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James Wesley Hamberlin, age 75, passed away in his home, surrounded by family on Friday, March 19, 2021.

Jim was born on March 3, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Doyle C. Hamberlin and Olive L. Hefley.  In 1964, Jim graduated from Palo Verde High School, in Blythe, California where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Burnett in 1965. He is a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

After working 40 years in the flooring business, he retired allowing him to spend more time doing what he loved. His favorite past time included hunting, fishing, and gardening with the grandkids. He loved nothing more than being in the mountains with his family. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally. He was considered to be the “World’s Best Papa.”  You would find him pushing a grandchild in the stroller or handing out popsicles.  You never passed him in his chair without getting a high five or knuckles. There was never anything he wouldn’t do for anyone, especially for his own family.  He will be sorely missed by so many who were a part of his life.

He was preceded in death by both parents, a stillborn son and his brother, Doyle A. Hamberlin.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly, and his three children; Jim (Chrissy) Hamberlin, Forrest Hamberlin, & Courtney (Steve) Frost, 14 grandchildren; Kenzie (Todd) Riding, Marlee (Aaron) Rodriguez, Hunter Hamberlin, Wesley Frost, Jade (Dallas) Hawkins, Tyler Frost, Ridge Hamberlin, Dallin Frost, Denver Hamberlin, Easton Frost, Ryan Hamberlin, Braxton Frost, Xander Hamberlin, and Loa Hamberlin along with 3 great grandchildren, Ruby & Olive Riding, and Barrett Rodriguez, also his two brothers, Alan D. (Debbie) Hamberlin and Michael Hamberlin, all of which are from Mesa, Arizona, and step brother-in-law Royce (Joyce) Jackson of McAlester, Oklahoma.

Ruth Gunnell Strong passed away on March 15, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona. Ruth was born in Howell, Utah on August 15, 1928, to Charles and Myrtle Gunnell. She married Raymond Dean Strong, a USAF Fighter Pilot, on April 19, 1949, in Mesa. Raymond preceded her in death two years ago.

Ruth and Ray have four children:  Patricia Wilder, married to Tom Wilder, of Woodstock, Georgia; Michael, married to Katherine Clawson, of Mesa; Gregory, married to Ilene Calder, of Eagle Mountain, Utah; and, Karen Udall, married to Collin Udall, of Mesa. They have 19 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Both Ruth and Raymond are remembered as strong and faithful to the Lord, Jesus Christ, exemplified by their kindness and compassion to all. Ruth was a committed wife, mother, and grandmother welcoming family and friends to her home filled with warmth, good conversation, and plenty of good food and treats, mostly chocolate.

She made sure their home was appropriately decorated for the current season and holiday. Ruth was proper and well-mannered and taught her children how to act and behave according to the social circumstances they were in. She loved having family over for Sunday visits.

They served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris, Tennessee. And, served in the Mesa Temple for many, many years. She was very active in church callings and functions.

Ruth had a unique gift for playing the piano. Never taking many lessons, she was quietly accomplished and could play anything. Her fondest memories were accompanying the “Gunnell Brothers” (her brothers) at various events and gatherings.

She leaves a legacy of all things good.

Click the link below to join the funeral broadcast Wednesday, March 31, at 11:00 p.m. MST.

https://zoom.us/j/92374836521?pwd=UDA2WkMrQndTTTkzbUhCV2lrSzBkdz09

Passcode: 169297

If you are unable to make the broadcast a recording will be made available within a few hours at the following link:

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=11vNPBAnSlV31oZR6t3UbXU7lhpgANYQq“

Loretta Beers Smith 79, passed away March 20, 2021 in Mesa AZ, after several months of serious illness.

Loretta was born November 14, 1941 to Allan Leroy and Helen Beers in Inglewood California.

Loretta married Allen Smith in the Salt Lake City Temple September 1, 1961.

Together they raised 4 children Michael, Rodney, Cory and Karla.

Loretta loved the Lord and was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She cherished her family and was a true example of compassion and strength.  Her faith was strong and she held steadfast to her beliefs through all the trials she endured.

Loretta is survived by her loving husband Allen, children Michael (Laura), Rodney, Cory (Sandy) and Karla Teeples (Darin),  12  grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, her siblings 3 brothers and 1 sister.  She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Alene.

Funeral services will be held Friday March 26th 2021 at 10:00 am.

