Find An Obituary

Sonya Martinez, 56, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on December 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born with a generous spirit and a heart that seemed to hold the whole world, Sonya was the kind of person who would give her very last dime to help someone in need. She made friends wherever she went—her warmth, humor, and openness drew people in effortlessly. Anyone who met her felt her kindness, and many walked away feeling as if they had known her forever.

Sonya was a devoted wife to her husband, Gilbert Martinez, and a loving mother to her daughters Venessa, Elisa, Marisela and Selena, and her son Zachary. She was immensely proud of her large and beautiful family, which grew to include 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her endless joy. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Her legacy lives on in the love she showed, the friendships she built, and the countless lives she touched with her compassion and generosity. Sonya’s presence will be profoundly missed, but her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her
May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

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.

Justin Robert Vitez passed away unexpectedly on December 4, 2025. He was born on June 1, 1991 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Justin was preceded in death by his father, Edward Vitez; his mother, Kimberly Forest; and his brother, Janos Vitez. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings David, Anthony, Jett, and Skylar Vitez; his Aunt Teresa and Uncle Will Habeck; his Aunt Karen and Aunt Mary.

A lifelong resident of Arizona, Justin was loved and treasured by his family and friends.

Justin had a passion for anime, Final Fantasy, and many other video games. He Enjoyed spending time with his family and connecting with his friends online. Despite facing the challenges of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Justin lived his life with courage, strength, and a positive spirit. His resilience was a source of inspiration to all who knew him.

He will be remembered for his gentle heart, caring nature, and thoughtful spirit. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will forever remain with those fortunate enough to have known him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made

to the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) | Fighting to End Duchenne

or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) – Diseases | Muscular Dystrophy Association. A disease he bravely battled most of his life. 

Only death awaits you all. But do not fear. For it is through death that a new spirit energy is born. Soon, you will live again a part of me. “Sephiroth”

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.

Joseph Lamar Jr., born on August 14, 1981, in Brooklyn, New York, to Joseph Lamar Sr. and Clara Mae Baker-Lamar, lived a life filled with love, purpose, and devotion. After graduating from high school in Bay Minette, Alabama, he enlisted in the United States Army, demonstrating his commitment to service and responsibility at a young age. In 2001, he married the love of his life, Nicole Lamar, and together they built a strong and enduring marriage filled with partnership, growth, and unwavering support. Joseph was a devoted father to his three daughters—Tianna, Tierra (Larry), and Taavia—always present with guidance, warmth, and unconditional love. As a proud grandfather to Josiah Joseph, Michael Amir, Gabriel Kohl, Ari’ah Michelle, and Selena Taylor, he embraced every moment with joy, humor, and gratitude. His bond with his siblings, Leonard Daniel and Katrina Lamar, and his cherished nieces Jakaycia and Treyanna, along with nephews Kenya and Kanye, remained strong throughout his life.

Joseph lived a vibrant and fulfilling life in Mesa, Arizona, where he built a beautiful family life rooted in faith, love, and shared experiences. A man of God, he carried his faith with humility and strength, allowing it to shape his character and his actions. He was a dedicated employee at Grainger from 2018 onward, admired for his hard work and spirit. Joseph had a passion for gaming—known online as “Josephus Prime”—and enjoyed PlayStation, Marvel, martial arts, anime, and basketball, having once been an exceptional player himself. He adored Mexican food, especially carne asada burritos, and was a true foodie who loved traveling with his wife to explore new meals, cultures, and memories. Joseph’s life was a rich tapestry of love, family, faith, and joy, leaving behind a legacy that will forever honor him as a devoted husband, caring father, proud grandfather, and remarkable man.

A visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10:00-11:00am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am.  Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa AZ 85207.

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.

Spencer Dean Frazier (46) passed peacefully at his home in Maricopa on December 2, 2025.

He was born in Mesa on April 27, 1979, the 5^th child of Noel & Lydia Frazier.

He honorably served a Spanish-speaking mission in McAllen, Texas.

He faced many health challenges but was resilient and focused his time on his family. He was passionate about making memories with his children. He will be remembered most for his sense of humor, his love of music and his ability to endure all of life’s challenges.

