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Richard E Brown, MD, age 92, passed from this earthly life into the presence of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on February 2, 2021, from natural causes. He was surrounded by his family at the end and passed peacefully.

Richard was born in Jackson, MI, and grew up in Ohio, Long Island, and Sheffield, AL. He graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1950 and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1954. At “K” College, he met his sister’s roommate Louise, the love of his life, and future wife of 69 years. After med school he was a flight surgeon and Captain for 2 years in the US Air Force. Following pediatric residency in Denver, he moved with his growing family to Mesa in 1959 to join Dr. John Kerr at Mesa Pediatric Professional Association (MPPA). For 40 years, countless East Valley children were lovingly cared for by their beloved “Dr. Brown.” During his pediatric practice, he served terms as the Chief of Staff at both Mesa Southside Hospital and Mesa Lutheran, and was on the initial planning teams for the construction of Desert Samaritan (today’s Banner Desert Medical Center).

He was a humble, gentle man, who loved his wife and children, his large extended family, and most of all Jesus Christ. His other loves included singing in choirs, seemingly all children, all dogs, working hard outdoors, and helping people. He served for decades as an elder at Church of the Redeemer in Mesa, and on the board of Redeemer Christian School.

After retirement, his long list of volunteer service included the St. Vincent de Paul pediatric clinic, East Valley Chorale, Desert Botanical Garden, Southwest Archeological Team, and Champlin Fighter Museum.

He is survived by his wife Louise Brown, sons Steve (Dawn) of Mesa, Greg (Nancy) of Colorado Springs, Marty (Bobbi) of Tucson, 2 sisters Janet and Alberta, 10 grand children Elizabeth, Paul, Tricia, Philip, Andy, Zach, Isaac, Micah, Samuel, Sarah, and 21 great grand children. His deep laugh and quiet kindness will be missed by all, and we look forward to the day when we will see him again in glory. A memorial service will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Sunshine Acres or Redeemer Christian School, both in Mesa, AZ.

Richard B Kleinberg, 78, passed away Tuesday Feb 2, 2021 at 5:17 pm from complications due to Covid. He was surrounded by his family: Wife, Valerie; Daughters Jessica and Sara. He was a warrior, a wonderful father, and beloved husband. Please send donations in his memory to The Wounded Warriors Fund.

Leland Elbert Graham, age 83 and resident of Mesa, Arizona.  He passed away peacefully with loved ones on February 2^nd 2021.  He was born July 29^th in 1937 in Hensley, MO.  He moved to Arizona with his family in 1980.

He was a Sergeant in the USAF from October 1956 – 1965 and received several medals.  He was a business owner and the Patriarch of his family.  He was a devoted husband and father and his humor, patience and love for his family will leave them with many blessed memories.

He was preceded in death by his mother Pauline Dodson, brother Gerald Graham and brother Jack Graham.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Betty Jane.  Four children, daughter Katherine Wilson (Timothy Apache Junction, Arizona; son William Graham (Linda) Janesville, Wisconsin; son Brian Graham (Dena) Las Vegas, Nevada and daughter Laura Miles (Paul) Apache Junction, Arizona.  16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews and other family members who dearly loved him.

A Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm, with the Funeral Service at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, February 10^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.  A private burial will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Claudia Lee Blackmer Freeman Vance, age 86, our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, returned Home to her Heavenly Father after long years of illness on January 29, 2021.

Claudia was born on March 25, 1934 in Pocatello, Idaho to Eva Luella (Heaps) and Lee Allen Blackmer.

She married Earl Reeseman Vance, her high school sweetheart, in the Mesa Arizona temple on August 4, 1951. Earl died two days before their eighth anniversary on August 2, 1959.

Claudia faced life with determination and zest.  She started her own home accounting business and worked in that field for over 20 years, including Payroll Deductions Clerk at ASU. She eventually went back to school, graduating with Honors from the College of Southern Idaho, earning two Associate Degrees in Business and Fine Arts. She was chosen as one of “Who’s Who among American Junior College Students” in 1976.  She then attended Brigham Young University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Speech and Interpersonal Communications, and a minor in Drama.  A few years later, she returned to BYU as a Hall Advisor in the student resident dorms – a position she held for fifteen years – becoming a guiding light and great influence in the lives of the young women and men who were privileged to know and work with her.