Thayer Park Ward Building 2835 E Des Moines Mesa AZ 85213

Friends may come Thursday March 25th, 2021 from 6 – 8 pm

Bunker Garden Chapel 33 N Centennial Way Mesa AZ 85201

For those unable to attend please follow the link

https://youtu.be/W9IG0hzSiBI  for online services.

Interment, Mountain View Cemetery 7900 E Main Street Mesa AZ 85207.

www.bunkerfunerals.com

Tanner Max Brown entered into eternal life on March 19, 2021.  He was born on May 12, 1928 in Thatcher, Az.  Our beloved Father and Grandfather, Tanner is pre-deceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Carol, and is survived by his 5 children;  Layne(Ken), Paige(Scott), Tanner Jr.(Jeannie), Todd(Julie) and Quinn, along with 51 grandchildren including 33 ‘greats’ and 2 ‘great-greats’.

Tanner served in the Northern States Mission as Patriarch in Mesa Arizona Pueblo Stake and was a temple worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple for 22 years, as well as being known as the “singing bishop” in Tucson Second Ward for 9 years because of his beautiful tenor voice.

Our family patriarch was a kind, caring, gentle, loving man, who was very devoted to his family and will always be loved and cherished by many.   He will forever be remembered by his family as “Our Sweet Gift from Heaven on Earth” Dad and Grandpa.

Sadly, due to Covid no services will be held.

To see the zoom service, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCapC6bRpJWXBh9_-HCtYtNA 

Ralph J Clifford, age 90, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on March 15, 2021

In Tempe Arizona. He was born to Walter and Reva Clifford in Safford, Arizona in 1930. Ralph led a very happy active life filled with family, friends, neighbors and church members.

Ralph was a talented individual who could fix anything, he was a jack of all trades. He developed his talents because of his childhood during the depression where they had to fix everything or make do without. Under these circumstances he developed many wonderful abilities, because of his talents he was able to serve many people,  Ralph loved  serving others. He was a craftsman,  he could do everything from simple household projects to building houses.

Ralph was a thrill seeker and a speed demon.  His hobbies included flying small airplanes. He was an accomplished aerobatic pilot. He restored vintage cars from Model A Fords, Mustangs and older Pick Ups from the 1950’s and he loved motorcycles and owned 10 over the course of his life.

Ralph worked in the trucking industry for 38 years in every capacity from terminal manager to long haul truck driver. He worked for the same company, even though it changed names over the years.

Ralph graduated from Safford high school and later served in the Navy during peacetime between World War II and the Korean War.

Ralph met his eternal sweetheart Lorna Allred in Safford and we’re later married in 1955 and honeymooned in California and went to a brand new amusement park called Disneyland. Years later they were sealed for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in August 1968.  Ralph and Lorna were married for 65 years. They were blessed with three children Jeffrey, Lorna Kay and Kristin.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Reva Clifford, his brothers Walter Clifford Jr, Farrel Clifford, his sister June Pearson and a son-in-law Richard Palmer.

Ralph is survived by his wife Lorna, his children Jeff (Carolyn), Kay (James) , Kristin and former son-in-law Richard Clutter. Ralph had 11 grandsons and 11 great grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all.

The funeral services will be held Friday, March 26, 2021 with a viewing at 9 AM. His funeral will start at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints Chapel at 2707 S. College Ave., Tempe AZ 85282 ( major cross streets are College and Alameda).

Charlene M. Zelko nee (Staton) age 79 passed away suddenly Thursday February 18, 2021. Charlene was the devoted wife of 56 years to the late William A. (Bill) Zelko. Cherished mother of Karen (Robert) Komada, the late William E. (Billy) and the late James A. (Jimmy) Zelko. Loving grandmother of Megan Zelko and Melissa (Jonathan) Kreiter. Dear sister of the late Benjamin (Mary) Staton, the late Donald (Grace) Staton, Marilyn (the late Fred) Melkey, Carolyn Kelly, sister-in-law Patricia (the late Joseph) Zelko. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Charlene enjoyed the theater, music, vacation travels and loved to spend time with her family. She had an amazing personality and sense of humor; all who had the honor of knowing her were the better for it. She was witty, charming, and could easily strike up an engaging conversation with just about anyone, she had a natural tendency to befriend and share a laugh with those around her. She leaves behind beautiful memories of a life well lived.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 06,2021 at 10:30 AM at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Rd. Mesa AZ.

