by his high school sweetheart, Marlene with whom he was married 67 years, his mother Nola when he was 18 years old, and his father Wilbur. He is survived by his 6 children Jay (Jennifer), Nola Reader (Brett), Gwen Kartchner (Kelly), Donna Ellsworth (Chris), Ron (Kris), and Bobby (Misty), 32 grandchildren, 59 greatgrandchildren with 1 on the way, and 1 great-great grandchild with another on the way.

Bob worked 45 years as a truck driver mainly with ETMF/ABF and drove over 4 million miles without an accident. He was passionate about sports, and his talents were highlighted in Church softball and basketball. When he wasn’t a player, he enjoyed being a referee which he did for 33 years. The New York Yankees were his all-time favorite team.

Bob lived a life of service to his family and within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had callings/assignments to serve in the organization of Young Men, Elder’s Quorum, High Priest Quorum, Ward Clerk, Bishopric Counselor, and Bishop. He and Marlene served a full-time mission for The Church in the California Fresno Mission. He was a service missionary unloading trucks at the Bishop’s Storehouse for 16 years, focused on family history for 19 years where he found over 8000 ancestors, and worked on indexing/digitizing the US censuses for over 750,000 names.

A viewing will be held Sunday, 23 November 2025, 6-8pm at Bunker’s Mortuary, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, and Monday, 24 November 2025, 10-10:45am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 933 East Brown, Mesa, AZ, with funeral services to follow at 11am. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

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.

Richard “Dick” Lee Harlow, CLU, CSA, CBC, 86, was called home on Friday, November 14, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona.

Born to Frank Ivanhoe Harlow and Mildred Virginia Brown in Washington, DC in 1939. Dick was a Navy Veteran, a business owner, and fiercely devoted to his family. He cultivated his business, served the community, and raised his family in Reston, Virginia before relocating to Arizona in 2024.

Dick loved a good cigar, a fine bourbon, horse racing, and his family. He was generous, hard-working, and inspiring. He had an adventurous spirit and traveled to many exciting places both while in the service of his country and after with his beloved wife.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Ann Harlow, three children; Gael Jean Harlow, Richard “Butch” Lee Harlow, II (and daughter in-law, Sarah Elizabeth “Beth” Harlow), Melanie Anne de la Rocha (and son in-law, Jeremy Andrew de la Rocha); as well as six grandchildren; Gaelen Neile Conner (and grand-daughter in-law, Ariana Pacheco), Connor Harlow O’Sullivan, Katherine Elizabeth Harlow, Lira Lonette Cash, Kinsey Lee O’Sullivan, and Nimue Marian de la Rocha, as well as his sister, Betsy D’Iorio.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 2pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona.

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

Marjorie Elizabeth Shaw, age 98, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Pegasus Landing of Mesa.

Marjorie was born December 22, 1926, in Pleasant Dale, Nebraska, the daughter of Rev. Edgar and Grace (Ogle) Cochell. She graduated from Dubuque Sr High School, before receiving a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Marjorie continued her education with a master’s degree at State College of Iowa.

On June 19, 1948, Marjorie was united in marriage to Harold Shaw in Delhi, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 9, 2001. Marjorie spent her career as an educator, retiring from the University of Northern Iowa, Department of Education in 1990, having taught curriculum and instruction for 17 years. She also spent four years at Wartburg College Education Department from 1969-1973, and 12 years as the Principal of Main St Elementary School in Cedar Falls.

Marjorie was a member of the First United Methodist Church, past president of CF Business and Professional Women, as well as CF branch of ACE, PTA, and Post Office Aux.

She is survived by two daughters: Susan (Mike) Chesko of Mesa, Arizona and Linda Wendell of Mesa, Arizona along with three grandchildren: Heather (Stephen) Geffrey, Andrew (Kayla) Fulcher, and Aaron Chesko.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Harold and sister, Velma Woods

Funeral services will be: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Bunker’s University Chapel in Mesa at 7:00 pm with visitation at 6:30 pm.

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

Samuel Lawrence Condella, “Sammy”, 75, passed on Monday, November 10, 2025 in Queen Creek, Arizona. While Sam enjoyed the past decade living his best retired life in the sunshine of Arizona, he spent much of his early life in Chicago (still always in shorts, even in the dead of winter). Born January 27, 1950, to Salvator and Vera Condella; Sam was a smart, adventurous, and athletic boy who made friends easily, adored his family, and spent many many afternoons at Wrigley Field watching his beloved Cubs. He attended a variety of Catholic schools, including all the Loyola’s in town, where he was a National Merit Scholar and an athlete. At Loyola University, Sam was a member of Pi Alpha Lamba fraternity where he served as president from 1971 to 1972. He earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree there.

