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Naomi Jean Maynard, 91, of Mesa, Arizona passed away December 30, 2020.  She was born in Peoria, Illinois on November 12, 1929. 

She is survived by her daughter Jeanne (Chris) Conant; granddaughters: Amber (Daniel) Chambers, Lynsee (Isaac) Martin, Tiffany (Robert) Russman; great grandchildren: Steven, Ethan, Aaron Chambers, Andrew Rowe, Remi, Eli, Zane Russman; sister: Betty Walters;  brother: Bud Wilson and many nieces and nephews & preceded in death by husband Bob Maynard, sons Robert Gerald and Phillip Steven; parents Ellis and Leota Wilson, and sister Lenora Howser. 

** Click on the words Zoom Link in the obituary below to view the service**

Lola Joyce Whiting Packard, our precious wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother left this earthly existence on January 2, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born November 17, 1942, in Gallup, New Mexico, to Jay and Aleen Whiting.  At an early age her family moved to Northern Arizona where she grew up in a loving, faith-filled home.  After high school Joyce attended Arizona State University and graduated in 1963, with a degree in Home Economics Education.   She lived in Scottsdale for several years and eventually moved to Mesa in 1976, where she lived with her husband and three children.

Joyce was a consummate homemaker.  Her passion for cooking, sewing and serving others was the hallmark of her life. Over the years she created hundreds of quilts and taught piano lessons to many students.  Scores of people have been fed at her table and we’ll never forget her home-cooked meals and fresh baked “Granny” buns. Her door was truly always open, just like her generous heart. Joyce deeply loved her family heritage and was committed to continuing family traditions, especially the tradition of family reunions held at the Whiting Homestead. Her greatest joy in life, however, was that of being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She was true disciple of Christ whose life reflected Him and what He taught. Joyce was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and raised her children by precept and example throughout her life. Never one to seek the spotlight, Joyce selflessly served and sacrificed wherever she was needed and went out of her way to make sure everyone around her felt loved and included. She will be dearly missed.

Joyce’s positive outlook, beautiful smile and great faith carried her through her battle with cancer these past two years.  Her example of strength and courage was inspiring.   We love you, Granny, and we will miss you until we are united again.

Joyce’s legacy will continue through her husband, Dan Packard, children Jayme (Clyde) Bawden, Jeff (Megan) Robinson, Greg (Rebecca) Robinson, eight grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings Glenna Tingey, Myrna Borden, Deb Lewis, Terry Schnepf, Trey Whiting, Jason Whiting and stepmother Fern Whiting.  Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Jay and Aleen Whiting and baby sister Andrea.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 15th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.  All are welcome.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the funeral services will be limited to family and will be held Saturday, January 16th at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 848 North Westwood Street, Mesa, Arizona.  All are invited to view the funeral services virtually which will be streamed live at the following

ZOOM LINK 

The family requests those who attend the funeral to socially distance and wear a mask. To show your love for our Granny, please feel free to wear a splash of red in honor of her love of all things RED.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Hospice of the Valley for their love and care of our beautiful Joyce.

Sally (Cha Cha) Jaramillo Soliz Velasquez was born on October 27, 1936 just outside of Coolidge Arizona on the ranch, El Rancho De Los Mata Gatos. Her family was an early pioneer family that settled in southeastern Arizona. They were part of the early Spanish settlers in Clifton, Metcalf, and Solomon Arizona. Sally’s maternal ancestors (Grijalva and Jaramillo Families) settled what is now parts of New Mexico and San Elizario, Texas. Sally was also raised in Coolidge. She met her husband, Cruz Guerrero Velasquez, who was born and raised in the Grant Park Neighborhood of Phoenix, in 1952. The Velasquez family was also an early pioneer family who were hard rock miners in Metcalf Arizona in 1870. They were married in St. James Catholic Church in Coolidge in 1954.