He is survived by his wife Heather, and children Jayden, Easton, Logan, Madyson, and Tannen, 7 siblings and father Noel. He was preceded in death by his mother Lydia (DeSpain).

Funeral Services will be Friday, December 12, 2025  (10am viewing, 11am service) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1266 S. 32^nd St. Mesa.  

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.

Robert Eldon Shill passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025 after suffering from a major heart attack in September. Bob was born on July 12, 1941 in Lehi, Arizona to his good parents, Oscar Boyd and Wilma Shill. Bob had a happy childhood growing up in Lehi where he had lots of family nearby, made lifelong friends, enjoyed running around barefoot, playing sports and learning to work hard.  At 16, he began working at the family business, Mesa Sand & Rock. There he learned from his dad to drive cement trucks and loaders, operate rock crushers, and repair machinery. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1959.

Bob married Karen Perkins in March of 1973 and they were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He and his beloved wife were married for almost 53 years and were blessed to raise 8 children. Bob was a loyal member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in many callings throughout his life. He enjoyed serving in the Mesa Temple with Karen for many years. Bob was always known for his generosity, willingness to lend a helping hand and serve others. He was a mountain of a man and may have appeared tough and gruff, but he was beyond gentle, kind and nonjudgmental. Some of Bob’s simple pleasures were Pepsi, authentic Mexican food (like El Charro), yardwork and tending to his roses, watching baseball, grilling outdoors, and most of all, spending time with his family. He was known for spoiling loved ones with treats and soda. Bob was very often sarcastic and had a great sense of humor. He kept his family laughing with his quick wit right up until he passed.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Wilma Shill, his baby brother, Boyd, and his sister, Susan Matheson. Bob is survived by his wife, Karen; their eight children—Boyd Shill (Christine), Shawna Hubbs, Elyce Shill (Anita), Christopher Shill (Heather), Benjamin Shill, Timothy Shill (Holly), Bethany Peterson (Adam) and Megan Rogers (Jordan); as well as 29 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Bob is also survived by his siblings, Dick, Louise and David. His legacy of faith, service, love, and strength will carry on with his family. Bob is greatly loved and will be missed.

The funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, December 12, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 925 N Harris Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203. A viewing will be held in the Relief Society Room preceding the services from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM.

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.

Elizabeth Ann Irish, daughter of John Kenneth and Elizabeth Genave Garling Clegg, peacefully crossed over to a better place on November 24, 2025.

It was way before her time.

She went by “Lisa” for most of her life. As of late, she preferred “Leeza” as it was more dramatic and just fit her. Her immediate family still calls her Elizabeth.

Born in Bloomington, Il, her family moved to Paradise Valley, AZ in 1964. She graduated from ASU with a Theater Major. Her parents were actively involved in the arts in Arizona, both having multiple degrees in classical music. Her father was an opera singer and sang throughout Europe. His devotion to his craft instilled Elizabeth with a lifelong love of opera, theatre, and music of all types. Country music was her most recent love. In her younger years she was active in the Phoenix Little Theatre and performed in several productions. She even did a small stint as a cocktail waitress in the Phoenix Playboy Club, until her dad found out.

She left Arizona in the early eighties for a big adventure in California, meeting her husband there. She returned to Arizona with her husband and family in 2000 to care for her mother until she passed.

Elizabeth was incredibly independent and had a passion to be involved and live life to the fullest; to be a doer. She always appreciated fine cars and loved to drive them fast. Especially her Porsche, of which she had several during her life. She had such a great sense of humor and was quick to laugh, and made others laugh. She had an uncanny ability to quickly cut to the essence of issues and readily offer unique and insightful perspectives on any situation that might arise. She was never hesitant to let you know exactly where she stood on issues.