He met the love of his life, Carol Condella (nee Jones), outside Chicago as well. They married in July of 1984 and spent every single day of the last 41 years loving each other. (Joke’s on the betting pool that gave them 6 months). They raised two daughters, Laura Condella and Jackie Condella (Joseph Paylo), for which he was a steady foundation that they could always come home to. He was amazed and delighted by his two grandchildren, Caden and Chloe Paylo.

Sam was an only child, but he had so many brothers. In fraternities, at companies, and in new homes, Sam made his friends into his family. His easy-going nature and ‘live and let live’ approach to life made him fun to be around and impossible not to love. His brothers (and sisters) bridged geographic, political, and generational divides, and they all made his life fuller.

Sam spent his career making things you use every day – soap, candy, meals, power tools – and later supporting the diverse groups of people who made those things. But his work wasn’t his life’s work. Sam lived for the everyday joys that he filled his world with: a hot cup of coffee, a cold beer with his brothers, a meal with his wife. A drive with the top down on his BMW, a big cigar, and the radio volume turned to 11. The soccer tournaments, the gymnastics meets, and later, the late-night bottles of wine and deep conversations by the fire with his daughters. A quiet fishing trip on an off-the-grid lake, the whitewater spray of the Snake river from the bow of a raft, and the laughs after he got tossed in. The quiet drumbeat of waves on the beach in Hawaii, the bass thrum off a really good pair of speakers, and the crackle of logs in the fireplace. A Tuesday evening in the right field bleachers, a Sunday afternoon cursing out Joe Buck (and often the Bears themselves), and a Saturday morning on the 18^th green.

Sam will be missed by so many, in so many small moments, and in so many big ways.

If anyone would like to pay forward the big or small moments of joy that Sam brought into their lives, the family asks you please send:

• Monetary donations to the American Cancer Society or House of Refuge in Mesa, AZ
• Memories, stories, and photos to Carol, Laura, and Jackie via your favorite social media, email platform or carrier pigeon (JK please don’t send birds)
• Positive vibes for a few more Bears wins to round out a year of playoff seasons for all his Chicago teams

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.

Grace Urie Fish entered the world on a quiet, snowy night in Maybole, Scotland, on February 4, 1940. The seventh of eight children, born to two wonderful parents John Urie and Mary McIntyre Davidson Urie. She grew up surrounded by the magic of the Scottish countryside. She had an enchanting childhood and spent berry picking, wandering through wooded paths, and taking highland dancing lessons. She was extremely close with her siblings growing up, most of her childhood was spent with her brothers, Willie and Alan, and her sisters, Joyce and Jessie.

At fifteen, Grace began working at Marks & Spencer to help support her family, demonstrating the responsibility and dedication that would define her life. After two and a half years, she moved on to working at Prestwick Airforce Base, where she worked in the Headquarters office for the Base Commander as one of his secretaries.

It was there, in July of 1959, Grace met a young American officer who would forever change her life — First Lt. Colonel Boyce J. Fish. Boyce was immediately captivated by her warmth, beauty, and charm. Their romance bloomed quickly, and by December he formally asked for her hand in marriage. Grace happily accepted.

On her twentieth birthday, Grace married Boyce in a small church in Scotland. Their honeymoon was an unforgettable European adventure—beginning in London, and then crossing by ferry into Calais, France and continuing through Paris, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and finally Italy. At the end of their honeymoon, they journeyed to Adana, Turkey, where Boyce was stationed for several years and where they began their life together. During their time in Turkey, Grace was baptized and became a devoted member of the LDS Church.

When Boyce was reassigned back to the states, the couple moved to Charleston, South Carolina, before eventually settling in his hometown of Mesa, Arizona—a place that would become the center of their family’s story.

In Mesa, Boyce and Grace built not just their house, but the heartbeat of their growing family—a warm haven that welcomed not only their four children, Linden, Stephanie, Fiona, and Christian, but also with countless friends and loved ones. Grace filled her home with patience, kindness and laughter. Later in life, their long-held dream of having six children came true when they lovingly took guardianship of their granddaughters, Chelsea and Hayley Stewart.

