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Michael James O’Neill,  Jr  (aka MJ) age 55 was born on Oct 14, 1969 and passed away on Sept. 17, 2025 peacefully at home in Mesa,  Az in the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Valley.

He was born in Marquette, Michigan to Michael, Sr and Maureen O’Neill.

He worked for over 25 years at Sky Harbor  Airport  in Phoenix, Az in a variety  of management  positions.

He is survived by his daughter Ireland and son Michael, III. His mother Maureen of Michigan and Mesa, his sister Deborah (William) Kurian of Gwinn, Michigan, and brother Andrew of Mesa, Az. He was predeceased by his father Michael, his grandparents and many aunts and uncles from Michigan.

Bunker’s University Chapel of Mesa, AZ assisted the family. Private services will be held and burial will be in Michigan.

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.

Theodore (Ted) John Kiene, beloved husband, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Gilbert, AZ, on September 12, 2025, surrounded by his beautiful wife and family members after 90 years of adventures.

Ted was born on December 1, 1934, to Theodor Johannes Hans Kiene and Pauline Bruce Kiene in Amarillo, Texas. His older brother, George, readily took him in, and the little family of four became very close. Because his father’s work as a civil engineer took them to many locations across the country, George and Ted became more than brothers; they were each other’s best friends.

Attending schools in Ajo, Tucson, and Tempe, Arizona, Ted also loved to explore and would often hike for miles on his own, investigating less populated areas near his home. Passionate about sports, Ted tried out for many different teams and discovered he had a unique capability: he could run faster than anyone else in his school. Capitalizing on this rare talent, Ted received a full-ride scholarship to run track at Arizona State College (now ASU). He competed well, maintained his grades, and graduated with honors in 1956.

But Ted’s greatest achievement in college was meeting a talented young woman in an art class, Shirley Ann Weber. They began dating, but Shirley had two more years to go, and Ted needed to move forward. He joined the Army, and they corresponded for the next two years. Ted and Shirley were married on March 18, 1961, with a light snowfall in Sedona, Arizona, and have been inseparable ever since. Shirley proved to be the perfect hiking companion as they both took to the trails across the country and captured their exploits in the photos and art that adorn their home. Ted was a cartographer in the military, which served him well in his career as a construction designer and building inspector for large civil projects.

Ted leaves a legacy of endurance, hard work, good decisions, and good humor that has blessed his life and the lives of the many who know him. 90 years young, Ted is survived by his bride, Shirley Ann Weber Kiene, and will be remembered as an astonishing athlete, ever strong and still running to the end.

Services will be held on Wednesday, September 24, at 9:30 am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024. Because Ted will receive full military honors, please arrive early to enjoy the 30-minute service.

The family wishes to express gratitude for the love and support of friends and loved ones during this tender time.

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.

Michael Von Roper, aged 66, passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on September 16^th, 2025, due to unforeseen medical illness.  Known as “Mike” to many, he was born to Birdie and Devon Roper on September 11^th, 1959, in Logan, Utah.  Mike spent the majority of his life in Tempe, Arizona, graduated from Tempe High School, and then served a two-year mission in Concepción, Chile for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  There, he met and became friends with his future wife, Flor Marina. They kept in touch after his mission, marrying in the Mesa Temple on November 26, 1982. Mike completed a bachelor’s degree in business at Arizona State University. Mike served in the United States Air Force before becoming a police officer and working with the Arizona State University Police Department.  During Mike’s career with ASU, he served the department and public, specializing as a bike and motorcycle certified officer.  He also served in the Special Investigation and Department of Public Safety Task Force Units. After 25 years with ASU PD and retiring as a sergeant, he continued to serve his community as an officer with the Maricopa Community Colleges Police Department up until his untimely passing. He is survived by his wife, Marina, and their children: Susan (Stephen), Michael, and Andrew, as well as his grandchildren, Margrette and Henry, and his mother, Birdie, and sister Michelle (Eddie).

He was well known for his commitment to the safety of his community and was a leader in both departments, representing the slogan, “To Protect and Serve”. Outside of work, Mike had many hobbies and interests, including riding motorcycles recreationally, fishing, and cycling. He was a dutiful and loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.  We all love him and he will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2701 E. Lehi Rd. Mesa, AZ 85213 on Tuesday, September 23^rd, 2025. The viewing will start at 9 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.  Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207.