She was a mother to Richard Velazquez as well as her two sons Cruz and Joseph who died shortly after birth. She was a loving grandmother to Santa Dunker (Velazquez), Marisa Velazquez, Sophia Thieman(Velazquez), Jacqueline Velazquez, and Richard Velazquez. She was a doting great-grandmother to Brayden Thieman, Mia Thieman, Adam Thieman, and Harper Thieman. She lived in Mesa Arizona for the last 21 years until she passed away on January 3, 2021. Sally was preceded in death by her mother, Maria Grijalva Jaramillo, father, Manuel Chavez Soliz, her sons Cruz Velasquez and Joseph Velasquez, her loving husband, Cruz Guerrero Velasquez, as well as her brothers Frank Jaramillo Garcia, Frederick Jaramillo Garcia, Henry Jaramillo Garcia, and Mike Jaramillo Garcia, and her sisters Helen Jaramillo Garcia Armenta, and Minnie (Chita) Jaramillo Soliz Reyna. In addition to her son, Richard, daughter-in-law, Elda Velazquez, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Sally was a wonderful cook who enjoyed family parties. She loved going to the casino, singing karaoke and dancing with her family. She also had many friends who loved her and will miss her.

Kyla Sasser Cottle passed away on January 3, 2021, spiritually surrounded by her loving family.

Kyla was born on January 10, 1966 in Fort Collins, Colorado. She was born to Goodly parents, Lyle and Sonja Sasser, who taught her strong morals and Christian values. Kyla embraced these virtues and taught her family of her love for her Savior in every action and deed.

Kyla was raised in Tennessee and lived in various parts of the US, eventually calling Arizona home. Her family was her greatest joy and any time she got to spend with them she considered her favorite day.

Kyla also enjoyed traveling, musicals, the beach, reading mystery novels, trivia, and competitively playing board games. She loved making friends, serving others, and teaching people about life. Kyla loved to laugh, play, learn, and discover.

Kyla graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She spent time as a counselor for youth and later discovered a love for human resources, where she built a career helping people in the business world. She excelled in her field earning several prominent H.R. certifications.

Kyla married Douglas Ronald Cottle in the Seattle, Washington LDS Temple on April 23, 1987. She was happily married to her best friend and eternal companion for 34 years.  Kyla and Douglas raised three amazing children. Kyla’s passion for life, wit, kindness, strength and self-sacrificing personality are all attributes that can be found within her three children. Her children are so grateful their mom was able to fully raise them and teach them about life and their Savior Jesus Christ.

Kyla was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She held many callings in the church and especially loved serving with the Young Women and Relief Society sisters. She had a deep love for the LDS temple and enjoyed spending time there. Her heart swelled with happiness in the moments when her husband and children all joined her at the temple.

Kyla is survived by her loving husband Douglas Ronald Cottle and her three children: Kamille Cottle, Tyson Douglas Cottle (Brianne), ShayLynn Cottle Casey (Michael) as well as her first grandchild, Crew Tyson Cottle. Her parents, Lyle and Sonja Sasser, two brothers, Bruce and Kirt Sasser, and sister, Jenise Holyoak also survive her.

Happy Birthday Kyla-Pooh! In loving memory of Kyla Sasser Cottle: “Love is taking a few steps backwards maybe even more… to give way to the happiness of the person you love.” -Winnie-the-Pooh

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints stake center building at 3580 E Houston Ave. Gilbert, Arizona, 85234.

Condolences can be shared at: Kyla.ForeverMissed.com

April Ann Jackson 23, died on the Tohono O’odham Reservation December 30,2020. She was born May 1, 1997 at Chandler Regional Hospital to Deborah Johnson of Goodyear Village and Anthony Jackson of Sacaton.

April was very outgoing and a caring person. She loved spending time with her kids and family, doing her nails and listening to music.

Survivors include 2 sons Ezra Ray Jackson and Ezerian Wayne Pablo both of Sacaton, 2 sisters Cyndell, Cyndi Jacskon of Sacaton and 1 brother Anthony Jackson of Sacaton. She was proceeded on death by her mother Deborah Johnson and grandparents David Johnson and Wilma E. Webb.