Grace was a devoted member of the LDS Church, living a life grounded in service, compassion, and unwavering faith. She believed in the importance of family and naturally stepped into the role of a strong matriarch. Her greatest joys came from raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her strong belief in the importance of family became the hallmark of her life. Throughout her life, she traveled back to Scotland several times, and kept her family connected, even from across an ocean. This dedication to family only further proved her devotion to everyone she loved.

Grace is survived by her children: Linden Fish, Stephanie Fish Ashcroft and Christian Fish. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brock Mathews, Brynn Fish, Macy Fish Russell, Remy Fish, Jeremy Ashcroft, Heather Ashcroft, Natalie Ashcroft Eady, Chelsea Stewart, Hayley Stewart, Lyndsey Sanford-Routh, and Tanner Fish, along with eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Boyce J Fish (1932-2021), her daughter Fiona Fish Stewart (1972-2005) and her grandson Kyle Mathews (1988–2005).

Her family will celebrate her life on November 22nd at 10 a.m. at the LDS Church Building located at 848 N Westwood, Mesa, AZ 85201. Her burial will be held November 23rd at 12 p.m. at the Lakeside Cemetery located at 1265 Larson Rd, Lakeside, AZ 85929.

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.

Nan Marie Mattice Crockett passed away peacefully with her family at her side on November 9, 2025, in her home in Mesa, Arizona, following a short illness. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her countless contributions to family, church and friends cannot be measured and will never be forgotten.

Nan was born February 11, 1937, at the family home in Pima, Arizona, a small farming community in the Gila Valley. She was the third of five children born to Iris Webb Mattice and George Alt Mattice. While attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, Nan met her sweetheart, Clyll Webb Crockett of Preston, Idaho, and the two were married for time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on June 27, 1958. Nan and Webb were married for nearly 67 joyful years and they welcomed a son and three daughters: Jeff (married to Pam Lyon), Nicole (married to Mike Barney), Karen (married to Matt Renda), and Cynthia (married to Trent Pedersen). They have fifteen grandchildren whom they treasured: Kayla Crockett, Nathan Crockett, Megan Crockett, Rachel Crockett, Brett Barney, Claire Barney, Josh Barney (married to Ashlynn Phillips), Monica Chabot (married to Eli Chabot), Ileah Renda, Lloyd Renda, Emma Renda, Isaac Renda, Brandon Pedersen, Brock Pedersen, and Savannah Pedersen. Their first great grandchild, Ambrose Chabot, was born earlier this year.

At an early age, Nan excelled as a musician, playing both trumpet and piano. She performed in public often and at the age of 17, was part of an orchestra and choir from Arizona that completed a 4,500-mile concert tour in Mexico, culminating with performances in Mexico City. Following graduation from Pima High School, Nan attended Arizona State College in Tempe where she continued to pursue her love of music. She was a frequent concert soloist on her trumpet and member of the nationally acclaimed Sun Devil Marching Band. She also helped mentor other young musicians as one of the officers in the Arizona High School Music Camp program.

Following her freshman year at Arizona State, Nan transferred to Brigham Young University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business education. While at BYU, she continued to pursue her love of music and joined an all-female orchestra called the Rhythmaids which performed in dance halls as far away as Canada. In addition, Nan was active in the R.O.T.C. Sponsors Corps of America, an organization which supported Air Force cadets and raised funding for BYU’s R.O.T.C. program through military balls and parades. Membership in the Sponsor Corps was reserved for the brightest and most outstanding young women. In 1958, Nan was selected to be part of the royal court at the “Destination Enchantment” Military Ball.

In addition to her musical talent, Nan excelled as a student. She completed her student teaching at Box Elder High School in Brigham City, Utah, and earned her degree in business education. Nan would use her degree throughout her life as a mother and as a teacher in junior high and high school.

Nan met Webb in a chance encounter at BYU on the next-to-the-last- day of her junior year. The two corresponded over the summer break and then began dating their senior year while Webb was serving as student body president of BYU. They married the following summer in the Mesa Arizona Temple and immediately packed up the car and moved cross-country to Chicago where Nan taught high school to support the newlyweds while Webb attended business school at Northwestern University. A year later, they would return to Arizona where Webb attended law school at the University of Arizona in Tucson while Nan worked at Hughes Aircraft. Following law school, Webb accepted a job with the law firm Fennemore in Phoenix and after a few years living in Scottsdale, Nan and Webb built a home in Mesa to raise their family.