Penny Ann Rowley, 68, passed away unexpectedly on 13 March 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born the 5^th child to Var Rowley & Buena Lamoreaux in Mesa.

She graduated from Westwood High School in Mesa, and then from BYU. Penny had many talents; her primary talent was Dance. She was not only a talented dancer, but a great choreographer and teacher too. She danced and taught dance for many years at the Paris Dance Studios [formerly Rowley School of Dance].  After High School she danced as the “scared princess” the only “blonde” member of a Polynesian Dance group in Mesa.  While at BYU, Penny taught Tap as an under graduate, and was able to portray her love of the skill to many others.  

After graduating at BYU she taught school in Layton Utah, then moved back to Arizona where she started teaching school in Eloy.

She then went to work for Mesa Schools and set-up the After School Dance Program for them. Penny continued to spread her love of dance, and taught dance out of her home to friends and family.  The opportunity soon came for her to make the move to her first job in technology, where she installed computer systems in Hotels and Restaurants’, throughout the US.  After a short move to Texas, she returned to Arizona where she went to work for SRP.

Then the opportunity for her dream job came with Continental Airlines.  Penny went to work for Continental Airlines and for a while she moved to Cleveland Ohio.  Penny loved flying with Continental and became a Flight Service Manager for them very quickly. 

Penny returned to Arizona where she had her daughter Mackenzie and had a tough first year as Mackenzie was very ill.  But they made it through that year and before long Penny had another opportunity, and joined MicroAge.  At MicroAge Penny held a number of positions and found herself being an adult education instructor teaching all manner of technology topics.  When the company restructured, she decided it was a sign, and went back to work as a Teacher at Mesa Public Schools where she taught PE to K thru 6^th graders.  She loved teaching the kids the variety of ways to enjoy movement.  Eventually, she moved on to a job at Smith Jr High where she taught Dance and helped Jr High girls to respect and value themselves. 

Again, her draw to Technology and continuing adult education took her to Avnet, then to Honeywell and on to Arrow Electronics.  At each company she was a valued team member holding positions in Adult education.

As member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Penny held many callings which of course included teaching children who she loved seeing grow up and become wonderful adults, and adults who she loved getting to know and enjoyed their fellowship immensely.

Besides her many talents, Penny loved to laugh, she was adventurous and loved to travel and do family road trips.  She was kind, and thoughtful and would talk for hours to anyone just for the opportunity to learn about them and their experiences. She was sensitive to others and genuinely interested in everyone one she met.  She received accolades in her many jobs, but her favorite ‘job’ was being Mom to her daughter Mackenzie who she loves to the “moon and back”.

We know Penny is united with her beloved Mother Ann, Father Var, Brother Jack, and many fur babies.  She leaves her daughter, Mackenzie, her siblings, Ken Rowley, April Coleman, Gordon Rowley, Chris Rowley, honorary sister Denise Spencer, honorary daughter Ashley Hendrickson, and two honorary grandchildren Brilynn and Cayden Winters along with many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and fur children.  Our smart, beautiful and creative ballerina will be remembered and missed always and until we all meet again.

Funeral services are set for Monday, 22 March 2021 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel at 825 S 32 St. Mesa, Arizona, 85204   

Services can be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/NeOXKyj1avQ

Eugene Earl Taylor, age 94, passed away in his home on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

Gene was born on January 8, 1927, in Lehi, Arizona, to Florabel Tiffany and Alma Reeves Taylor. Alma passed away in a car accident when Gene was 16, leaving Florabel a widow with nine children. Gene worked hard to help support his family, but still found time to enjoy sports, participate in FFA, and earn his Eagle Scout and Bronze Palm awards.

In 1945, two weeks after graduating from Mesa High School, Gene joined the Army. He went to Japan as part of the occupational forces after World War II. He was so proud to serve his country.

Soon after he got back from Japan, he met Marvell Webb at an institute activity when he knocked her over playing “Upset the Fruit Basket.” They married on December 22, 1948, in the Mesa Arizona Temple, and were blessed with eight children. Gene was an attentive father and was interested in his children’s lives. He wanted them to be safe, successful, and happy. He loved his children and was proud of them.

