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Charles was born January 30th, 1942 in Los Angeles, California to his parents Harold LeRoy Hansen and Betha Cornelia Agren. He had 3 brothers, Harold (recently deceased), Steve and Lynn. Their family moved back to Iona, Idaho after WWII to continue working on the wheat farm. During junior high and high school, Charles played on the basketball and football teams, and performed in several musical productions. He was also an Eagle Scout and class valedictorian. Charles attended BYU until he left for his mission to Taiwan where he learned to speak Mandarin. After his mission, Charles continued performing with BYU Program Bureau on tours sponsored by the Dept. of Defense and the State Dept. to the Far East and throughout Germany. He sang the National Anthem for the home basketballs games in the Fielding Fieldhouse.
He met Suzann Perry in a French class in 1966. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 30, 1967. Charles earned his bachelor’s degree from BYU in Asian Studies and his MBA degree as well, graduating magna cum laude. He also graduated as Honor Cadet from the Utah National Guard. He served in Utah and Arizona National Guard as a 2nd Lt.
Charles and Suzann lived in Yuma, AZ until 1974, then moved to Mesa, AZ. Charles loved watching football and basketball, Star Trek, playing sudoku, listening to music, and reading all kinds of books. He continued to sing in church programs and participate in musical plays in Mesa. He loved telling “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in Mandarin. He was employed for many years in customer service.
Charles and Suzann had six amazing children, Matthew (previously deceased)-Molly, Mike (Phuong), Trevor (Shauna), Nathan (Jolleen), Jared (Denise), and Heather (Chris). They also have 29 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
After suffering the effects of Alzheimer’s for several years, Charles passed from this earth-life the evening of January 15th, 2021 at home surrounded and comforted by his loving family.
Ray Freshly of Mesa, Arizona passed away on January 14, 2021 at the age of 91. He was born January 29, 1929 in Homeworth, Ohio and graduated from Alliance High School. He served in the Marines during the Korean War. He moved to California in 1957 where he raised his family before moving to Arizona in 1996. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gilda, and a daughter, Denise. He is survived by 4 daughters and 1 son, 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. There will be a private funeral and interment will be at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Whittier, CA.
Gary Anthon Richardson passed away January 19, 2021 while on assignment caring for Aravaipa Ranch.
Gary was born November 17, 1942 in Grants, NM to Anthon and Barbara (Tietjen) Richardson. He was the first of 10 children.
For his first 6 years he had no siblings. He went everywhere with his parents including Amarillo, Texas, Fairbanks and Nome, Alaska while his father was in the service. He said he was “number one” and very privileged and spoiled by aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
He graduated from Tempe High in 1961. In 1962 he married the love of his life, Deborah Lewis, and was sealed in the Mesa Temple in 1964. They were blessed with 5 daughters, Candith (Mark) Williams, Jolene (John) Mortensen, Andrea (David) Riding, Tonya (Jay) Klepinger, and Serena (Trevor) Nielson.
Gary worked for General Motors Proving Ground for 36 years. After retirement, he served over 15 years at the Bishops Storehouse delivering food to various areas in the state, including Prescott, Flagstaff, Globe and Payson. He served up to the time of his death.
Gary enjoyed the outdoors, scouting for hunting, and hunting with family and friends. He loved family history and instilled the same love in his children and extended family. He was proud of his heritage and his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed his Thursday lunches with his retired GM buddies.
Gary is survived by his wife, Deborah, of 58 years, his daughters, their spouses, 30 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one more due in May. He is also survived by 7 siblings, Garth (Becky), Russ (Sheila), Becky Jo (Steve) Zeigler, Bonnie (Daniel) Young, Clay (Shelley), Wade (Shelly), Brookie (John Loren) McCleve, and sister-in-law Joyce Richardson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Anthon and Barbara Richardson, and brothers Paul and Leroy.
The funeral service will be held at 12PM on Thursday, January 28th at Alta Mesa Stake Center 5350 E McLellan Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205, with visitation from 10:30AM-11:30AM.