Visitation will be from 6 PM to 10 PM Friday at Lynn and Loren Nansonhoya residence #50 South housing in Sacaton, Arizona. The funeral will be at 9 AM at Goodyear Cemetery.

Leota Faye Hogan, 83, was born March 16, 1937 in Phoenix, Arizona to the late Sammy and Nellie Hernandez. Her employment history included time with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Phoenix, San Carlos Irrigation Project in Coolidge and the Gila River Indian Community.

She was a breast cancer survivor and lived her life to the fullest. During her lifetime, she was an avid player of basketball, softball and bowling. She spent a lot of time enjoying rodeos although she never participated.

Leota’s greatest joys in life were her family, both immediate and extended. She was always the life of the party and liked nothing better than to spend time with her family eating, laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

Since her retirement, she was able to attend the Senior Center in Coolidge where she quickly made friends and was able to socialize as much as she wanted. But her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, bestie Nellena, pride and joy Jaden and her precious great- granddaughter Alivia.

Leota is survived by her two daughters, Marie ( Ron) Jordan and Lisa White. Her grandchildren, Nellena Jordan and Jaden ( Jasmine) Vidal and great- granddaughter Alivia Aurelia Vidal. Two Sisters, Florence Gates, Esther ( Courtney) Moyah and numerous nieces, nephews and great- nieces and nephews.

Leota will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on through her families memories and stories oh her that will last forever.

It is with great sadness that the family of Tharon [Johnson] Tenney announce her passing on Friday, January 1, 2021, surrounded by her loving husband and family, at the age of 71 years old.

Tharon will be lovingly remembered by her high school sweetheart and husband of 52 years, Harold, and her children, Kent [Charisse], Stacey, Brian [Candice], Melissa [Evan Neill], and Emily [Jeremy Beardall]. Tharon will also be fondly remembered by her twelve adoring grandchildren, Ashley, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Dylan, Todd, Sariah, Lyrisa, Ayden, Logan, Ethan, Bennett, and Brooke, as well as her siblings, friends, and extended family.

Tharon, born in Prescott Arizona, was the third of seven children, born to James Gerald Johnson Jr. and Cleotha Helen Coombs. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gerald [Dorothy], and survived by her siblings, Steven [Jo], Kevin [Debbie], Dennis [Robin], Becky Reed Adams [Rodney Adams], and Trish Talbott.

As a Mesa High School Jackrabbit, Tharon participated in the marching, twirling, and roping cheer group known as the Rabbettes.  After graduating from Mesa High School in the class of ’67, Tharon spent her life working with children.  In addition to raising her own five children, she provided daycare in her home, and worked as both an instructional aide and elementary school teacher in Mesa public and charter school systems. She loved making a difference in the lives of the students that she taught, and worked hard in and out of the classroom for them.

Tharon loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed endlessly reading book after book when time permitted. Although she wasn’t very musically inclined, she loved having music playing in the house and made it a point to have all of her children and grandchildren take music lessons. Family night was always spent playing games for hours around the kitchen table. She was a great listener and mediator, and her listening ear will be greatly missed by many.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life, Tharon’s sensible counsel, clever ideas, and faithful service were appreciated as she served in the children’s Primary organization and Young Women’s organization.  Some of her best friends were made while immersed in the Lord’s work.

While the lack of her physical presence on this earth will surely be felt, we find solace in the knowledge that, in time, we will be reunited as a family and will continue to strengthen the relationships that we had here on earth.

A Celebration of Tharon’s life will be held at 10 am, on Saturday, January 9, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Monument Ward Building, 830 East Lehi Road Mesa, AZ 85203. A viewing will be held the night before from 6-8 pm, at Bunker Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Following local restrictions, face coverings must be worn at all times. For those attending services virtually, please join the following zoom link:

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

Tharon was a lover of books and a teacher who wanted to foster a love of reading in others. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to Kids Need to Read at https://www.kidsneedtoread.org/give_books.html “in memory of Mrs. Tenney” or drop off new or gently used books to your nearest elementary school.