His business career began in 1949 with one panel truck. He rigged a cooling system in it and began selling lunch meats around the valley. He worked hard and grew the business (later named Taylor Brothers). When he sold it in 1985 it had 85 employees and was a member of the Arizona 100. Gene felt that his success was a blessing from God. He always said, “When you work hard, the Lord blesses you.”

In 1971, Gene purchased 60 acres of forest land in Pinedale. It was his dream to have a ranch where his family could gather. He loved the ranch—the setting, the trees, the pretty green grass, the pastures for raising cattle.

Gene never forgot the kindness of others to his family when he was young. He looked for opportunities to help families in need in his ward and stake. He also donated to organizations and causes that were meaningful to him. In 2001, he led his family in a special donation to the Snowflake Arizona Temple, which was being constructed near Taylor Ranch. The whole family pitched in for the beautiful stained-glass windows in the foyer of the temple.

After retiring from business, Gene and Marvell dedicated themselves to Church service. They served as missionaries at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center, on Temple Square in Salt Lake City and at the LDS Business College. They also served at the LDS Employment Center and as Mesa Arizona Temple workers.

He wanted his family to know he had a testimony of Jesus Christ, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of the Book of Mormon, of Joseph Smith, and of modern prophets. He also wanted them to know he loved their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. He lovingly cared for Marvell for 10 years as she went through Alzheimer’s disease and was by her side when she passed away on September 28, 2014. Gene peacefully followed her in death seven years later, surrounded by his eight children.

He is survived by his children Sharon (Farrel) Holyoak, Wilford (Sharla) Taylor, Ken (Lori) Taylor, DeeAnn Manganaro, Brenda (Steve) Penrod, Patty (Doug) Steiner, Mary Lou (Scott) Clifford, and Tom (Tammy) Taylor, along with 36 grandchildren and 86 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 19^th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Bunker Family Funeral Home at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Another visitation will be on Saturday, March 20^th from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Kimball Stake building at 1266 South 32^nd Street, Mesa, Arizona. A Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am.

The Funeral service can be viewed for those who are unable to attend.

Links for the Funeral Service:

https://zoom.us/j/97333240073
https://youtu.be/MOZ2anuRus0

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Joseph V. Sansom, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 79.

Joe was born on May 24, 1941 in Huntington, West Virginia to Henry and Eleanor Sansom. He was raised alongside his older brother Ed as the two shared many fond memories of countless hours spent with great-aunts, uncles and grandparents. He developed a lifelong fascination for trains while living in Huntington, where many of his family members were trainmen for the Chesapeake-Ohio Railway. Days were filled bike riding with his friends from Ent Air Force Base, to ballgames, and to the then-undeveloped Austin Bluffs for endless afternoons of boyish exploration.

The family moved to Colorado Springs while Joe was in the fifth grade. He developed a love for roller-skating and what started out as a hobby quickly became a job, and he spent long nights down at the roller-rink as a floor guard. Frequent visits to the nearest record store introduced him to another new interest: music. The majority of his allowance was devoted to growing an impressive record collection. Trips to the movie theatres and Patsy’s Caramel Corn and Ice Cream Shop took up the rest. The next couple years were spent devoting time to his hobbies.

His family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, right before his senior year of high school where he graduated in 1959 from Scottsdale High. He went on to attend college in Phoenix, studying business, and spending every extra second proudly working at Arizona’s first Bob’s Big Boy.

Joe met his eternal sweetheart Sue Perkins early in 1968 and they were wed later that year. They were later sealed for all eternity in the Mesa temple. Their marriage resulted in four beautiful children, eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Throughout his years, Joe earned a reputation as a hard-working man and retired from Southwest Gas. He was known for his unique sense of humor, his kind smile, his dedication to and love for his family, and the ability to make everybody feel like they were his favorite.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bradley, his brother, Edward, and his granddaughter, Ayla.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, his children, Margaret, Daniel, and Jessica, as well as his eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Reflections of Life & Visitation

Friday, March 19, 2021

6-8pm

Lindsey Ward Building (1150 North Lindsey Rd, Gilbert 85234)

Dedication & Interment

Saturday, March 20, 2021

11am

Mesa City Cemetery (1212 North center Street, Mesa 85201)

Dr. Douglas Barnard was born October 20, 1936 in Ellisburg, NY and raised in upstate NY until he joined the Navy in 1957 to serve on the U.S.S. Manatee.