The funeral is going to be live-streamed, here is the link and the code:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/mesaarizonaaltamesastake
86803
June 8th, 1941 – January 17th, 2021. Marlene was born in Miami, Arizona to Irven and Verna Carter. She was the oldest of 6 children. She met the love of her life when he attended Eastern Arizona College and they were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on July 17th, 1959. They lived in Phoenix and later moved to Tempe.
She is survived by her children Beniah III, Debra Lundgren (Brian), Michael, Steven and David (Angela), 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Also survived by her siblings Carol, Linda, James, Ronald and Terri. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Beniah Wheeler Jr, and Daughter-In-Law Lori.
Marlene spent her life raising her family, serving in the church, and serving others. We will miss her greatly but we know she is reunited with her eternal companion.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 from 6-8 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 Centennial Way, Mesa, Az 85201. Funeral services will be held the following day, Thursday, January 28th, 2021 at 11:00 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2202 N. 74th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 with a viewing 1 hour prior. Burial at Mesa City Cemetery immediately following. All are invited. Anyone who prefers to attend the funeral service through Zoom are welcome. https://zoom.us/j/8757439350?pwd=bnVZckFIMEtOWndBanlIZUpsc1pwQT09
John Edward “Ed” Boyles passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021 at the age of 91 in his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on October 21, 1929 to Lawrence Fax and Mary Boyles in Ann More, West Virginia. Where he grew up with his Brother Robert Boyles and sister Barbara Crawford.
He met his wife, Carol Lee Boyles, at a New Year’s Eve Party in 1955. The two wed in Akron, Ohio on August 27, 1956. They moved to Washington State for a brief period of time, where Ed worked at what he loved….Flying. Ultimately the two settled in Arizona, moving to Safford in 1957. There they bought a house and had three children. Mark Boyles was born February of 1958, Kathy Hunter was born November of 1959, and Mary Jayne Schafer was born October of 1962. They bought land in Mesa, AZ in 1975 and he helped to build their custom-made home there.
John went by Ed or Eddie his entire life. His first granddaughter began calling him “Popeye” at an early age, the name stuck, and he was known by his family as Popeye for the rest of his life. His father thought he was mentally slow, until he was taken to the optometrist, where his first pair of glasses changed his world. He knew by age 8 that he wanted to be a pilot, and by his early teens was working at an airport, polishing aluminum planes, which was extremely hard work. He moved out West to get his Aircraft Mechanics License, and then to Long Beach California, where he worked at the Douglas Aircraft Company. He was very thin, so he was assigned to work inside the wings bucking rivets, which he hated, so he pursued his Pilot’s License.
Once he had his Pilot’s License, he started out towing Gliders and Crop Dusting. Once, while crop dusting, he was dusted with crop dusting chemicals and pronounced dead. He woke up to find himself in a body bag.
He and his wife Carol moved to Safford, Arizona and started working firefighting in bombers. After Safford, he moved to Washington State where he learned to fly helicopters. The family stayed for 3 years in Washington. He eventually moved his family to Mesa, Arizona in 1966 and started working for Aviation Specialties where he flew fires, worked lift jobs, lifted supplies to the Havasupai Indians living in Canyon De Chelly and sprayed for locusts in Mali Africa. He loved to fly B26s as they were fast, and he could fly alone. Ed was an exceptional pilot and during one instance, he was being interviewed and a component on the airplane failed, and the airplane shook so bad on landing that it broke all the glass in the instrument panel. At the end, Ed, chewing his Chiclets, looked at the reporter and grinned at him. Another equipment malfunction ended up in the movie, Tora, Tora, Tora. Flying the B-17 Bomber into Hawaii to be used as background, a landing gear wouldn’t drop and he was forced to make a belly landing. This was all caught on film as the movie producers were going to use the footage in the film and this “accidental” footage was kept in the movie and became one of the more memorable scenes in the move. Ed also provided stand in work with His Sikorsky S-58 Helicopter for Actor Ernest Borgnine for the Television Show Airwolf. He was still a member of the Actor’s Guild at his passing.