Elizabeth worked beside her husband at their in-home care company, Family Home Care, in their offices in California and Arizona for 35+ years. Quasi-retired for the last few years, she was adventuresome, experiential, and wanted to be active. She challenged herself to learn to do different things and had a “live a full life” attitude. She loved horseback riding, practicing at the gun range (as much as possible), line dancing every Tuesday night, and did volunteer work in the Turquoise Rodeo circuit. She was actively engaged in Arizona Republican politics on so many different levels and in so many different campaigns. She enjoyed being a greeter at the Mesa Republican Women’s monthly meetings. She had a gift for meeting and interacting with people. Whether she knew them or not, she made people feel at ease and welcome. She wanted to try axe throwing, learn how to throw a knife, and learn archery in 2026.

She was a connoisseur of fashion and style and was an avid seamstress who made all her own clothes. Importing her fabrics from all over the world, she loved to dress up and go out. She was a collector of fine women’s cowboy boots and seemed to have a pair for every occasion. She always tried to make fashion statements, because that’s who she was.

In addition to all of this, she had a passion for international travel. She made sure she traveled internationally at least two or three times a year. Her favorite destinations included Cancun (at least once a year every year since 1987), Amsterdam (she called the Dutch, “my people”), Paris, Florence, Rome, and Venice. Life was always an adventure for her, and she lived it to the fullest.

Elizabeth was fiercely protective and enthusiastic about her family. She was passionately revered as a wife, and profoundly loved as a mother, stepmother, nana, and sister. Elizabeth and her adoring husband were together for 39+ wonderful and exciting years.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Don Irish; their daughter Alexandria; six stepchildren (who she helped raise since they were little): Michele, Brian, Michael, Paul, Jonathan & Diana;  25 grandchildren and even a few great-grandchildren; her two brothers David J. Clegg and William “Bill” Clegg; and countless friends and extended family who will miss her dearly.

We invite all who knew and loved Elizabeth to join us in honoring her memory.

Open House Celebration of Life for Elizabeth will be held January 17th, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Vistas Pavilion at the Las Sendas Golf Course. Light refreshments will be served at this time. 

RSVP is requested. To RSVP, please email leeza.celebrationoflife@gmail.com

Alternatively, please contact Don Irish with your RSVP.

Elizabeth will be greatly missed…but forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has requested that a donation to the Arizona Opera be made in memory of Elizabeth’s extraordinary life, and her love of the arts.

Donation information can be found here: https://tickets.azopera.org/donate/contribute1

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 Elaine Thrasher (Watson) was born in Evanston, Illinois on January 27, 1933, during a fierce blizzard, and passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025. Her arrival into the world was as memorable as the life she lived—full of spirit and adventure.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Francis Watson and Helen Thompson, sister Jean Gabrielle, her beloved husband Donald “Bud” Thrasher, her son Mark Thrasher, and her son-in-law Ron Lisonbee. Though she endured deep loss in her lifetime, she carried herself with resilience.

Elaine lived a life rich with joy and connection. She loved to travel and explore new places, never turning down an opportunity for a good meal out or a chance to line dance with friends. She cherished her time spent with the Family Campers, where laughter and fellowship were always close at hand. She was proud of her 30-year career with the telephone company, where she gained lifelong friendships and the respect of those who worked alongside her.

She is survived by her daughter Cindy Lisonbee; daughter-in-law Janelle Thrasher; grandchildren Justin, Ben, Tyler, Cameron (Natalie), Bethany (Gary), Zach (Paulina), and Kaitlyn; three great-grandchildren, and her baby sister Diane (Kirby). Her family was a great source of joy in her life.

Elaine will be remembered for her independent spirit, her readiness for adventure, and her steadfast devotion to the things that mattered most to her. She will be missed.

A private graveside service will be held to lay Elaine to rest.

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 (Bob) Williams Applegate passed peacefully from this life on November 23, 2025.

Bob was born October 3, 1945, to Fern and Robert Applegate in North Platte, Nebraska. Bob was adored by his older sister, Marcia, who was five years older than he. Marcia tried to cook for her “Bobby” and often burned what she cooked, so Bob acquired a taste for burnt food. We all got a kick out of his requests for burnt toast!

Bob grew up in Southerland, Nebraska, and had several adventures in his childhood, including lighting a blow torch with his buddy George, throwing it up in the air, and having it land on his leg and catch his pants on fire. Bob and George quickly put out the flames and ran to George’s, where George’s mom dressed the burn wound. Fearing he would get in trouble for playing with a blow torch, Bob kept the wound hidden from his parents. For the rest of his life, he sported a four-inch swath of skin on his leg that never had hair grow in on it.