While on leave with a ship mate in Phoenix, he met Mary Ellen Stewart. They were married in 1958 for 61 years until Mary passed away in 2019. Together they had two children, (Russ Barnard married to Jeannie Barnard and Christy Dinges married to Tom Dinges), five grandchildren (Aaron Barnard, Matt Barnard (married to Sara Barnard), Evan Barnard, Taylor Dinges and Grayson Dinges and two great grandchildren (Rook Barnard and Camden Barnard).

Doug loved playing sports; basketball, tennis and badminton to name a few. He also enjoyed working in his wood shop on his many projects that spanned from turning bowls on his lathe, to building heirloom furniture his family will enjoy for years to come.

Civic duty and being an active contributor in his community was also very important to him. As a result, he was involved in many civic duties including chairing the Mesa Day Parade for multiple years.

In his down time, he always enjoyed listening to music playlists that he created while enjoying a sweet treat. Anyone who knew Doug well was aware of his love for pies, cookies and cakes alike. He was always appreciative of all the baked goods friends brought for him.

In addition to being a Navy Veteran, he later went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, a Master’s from State University of New York and a Doctorate from Boston University.

He chose to go into education because he “always wanted to teach and help young people.” His proudest moment was being associated with the Mesa Public Schools and was with MPS for 49 years. He started his teaching career as a sixth- grade teacher in Black River, NY before he moved to Mesa in 1963 to teach fifth grade at Holmes Elementary School. While he held multiple positions through his tenure, most importantly he was a key figure in developing what many believe to be the outstanding reading, curriculum and distance learning programs in existence today.

He leaves a rich legacy and impact not only with his family, but with the thousands of students that attended Mesa Public Schools. As the founder of Mesa Schools Distance Learning, often referred to as the “Dean of Arizona Distance Learning”, Doug touched the lives of many and his work will continue to do so for years to come. In his own words “I love it, I love the people I work with. Everyone has the right spirit and just go about helping kids.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Mesa Public Schools Foundation https://secure.anedot.com/mpsf/mesa-public-schools-foundation.

Services will be May 22, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Judith Lynne Thompson of Mesa, AZ, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at the age of 76.  Judith was born to parents Walter and Ida Jankowich on August 27, 1943 in Sacramento, CA.  She grew up with two brothers Alan, and Mike Jankowich.  Judith had an affinity towards music and dancing from a very young age.  She would later marry her high school sweetheart, Robert A Lester Jr., who was a local high school football hero.  Judith went through a deeply profound change in the early 1990’s when she became a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The decision to follow Jesus would guide her footsteps all the rest of her days.  Judith is survived by her husband Franklin and five children to include 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren which are the jewels upon any grandmother’s crown.

Judith married Robert A. Lester Jr. on February 24, 1962 in Sacramento California.  This blessed union would bring about their son, Jeffery Wayne Lester, in 1963.  Jeffery would later marry Vickie and have three children, Nicole, Jeffery Jr., Carolyn, and Christina.  Jeffery Jr. would also provide a great grandchild, Lincoln, and Christina would have two, Carter and Natalie.  Jeffery Wayne Lester would later be followed by Judith’s one and only daughter Julie Dawn Lester in 1967.  Julie Dawn Lester’s partnership to Kellie Lawrey would give her another grandson, Anthony Lawrey and later a great grandson, Conner.

Judith later married William F. Thompson Jr.  This marriage would result in 3 Sons.  Joshua Alan Thompson and Mary would have two children, Jacob, and Tori.  Jonathan Fillmore Thompson and Krystal would have three daughters, Lillian, Carolyn, and Vivian.  Joseph Marion Thompson and Jennifer would raise a son, David, and two daughters, Abigail and Ava.

Judith would later marry Franklin Gray in October of 1999, with whom she would spend the rest of her life.

The cremation of Judith took place on February 2, 2021.

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.”

Dorothy May (Felix) Merrill, 87, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away Sunday May 28, 2017 at her home.

Dorothy was born May 14, 1930, in Barnhill, Illinois to George and Ethel (Medler) Felix.