Ed has flown everything from a fabric covered biplane to large 4 engine bombers and helicopters. At one point he decided to get his Sea Plane License, just because he wanted it. He was rated in so many airplanes, that he had to have two pilot’s licenses. He may be the only man who can claim an accident between a helicopter and a train.
Ed lifted all the air conditioners onto Fiesta Mall, and landed his helicopter at his granddaughter, Autumn’s preschool for transportation day and delivered Santa Clause to Pioneer Park and Tower Plaza in his Helicopter. Ed was a big influence in many young men’s lives when they wanted to be pilots.
Ed Boyles was a very down to earth man, who never needed all the fancy things in life. His motto was, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. He taught his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to be respectful, and hard working. He worked hard to make sure his family never wanted for anything. He taught us that we could be whatever we wanted to be and he would tell us he would be proud of us even if we were ditch diggers, as long as we were the best ditch diggers we could be.
He is proceeded in death by his wife of 64 years, Carol Boyles (nee Smith), his parents, his brother Robert and Sister-in-law Michealina, his brother-in-law Lewis and Grandson Ryan Schafer. He leaves behind his children Mark Boyles, Kathy Hunter, and Mary Jayne Schafer (Rick). His grandchildren include Sabrina Baker (Brandon), Autumn Sobol (Mark), Thomas Boyles and Stephanie Boyles (Jan). His great grandchildren include Auston, Kaley and Ariana Baker, and Jillian and Ryleigh Sobol. His laughter, caring and even stubbornness will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
A memorial service will be held on Friday January 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bunker Family University Chapel and he will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there are cemetery restrictions, and no graveside service will occur. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers tribute donations to the Hospice of the Valley (https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/)
Kyle Alan Ray became his family’s guardian angel in Gilbert, AZ on January 15, 2021 at the age of 38.
Kyle was born in Mesa, AZ on August 9, 1982 to Alan and Jodi Ray. He graduated from Westwood High School in 2000. Kyle loved spending time with family creating memories from a very early age. He loved camping, fishing, and hunting with his dad and brothers. He enjoyed wrestling, cross country, and track in high school. He has many great memories of spending time with his friends and family during that time, including making pizza’s at closing time, eating Dairy Queen and Filibertos. He was an Eagle Scout and loved his young men leaders. Kyle went on to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Mexico City East Mission. After his mission he was blessed with his children Mari, Celeste and Brad. He was an amazing Dad and lived for his children, so much so that he had to read bed time stories to them before he drove himself to the hospital with a ruptured aorta in 2011. He had a wonderful job as a Field Service Manager with Getinge that allowed him to be very involved in their lives.
In October of 2013 Kyle married his forever love, Becca Penrod. They were blessed with two more children, Jake and Kylee Noel. He lived every minute making the best home he could for his family. He loved being able to drop off and pick up the children from school every day he could. He loved waking up at 4am every other week to take his girls to the temple. He loved playing games, building legos, going for runs and 40+ mile bike rides, breaking his ribs while boogy boarding with them, being the cheerleader on the sidelines, the biggest fan at their concerts and performances, coaching soccer, swinging at the park, riding the mini bike and reading story after story (just to name a few things) with his kids. He wanted to make sure that his children knew he loved them and they were the most important thing to him. He found so much joy in taking trips with them and was always planning the next vacation or surprise. He wasn’t afraid to do anything and loved seeing smiles on his kids faces. We know he watches over us and is waiting for us to join him. He was the biggest kid at heart and favorite Uncle. He loved Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and wanted that to be an important part of his family’s lives. He never met a stranger and he loved serving people. He had an amazing smile that made everyone feel better. He served as a youth in his priesthood quorum, as a missionary, nursery leader, in the Elders Quorum and Sunday School Presidency, as a Primary and Sunday School Teacher and his last calling, assistant to the Young Women President.