In accordance with many people’s expressed interest in contributing financially in honor of Mike, the linked QR codes are listed below:

https://enroll.zellepay.com/qr-codes?data=ewogICJuYW1lIiA6ICJNSUNIQUVMIiwKICAiYWN0aW9uIiA6ICJwYXltZW50IiwKICAidG9rZW4iIDogIjQ4MDk2NjkzNTgiCn0=

https://www.paypal.com/qrcodes/managed/ba335321-0daf-49de-bee9-427520b55e09?utm_source=consweb_more

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.

Cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Dora Dee Glazier Hemeyer, 84, passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on September 14, 2025.

The daughter of Leland Glazier and Mildred Vera Woodruff, she was born March 15, 1941 in Mesa. During her teenage years she participated in both high school and YMCA A Capella choirs and quartets. She performed throughout the entire Phoenix Valley. After graduating from Mesa High School in 1959, she then left Arizona to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. At BYU, she pursued a degree in Home Economics but, music continued to be her passion. She sang with BYU’s A Capella Choir and the touring show choir under Janie Thompson’s direction.

Following her years at BYU she moved to Aurora, Colorado, where she met her future husband, US Air Force Academy cadet Karl P. Hemeyer, Jr. After Karl graduated, the two were married and lived in San Antonio, Texas and Selma, Alabama while stationed with the military. Following their military years, they moved their four children to Crystal Lake, Illinois. Serving her family and church tirelessly, the years flew by.

In 1986, Karl and Dee traded Illinois winters for Utah winters. One of the highlights of Dee’s life was singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1988-1998. To be able to sing with talented musicians who became lifelong friends was a dream come true. Singing and touring with choir member and older sister, Donna Dalton, was an added bonus. Tours and Christmas concerts with the choir were some of Dee’s favorite memories. Grandchildren were known to watch “Music and the Spoken Word” on Sunday mornings with the hope of spotting “Grammy” in the choir loft.

After three decades of shoveling snow, Karl convinced Dee it was time for more sunshine and they relocated to Las Vegas, NV for the majority of their retirement years. There she quickly made friends singing in the Desert Chorale and serving in the LDS Las Vegas Temple. She was delighted to spend the last four years of her life living back in Mesa, within in a few minutes of her three sons and their families. Her children and grandchildren love her fiercely because she is the one who taught them how to love.

People of all ages were drawn to Dee. Her gorgeous smile, infectious laugh, and generous love were magnetic. If anyone needed anything, she was the first person to jump up and offer to get it, even when she was 80 years old and sitting on the floor. Babies and children were her specialty and she lit up whenever one was nearby. Over the years she taught hundreds of children to sing while serving in Primary and volunteering in local schools. She was a voracious reader and talented seamstress. She enthusiastically attended grandchildren’s sporting events, recitals, concerts and graduations, willingly climbing on a plane and traveling hundreds of miles to be in the audience.

Dee was preceded in death by her beloved husband Karl, her parents, her sister Dorothy Skembo, and brothers-in-law, Michael Skembo, Charles Terry Graff and David Dalton.

She is survived by her children Adriane (Steven) Gill, Erik (Stacey) Hemeyer, Lex (Stacy) Hemeyer, and Van (Heidi) Hemeyer; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; her sisters Donna Dalton and Virginia Graff; sister-in-law Nancy Schultz; her brothers Bill (Millie) Glazier and Louis (Jeannie) Glazier, brother-in-law Mark (Billenda – ) Hemeyer and many nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends whose lives were brightened and enriched by her love and light.

Funeral services to celebrate Dee will be on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2228 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ.

A viewing will begin at 8:30 am with the funeral following at 9:30. Interment will be at the Mesa Cemetery.

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.

Gary Malcolm Patchett, of Mesa, AZ, died peacefully on Sept. 14, 2025, leaving a space in the hearts of his loved ones that can never be filled.

Gary was born on July 27, 1941 in Syracuse, NY to Clarence Patchett and Marjorie Blair Patchett.

He met the love of his life, Geraldine Alford, and they were married in the Logan, Utah temple in 1961.