Nan had many interests including reading, cooking, politics, and sports. She loved watching BYU and ASU football, the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks. She served for more than 20 years as a Republican Precinct Committeeman in Mesa. And, she was absolutely magic in the kitchen where she prepared some of the most amazing food anyone has ever eaten. Examples include her tortilla casserole, Thanksgiving stuffing and orange rolls, fried chicken and rice, and sugar cookies, to name just a few.

Nan was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life she served happily in many different capacities including visiting teacher and minister, Primary teacher, Young Women’s Advisor, and in the Relief Society. Perhaps her favorite callings were serving with Webb as he served as bishop in the Mesa 70th young single adult ward and then later on the High Council in the Arizona State University student stake. Nan provided love, wisdom, and a constant example of Christlike discipleship to hundreds of young single adults at a time in their lives when they were making important life decisions. Always welcoming, she and Webb would frequently host gatherings for the youth in their home in Mesa.

Of all of her many talents, her greatest honor and success was as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She created a home that was a heaven on earth for her adoring husband, children, and grandchildren. There was no other place they would rather be. Through her example she taught essential life lessons of work, education, service, love for family, developing talents, faith in God, and of course humor. She did it all tirelessly, with beauty, class, and elegance. She was at the side of her husband and children through every important moment in their lives.

Nan lived a long and remarkable life dedicated to God, family, and community. She blessed the lives of all those who crossed her path, and her example, wisdom and love were treasured by all. We love and honor her as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Nan was preceded in death by her parents, George and Iris, and siblings Claire (“Mitzi”), Marcia, John, and granddaughter Claire Crockett Barney. She is survived by her brother Ric and his wife Valerie and sister-in-law Karen Kempton Mattice Griffin.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10 AM (with visitation starting at 9 AM) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house located at 1911 N. 24th Street, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

Additional visitation will be Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house located at 1911 N. 24th Street, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Child Crisis Arizona:

424 W. Rio Salado Parkway

Mesa, Arizona 85201

(480) 834-9424

https://www.childcrisisaz.org

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.

Dwayne Earl Larsen, age 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on Thursday, November 6, 2025. He was born to Elwood and Lorna Miller Larsen on November 18, 1930. After graduating from Mesa High School in 1948, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark, the home of many of his ancestors.

After returning home, he met and married Barbara Jo Bassett in the Mesa Temple on May 29, 1954 and they celebrated 60 years together, welcoming six children into their lives. He served for five years in the United States Air Force as a pilot, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, he taught mathematics at Westwood High School, East Phoenix High School, and Mountain View High School, before retiring in 1992. He and Barbara then served a temple mission in Sweden and assisted his brother in the Venezuela Caracas mission.

Dwayne was known to have an inquisitive mind and a great love of learning, especially studying languages throughout his life. He loved spending time in his shop, whether working on his own projects or lending a hand with someone else’s. He was a valiant and faithful servant in his church callings, and his testimony of the Savior and love for Family History were a light to all he knew.

He was preceded in death by his sweet wife Barbara, son David, his parents Elwood and Lorna, his brother Dean (Leona) and his sisters Dolores Slade (Wayne) and DeAnn. He is survived by his sons Dwight (Cindy), Don, his daughters Dorothy, DeNae Griffin (Paul) and Debra Parker (Nicolas), as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The celebration of his life will be held November 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 AM at the Mesa 60th Ward building, 2152 E. Adobe St., Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.

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.

Yvonne Kay Bird, 85 of Gilbert, AZ. died Sunday November 1, 2025.

She was born on in England and always went by Kay. Kay was the wife of the late Jeffrey Bird. She was the mother of the late Kimberley Stitsel, Donna Doroudian of Gilbert, AZ, Tracy Yarid of Methuen, MA, and Daniel Bird of Dover, NH and stepmother of Alan Bird, Stephen Bird, Andrew Bird, and Phillip Bird of England.

Prior to moving to Arizona she had lived in Salem NH for 33 years and England. Kay worked hard all her life but always looked at life with rose colored glasses. If you told her it’s raining she would say but look all the flowers are growing. When anything went wrong, she would say “Oh no! Oh dear!” in a posh English accent and make the children laugh. She loved the ocean and loved laying out in the sun.

In addition to her children, Kay is also survived by her brother Robert Burton and sister Josephine Broadhurst who reside in England; as well as her granddaughter Kira Yarid, grandsons Michael Doroudian, Louis Yarid, Christopher McAlevey, Reza Doroudian, Gavin Bird, great granddaughters Sophie Doroudian, Murphy Trujillo, and grandson Morgan Trujillo. She loved them all very much.