Claudia was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She taught early morning Seminary, and served in leadership positions in every auxiliary. She was also the Nursery Coordinator for the Mesa, Arizona Temple Excursions from Mexico and Central America, for two and a half years. At the same time, she became a certified Red Cross Home Nursing instructor and taught several classes in the Tempe 1^st ward Relief Society. As a Hall Advisor at BYU, she initiated the annual Women’s Weekend which was held in her halls for over ten years. She also co-created the Self-Government System of Hall Living, which helped shape the futures of her Resident Assistants and residents from across the U.S. and around the world. With her daughter, she wrote a manual for Family Emergency Preparedness.  Just for fun, she financed and directed six plays at various locations; the largest production, “And Suddenly You’re Older,” drew up to 50 participants from all of Helaman Halls.

Claudia loved reading, teaching, music and singing, movies and theater, crocheting and travel. Every season, she vigorously encouraged her beloved BYU Cougars football team to victory. But her true calling was as a family historian, to which she dedicated her life full-time after she retired from BYU, and continued until her death.

We are sure she was welcomed Home by her husband, Earl; her son, Richard; as well as other loved ones who predeceased her. She is survived by three children: E. Blaine Vance (Karen), C. Leeann Vance Hansen (Tom), and David A. Vance. She was also extremely proud of her seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.  Her greatest joy in life came from being a wife, mother and grandmother.

A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday, February 19^th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Bunker Memorial Chapel at 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 20^th at 11:00 am for family and close friends at Taylor Park Ward chapel, 825 South 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona  85204 and will also be broadcast at https://youtu.be/uYjK2FfOF5k.

In lieu of flowers, friends may choose to donate to Rock Steady Boxing Mesa NFP, a Parkinson’s therapy center, 501[c]3, through Facebook Fundraisers (Claudia’s Memorial Fund).

Kacey Rae Bowers, 42, passed away January 28, 2021 in the loving company of her son Lorenzo Bowers, 20, her parents Donetta and Russell Bowers and members of her beloved family. Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, Kacey had an active family upbringing and attended the Mesa public schools where she showed notable scholastic and athletic achievement. A fiery competitor Kacey attended Yavapai College where she competed on the Rough Riders volleyball team. Kacey had a varied professional career, but repeatedly spoke of her most important achievements being after receiving her master’s degree in Professional Counseling, working with populations with challenging needs within our communities. Kacey connected with people in trouble. She was able to empathize and lead them to change. With community support, she provided grooming and clothing needs for her clients. “Kacey’s Kloset” was a place in her facility with upgraded clothing and grooming opportunities. She loved seeing progress with her clients in every positive way. This was so satisfying to her.

Kacey is survived by her son and parents as well as six siblings and nineteen nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Salt River Stake Center, 6942 East Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85207 on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Visitation for family and friends – 9:00 AM at the same location.

Betty Ann Armstrong (nee Konkowski) passed away peacefully at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona on January 29, 2021 after suffering a massive heart attack. Born July 1, 1956 to Norbert and Joanne Konkowski in Cleveland, OH, she was a true Betty.

A proud graduate of Maple Heights High School Class of 1974. She was retired but made her living as a billing clerk for the construction trades over the last 20+ years. She worked hard to provide for her daughters the best that she could. She enjoyed traveling, often visiting family in Florida. She was a doll collector, crafter, and fan of Betty Boop (a nickname given to her in high school).

Betty is preceded in death by her parents.  She leaves behind her loving daughters Jennifer Fry (Robert) of Chardon, Ohio and Rebecca Gaul (John) of Maricopa, Arizona; three grandsons Ryan and Stephen Fry and Logan Gaul whom she loved to the moon and back; siblings Michael Konkowski (Debbie), Susan Kurta (David), and Brenda Germ (Robert). She was a proud Aunt to Melissa Perry (Jordan) and Emily Collister (Paul), Nicholas Konkowski and Daniel Kurta (Jamie); and a Great Aunt to Veda and Lennox, whom she adored spending time with, Colton and Baby Kurta that she was excited is on the way. She also leaves behind many Cousins and Friends who were a part of her extended family.

To those that knew Betty she had a heart of gold that was full of endless love. She was a true friend and would help whenever she could. She always tried to see the good in people and had a wonderful smile. She would talk endlessly about anything once you got her started. We know that she touched so many in her life and there are many memories that will keep her alive as we go on without her.