Gary’s dedication to his work for the Federal Highway Administration, the Bureau of Reclamation and a number of other government entities was second only to his dedication to his family and faith.  Gary and Geri’s missionary service led them to travel the world, where they served in both New Zealand and Ukraine, and Gary’s work led them around the country, living and serving in more than 10 different states.  Gary’s quick wit and his quiet humility touched the lives of people everywhere he worked and served.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Geri, his three siblings (Donna, Rick, and Phil), his five children (Brian, Bill, Noelani, Keven, and David), plus his 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Gene, and his grandson Jared.

Visitation will be Sept. 19 at 6:30pm at the LDS Chapel at 745 N Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ 85205.

Funeral services will be Sept. 20 at 10am at the chapel.

He will be interred at the Mariposa Gardens & Cemetery in 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.

On September 8, 2025, we felt a combined sadness and joy as our loving mother passed from this mortal life, back to her Heavenly Father. Colleen Nikolaus McMullin 95, leaves behind an amazing legacy of love, faith, concern for others, work ethic and good example.  Born in Lakeside, Arizona in 1930 and raised in Snowflake, she was the third of nine children of Henry and Clara Nikolaus.  She married Lynn Elwood (Woody) McMullin in 1948 and was married for 77 years.  They are the parents of seven children: Vicki (Jim) Hatch; Dennis (Susan) McMullin, Susan (Lewis) Oaks; Paul (Carla) McMullin;  Gary (Christine) McMullin; Jonathan (Kym) McMullin; and Kathleen (Michael) Robinson.  Known as “Grandma and Grandpa Mac to the extended family, their posterity includes:  36 grandchildren, 76 great grandchildren and 9 great, great grandchildren. Including spouses, 171 total family descendants.

We are grateful for all mom did for our large and extended family as well as friends and other loved ones. She was never one to falter or stand back. She stood for righteousness, obedience and goodness. She had a firm testimony of the Savior, our Heavenly Father and of prayer. She was always providing messages of testimony and inspiration to her children and extended family.  Mom and dad served two genealogy missions together.  First in Raleigh, North Carolina and again in Australia.   They also served in both the Mesa and the Gilbert temples for a total of 17 years. We are grateful for her example and all she taught us.

Mom was known for her skills in sewing, quilting and crocheting.  She made clothing for her children when they were young, numerous quilts for the many family members, her ward and other humanitarian projects.

Funeral Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 2265 S. Hawes Rd.  Mesa, AZ.  Viewing at 9:00 AM followed by the funeral services at 10:00 AM.  She will be interned afterwards at the 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.

Carolyn Ruth Summers, 75, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, in Mesa.

She was born on August 12, 1950, in Byars, Oklahoma, and spent most of her life in Mesa, surrounded by the family, friends, and community she cherished.

Carolyn will be remembered for her kind heart, generosity, and the way she made everyone feel welcome and cared for. Throughout her life, she worked at McAfee Consolidated, served as a substitute teacher, and later enjoyed many years with H&R Block.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jim; her children, Tonna, Jimmy, Sarah, and Scott; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. For more information, please visit 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.

Karen Michelle Gwaltney, originally of Peoria, Illinois passed away, on August 17, 2025 in Mesa, AZ.

Born on June 26, 1964, in Peoria, Illinois, Karen was the beloved daughter of Herbert Duane (Wally) and Margaret Mary (Maggie) Waldbeesser.  She graduated from Farmington High School and worked as a Forensic Identification Technician for the Apache Junction Police Department in  AZ.  Filled with a life long dedication to learning, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University and had a Minor in Mortuary Science from Maricopa County Community College.

Karen dedicated her professional life to helping families and victims of crime.  Due to her faith,  strong sense of compassion, and justice, she worked tirelessly to assist law enforcement in solving crimes and provided support for loved ones by connecting to families on a personal level.

Karen was married to the love of her life, Ricky J. Gwaltney, for 41 wonderful years.  Together they enjoyed camping, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family.  Whether she was in line at the grocery store, Disney, or running errands to her favorite decor or crafting shops, she never met a stranger, often striking up engaging conversations.  Karen had a deep love for our country, our veterans and enjoyed gardening.  She was extremely proud of her family and enjoyed sharing photos and stories of her grandchildren and their endeavors as they are a true testament to her legacy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wally Waldbeesser, her mother Maggie Waldbeesser, and her sister, Diane Luncsford.