Dorothy graduated from Fairfield Community High School in 1948. In 1951 she graduated the three-year nursing program at Methodist Hospital of Central Illinois in Peoria. Dorothy stayed on at Methodist working O.B./Labor & Delivery for two years.  She moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1953 and worked at Good Samaritan Hospital for three years and in a doctor’s office for five years. She married William B. Merrill a sergeant with Maricopa County Sherriff’s office in 1956. They moved to Mesa in 1961 and Dorothy worked at Southside and Mesa Lutheran Hospitals until her retirement from nursing in 1979. She returned five year later, working at several nursing homes in the east valley, retiring permanently in 1991.

Dorothy loved children she was a child care provider at First Southern Baptist Church of Mesa for many years. She also did child care in her home during her first retirement and provided in home child care for numerous families after she retired. “Grandma Dorothy” had dozens of “grandbabies” and she loved them all very much.  Dorothy also loved to fish. She would always fish with her sister Betty Vanek and family when she traveled to their home in Wisconsin or with her brother Dale at the farm in Barnhill and with her sister Catherine Dickey when in Flora on trips back home to visit family. Almost every family trip included fishing, and she taught all of her children and grandchildren to fish. She loved that her son lived on a lake and she could go fishing anytime. In her later years Dorothy began playing BINGO she found great excitement and made many new friends.

Dorothy always said she was on her way to Hawaii and ran out of money. That’s how she ended up in Phoenix. So in 2014 her grandchildren Elena & Thomas Davis took their 83 year-old grandmother on the trip of her dreams. She loved it and they are grateful for the memories.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents George and Ethel (Medler) Felix; four sisters, Marjorie Harding, Doris Gregory, Catherine Dickey, Betty Vanek; one brother, Dale Felix and one son, Bill Merrill Jr.

Dorothy is survived by her children; Nancy (Dale) Davis & Todd (Debbie) Merrill of Mesa, Arizona. Six Grandchildren; April Merrill of Crystal River, FL; Justin (Tina) Merrill of Huston, TX; Elena & Thomas Davis and Catalina & Ava Merrill all of Mesa, AZ; one great-grandson; and one great-great-grandson. Dorothy is also survived by two brothers Harold Felix of Kentland, IN; Russell (Lisa) Felix, Fairfield, IL; and a sister-in-law Emmadean Felix, Barnhill, IL and many nieces, nephews and “Grandbabies”.

Dorothy requested cremation and no grave site. The family will hold a private memorial at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be given to the family at www.bunkerfuneral.com

LeahBeth McLaws, age 87, was peacefully called Home on Friday, March 12, 2021 surrounded by all her children. There to meet her was her eternal companion Jack and their son Kory, as well as her parents, Clark and Alice Willis Gardner, her brothers and sisters Maurice Gardner (Inez), Melvin Gardner, Merle Westover (Russell), Kenneth Gardner, Olga Butler (Claude), Geraldine Willis (Cleon), Orabell Shelley Porter ( Leland, Ken). Together, LeahBeth and Jack raised a family, Kayola Skinner (Phillip), Kory McLaws (deceased), Kenneth McLaws, Kaylene Stevens (Shawn), Kirk McLaws, Kimberly McLaws Hunt, J. Rodney Winkler. LeahBeth was a beloved grandma. Her legacy will continue through her 22 grandchildren Stephanie, Nicole, Zachary, Dallas, Brody, Kory, Tauren-Ashlee, Perry, Kayson, Chaz, Coda Jack, Savannah, Cade, Shaedynn, Hans-Fritz, Madyson, Montana, Connor, Boston, Jacklyn, Ledger and Keely-Ross, and 30 great grandchildren. LeahBeth worked side by side with her husband Jack running their businesses A&W, Navajo Concrete, Jack’s Place, McLaws Excavating, as well as owning and running LB&J Hobby Store. She was an amazing seamstress sewing costumes for plays and pom and cheer uniforms. She was a wonderful homemaker making a home not only for us but for anyone that needed a place. She was a faithful lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Day Saints serving in everything from Scouting, Young Women’s, Relief Society,  Primary in both Stake and Ward level and endless hours at the Humanitarian Center. Visitation will be Sunday, March 21, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the Monument Ward,  L.D.S. building located at 830 E. Lehi Road Mesa, Arizona.