Funeral services were private. A Celebration of Life to remember Betty will be planned in the early summer to be held in Chardon, Ohio. We look forward to remembering Betty and sharing our favorite memories together at that time. This website will be updated as that information is made available. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that contributions toward funeral expenses can be made to Jennifer Fry or Rebecca Gaul.

On Sunday January 31, 2021 Tim Williams lost his battle with cancer. He was born in Flint, Michigan and passed away peacefully at home in Phoenix, Arizona. He is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Donna Williams. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and his sons, Timothy Jr. and Brian, as well as his ” adopted” son, Jeremiah. He leaves behind his five siblings, Thomas II, Nancy, Terry, Ruth Ann, and Melinda, as well as his nieces and nephews.

After 10 years at General Motors and 13 Years at EDS, Tim fulfilled his lifelong dream of starting a business as a cabinetmaker. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, shooting sports, and was happiest when spending time with his family and friends.

Tim meant so very much to his family and friends touched the lives of so many, he will be missed.

Lillian “Lil” (Wright) Rogers, 83 passed away peacefully, January 30, 2021 in Queen Creek, Arizona. Lil was a devoted wife and loving mother.  Her greatest gift was her heart of hospitality.  She took great joy and pride in taking care of her family, friends and neighbors.  Lil is preceded in death by her husband Fred of 62 years and her sister Sharon.  She is survived by her sister Susan and her children Slate, wife Cindy and Sandra, husband Robert.  She lives on through her 4 grandchildren, Ryan, wife Paula, Hope, husband Michael, Sarah, Seth, wife Samantha and 5 great-grandchildren, Angelina, Cayden, Caydence, Bentley and Hudson.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Stephanie Jo Romine, 45, of Gilbert, AZ, passed away after a short illness on Sunday, January 17, 2021.

Stephanie was born in La Mirada, CA on January 1, 1976. She was the much-anticipated “first baby born” at the hospital on New Year’s Day and was celebrated by family and staff alike.

Stephanie drew people in with her beauty, kindness and her infectious laugh. She was generous; always offering a little something whenever she visited her family and friends. She loved animals and, as a young girl, had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. She loved to sing and dance and was a member of the Color Guard during her highschool years in Ramona, CA. She was a creative writer and enjoyed reading mystery novels.

Stephanie leaves behind her four beautiful children, that she loved very much, Jacob Catania, Riley Martin, Bonnie Jo Martin, and Joseph Martin; her mother, Bonita (Bonnie) Romine; her sisters, Michelle (Romine) Moore and husband Michael, Laurie Romine and husband James Curtis, her brother John Romine and wife Carrie; nieces and nephews, Derek Moore, Justin Curtis, Ashton Curtis, Jonathan Romine, Alexandra Romine, and many other family members and friends that held her dear to their hearts.  She is preceded in death by her father, Johnny W. Romine.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity. No services are scheduled at this time.

Gary Burke Larson was born on January 15, 1934 in Glenbar, Arizona. He is the son of Alma and Grace Larson. Gary grew up in Pima, Arizona, the 9th child of 13 children. He would pick cotton in the summers to earn money with his brothers. After graduating from Pima High school he served in the U.S. Navy, during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.

He graduated from Arizona State University with a BS degree in accounting in 1957. While attending the university he met and fell in love with the beautiful Jeanine Peterson. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa Temple on November 8, 1957. They were married for 63 years. They had a happy and loving home and were blessed with 10 children, sons Keith, Brent, Lance, Kyle, and Mark, daughters Shelly Russell, Susan Larsen, Sandra Sapore, Julie Haws, and Christy Denney.

He graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1968. He practiced law for over 50 years until the age of 85.  Gary is survived by his wife Jeanine, his daughters except Sandra Sapore, his sons, 40 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had many callings including serving a 2 year stake mission, serving in scouting and the Young Men’s program. He was a counselor in the bishopric and a high priest leader.

Gary passed away peacefully on January 27, 2021. He will be remembered for being a hard worker, his kindness, patience and sense of humor.  He is survived by his brothers, Clay and Richard, sisters Letha and Linda.