Karen is survived by her husband, Rick Gwaltney; her sisters Mary March (David) and Becky Dotson (Randy) ; her bothers Mike Waldbeesser (Michelle and family) and Mark Waldbeesser (Vikki and family); her daughters JoAnn Kerwin (Peter) and Kristen Foster; her son Andrew Gwaltney (Nichole); her grandsons Jayden Mauk, Connor Kerwin, Ethan Kerwin, and Samuel Gwaltney; her nieces Briana March (and family), Tracy Miller (Eric and family); nephews Matthew Dotson (David), Joshua Dotson.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and staff that supported her in her courageous battle with cancer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Karen’s memory to causes close to her heart:

*  Tunnel to Towers Foundation at  Tunnel to Towers Foundation

* Wounded Warrior Project at  Wounded Warrior Project – Donate

Karen’s memory will live on through the many lives she touched, her grandchildren who she cherished, and her family who loved her dearly.

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.

With profound love, we announce the peaceful passing of Carol Dee Marx Swinney. Born on September 28, 1936, her journey on earth came to a gentle close on September 11, 2025. Carol was a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and connection that will forever touch the hearts of those who knew her.

To know Carol was to feel truly seen. She had a remarkable gift for making a lasting impression on everyone she met, her genuine interest and loving spirit creating memorable and cherished connections. While she touched countless lives, the most treasured part of her world was her family. She found her greatest joy as the devoted wife of Tom Swinney, the loving mother to their three children, Dee Ann (Miller), David, and Duane, and especially loved her role as grandma and great-grandma to her many grandchildren.

Carol was proceeded in death by her parents: Hilton and Berdella Marx, her three siblings: Tressie Wells, Leon Marx and Earl Marx, her beloved husband Thomas Swinney, her son Duane. She is remembered by her daughter Dee Ann Miller (Thomas Miller), David Swinney (Melodee Swinney), her 14 grandchildren and her 43 great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed, her love, light and example will live on in those she touched for generations to come.

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.

Martha Rae Watkins, a devoted and much loved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away September 4, 2025, at the age of 83. Martha was born in Payson, Utah in 1942, the tenth of thirteen children. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Martha put her faith and family first in everything she did. She created a loving and welcoming home, and greeted her children after school with freshly baked cookies and a listening ear.

Martha used her natural creative gifts to beautify her home, serve her family, and find personal fulfillment. She enjoyed sewing and embroidery, but her creative passion was best expressed through her work with stained glass. As her art brought light to dark rooms, her soul brought light into lives.

Martha is survived by her husband, Lee R; her children, Glenn Watkins (Leisa), MarLee Fowler (Michael), Susan Wetzel (Kevyn), Linda Watkins (Sid Elmer), and Diane Watkins (Jim Hudson); sixteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and four siblings. she was preceded in death by her son, Brian Watkins; her grandson, Tyler Heiner; her parents; and eight siblings. Services will be held in Mesa, Arizona.

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.

Timothy “Tim” Klingaman (67), beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Gilbert, Arizona on August 12, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease.

He was born to Thomas and Marilyn Klingaman on August 13, 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana where he spent his childhood with siblings (Beth, Jane & John). In 1976, Tim moved to Tempe, Arizona to attend Arizona State University where he (fell in love with Mexican food) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Entrepreneurship.

Tim was a jack of all trades, there wasn’t one thing he couldn’t build or fix. Throughout his working life, he embraced many entrepreneurial adventures, from piloting private seaplane tours across the northern lakes of Michigan, snowplowing, building houses, selling Christmas trees, to taking on countless other ventures. He loved baseball, snowmobiling, boating, traveling, reading, music (especially Jimmy Buffet), and spending time with his kids and grandkids. Though Tim’s stubborn streak was famously well-known, his devotion to those he loved knew no limits – there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for those he cared about.

He is survived by his children (Tanner & Kendall) who will always remember him for the strong, smart and fierce man he was – and his Grandchildren (Eliott & Rose) who will always remember him as their loving and playful Grandpa who had all the coolest toys!

He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, adventure – and a strong combination of both love and grit – which will sure to be carried on by his family and the lives he touched.

Tim’s adventurous spirit, love of the water and simple joys will live on in those who knew him best. “If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached. If the phone doesn’t ring, it’s me.” – Jimmy Buffet

Darron E.J. Gillespie, 55, passed away Saturday September 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in his Mesa Arizona home.  Darron was born in Mesa, and attended Field Elementary, Poston Jr. High, Mountain View High School and achieved his AA at Mesa Community College.  He worked at Motorola, Rogers, and various special interest jobs.