Kyle will be fiercely missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Becca, his children Mari, Celeste, Brad, Jake and Kylee Noel along with his parents Alan and Jodi, his siblings Chance (Stephanie), Amy Beardall (Nathan), and Bryce (Holly), his in-laws Janet Penrod and Becca’s family as well as many many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends.
He is proceeded in death by his grandparents, Norman Ray, Muriel Ray Keyser, Harold Keyser, and Arthur and Norene Widmer and his father in law Kenneth Penrod.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 11:00 am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located on 2700 East Guadalupe Road, Gilbert AZ. A viewing will be held Monday, January 25, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and Tuesday, January 26, 2021 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at that same location. Interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery proceeding the funeral. The funeral will be live streamed at http://tiny.cc/KyleRay
Ralph Aranda, Army veteran, was born March 25, 1961 and passed away January 12, 2021. His beloved mama was there to greet her son on his last journey home. He is son to Ralph Aranda Sr and Elodia Martinez Aranda (deceased) in Phoenix Arizona.
Ralph is survived by his father Ralph Aranda Sr; sister Laura Aranda; three Sons: Abraham, Issac, and Aaron; Grandchildren Suzette Anahi Aranda, Audrey Anna Aranda, and Elena Aranda.
Ralph enjoyed being a restaurateur and managed the New Mexican Grill in Gilbert, AZ where he incorporated his family recipes into the menu of the daily freshly made dishes that created a dedicated following of loyal patrons.
He helped those who did not or could not get out by dropping off food, water, and other home needs, at their front door. He enjoyed and supported his employees who dearly miss him and his laughter.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 23, 2021, from 6p to 8p, at Bunkers University Chapel (3529 E University Mesa AZ). Masks and social distancing are required.
Last words were ‘tell them I love them all’
Tanya Marie Jackson age 34 passed on Jan. 08,2021. Tanya was loved so much and will be missed by her family and friends. Tanya is survived by her 2 sons Landon and Morgan Havier of Santan,Az, great grandmother Vermelia Johnson of Santan,Az, mother Lynette Lopez of Spokane,Wa, 2 brothers Waylon Cooper of Chandler, Az, Emilio Mancillas of Spokane,Wa., 3 sisters Desiree Jackson of Chandler,Az., Erin Cooper of Bapchule,Az. and Lillian Mancillas of Spokane,Wa.
Kathleen Sullivan 66, of Stotonic, Arizona was survived by son Robert Sullivan and daughter Michelle Sullivan. Kathleen who goes by Kathy has 2 brothers, Weldon Salkey, and Dexter Salkey. She has 16 grandkids and 3 great grandkids. Kathleen was a retired (CNA) who loved cats and spending time with family. She will be greatly missed.
Link to watch the service: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__u7CIaH-RAiEJmkadv44qw
David Troy Owens was born in Boulder City, Nevada, on March 13, 1967, to David LaGene and Hazel Kaye Owens. They moved to Arizona when David was 2.5 years old. He grew up in Mesa and attended Mountain View High School. He had a passion for basketball and guns, which he passed on to his children.
David married his wife, Tatum Ann Howey, on May 29,1997, and together they blended their three children and went on to have four more children of their own. David spent his life working to build his business and taking care of his family.
He took great pride in raising his seven children with his wife, Tatum, who he adored. His favorite past times included watching his kids compete in sports, taking his guns shooting, and spoiling Tatum. He also enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren.
David was larger than life and lit up every room he walked into. He was always happy and the hardest worker. He knew how to fix everyone’s problems and was always the “go to”. David showed his love for those in his life through his actions. He made sure everyone was taken care of and never went without.
David was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served his mission in Hong Kong. He was still very fluent in Cantonese and loved any opportunity to speak it.
He passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021, due to undiagnosed leukemia. He fought hard and strong to the very end. His unexpected passing will leave a hole in the hearts of all who knew him, but most especially his sweet wife and children.
David was preceded in death by his father, David LaGene Owens, and his brother, Shaun Cameron Owens. He is survived by his wife, Tatum, and his seven children:
Britni and Taylor Ipsen; Adelaide
Spencer and Jenna Owens; Troy
Scotlin
Lawsen
Carsen
Kollin
Riggden
and his mother, Hazel Kaye Owens, and his sister, Stephanie Cloward.
The visitation will be Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 6-8 PM at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297. The funeral service will be Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Pecos Park Ward, 2958 S. Recker Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296. Interment will follow at Gilbert Memorial Park.
Richard (Dick) LaMar Cope passed away peacefully on December 25, 2020 in Chandler, AZ. On July 12, 1939 Dick joined his family as the second-born son to Bud and Adelia Cope, in Elko, NV. Adelia later married Frank Profaizer who raised Dick as his own. Dick married the love of his life, Patricia, on February 24, 1961; they have four living children: LaMar (Gina) Cope, Stacey Cope, Alan (Martina) Cope and Dennis Lupe (Levi) Cope. Richard served in the US Army and in the Navy Reserve, but his service to others never ended. Dick served his family by helping on the family farm and was always helping friends. He retired in 1993 from federal civil service after 20 years. He loved to laugh and joke with his four children, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother (Gary Cope). He is survived by four brothers: Frank (Leanna) Profaizer, Doug (Janet) Profaizer, Robert (Gayle) Profaizer and Charles (Tammy) Profaizer.
Peggy Ann Arnold, 68 of Chandler, AZ died on January 10th, 2021 surrounded by her family after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer.
Service will be at 1pm Saturday February 13th, 2021 at Chandler Heights Community Church- 26612 S. Mandarin Dr. Queen Creek, AZ 85142. The service will be held outdoors. Please wear bright colors in honor of Peggy’s vibrant personality.
An open house will follow at the Arnold Residence in Chandler.
Peggy (Hoffman) Arnold was born on September 20th, 1952, to Richard Hoffman and Irene (Merideth)Woods in Chicago, IL.
On October 8th, 1977, Peggy was joined in marriage to William(Bill) Arnold in Chicago, IL.
Peggy was a devoted wife and mother. In 1979, Peggy and Bill started their family when their first child was born. Peggy spent her time staying home and raising their 3 daughters, Merideth, Jillian and Annette. In 1989, Peggy and Bill moved their family to Arizona, this became their home. Peggy poured her life into serving her family. She was passionate about creating and celebrating traditions; always wanting the family to be together. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, taking family vacations and cruises with her husband. In 2013, Peggy became a grandmother. Besides being a mom, her next greatest joy in life was being with her grandkids. She jumped at every opportunity to babysit them. She loved being a Grandma.
Once her girls were grown, she started her dream job as a flight attendant. She started her career with Ryan International airlines. After a few years she got a job with Southwest airlines. She absolutely loved working for Southwest. She never grew tired of traveling and exploring new places. Peggy flew with Southwest for 13 years. Her goal was to make it to 20 years of service.
Peggy loved people and the love of the Lord was evident in her life.
Peggy is survived by her husband Bill, of 43 years. Her three daughters and their spouses, Merideth and Obadiah Goemaat, Jillian and Adam Koziarski, Annette and Brandon Johnson; 6 grandchildren, Knox, Asher, Harper, Micaiah, Emilia, Penelope. Her mother Irene Woods, her sisters Char Fortman, Sandy Trudeau.
She was preceded in death by her father Richard Hoffman and Charlie Woods, and brother Richard Hoffman. —
Charles E Lary, 73 – was born on May 14, 1947 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. After moving and living across the country, he eventually settled in Tempe, Arizona, where he died on January 10th, 2021, just a few short weeks after Christmas Day. Charles is survived by a loving wife of nearly 55 years, two daughters, and four grandchildren; all of whom still love and will remember him through the future for the love, laughter, teaching, and care he filled their lives with.