When Bob was 18, he joined the Navy. It was during his stint in the Navy that it was discovered that he sleepwalked. Well, the Navy couldn’t have one of their troops walking off a ship in the middle of the night! So, Bob received a medical release and did not get to continue his military service, though he would have fought alongside his fellow servicemen if he could have.

At age 19, Bob met Clidenna (Dena) McCollum. They dated for about 10 months before marrying in Denver, Colorado on June 19, 1965, five days after Dena turned 18.

Bob and Dena lived in North Platte for a few years, during which time they welcomed their first child, Byron Lee, in 1967. They moved to Denver for a short time, and it was there that they welcomed their second child, Kari Jo, in 1969. After the little Applegate family moved back to North Platte, Bob began working for the Union Pacific Railroad.

Bob enjoyed boxing, and he served as a trainer for one of his good friends. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the North Platte Fire Department. During his training, the training fire was so hot that it started to melt his helmet, which hung in a glass case in the fire department for a number of years.

In 1971, Bob was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His sweet wife was baptized in 1972. In 1975, they welcomed their third child, Melinda (Mindy) Ann, who was followed in 1977 by their fourth child, Jana Lynn. In 1981, they welcomed their last child, Spencer David. Later that year, the railroad transferred Bob from North Platte to Omaha, Nebraska.

Bob and his family lived in Omaha until the end of 1984, when the railroad transferred Bob again, this time to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Bob and his oldest son, Byron, moved to Cheyenne ahead of the rest of the family so Bob could secure a family home in Cheyenne and Byron could start the second semester of his senior year at his new school there. Dena and the rest of the children followed a month or so later. On April 20, 1985, while living in Cheyenne, Bob and Dena fulfilled their dream of traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah where they entered the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to make sacred covenants with God and to have their family sealed for eternity.

It was also while living in Cheyenne that Bob and Dena took a trip to Arizona, where they fell in love with the warm spring temperature and the desert landscape. When they returned to the freezing cold of Cheyenne, they started talking about moving to Arizona. Bob was offered a buyout (early retirement) from the railroad, and Bob and Dena decided to take that offer and move their family to Arizona. In August 1985, the Applegate family moved to Mesa, Arizona.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He loved being a grandpa. One of the funniest things he did with Dena was putting on the Santa and Mrs. Claus suits for family Christmas parties or to visit each of their kids’ homes to deliver gifts to their kids and grandkids. This role extended to friends and neighbors as well. Santa Bob and Mrs. Claus, we love you! We will miss our personal Santa dearly.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Dena, his five children: Byron (Cora), Kari (Kevin) Peiers, Mindy (Daniel) Peterman, Jana (Bill) McCain, and Spencer (Tiffany); 21 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren (and one on the way!).

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Fern Applegate, and his beloved sister, Marcia.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 21915 E. Cloud Road, Queen Creek, Arizona. A viewing will begin at 8:30 that morning and will be followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m.

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.

John Allen Crandall, 88, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on November 30, 2025.

He was born on September 26, 1937, and was the youngest of six children born to Paul and Barbara Allen Crandall.

John was born and raised in Mesa, AZ. He attended Mesa schools from kindergarten through his graduation from Mesa High School. During his years at Mesa High School and beyond, he worked alongside his father and brothers on the family farm. Following graduation, he attended both ASU and BYU for one year each before serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pacific Northwest.

Upon returning home from his mission, John returned to BYU to continue his education. He then shifted his vocational interests from agriculture to pre-dental studies. While at BYU, he met and dated Marilyn Cameron of Los Angeles, California. They were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple. Together, they moved to San Francisco, where he attended the University of California School of Dentistry.

After completing dental school, John and Marilyn returned to Mesa, where he established a dental practice and served his patients for forty years. Mesa was also where they raised their six children, fulfilled church responsibilities, and contributed to their community. John served on the Mesa School Board, was a member of the Mesa Rotary Club, and served on the Mesa Community Council.