There will be a livestream via zoom

Https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85602223420

Bill R. Miller passed away peacefully on March 11, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona.  There to greet him was his Grandmother Ada Curtright, his sister Karen Conoley and cousin/friend/partner in crime, Brooks Edwards.  He will be remembered as a husband and friend to his wife Liz, father and mentor to his daughters Monica Preston (Chad) and Crystal Stoltz (Mark), and he enjoyed having fun with his 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  His life’s work included positions in service to the public and volunteering his time for veterans’ organizations. He enjoyed golfing and hunting in his earlier years and was a veteran of the United States Navy.  He will be memorialized at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at a later date, to be updated as it becomes available.  Bill was born on January 2, 1945 in Lyons, Kansas to Joseph Miller and Virginia Curtright, who also preceded him in death, and he will be missed by all.  Bunker Family Funerals and Cremation took care of the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that you give to the First Tee organization or the Wounded Warrior project.

www.bunkerfuneral.com

If you knew Mark McKee, I have no doubt you loved him….. but not nearly as much as I did.

“To have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part”…. well, here we are. I would ‘hold on loosely, and not let go’, but he had to leave the comfort of his home and the loving embrace of my arms on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021.

Mark was truly the strongest, most stubborn man I’ve ever known. He used those qualities to propel him through life… they were his life force! He worked hard, played hard and loved deeply. His priority was to make sure everyone else was taken care of and secondly, to enjoy the fruits of his labor. His home, yard, pool, cars and bike were a source of pride for him and he worked just as hard on them as he did his job. He worked in the pharmaceutical industry for nearly all his adult life, and I literally cannot think of a single day that he missed work. I never met an employee who didn’t say he was the best boss they ever had or a colleague who didn’t enjoy working with him. We enjoyed many, many years of motorcycle riding (me as a passenger), at least 14 years attending Arizona Bike Week, concerts, dancing and closing down bars. He felt like a King and I was his Queen on my Motorcycle Throne (B-seat, BarcaLounger, etc). He also went on many long distance rides with his “Wild Hogs” and other friends…. a bunch of pharmaceutical  managers, doctors, firefighters and cops… you know, the usual big bad biker dudes! Mark also enjoyed cabin trips, fishing and of course, being from Hutchinson Kansas and a Kansas University graduate, his KU Jayhawks!

“Mark is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 37 years” is how these next lines should read, but that is not nearly enough words for everyone to realize what we had, and the half of me that is now missing.

Mark also leaves behind his cherished children, whom he loved so much, and would do anything for…. his daughter Brooke Spittell (Steve), his stepson Michael Guzman (Lanna), his son Max, and his daughter Mollie. His heart broke a little more each time he thought about how much he would miss his treasured grandchildren (both present and future)…. McKenna & Brody Spittell, and Nash, Sidney, & Connor Guzman.

Mark is also survived by his Aunt Mary Lou Young (née McKee), brother Gary McKee (Marla) of Hutchinson, KS; Michelle Tyler (Mike) of Wichita, KS; Mike McKee (Laurie) of Gilbert, AZ; nieces and nephews Erin, Shannon & JD; Sarah, Katie & Samantha; Mason & Matthew; Morgan & Madison; and many cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father Walter Dean, his mother Donna Dee, his beloved sister Deana and our most cherished friend Diane Weiland, all of whom would be most joyful at the thought of reuniting with him.

Please join us for a Memorial and Celebration of Mark’s Life at 2 PM, on Wed, March 31, 2021, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Please donate blood whenever you have the opportunity. You never know whose life you will save…. Mark was saved many, many times because of those who did!

Colette was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 28, 1944.  Her parents were Captain L. C. Petross, USN, and Kathryn R. Petross.  Colette grew up on Naval Bases in Green Cove Springs (Florida), Algiers (Louisiana) and Pearl Harbor Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii.  After her father retired from the Navy, Colette lived six years in Springdale, Arkansas before moving to Mesa, Arizona in 1963.

Colette was a musical child prodigy.  She could play the piano by ear from an early age.  She went on to master playing the organ, accordion and harpsichord.  She also studied voice and competed in State-wide singing completions in Arkansas.  Additionally, she sang in the Methodist Church choirs in Springdale and Mesa.

In her later years Colette took up poetry.  She had an amazing gift to write, effortlessly, beautiful odes to people she loved, as well as other topics.

Colette graduated from Springdale High School and Mesa Community College.  Prior to retiring, Colette was a nurse at Mesa Lutheran Hospital.

Colette is survived by her brother, Stephen L. Petross of Mesa, Arizona.