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

Born August 26, 1928, in Flagstaff, passed November 3, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona.

Born to Parley and Irene Hakes Willis, with brothers, Parley Gail, Ted and Chad and sister Patricia.  Raised in Flagstaff till 1942, Irene moved herself and children to Goodyear, AZ to work in a WWII factory.

Shirley graduated from Tolleson HS in 1945 and married Wilbur George Bushong in Holbrook, 1947.  They had four children, Selma, Darwin, David and Dennis.

Soon after getting married, Wilbur began a 30-year career with Tal-wi-wi Ranch.  Shirley cooked for the work crew in Alpine while raising the children.  Summers were spent in Alpine with the cattle and winters in Litchfield Park.

In the mid 1950s, the northern ranch was sold and Wilbur and Shirley were based at Tal-wi-wi in Litchfield.  Wilbur worked through the ranks from cattle caretaker to General Manager, Shirley was the devoted housewife taking care of the home and family.  She also served as an election worker and on vaccination days at the school.  She also raised chickens/eggs as a side business.

In 1979, they relocated to their farm near Buckeye.  Shirley was called for numerous positions in the Relief Society. Upon Wilbur’s death in 2005, Shirley relocated to Gilbert and enjoyed family activities and vacations as her grandchildren developed into adulthood and great grandchildren arrived and grew.

In 2019 increasing mobility issues required her to move into assisted living at Citrus Manor in Mesa.  The staff enjoyed her stories and treated her like family.

She is survived by her brother Chad, sister Pat Tyrell, daughter Selma (Robert Ellison), Darwin (Wanda), David (Linda) and Dennis (Rhonda), 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 15 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 8840 N. 61st Avenue at 9:30 am, preceded by visitation at 9:00 am. Burial at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale at 11:00am.

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.

Barbara A. Ruthardt, 87 passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025 in Mesa, AZ.

Known to all as “Bobbie”, she was called home to heaven to be reunited with her loving husband Paul Sr. who preceded her in death 27 years ago. Left to carry on their traditions is their son, Paul Jr.

Bobbie was born to Bernard and Vilma Fensterer in Brooklyn, NY in June, 1938.  After attending New York University she went on to work for NYU, American Express and McKesson and Robbins, Inc.

In March, 1968, Bobbie wed Paul Ruthardt. They then moved out of New York City, had their only child, Paul, Jr. and settled down in Wappingers Falls, NY.  In the autumn of 1992, the family relocated to Arizona where Bobbie worked as an optometric technician before retiring and has called Arizona home for the last 33 years of her life.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 11:30 am at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa.  Immediately following the service, Bobbie will be transported to National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

In lieu of flowers donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or DAV: Disabled American Veterans are suggested.

For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

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

Sharon Wiechmann passed peacefully on November 3rd, 2025.

The Eldest of four children, she was born in Streator Illinois on September 4th, 1944 to Victor and Mariana Pelz.

After graduation from Barrington Illionis Highschool in 1962, Sharon took a job at the First National Bank of Barrington. Later she left to marry and raise her two sons.

In 1981 she returned to the workplace, taking a secretarial job at Barnant Corp, a small manufacturer of laboratory equipment in Barrington, Illnois.  She stayed with the company until she retired in 2006, rising to become the personal assistant to the CEO.

Upon her retirement, she moved to Mesa, Arizona with her partner Dean Evers. Throughout her life she enjoyed travel, both in the United States and abroad, snowmobiling and bowling in the winter, and boating and golfing in the summer.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Victor and Mariana Pelz.

Sharon is survived by her partner of 39 years Dean Evers, her sister Patricia (Tim) Carney, and brothers, Richard (Kathy, dec’d) Pelz and John (Dee) Pelz. Also surviving are her two sons Glenn (Theresa) Campbell  and Steven (Kathleen) Campbell; her grandchildren, Nathaniel Campbell, Amy Campbell, Elijah (Anika) Campbell, and Malachi Campbell; and her great grand children Thorin Campbell, Tiberius Campbell, Vladimir Campbell, and Chiron Campbell.

A grateful thank you to the staff of Always Present Hospice as well as the staff at The Summit for the comfort and care they provided to Sharon in her final days.

The memorial service for Sharon is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19th at 10 am.