John enjoyed playing golf, camping, baking, traveling, walking most mornings with friends, and taking classes at the Mesa Arts Center. Above all, he treasured time spent with Marilyn and their children.

After retiring, John and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, and cherished time spent with their children and grandchildren. They accepted two calls to serve Church missions in England. They also served as temple workers in the Mesa Temple.

John is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their six children: Douglas (Shelli) of Fort Morgan, Colorado; Wayne (Susan) of Chandler; Sharon Crandall of Mesa; Glen (Rebecca) of Kaysville, Utah; Joyce Green (Kerry) of Mesa; and Charles (Erin) of Kaysville, Utah. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A graveside interment will be held on Saturday, December 6, at 9:00 a.m. at the Mesa Cemetery.

The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1911 N. 24th St., Mesa, AZ 85213

A reception for all who would like to visit with the family will take place immediately after the service.

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.

Ray Edward Cole passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2025, following a stroke and Congestive Heart Failure.

Ray was born on May 14, 1958 in Sharon, PA to Richard Dean Cole and Hazel Irene Cole.

Ray attended Sharon High School in Pennsylvania and graduated in 1976.  He joined the United States Navy immediately following graduation and he served for four years on the USS Samuel Gompers (AD-37), stationed in San Diego, CA.

It was there in 1976, that he met his wife of 47 years, Charlene (Charlie) at the Ships Bell dancing.  They went on to enjoy several years of dancing the night away.

Ray was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed going out to the desert shooting with family and friends. After hours of shooting, he would always come back exhausted and took a long nap after going with his son, Jeremy but enjoyed when the family went.  Ray was also a huge animal lover and at one time had 3 dogs, 4 cats, 2 snakes and a pet pigeon he brought home as a baby with pin feathers.

Ray is survived by his wife, Charlie, his daughter Chrissy Trimmer, her husband Phil of Maricopa, AZ, son Jeremy Cole of Mesa AZ and 3 grandchildren, Alexis Gilmore, her husband Will of Maricopa, Tyler Trimmer of Maricopa and Abigail Trimmer of Maricopa, as well as his beloved dog, Bella.

Ray is predeceased by his Dad (Richard), Mom (Hazel) and brother (Ron).

At Ray’s request, there will be no services.  Bunker Family and Funeral | Cremation in Mesa is handling his care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley who assisted in his final days or to Maricopa County Animal Shelter.

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.

Teena Sue Tanner Foote, born on September 10, 1952, to Chester Tanner and Ella Penrod in Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, in Gilbert, AZ.

A graduate of Mesa High School, Class of 1970, Teena later built a long career as a Purchasing Manager for Southwestern Eye Center, where she worked for many years before retiring. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On June 25, 1974, she married Doyle Franklin Foote for time and all eternity in the Manti Utah Temple.

Teena was a gifted cook, baker, and seamstress. She was known in her family for her homemade breads, her holiday tamales, and her broccoli salad that made an appearance at every family gathering. She loved crafting, home projects, and anything she could do alongside Doyle. The two were rarely apart and approached every project together.

Family was at the center of her life. After the passing of their daughter, Christeena, Teena and Doyle helped raise three of their grandchildren—Hannah, Tanner, and Abigail Montierth. Their presence offered steadiness, love, and guidance during an incredibly difficult time, and they embraced this second phase of parenthood with joy and purpose.

Teena is survived by her children Matthew (Sarah), Mark (Tara), and Jacob, her grandchildren, her siblings, and many loved ones. She is preceded in death by her husband, Doyle, and her daughter, Christeena.

A viewing and funeral service will be held on Monday, December 8th, at the LDS Chapel, 825 S. 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ. Viewing begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will take place at the City of Mesa Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside Doyle.

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.

Evan Ellsworth Ray, 53, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away on November 30, 2025, after a brief and sudden battle with cancer. Born on November 7, 1972, in Mesa, Arizona, Evan lived a life defined by genuine kindness, and unfailing devotion to family and friends.