Mary Myrtle (Greathouse) Towne passed away on December 26, 2020. Recreational therapist, army veteran and all around favorite aunt, as she was often referred to, was born on February 24, 1948 and her life did not end with her death.  Her family and friends will forever honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest, and of course, by spending much time playing.

She completed her degree from San Diego State University and had a career as a recreational and occupational therapist. In her words she was “paid to play.” She worked in hospitals in Arizona and Oregon and even worked in the correctional system and in the US Army in these fields of social work.

She married the love of her life Richard Towne, and although they never had any biological children, all of her nieces and nephews were her children.

Mickey Mouse, beaches, family celebrations, sports and crafts brought great pleasure to Mary. She was also an avid outdoors person and very proud of her time and experiences in the army.  Her positivity and playful disposition was contagious to every person she met.  Mary is survived by her many nieces and nephews. Love You and Miss You Aunt Mary.

Ora Amanda (Tietjen) Sabin was born on 22 December 1927 in Bluewater New Mexico. This is a small town not far from Grants New Mexico. She was known as Amanda while living at Bluewater and is still called that by many of her relatives. Before she started High School, her parents decided to send her to Mesa Arizona.

Mesa is where she met Wallace D. Sabin. They were married on 2 May 1945 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. She lived in Logan Utah while Wallace attended Utah State, then moved to Yuba City California. She a1so lived in Davenport Iowa while on a Family History Mission. Ora has lived in Mesa most of her married life. While living in Mesa, she has gone by Ora as her name.

Ora is the mother of 6 children, 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was married to Wallace for 72 years when he died on 10 August 2017. Ora has always said she was ready to meet him again. When asked, she would tell her grandchildren it would only be in a year or two.

In August of this year, Ora was diagnosed with cancer. In September, she went up to Colorado to see her last remaining sister, Iris. Ora had a wonderful visit, but shortly after her return she began to feel the effects of the cancer. Ora also contracted COVID, which complicated things. She died on 29 December 2020, a week after her birthday.

Funeral on Saturday, 9 January 2020Viewing at 10:00 and Funeral at 11:00. To help with the number of people attending,
the family has asked that only family attend the funeral in person and that others attend via the Zoom broadcast.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92645591028?pwd=dlFLTXdjc2VzQ3Foc1lLdzRPWGs3dz09
Meeting ID: 926 4559 1028
Passcode: 803398

Bruce Nolan Call, 70 passed away surrounded by his family on December 25, 2020. He was born February 9, 1950 in Burley, ID to Nolan B. and Irene (Weedop) Call.  His family moved to Arizona when he was two.  He graduated from Westwood High School in 1968.

Growing up on a dairy Bruce learned to work.  He was a mason/foreman for Price and Olson.  In 1974 he partnered with his brother Dennis at Ancon. Many of the water features they built can be found all over the valley … The Phoenician, Gainey Ranch, Val Vista Lakes, City Scape, Riverwalk, Goodyear Ballpark, Copper Sky Park, Mansel Carter Oasis Park, Gilbert Regional Park.

Bruce served in a variety of callings as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  As Scout Master, he impacted the lives of many young men.  He enjoyed camping, going to the sand dunes and work.  His later years were filled making memories with his grandchildren.  He enjoyed attending their ball games, recitals and competitions.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Marijane (Nielson); daughter Shantelle Ullery (Andy); son TJ (Liz);  grandchildren Drew and Megan Ullery, Carson, Kenlee and Cooper Call; brothers Dennis, Wayne and Lyle Call; sisters Nolene Wood, Carma Lee Ellingson and LaNell Strobot.

Services will be held Friday, January 8, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1550 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ, 85213.  Visitation 9:00 a.m., Funeral service 10:00 a.m.  There will be time to visit with the family on Thursday, January 7, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ, 85296.