Beverly Fay Knickerbocker passed away peacefully January 11, 2021, at her home in Mesa, Arizona. She was born August 2, 1924, to Stanley A. Lynch and Josephine E. Lauer Lynch, in Naperville, Illinois. She graduated from Downers Grove High School, in Downers Grove, Illinois. While married to Otis Junior McKenna, she gave birth to Patrick Michael McKenna, her only child, on February 15, 1947, in Hinsdale, Illinois. Pat, also known as Patrick Yitzchak McKenna, passed away on December 27, 1994, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Beverly married Edward Vielie Knickerbocker, Jr., on November 27, 1959, in Downers Grove, Illinois. He predeceased her on November 23, 2015, in Mesa, Arizona. She was also preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Alta Sell.
Beverly is survived by her brother, Ronald Lynch of Washington, and by two nephews, three nieces and several great and great great nephews and nieces. Beverly was a life-long, ardent fan of the Chicago Cubs.
Robert Scott Child, our loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Bob, as he was affectionately known, was an eternal optimist and a friend to everyone. He was a kind and generous man, sharing both his time and talents freely to help others. He was a dynamic storyteller and had a radiant smile and infectious laugh. He also had a great sense of humor, and would frequently laugh at his own corny jokes.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 19, 1943 to Helen Sarah Miller and Paul Fallentine Child, he was the second of their three sons. Bob and his brothers, Ray and Paul, have a special bond and have stayed very close to one another throughout their lives.
Bob was raised in the Pioneer Stake (Poplar Grove Ward) area of Salt Lake City. He said it was a great place to grow up and loved to share stories of his adventures with his brothers, cousins, and friends, frequently comparing their shenanigans to the “Our Gang” television series. It was during his youth, that he learned how to play tennis and golf.
In 1958, Bob graduated from Jordan Junior High School, which is important to note as he took a beautiful girl by the name of Julie Ellen Pullan to the graduation dance. They both attended West High School, where they would not have a class together until A Capella Choir their Senior year. Their second date was to the High School Graduation dance in 1961. It was a forgone conclusion that Julie would be his date to his college graduation, as they got engaged on New Year’s Eve (12/31/1963), and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 18, 1964. Bob attended the University of Utah, graduating in June of 1966 with a B.S. Degree in Accounting. Bob loved his country and served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1966 until 1972.
Bob’s accounting degree led to employment as a Certified Public Accountant with Arthur Andersen in Phoenix, Arizona. Bob and Julie moved to Tempe, Arizona in 1966 with the idea that they would stay for a few years and then return to Salt Lake City. However, the Arizona sunshine and year-round golf was too enticing, and they have lived in Tempe ever since. Bob became the Chief Financial Officer for Staman Thomas, a construction company that at the time built high-end homes and office buildings in Phoenix and Scottsdale. This experience led him and a colleague to form their own construction business, Myers, Child and Company. Bob became a licensed Real Estate Broker and he eventually formed his own company, Bob Child and Associates. He specialized in commercial real estate and land acquisitions. He enjoyed putting together real estate investment partnerships and over the years was part owner in several ventures which included citrus groves and a mini storage facility, but his pride and joy was a 55+ RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona that he helped build with his partners, and he remained active in the management of the resort up until a few days before his passing.
While Bob was successful in his work, his greatest achievement was his family. He was devoted to his wife Julie and was so proud of his children and grandchildren, never missing a teaching moment or an opportunity to let them know how much he loved them. He would often express that the greatest blessing and gift he had received in life was the opportunity to be a father.
He worked hard and played hard. One of his favorite activities included boating with his family, (we believe he still holds the record for the fastest boat launch on Canyon Lake). Other activities included water skiing, snow skiing, camping, fishing, singing, dancing, family barbeques, outdoor movie nights, swimming with his children and grandchildren, and of course golfing!