Evan was the oldest of five children born to Laurel Mary Goff and Stephen Leonard Ray. He treasured his place as an older brother to Shandon, Stephanie, James, and Mary, and later welcomed additional siblings into his heart as his family grew and blended over time. After his parents’ divorce when he was 12, Evan divided his time between his mother’s home and the home of his father and his father’s second wife, Denna Robson Larson. Through this marriage, Evan was blessed with additional brothers and sisters—Leisha, Ryan, Nathan, and Kirsten —whom he loved as part of his own immediate family. His family circle expanded again with the arrival of his youngest brother, Daniel Ray. Evan was preceded in death by his mother, Laurel, on August 10, 1994, and by his father, Stephen, on December 22, 2014.

Evan graduated from Gilbert High School in 1991. Soon after, he served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Chile Osorno Mission from 1991 to 1993, an experience that deepened his faith, his love for people, and his sense of gratitude. After returning home, he attended Arizona State University, graduating in 1997 with a degree in Finance.

In 1995, Evan married the love of his life, Rachel Ray (née Jenson). Rachel is the daughter of Wayne Jenson and Carolyn Jenson (née Green), and the oldest of 6 siblings, all of whom loved Evan and will miss him dearly. Rachel is a registered nurse and a graduate of Arizona State University. Together, Evan and Rachel created a home where love, kindness, and service to others were everyday realities. Evan’s greatest joy was his family, especially Rachel and their five sons—Brigs, Grant, Joe, Kimball, and Benson. He delighted in being their dad, cheering them on, passing on his handyman skills, and creating memories with them in every season of life.

Professionally, Evan enjoyed a successful career in banking, finance, and real estate. He owned and operated a mortgage company as well as a title and escrow company. Together, he and Rachel owned and managed several residential and commercial investment properties including Sims Salon Suites. Evan also worked as a loan officer and bank executive in several community banks, including First International Bank & Trust, Great Western Bank, and Western State Bank. He was known for his integrity, his strong work ethic, and his desire to help others reach their goals.

In recent years, Evan chose to devote more of his time and energy to serving youth in his community by coaching tennis at Desert Ridge and Highland High School in Gilbert, Arizona. A lifelong tennis enthusiast, he saw coaching as an opportunity to give back, to mentor young people, and to spend meaningful time with his youngest son, Benson, a senior at Highland and one of the program’s top players. Over the last four years, Evan poured countless hours into the Highland tennis program, helping to build not only skilled players but confident, resilient young men.

Evan embraced life with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. His favorite hobbies included tennis, stand-up paddle (SUP) surfing, and sailing. About five years ago, he took up sailing and purchased a sailboat that he kept in San Diego. Time spent on the water—whether sailing or paddling—brought him joy, peace, and a sense of freedom.

Evan’s illness came swiftly and unexpectedly. He was diagnosed with cancer (a grade three ependymoma that had spread throughout his brain and spinal cord) only three weeks before his passing, after experiencing symptoms for just a very short time. Until then, Evan had been the picture of health and vitality. Even in this final trial, he faced each day with courage, faith, and concern for his family.

Evan loved people deeply. He was intentional about spending time with his family and friends and was gifted at forming and nurturing lasting connections. He was easygoing, fun to be with, and known for quietly making things happen for those he cared about. Evan also cherished his large extended family of cousins. He delighted in the fact that his family was so big and close-knit. His mother came from a family of 17 children, his father from a family of 11 children, and Denna from a family of 7 children, and Evan counted all of those relatives as truly his own.

Evan is survived by his beloved wife, Rachel Ray; their five sons, Brigs, Grant, Joe, Kimball, and Benson; his siblings Shandon Ray, Stephanie Felsinger, James Ray, and Mary Ray; his stepmother Denna Schnackenberg, additional brothers and sisters Leisha Paredes, Ryan Larson, Nathan Larson, and Kirsten Jones; his youngest brother, Daniel Ray; his father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Carolyn Jenson and many beloved brothers-and-sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who loved him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his warmth, his sense of fun, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering commitment to his family and community.