A broadcast of the funeral service is available for all to view at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X01tIShcY5Y&feature=youtu.be

Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Zan Lyle Beckstead was born Mar 30, 1934 in Preston, Idaho. He was the third of six children to Zan Moroni and Kathryn Pickett Beckstead. He attended Preston High School and served an LDS mission in Mexico. He married Elaine LeSueur in the Mesa, Arizona temple on January 27, 1966.

After attending BYU, Zan moved to Los Angeles and began work with the California Association of Realtors. He and Elaine lived in Los Angeles, CA, Honolulu, HI, North Hollywood, CA, Chatsworth, CA, Roseville, CA, and Gilbert, AZ. Zan was a proud and devoted father of five children—Barbara, Beverly, Robert, Brenda and Brian, and a loving grandfather to his fourteen grandchildren.

He loved this country, was a true patriot, and served honorably in the Army Reserve for several years. He filled his home and office with his collections of bald eagle statues, flags, and other Americana. He was proud to have corresponded with and met Ronald Reagan along with other presidents and politicians while serving as a lobbyist in Sacramento, as the Executive Vice President of the California Mortgage Bankers Association. He had tremendous respect for the Boy Scouts of America and compiled hundreds of special Eagle Scout books to commemorate the achievement of any boy he knew who achieved Eagle Scout.

In his spare time he loved washing cars, watering plants or flowers, keeping the lawns mowed and green and “running errands.” His hobbies included woodworking projects and restoring things around the house. He was a loyal Home Depot customer going several times a week. He enjoyed serving others and would strike up a conversation with anyone about almost anything. He was curious and liked talking about politics, his faith, sports, movies or stats of any kind. He was never one to pass up a good bargain, a good laugh, or a good sneeze. He loved photography, especially capturing the moments and memories of family and friends.

He enjoyed reading the newspaper and was so thoughtful in sharing articles with his children and anyone he cared about. He was a great neighbor and served faithfully in numerous roles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was especially devoted to the families put in his care as a Home Teacher. It was important to him to check in or visit old friends or relatives and he made great efforts to keep in touch and encouraged his children to do the same. He had bragging rights of never missing a day of work due to an illness. He enjoyed visiting residential and commercial sites as they were being built, watching action movies and eating junk food, especially licorice and Pepsi. He never once fell asleep or snored loudly in church, in a movie, or while watching TV.

He made the most of his life, never complained, and was always proud to be a father, husband, an American and a Mormon. His faith and his family were always his first priority. He was dependable and always there for his kids and was a man of his word. e was and will always be a great man to those whose lives he touched. His life can be
summed up in his favorite quote: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”. We will miss you so much Fritz!

Beloved Husband, Dad, Bonus Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather, & Great Grandfather – William F. Sass (Bill), 91, of Gilbert, AZ, passed away on December 16, 2020 in Gilbert, AZ.  Previously from St. Paul, MN.

A private Funeral service will be held on January 11, 2020 at Bunker Family Funeral | Cremation, with a Celebration of Life Memorial in Minnesota on a date to be determined once the Coronavirus Pandemic is over and it’s safe to gather. (An announcement will follow.) Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minnesota at a later date.

Arrangements are by Bunker Family Funeral | Cremation, University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213

Bill was born in St.Paul, Minnesota to Louis and Elsie Sass in 1929.  At age 25, He married Mary (Waska) Kroll.  They were married for 22 years and had five children.  He lived in St. Paul and Maplewood, until his retirement from the Ramsey County Sheriff Department and moved to Tucson, AZ where he met Charlene Wagonlander and they were married on May 1, 1985 in Tucson, AZ.

He was a veteran of the Korean war and served as a Sgt. in the Army as an Engineer Mechanic and was awarded Good Conduct Metal.  During His career in Minnesota, He worked for Maplewood Police Dept and for the Ramsey County Sheriff Office where he rose in the ranks to Detective Lt. for the Ramsey County Sheriffs Dept for many years.  He once worked 3 jobs, for Art’s Towing as a mechanic restoring cars, and the two police depts at the same time.