The location is: The Summit at 2415 South Signal Butte Rd, Mesa Az, 85209

Flower / Condolences can be sent to The Summit at 2415 South Signal Butte Rd, Mesa AZ, 85209

Donation in her name can be sent to either:

Apache Junction Animal Control at 725 E. Baseline Ave, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

OR  to The Springs Chapel at 11214 Laguna Azul Circle, Mesa, AZ 85209

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

Ronald Neel was born on February 15, 1938, in Kamas, Utah, the eighth of nine children to John Clair Neel and Mary Elizabeth Turnbow.  He was raised in Kamas, where he spent his youth milking cows and logging with his family.

At the age of 17, Ron proudly joined the United States Navy, serving his country with honor. After completing his service, he married Deanna Durfee in 1959.  Together they raised seven children and two grandchildren: Martin (Karen deceased; Dalina), Morris (deceased), Matthew (deceased; Debbie deceased), Patrick (Karson), Mary Stott, David (Nancy), and Ronald Dean (Sarah). Ron and Deanna had the privilege of raising their son Matthew’s children Brianne and Steven.

Ron was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spent his life working hard and serving all those he met. It was not unusual to see him pull over to help a stranded motorist, help many widows in the various wards he lived in, work at the Bishop’s Storehouse or Church farm and even meeting strangers at a Circle K and bringing them home and letting them sleep on his couch until they could get back on their feet.

Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  His legacy continues through his 20 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his love, strength, acts of service, sense of humor, and love of dancing.

Ron’s life was defined by hard work, service, and deep love for his family and Savior Jesus Christ. He will be remembered for his kindness, service and the many lives he touched throughout his years.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Live Stream Links:

https://youtube.com/live/G0Jy0wPS12w?feature=share

https://zoom.us/j/98801432834

Michael Joseph Huston passed peacefully from this life on November 2, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born on December 7, 1942, in Florence, Arizona, to Joseph Delbert Huston and LaVoice Irene McGee.

Mike spent his early years in Valley Farms, Arizona, where he developed the strong work ethic and faith that would guide his life. His family later settled in Wellton, Arizona. There, Mike attended Antelope High School and met his wife, Anna Maurine, a devoted and lifelong companion. At the time of his passing, Mike and Maurine had been blessed with 62 wonderful years of marriage.

After high school, Mike attended Arizona State University before beginning a five-year apprenticeship with IBEW Local 640, where he became a Journeyman Wireman. His dedication to his trade and his integrity earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike throughout his career.

Mike and Maurine made their home in Gilbert, Arizona, where they raised their eight children—building a life grounded in love, hard work, and faith. His greatest joy was his family, and his legacy lives on in each of them.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and LaVoice Huston; his son, Ryan Morgan Huston; and two infant grandchildren, Elizabeth Anne Huston and Miles Dillon Huston.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Maurine Huston; and seven children and their spouses: Kent & Lupe Huston, Brett & Angie Huston, Clint & Ericka Huston, Mark & Ashley Huston, Connie, Debbie & Russell Christensen, and Eric Huston. Mike and Maurine are also the proud grandparents of 22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren—each one of whom he loved deeply and unconditionally.

Mike will be remembered for his quiet strength, his devotion to family, and his unwavering faith. His life was a testament to love, perseverance, and service, and his influence will continue to bless generations to come.

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.

Steven Robert Ballard was born December 1, 1946 in Logan, Utah, to William Wallace Ballard and Hannah Jueschke, and passed away on October 29, 2025, at the age of 78, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Steve’s unwavering love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, shaped every aspect of his life and inspired countless acts of service. He was a constant source of support, always willing to help, share wisdom, or offer a steady hand to those in need. Steve’s deep fulfillment came from serving in missionary, temple and genealogy work, and service to those around him. Over the years, Steve built a successful business through hard work and integrity.
Steve’s life was a testament to his faith, service, and devotion to family. His greatest joy was being called ‘Papi’ by his 21 grandchildren and dad by his six children. His legacy lives on through the love he shared, the example he set, and the generations he inspired. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Marta Jo Skousen, and their children Lisa, Emily (Ryan Greene), Joanne (Jeff Terry), Andrea (Matt Pickett), Lindsey Hall (Jake Hall), and Jeff (Emily).

A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30am with a memorial service to follow at 11:00am on Friday, November 7, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1266 South 32nd Street, Mesa, Az 85204.

The interment will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery~
7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Az 85207

For those who would like to share a memory of Steve, feel free to email:memoriesofsteveballard@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the General Mission or Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Steve’s honor.

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