A viewing will be held on Friday evening, December 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker Mortuary University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213. A funeral memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilbert Arizona Highland West Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1010 South Recker Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85296. A burial service will follow immediately at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E Apache Trail, Mesa, AZ 85207. All are welcome to attend the viewing, funeral, and burial services. Please note that the only public viewing will be Friday evening. There will not be a viewing on Saturday morning before the funeral

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who are able to donate to the “Evan’s Light” GoFundMe project (https://gofund.me/e5069f80e). This project, which Evan cared about deeply, seeks to fund lights for the tennis courts at Highland High School, where he served as the boys’ tennis coach for the last three years, so that his love of the game and his influence for good can continue to bless the community he loved.

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.

Eddie Carroll Blackburn, 66, passed peacefully in his sleep on November 25, 2025.

Born in Greenfield, Iowa, in 1959 to Zylpha and Carroll “Max” Blackburn, Ed lived a life marked by his sense of humor, adventure, and an immense love for his family.

A native of Malvern, Ed was a standout athlete in High School and at Wayne State College, excelling in both football and track from 1978–1982. He earned All-American honors in both sports and was recognized as a top tight end on the football field and as a two-time high All-American hurdler in track. His speed and determination led to multiple records and ultimately his induction into the WSC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001.

After college, Ed signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos before suffering a career-ending hamstring injury. After graduating in 1982 with a master’s degree in education, Ed moved to Arizona and devoted his career to teaching industrial technology at Desert Shadows Middle School in Apache Junction, Arizona, where he also coached track. He continued in education, training employees at Valleywise Hospital in Phoenix until he retired.

He was industrious and always had a project that he was working on. He was the person everyone called for help when something broke. Ed was happiest outdoors. He loved mountain biking, hiking, and exploring. He even had a thriving garden despite the Arizona heat. His quick wit, easy laugh, and his signature catch phrase “Get out!” made every moment with him fun and unforgettable.

His life was made even richer by Kelly, whose love and companionship brought him warmth, adventure, and happiness. Above all, Ed cherished his family.

Left to carry his legacy forward are his daughters, Amanda (Josh) Fitzsimmons and Amy (Cale) Wolff, and his beloved grandchildren, Zelpha and Calvin. He also leaves behind his siblings and their families; Gwyn, Cheryl, Marsheila, Melonie, and Darin, who he was exceptionally close with.

Ed lived big, loved big, and left a mark no one could ever replace.

A celebration of life will take place in January in Arizona, please reach out to the family for more information.

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.

Joelynn Jolley Hadlock, a resident of Mesa, Arizona, for forty-six years, passed away peacefully at her home on November 20, 2025, surrounded by family. She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-three years, John LeGrand Hadlock, their seven children—Brandan (Christine) Hadlock, Heather Valene (John) Middleton, Cameran (Amy Jo) Hadlock, Starla (Kenneth) Allen, Tylan (Heidi) Hadlock, Trentan (Jena) Hadlock, and Breena (Jake) Campbell—and twenty-three grandchildren.

Joelynn was born on June 17, 1945, in Farmington, New Mexico, to U.S. Navy serviceman William Curtis Jolley and businesswoman Louise Taylor Jolley. A “war baby,” she grew up in Farmington as the oldest of nine children. She won the title of Miss Farmington in 1963 at age seventeen and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in interior design from Brigham Young University. A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, she served as a Spanish-speaking missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Miami, Florida, and was among the first missionaries called to serve in Puerto Rico. Joelynn married John on November 20, 1972, in Salt Lake City, Utah, beginning a partnership marked by faith, dedication, and deep love.

Joelynn loved color, music, and all things beautiful, and she delighted in creating warm, welcoming spaces for her family and friends. She taught her children to be assertive, determined, and resilient. Her faith in Jesus Christ shaped every part of her life, and her family finds peace in knowing she has returned to His care.

Always poised and ladylike, Joelynn was constantly engaged in meaningful work and had a remarkable ability to “make things fit” with creativity and confidence. Undaunted and intimidated by nothing, she was adept at taking charge of a situation, finding the positive, and offering what she believed would be in everyone’s best interest.

Though she did not have an official middle name, her family lovingly jokes that if she had, it might have been “the Inquisitor.” She loved to ask questions—and always had a million of them.

Her greatest joy was serving her family and her Savior, and the influence of her love and testimony will bless generations to come.