A viewing will be held Friday, February 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bunker’s Funerals 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

His funeral will be Saturday, February 6th at 10 a.m. at the LDS church building at 2228 East Brown Road Mesa, 85213. A viewing will take place from 9 to 9:45 a.m. before the funeral. A graveside is planned for noon at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St.

A livestream of the funeral will be available to those who cannot attend in person. 

In loving memory of Betty Lou Vincent, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She passed away peacefully on January 30, 2021, at the age of 94.

Betty married her soulmate, Bill in 1948 and created a beautiful life together.  Betty was an excellent homemaker who was devoted to her family while also raising three daughters in California.  In her retirement years, Betty and Bill moved to Arizona where they spent many years enjoying their home, family, grandchildren, gardening, taking walks, and attending church on Sundays.  She will be truly missed, but never forgotten by her family and friends who loved her dearly.  After nearly 8 years apart, Betty and Bill are finally and blissfully reunited together again.

In Memory of Beonka Anita Thomas

Survived by her children David Thomas, Ethan Tate, Dreas Tate, Kayden Tate.

Predeceased by David F. Wahpeta

Winterhawk Parsens, Laveen, Arizona

Brande Stone, Sacaton, Arizona

Treina & Contrena Garcia, Blackwater, Arizona

Leedara Garcia, Blackwater, Arizona

Josephine Garcia, Blackwater, Arizona

Cedrick Jackson, Casa Blanca, Arizona

Hope Miles, Casa Blanca, Arizona

Kaitlyn Enos, Casa Blanca, Arizona

Arnesto Enos, Casa Blanca, Arizona

Phyllis Enos, Casa Blanca, Arizona

Angelo Enos, Casa Blanca, Arizona

Wake Service Held February 06, 2021 5-10 PM

Funeral Service February 07, 2021 Vah Ki Cemetery 9 AM to Noon

Daniel was born in Jackson, Michigan to Harry and Evelyn Davis. He was the youngest of five children. They are all now reunited up yonder. Dan is survived by his loving wife Ruthann Davis and his children Daniel H. II, Joshua Stout, Lisa Ann, and Matthew Alan.

Dan met his eternal companion, Ruthann, while working in the Mesa Public Library. He took her by surprise and into his arms when they were married and sealed in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on February 14, 1984.

Dan continued to support his family by working at the Mesa Public Library for over 40 years. He loved reading, as did his wife. He would frequently bring home new books for each of them to enjoy and continued to do so throughout the years. He also dabbled very seriously in gardening and bowling, not to mention his impressive high scores in Galaga.

Ultimately, Dan is an example of dedication and perseverance for all those that were around him, especially his family. He worked hard for as long as his body would permit. Once he made up his mind about something, he stuck with it and saw it through to the end. His steadfastness lives on in his children.

Michael Andrew Cook passed away on January 12, 2021 in Mesa, AZ. On April 3, 1959 Michael joined his family as second-born son to Maria Alice Tejeda and Albert Woodrow Cook, in Gatesville, TX. Alice later married Willard Hamilton Jessup who helped raise Michael in Portola, CA.

Michael joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1981 and served as a missionary in the Buenos-Aires Norte area of Argentina from January, 1983 to July, 1984.

Michael went to college at Southern Utah State where he met and later married the love of his life, Marcene (Danner), on June 8, 1985; they have three living children: Bryan (Alley) Cook, Aaron (Brandy) Cook, Stephen Cook and four living grandchildren: Hunter, Audrey, Lucas, Kaleb.

Michael worked as a Chemical Analysist for over 30 years specializing in asbestos, lead, and mold. Michael was always so dedicated to his family and to the Lord. Leading by example for his children, Michael was known for his leadership in the Boy Scouts, and holding several callings in the Church leading up to Bishop.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. He is survived by one brother: Phillip “Butch” Cook.

Michael was the best father any son could ask for. Till we meet again.

Donald Wayne Runyan was born the second of four children to Raymond and Lorene Runyan on June 13, 1940 in Denver, Colorado.  At the beginning of World War II he and his family moved to San Diego, California while his father served in the Navy.  After the war, Don’s family returned to Denver, where he was instilled with the skills and values that would last him a lifetime.  He was raised in a loving family, where he learned how to work hard and overcome challenges.