Darron excelled in all sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, and other sports.  Darron was the star pitcher in all Baseball Little League games, and at the age of 53 was the star pitcher in the Arizona Men’s Senior Baseball League.  (AZMSBL)

Darron has always been active in water sports, including jet skis, swimming, diving and fun times at the lakes and rivers.  He independently fixed his cars, and was an expert at fixing up purchases to “buy low and sell high”.   Family vacations every year was fun and exciting times for the entire family.

Darron is survived by his Sweetheart and Soulmate Wife, Wendy, daughters Goldie and Lilly, Parents Weston and Debbie Gillespie, Brother and Spouse, Weston and Patricia Gillespie, Sister and Partner Krista Gillespie and Edward Sayles and Mother-in -Law Femy Urmatam.

Darron’s greatest calling and achievement was excelling at being a wonderful Father and Husband. The love he had for his “Girls” was exceptional.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at Bunkers Family University at 3529 East University Drive, Mesa Az 85213.

Viewing- Friday September 19, 2025 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Funeral Services- Saturday September 20, 2025

Viewing 9:00am to 10:00am

Funeral Service 10:00am to 11:00am

Graveside Service- City of Mesa Cemetery- Saturday September 20, 2025 12:30

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.

Kim Post passed away in his home in Queen Creek, Arizona on September 1,2025. Kim had struggled with declining health for 12 years and had to endure much pain.

He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on September 12, 1953 to Eugene Stanley Post and Shirley Janiel Jordan. He has an older brother Michael Eugene and a younger brother Edwin Kelly.

He lived in Idaho Falls during his grade school years. He was always physically active and loved all sports. He was particularly good at baseball. He moved with his family to Las Vegas Nevada where he attended Clark High School and ran on the school track team.

After his graduation he attended Brigham Young University in Provo Utah where he majored in Computer Science. He met and married his wife, Sharon Nielsen, in his sophomore year of college. They married in the Oakland California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in August of 1973. While studying and working, their first child Jordan Kim was born in1974 in Provo.

Kim graduated with a Bachelors degree in Computer Science in 1975. He took a job at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. Their second child Stuart Lloyd was born in Redwood City. While at LMSC he had the adventure of working in England for 2 years. This is where their third child Ryan Stanley was born in Harrogate, Yorkshire England. He was a project and program manager where he had a lot of responsibility. His only daughter Ashley was born while they lived in San Jose, California.

After 19 years he went to work with Hewlett Packard until it divided and he worked for Agilient Technology until 2009.

Kim loved to golf, play basketball, play softball and running. He completed 3 marathons: San Francisco, Oakland and Livermore. He loved to play the guitar and was part of a garage band.

Kim had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He made friends easily and was often the life of the party.

Kim is survived by his wife Sharon of 52 years, son Jordan (Vicky Arlene Smith), Stuart (Adrian Elizabeth Lawrence), Ryan and Ashley (Cary Oliver Countee); grandchildren Alexis Nicole (Jacob David Barnes), Spencer Stuart, Dallin Walker, Trista Kay, Bailey Arlene and Caroline Sharlise, Kylie Lynn, Kaleb Jordan, Kolby Jared, Austin Dean, Briana Danae Countee and Donovan Giovanni Countee.

Services for Kim will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 22035 East Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, AZ.

For those unable to attend in person, you are welcome to use the following link:

Ashcreek Ward is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Kim Post’s Service

Time: Sep 27, 2025 10:00 AM Arizona

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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.

She was born in Minot North Dakota in 1935 on October 6^th to Zephon Merwin Smith and Hazel Fern Biggers Suhr.

She had an older brother Marwin and a younger sister Arlene.  She married and gave birth to 4 children who she dedicated her life to.  She moved up to Revelstoke, BC Canada for a time with 2 of her youngest children but the pull of Arizona and the desert brought her back to spend the remainder of her life in the Phoenix area.  She was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

