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Albertina Clair Rux was called home Tuesday, March 30, 2021.  There to meet her were: her husband of 40 years, Michael Rux Sr., her parents, Mary Shell, Bob Shell, and Bert Jolley, her brother, Joseph Jolley, and her precious grandson Adrian Kerr.  Left to carry on the traditions are her children: Michael Rux Jr. (Jessica Rux), Jennifer Rice (James Rice) and Rachael Cota (Jacob Cota).  Her Legacy will continue through her 7 grandchildren Jennica and Ryker Rux, Madilyn Nickola, Austin Rice, Zaniyah, Zoey and Jacob Jr. Cota and her beloved companion Norman (Norm) Frei.

Tina was born Albertina Clair Jolley on April 1, 1957 at the Logan County hospital in Sterling, Colorado in the town closest to her family’s wheat farm.  Tina’s father, Bert Jolley passed away before she was born.  Mary Jolley moved with her four kids: Beth, Joe, Jeff, and Tina to Mesa, AZ in 1960 when Tina was just three years old.  Mary then met Bob Shell who had a daughter, Connie.  Bob and Mary married, blended families, and had two boys, Todd and Tyler.  Tina was a good swimmer at a young age and excelled at the butterfly stroke.

Tina was a proud grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing games and doing crafts.  She had a deep love for Jesus and enjoyed studying the bible. She was a kind, funny, strong, and outspoken person. She will be dearly missed, so, we will hold onto the very poem she herself wrote:

“Although death brings heartache hard to heal, love and memories no one can steal, In the still tender heart of me resides Christ with love, beauty, and my deepest cry.  Yearning for that day of redemption when I awaken like him and know as I am known.”

In honor of her strong love and relationship with Jesus, we remind all that knew her that she loves you all and has returned to the Father.

“To live is Christ to die is gain”

The family will be holding a visitation for Albertina Clair Jolley-Rux at Bunker’s Family Funeral – University Chapel, located at 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213, on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. with a celebration of her life to follow.

Bobby Lynn Porter, 88, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2021.  Bob was born January 12, 1933, to Roland and Mina Haws Porter in Escalante, Utah.  He was the seventh of eight children.  At the age of 5, they moved to the ranch where he first learned about hard work.  He attended elementary and high school in Escalante and had great relationships with his teachers and classmates, graduating in 1951.  Bob got his draft notice to the U.S. Army in 1952 and reported for basic training shortly after.  He was discharged in 1954 just in time for Christmas.  On November 22, 1955, he married Sandra Bailey in the St. George Temple for time and all eternity.  He attended and played basketball for Cedar City University and in 1959 graduated from the College of Southern Utah with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  He later went on to earn a master’s degree from Arizona State University.  He and Sandra moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1959 where he taught elementary school for 14 years.  Bob was a builder and skilled craftsman.  He built 5 of the homes they lived in over the years along with homes and cabinets for others all over the valley.  In 1973 Bob obtained his contractors license and operated Bob Porter Construction until starting up a cabinetry business, Sawmill Custom Cabinets, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2003.  He and Sandra served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Honduras San Pedro Sula Mission in Belize from 2003 to 2004.  Bob and Sandra served in the Mesa Arizona Temple for 13 years.  Bob always had a project he was working on in the shop, a part of the yard he was tending to, or a piece of history he was learning about.  Bob was known and loved for his kind heart, service to others, and wonderful sense of humor. 

He is survived by his wife Sandra, children Teresa LeSueur (Darrel), Brent (Afton), and Travis (Alyssa), thirteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, four sisters, two daughters, and one grandson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 9, 2021, at the Edgewood Ward building, 4640 E. Holmes Ave, Mesa, with visitation at 9:00 am followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona. Services will also be available through Zoom https://zoom.us/j/93431437098 or YouTube https://youtu.be/ZMIeOQexh0U for those wishing to join remotely. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services

Vivian “Penny” Aarestad, 99, Mesa, AZ, formerly of Halstad, MN, passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at home at Fountain of the Sun in Mesa, with family by her side and under the care of Hospice at Home of Arizona.

Vivian is preceded in death by her husband, Bennitt Aarestad. She is survived by her sons, Larry (Becky) Aarestad, Ogema, MN, and Randy (Sandi) Aarestad, Halstad, MN; daughter, Barbara (David Moewes) Aarestad, Mesa, AZ; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

A complete obituary to follow.   Arrangements are pending for celebration of life gatherings at Fountain of the Sun in Mesa, AZ and Augustana Lutheran Church, rural Halstad, MN.

Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada & Halstad, Minnesota.  Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com

Margaret Ruth Criswell, 73 Passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona after a long illness. She was born in Mesa August 2^nd, 1947 to Winton and Beulah Langford. She was a life-long Mesa resident, graduating from Westwood High School.

She married Gary Criswell in the Mesa Temple in 1968. She enjoyed being a homemaker, cooking for her family and singing in the choir.

Margaret is survived by her 4 children, Jennifer Courter(Ken), Jason, Stephanie and Kimberly. She was preceded in death by her husband.