The family expresses deep appreciation to all who prayed for, visited, and cared for Joelynn, and to the many ward members and friends whose love and service reflected the Savior’s compassion.

• A viewing will be held Friday evening, December 5, 2025, from 6 – 8 PM
• Location: Bunker Family Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way Mesa, Arizona 85201 

•  Another viewing will be held December 6, from 9:30-10:30 AM
• Location: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 925 N Harris Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203
• Funeral services will follow at 11 AM.

A livestream will be available at

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.

Gary Carlos Jones, a special spirit and beautiful soul, passed peacefully in his sleep, November 19th, 2025.

He knew he was loved. He has always been an angel on Earth. 

Gary’s mission was complete in this life and we were lucky he was here with us as his companions. 

He loved to dance, sing along to musicals, swing at the park, and read cat magazines. He had a love of hats, cool jewelry and diet soda. 

He is survived by his loving Mother, Joy Christensen Jones, his siblings, Vicki, Janie, Bruce, Aaron, Julie, and Maria and their families. He was an amazing uncle to 29 nieces and nephews and an ever present constant source of love and hugs. He was preceded in death by his father Rod Jones and brother in law Harold. 

Gary attended Mesa Public schools and Graduated from Westwood High School in 2003. 

Gary served an LDS mission at Deseret Industries in Mesa, and participated in the Mesa Temple Easter pageant for several years.

He worked at the MARC center in Mesa for 20 years. 

He was happy and cozy in his own bed, and passed peacefully, due to severe sleep apnea.

We were so blessed to have him teach us patience, unconditional love and kindness to everyone. 

His Funeral will be Saturday November 29th, with a viewing at 9am and funeral at 10am at  933 E. Brown road, In Mesa, AZ.

Burial will take place in Pima, AZ later that day.

Jerry Sandstrom passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona, with his wife of 63 years, Mavis, at his side.

Born in Lisbon, North Dakota, Jerry grew up on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and quiet strength that shaped his life.

He graduated from Lisbon High School and later earned his degree from Dakota Business College in Fargo, where he and the love of his life, Mavis Joy Robinson, were both students and met through mutual friends. They were married on December 8, 1962, in Leeds, North Dakota, and began their life together in Fargo.

Jerry’s early career with AAA took the young couple across the Upper Midwest before they moved “back home” to North Dakota in 1977. His work in Chamber of Commerce and economic development roles later brought the family to Minnesota and North Dakota communities they grew to love. In every place they lived, Mavis also worked in accounting and banking, making each new beginning a true partnership.

Jerry was a lifelong Lutheran who lived his faith quietly and sincerely. He rarely missed a Sunday, never missed grace before supper, and volunteered regularly — often singing in the choir and supporting the life of the church. He also served more than 25 years in the North Dakota National Guard in a band and chorus unit that traveled widely to perform for troops and the public. He returned each year from Guard camp with the same smile and the same story: that his musicians had again proven to be excellent marksmen.

Jerry was a gifted and practical builder who made life work with his hands — repairing engines, building what was needed, and teaching his children how to work with tools and think through problems. He was steady, loving, and constant. A well-known saying describes him perfectly: “A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail.”

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mavis; his children, Steward (Jean) Sandstrom and Rochelle Sandstrom; and his grandchildren, Jonathan Sandstrom, William Sandstrom, Amilia (Hannah) Funkhouser, Oliver Knight, and Cecilia (Marissa) Knight-Hart. He is also survived by his sister, Marie (Loren) Erickson; His cousin, Sandra (Mark) Vee; his sister-in-law, Noreen (Wally) Bisbee; his brother-in-law, Darcy (Myrna) Robinson; and by a large and loving extended family — cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who remained an important part of his life. Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Gwen (Bernie) Schultz; his brother, Darrell Sandstrom; his cousin, Gloria Vee; and his parents, Edward and Gladys Sandstrom.

Jerry loved gatherings that brought people together.

A memorial service will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel in Mesa on December 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM. There will be refreshments to follow the service.

A funeral service will follow in Leeds, North Dakota, in late May or early June of next year.

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.