Mom was a giving soul.  She really would give her last dollar to help someone who might need it.  If she found out our waitress was a single mom, that waitress was guaranteed to get a $20 tip even if we only had coffee.  The fun and feisty side of mom?  Oh gosh.. there are so many stories.  One of our favorite pastimes with her was to go to restaurants and she would pretend to be rich and from another country.  We had so much fun pretending to be famous people!  If you came to our house on St. Patrick’s day be prepared for a very creative dinner!!  She would get out the green food coloring.  There would be green potatoes, milk, cake, and juice also. She worked in Canada as a supervisor at several restaurants in the Revelstoke area.  She became a grandma for the very first time on April 4, 1981 and fell in love with her new role of being “Grannie”.  She bought dozens and dozens of outfits for her new granddaughter.  She continued to do this with all the grandkids to follow and whenever she went shopping she always came home with some pretty little dress or suspenders for whichever new grandbaby had just arrived.  When she moved back to Arizona she continued that tradition.  She raised all of us kids around the race track and when she moved back to Arizona she worked for decades at the race track until she retired at 79.  She had 4 of us kids who she loved with all her heart and for the past 10 years of her life she also had 2 bonus kids; her best friend and grandson David Clift and her beloved granddaughter Amelia Napier.  They came at a moment’s notice to help her if she needed them.  David handled all her day to day needs and Amelia acted as her nurse.  She was forever grateful to them both and felt so blessed to have them.

Mom is survived by her four children, DeeAnna Wane Clift “Dave”, Dale Scott Manning “Kate”, Kim Alyson Pendergast “Don”, and Karla Marie Leduc. Mom will be so very missed it’s hard to even put into words.  She was our matriarch.  She was the glue that held us all together.  Her final wish was to be sprinkled over the Rocky Mountains so she would always be travelling.  For her 90th birthday, October 6, 2025 in Clearwater, BC Canada we are all coming together as a family to make her last wish come true.  Mom we love you and we miss you every day.

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.

Malcolm M Sanders Jr. (Mac), 70, passed away peacefully at his home on September 7, 2025 in Mesa Arizona.

He was born to Malcolm and Louise Sanders Sr. on July 23, 1955 in Mesa Arizona.

Mac was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He married his eternal companion, Viola Nell Sanders on November 11, 2000.

Mac worked at Allied Concrete in Mesa from the young age of 12, until he was badly injured in an automobile accident at the age of 28.

Mac was preceded death by his wife Nell, his parents, Malcolm and Louise Sanders, a sister Lillian Mitchell (Mitch), 2 brothers: Lionel Stafford (Joan) and Lester Stafford.  He is survived by his sisters: Charlotte Chuchman (George), Janis Dana (Duane), and Mary Sallaway (Patrick), and a daughter, Jill.  Mac loved his family.

Funeral services are Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11 AM, preceded by a family gathering at 10:15 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4640 E Holmes Ave, Mesa, AZ  85206.

Interment at be at Mountain View Cemetery.

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.

Eda LaPreal Johns, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, LaReda and Harold Porter, at the age of 96.

LaPreal was born on August 4, 1929, in Mesa, Arizona, to Eda and Lorenzo Lisonbee. She grew up surrounded by a large, loving family that included her brothers Lorenzo, Ovid, Fred, Rey, William, and Alvin. She was also the cherished younger sister of Ella, who had passed away as a child before LaPreal’s birth.

In 1948, LaPreal married Lyle Shelley Webb, and together they raised four children: Lyle Rey, Milo Reed, LaReda, and Gayle. In 1953, the family moved to Phoenix. After her marriage to Lyle ended, LaPreal married Robert Glenwood DeHeer on July 13, 1973. They shared 30 joyful years together until his passing in 2004. Later, she was blessed with another loving marriage to Robert F. Johns, whom she married on January 17, 2009. Their years together were filled with companionship and love until his passing in 2011.

Faith and service were the cornerstones of LaPreal’s life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as Relief Society president, as a temple worker, and even as a service missionary well into her 80s. She gave tirelessly of her time and talents, always finding joy in lifting others.

Outside of church service, LaPreal worked for many years at the Arizona State University bookstore, where she was known for her dedication and kindness. She also devoted much of her life to caregiving, welcoming into her home her husband’s aunt and later both of her parents. Her hospitality extended to all—whether family, friends, or strangers, she opened her doors to anyone in need of a place to stay.

Family gatherings were at the heart of her life. She prepared countless holiday meals, creating memories that her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren will treasure for years to come. LaPreal had a remarkable ability to love everyone she met, and her deep devotion to her family was evident in every part of her life.

She is survived by her daughters, LaReda and Gayle, and by a legacy of posterity who will remember her strength, her faith, and her endless love.