Delilah Shockman passed away on Wednesday night, March 24th, in Mesa, AZ.  Estle Stockton and Alice Martin, her parents, were married in 1943 and blessed with five children, David, Nedra, Delilah, Eliza, and Myron. Delilah was born in Orange, Texas, on September 18th of 1951, a happy and pleasant child. Estle, her father, passed away in the summer of 1958, and her mother moved the family to Mesa, AZ, in 1959.

She went to Westwood High School, where she met her sweetheart, and their love story began in an instant.  They were married in 1970, and her first child later that same year in October. Delilah attended MCC for a few semesters and did very well, earning an A in Organic Chemistry, but favoring Childhood Development, becoming a vital part of her life’s work with young children and individuals with disabilities.

Delilah worked for Motorola for a few years and continued to have children. When her last daughter was born, she became an entrepreneur, running a nursery at home. She loved children, her own, and every child that came into her home. After nearly ten years of running a nursery, Delilah began a new career at MARC Center in Mesa. She was a life coach as well as a friend to all those with whom she worked.  Delilah was known for her generosity, service, and endless patience with those around her. She was a teacher and found meaning and purpose in helping others learn and grow.

Delilah is preceded in death by her parents, Estle and Alice, her brother Dave and her sweet infant son, Gabriel. Delilah is survived by her husband of 50 years, Paul Shockman, her daughters, Pallas, Erika, Leae, Elissia, Dyana and her son Apollo; her siblings Nedra, Eliza, and Myron; grandchildren Michael, Leo, Hunter, Actias, Laura, Jordan, Chandler, Annie, Liam, Zander, Carter, Alex, and Ezri.

Funeral services will be held on April 5th, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1054 W 2nd Pl, Mesa, AZ. There will be a short viewing at 2 pm, the funeral service will follow at 3 pm, and the family and friends are invited to stay for a light dinner. She will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery on Tuesday at 2 pm.

Perry Oliver, beloved husband, father of 8, Grandfather of 26, and Great Grandfather of 12 peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father from his home in San Tan Valley on March 25, 2021.  Born June 7th, 1937 in Louisville Kentucky, Perry was raised in Lebanon Tennessee and then Springfield Illinois where he met his wife of over 63 years, Joyce Elaine Fryer.  In 1974 Perry and Joyce took their six children and migrated west to Mesa Arizona where their last two children were born.

Perry was a serial entrepreneur and founded several businesses over the past 50 years, as well as being a Facilities Director and Contract Engineer.  Perry served his country in both the Air and Army National Guards, a legacy reflected by his descendants to this day.

From Golden Glove competitions, being in the Civil Air Patrol, to singing in talent shows, Perry’s youth was eclectic.  A trait that followed him through life.  He played the trumpet in his high-school band and loved his harmonica.  Later in life he would take-up the bagpipe and was always, always whistling.  An Arizona history buff, Perry loved to visit historical sites, off-road in his beloved red jeep, pan for gold, and target shoot … all with his children.  Perry was an accomplished pilot, loved to fly, and dreamed of one day doing aerobatics in the Pitts S-1 biplane he was restoring.

In 1962 Perry joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In 1964 Perry was sealed to his wife and then three sons in the Salt Lake Temple.  Though Perry served in three Bishoprics and various church organizations, his greatest love was serving as an ordinance worker in both the Mesa and Gilbert Temples.

Perry’s sense of humor and juvenile antics will be missed, but his eternal love for his family and his Savior is truly a source of comfort.

Ralph Dee Spilsbury, 79, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2021, surrounded by his family.  He was born on August 28, 1941, in Whittier, California, the only child of Ralph Spilsbury and Georgia Ann Hurley (Smith). He graduated from Mesa High and married his sweetheart, Janelle Ray, on March 27, 1964. His large family was everything to him.  He was the father of 8 children, grandpa to 32, and great grandpa to 8. Ralph was very active in FFA in high school and won many awards.  His love of animals and nature continued throughout his life.  Ralph was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when he was 16 years old and served a mission in the Northwestern States Mission.  He received a Bachelors in Agricultural Science from ASU and a Masters and a PH.D in Agronomy from the U of A. He loved sharing his love of animals, plants, trees, gardening, soil, and fishing with anyone who would listen.  He enjoyed serving in various callings in the church but especially looked back on his years of being Bishop of Mesa 27^th Ward with great fondness. Ralph is survived by his children Laura Jepson (Rick), Susie Petkovsek, David (Patti), Jeremy (Julie), Holly Eddy, Greg (Chelsea), Megan Turnbull (Josh). He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janelle, son Aaron Eric, and grandchildren Chad and Summer Petkovsek. There will be a viewing Wednesday, March 31^st, from 6-8pm at Bunker’s University Chapel (3529 E University Dr, Mesa). Services will be held Thursday, April 1^st, at 10am with a viewing prior at 9am at the LDS church building on Lindsay and Pueblo (920 S Lindsay Rd, Mesa). Here is the zoom link for those unable to attend in person. https://youtu.be/vAk3GaaHlak

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)