He was involved in the Moose Lodge, American Legion and the Elks Club.  He retired and moved Arizona for health reasons, and he loved it there. He loved to travel, and visit family in Minnesota.  Bill loved his big extended family, and he liked to get together to play cards, to bowl, golf, bike, and walk. Bill did everything he could, to make his family happy.

Bill is preceded in death by Father and Mother, Louis & Elsie Sass; Brothers; Harry, Louis (Mickey), Franklin (Frank), Herbert (Herb); Sisters; Laura (Linder), Marie (Mohrlant), Ellen (Triemert), Ruth (Swanson); Son; William Herbert Sass, Bonus Daughter; Carrie Brown, Son-In-Law; Chris Johnson, Many Nieces and Nephews.

Bill is survived by his loving Wife; Charlene, Brother; James (Jim), Children; Jannet Johnson, Glenn Sass, Marie (Mark) Cromett, Gene Sass, Bonus children; Kim & John Wilcox, Susan Wagonlander, (Clay) Brown; Grandchildren; Christopher (Annissa), Anne, Mary (Ian), Tom, Katie (Beni); Jessie, Joe, Dustin (Sarah), Ashley (Cortlann), Alex, Erich, Samantha (Brandon), Tyler, Chase, & Cailyn, Great-Grandchildren; Joseph, Magnus, Makarious, Kenny, Lucas, Logan, Joe Jr. Freya, Ida, & Penelope. Many special nieces and nephews, whom he HAD to visit each time he was in Minnesota.

Memorials or donations preferred, may be given to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Or online at: https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/

The family of Bill wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Wendy Hendrickson, RN, who visited him weekly at home, and all the staff of Hospice in the Valley who cared for him and made him comfortable.

A sincere thanks & appreciation from Bill’s Children, to Momma Charlene, for being there for our Dad.  She has given the most loving & selfless care to our Dad in his time of need.

Sadly, our adored husband, father and grandfather Randy Lynn Cooper passed away on December 25, 2020. He was the son of Edna & George Cooper, born January 29, 1943 in Hurricane, Utah. He graduated from Catalina High School and The University of Arizona in Tucson. Randy is survived by his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, his eternal companion Sally, and their 6 children and spouses: Adam (Catherine), Kelly (Darin), Cori, Shelby (Jay), Mason (Ann), Logan (Ashley), along with 23 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

His faith and love for The Lord, and for others was easily seen in the service he willingly gave wherever it was needed.  He faithfully served in many church callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, his favorite callings included working with the youth in the Young Men’s program and working in the Mesa Temple.

Randy worked tirelessly and meticulously as an accountant and as a contractor but loved using his talents and attention to detail to restore classic cars and trucks. He could fix or restore literally anything. Though he had many hobbies, he loved his family more than anything else in life.  He was the best at combining his love for his family with his hobbies which included family trips camping, to the beach and Mexico, water skiing, driving his sand rail at the dunes, attending sporting events, and especially watching his grandkids play or perform. He also loved settling down with a Dr. Pepper, some popcorn, and a good book, or any movie (he never saw a bad one).

Randy was always smiling, laughing, and was never too busy to help anyone who needed a hand, whether they were a friend or complete stranger, he was always willing to give whatever he had, time or possessions, to help others. He was humble and selfless; we will be forever grateful for his example and will miss him dearly.

The celebration of his life will be on January 4, 2021 at 11:00 am

The Wright House  –  636 W University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201

The Service will be broadcast live on Zoom for those who prefer remote attendance.

Time: Jan 4, 2021 11:00 AM Arizona

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86321677964?pwd=NHZnSlZHVEpjWkN5WXcwNUMzUUlnQT09

Meeting ID: 863 2167 7964

Passcode: 871967

Janice Stewart Gray got her Christmas wish and was reunited with her sweetheart, Dale Ivan Gray, in Heaven on Christmas Day 2020.  