He attended Alameda High School in Lakewood, Colorado where he excelled socially as well as with learning, working, and wrestling.  The sparks of knowledge he gained fueled a lifelong pursuit of education and became a priority that he instilled in others throughout his life.  He lettered in wrestling and ran with a large group of friends called “The Cousins” whose activities would take him all over the Denver area and allow him to polish his people skills. He accepted invitations to 24 proms during his high school years, and after the first few proms his mother, who was a skilled seamstress, made him a tuxedo which he proudly wore to the next 20 formals.  While in high school he worked construction for his uncles’ construction business.  Due to his work ethic and his ability to positively influence others, he was made foreman of his construction crew at the age of 16.  He figured out quickly that being good at something did not mean that he needed to do that thing for the rest of his life. Don graduated from Alameda High School in 1958. 

After high school Don applied to BYU and Ricks College. He was accepted to both, and he was also awarded a wrestling scholarship at Ricks. He spoke with the wrestling coach at BYU and was told if he could beat the varsity wrestler in his weight class (who was a senior) he could have his spot and scholarship on the BYU team. He considered it, but was worried about wrestling a college senior and also didn’t feel right about taking someone else’s scholarship if he won, so he decided to attend Ricks college.  A few months later Ricks and BYU had a wrestling meet in which Don squared-off against the senior and Don pinned him. In 1960 Don graduated from Ricks College with an associate degree.  Don served honorably in the Eastern States Mission where he participated in the Palmyra Pageant, taught many, baptized a few and gained a deep personal testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   

Following his mission, Don attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT where he met the love of his life, Linda.  They were married March 9, 1963 and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on October 23, 1964.  They were blessed with five children over the next twelve years. Don was a science major with dreams of medical school but when the realities of life got in the way he changed his major and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Economics followed by a Master’s in Business Administration.   

Don and Linda spent the next 35 years in Denver, Lakewood, and Evergreen, Colorado.  Initially he worked for Xerox as a salesman and won the Salesman of the year award in 1966.  After a few years with Xerox, Don changed careers and went into business with his father and brother, starting Runyan Brothers Construction Company.  Subsequent business ventures included owning and operating Runyan Keepsake Jewelry store, then his own construction company, Better Builders, and finally a trio of Subway Sandwich stores.  Throughout all of this, Don never lost sight of his original dream of becoming a doctor, and in the late 1980’s he began the process of qualifying for and applying to medical school. 

Despite many obstacles and much discouragement he persevered, and at the age of 53 Don began medical school at The College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California. To this day he is the oldest student to have been accepted there. He graduated in 1997, after which Don and Linda moved to Arizona, where he practiced emergency medicine for the 22 following years.  

Don is survived by his wife Linda, and his children Randolynn (Kevin), Todd (Blanca), Jennifer (Shawn), Rebecca (Arthur), and Matthew (Kristi), 22 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, his older brother Ray, and younger sister Joan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judi.

He was a faithful lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had many opportunities to serve others in bishoprics, as bishop at the age of 41, High Councilman, Young Men’s leader, and Scoutmaster. He was known for his friendly personality toward everyone, abundant kindness, boundless generosity, overreaching inclusiveness, selfless service, and most of all his infectious optimism.

Most important to Don was his family. His love for his wife was constant, consistent and endless, through thick and thin.  He was great friends with his parents and siblings.  He adored his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He saw the best in everyone, and helped them see it in themselves.  

Memorial service will be held at 3pm on Saturday, January 30th at the LDS chapel located at 745 N Val Vista Drive in Mesa, AZ 85213, and will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person.  https://youtu.be/CTcfV5SCzy0

Jimmy Tyler Montoya 1990-2021

Our loving handsome son passed away on January 23, 2021. We are heartbroken, he was our whole world and he will be greatly missed. Tyler was born on January 16, 1990, in Salt Lake City, Utah to parents Jimmy Montoya Jr. and Lisa Fields Montoya. Tyler had the biggest heart and always had a hug for you. He was passionate about music and playing his guitar and drums. He enjoyed cooking, skateboarding, camping, four wheeling and spending time with his family. He was loved by everyone and had many lifelong friends. He will also be missed by his buddy, his dog Jackson. Survived by parents, Jimmy Montoya Jr. and Lisa Fields Montoya and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Tyler was preceded in death by both sets of Grandparents.

Private family services will be held Friday, January 29, 2021