Over the last 20 years, Bob and Julie have been blessed to travel the world together. The vast majority of these trips they have had Ray and Ann, and Paul and Linda as their travel companions. They also were able to spend a great deal of time each year in Salt Lake City, enjoying the company of family and friends.
Bob was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and loved to serve in every calling he held. He especially enjoyed serving as a Ward Mission Leader and as Bishop of the 19th Ward for Young Single Adults. Serving in the Young Men’s and Scouting programs provided Bob with opportunities to work closely with his sons and strengthen his relationships with them. He was a man of faith and shared his testimony of the gospel daily through his words and actions.
Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his beloved wife, Julie; His daughter, Hollie Baker; His sons, Scott (Maribeth), Rion (Beckie), and Matthew (Kathy); His grandchildren Dylan Baker, Hunter (Mikayla), Hailey, Samantha, Connor, Thomas, Brooklyn, Tyler, Megan, Sarah, Scarlett, Caitlyn, and Evelyn; His brothers Ray Child (Ann) and Paul Child (Linda); and all the many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, and business associates that Bob so dearly loved.
A Viewing will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Tempe West Stake building, located at 1050 West Grove Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85283, with a viewing hour prior to the service from 10:00 – 10:45 am.
Services will also be held virtually and can be accessed at *click the link below * https://zoom.us/j/93257102316
Burial to follow at Dignity Mariposa Gardens, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206
Doreen Richey 88, of Mesa AZ passed away at home on January 12th 2021 surrounded by her loving family.
Doreen was born on May 1st, 1932 in St. Johns AZ to Clyde and Viola Overson. She was the 7th of 9 children. She loved growing up in a small town surrounded by her cousins and grandparents. After graduating high school at St. Johns High school in 1950 she married a handsome young WWII veteran named Milford Richey on January 6th 1951. After their marriage they moved to Tempe while Milford went to Arizona State College (later ASU). While Milford was in school Doreen worked as a salesclerk in several department stores. In 1952, Becky their first child was born with her brother Scott following close behind in 1954. Doreen was a loving and devoted mother who adored her children. At one-point Doreen and Milford lived on a street called Granada and Doreen made fast friends with the other women in the neighborhood. They would later call themselves ‘The Granada Girls” and would regularly go out to lunch together and reminisce about the old neighborhood. While her children were young Doreen worked in the home to diligently support her family. When they were teenagers, she went on to manage and run the office of Richey Cable Company. She was a detailed and kind manager. After her children were married and they had some Grandchildren Doreen & Milford decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They were assigned to the London England North mission. There Doreen thrived and was known as the mission Mom. The other elders from the states loved her home cooking especially when she was able to get some Ranch salad dressing sent over from the states. She and Milford loved to travel and go on cruises, she wanted to see the world!
She was a fun and engaging Grandmother. She always had treats or cookies for her grandchildren and eventually her great grandchildren. She loved to have water fights with her grand children and read them stories. She always said that “my grandchildren are the light of my life”. Doreen loved to play games and enjoyed playing cards as it allowed her to love others in a friendly and conversational way.
After Milford passing in 2017 Doreen moved into Becky’s home where she remained until her passing. Doreen had such a love for everyone and had a special way making people feel loved, seen, and important even if they weren’t a part of her family. She invoked the best in people. She made others feel a sense of belonging. She was an optimist and always said, “without change, there would be no butterflies”. Doreen exemplified that statement with her own life. And in the end, she got her wings.
She is survived by her daughter-Becky Pitney, son-Scott Richey (Susan Richey), 13 grandchildren, 41 (soon to be 42) great-grandchildren, a brother Clay Overson, and a sister Isabel Nelson.
A visitation will be held Friday, January 15, from 11:30 am, at Bunker’s University Chapel. Funeral services will follow at the same location immediately following the visitation Burial is Saturday, January 16th, at 3 PM, at the St. Johns Cemetery.
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