Janice was born on June 1, 1939 to Wilbur Shill Stewart and Zilpha Pearl Tiffany Stewart.  She was the oldest of three daughters.  Her sisters, Barbara Stewart Done and Lani Stewart Waite, preceded her in death and we are sure they all had a wonderful Christmas reunion.

She gave her husband, Dale, the best Christmas present ever, as she passed peacefully and was reunited with him after a long  5 1/2 year wait.  She caught the attention of her future husband at the Mesa High School tennis courts when she was 15 years old and married nineteen year old Dale the following year. Dale made sure she finished her high school degree while they were married. 

She was a force to be reckoned with as she raised seven children, Chuck (Connie), Shannon (David) Whipple, Julie (Don) Harrison, Devin (Kathy), Darrin (NaDene), LeeAnn (Andrew) McConaghie, and Sam (Heather).  She ran a tight ship serving dinner at 5pm sharp every night.  And we can’t forget the cake for dessert every night too.

Janice was a gifted oil painter, loved growing and tending her roses, appreciated beautiful sacred music, and was very organized. Janice had a child-like faith and was blessed to have her prayers answered many, many times. She got what she prayed for. She had a great depth and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ which she taught to her children and grandchildren.  Many evenings were spent in gospel conversations and discussions with each other.

Janice had good common sense, and was a blessing to others as many people sought her advice on parenting and relationships.  She and Dale served as temple workers for almost 20 years. They took an intermission from their temple service to serve a 18-month mission at the New York Family History Center in downtown Manhattan. Janice said she felt like “two little country frogs in a big city“.  They loved their mission and the knowledge of how to do family history work became a great blessing to their family.

Janice loved Dale with all her heart.  She may have loved him even more than vacuuming!  They were often caught dancing in the kitchen.  We are sure they are ringing in the new year with a twirl and a dip on a heavenly dance floor.  

Janice will be missed by her children, their spouses, 36 grandkids, and 41 great-grandkids.

Funeral services for family members will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 4640 E Holmes Ave, in Mesa, AZ on January 2, 2021 at 10 a.m.  A viewing will be held before the service from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.  Janice will be laid to rest at the Mesa City Cemetery. 

A broadcast available for all to view at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnkoQERlNWl858RdjQmrMHw

Steven Wallace Allen, 74, passed away in Mesa, Arizona on December 26, 2020. Steve was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Nephi Simeon Allen and Marjorie Nell Price Allen on August 25, 1946. He was the second of five children, James Allen (Shirlyn Hoyt), Marilyn Allen Bullock (Kent), David Allen (Becky Riggs) and Larry Allen (Nancy Scarlett).

As a young man, Steve served as a missionary in Germany for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following his mission, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University where he met the love of his life, Linda Tanner. They got married on December 27, 1968. Shortly after, he received his Juris Doctorate at Arizona State University.

Steve and Linda have five fabulous children, 14 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren (#7 will be born in the Spring). He is remembered as a husband, a father, a teacher, a patriot, an author, a speaker, and one who touched the lives of so many. He left a legacy of patriotism and love for his savior Jesus Christ.

Steve was an Estate Planning Attorney and created over 5,000 Living Trusts for people all over the United States. He loved his work: he called it “Happy Law” because people came in happy and left happy. He always enjoyed a good lawyer joke!

For 20 years, Steve spoke at BYU Education Week in Utah each summer. It was his favorite time of life. Every year, he had lines of people waiting to get into his classroom and he even had an overflow room. He loved speaking about the Founding Fathers and the Trial of Christ.

After speaking at Education Week, Steve was inspired to write a book. That led to writing multiple books and he has been recognized and awarded for them. His seven books include: Founding Fathers Uncommon Heroes, The Illegal Trial of Christ, Give Me Liberty, You Can’t Take It With You So How Will You Leave It Behind, Granddaddy and the Prophets, And Justice For All, and Four Ordained.

His passion for the founding fathers inspired him to create an annual George Washington birthday party. It was a big event with pony rides, food trucks, art projects, fire trucks and more with over a thousand people in attendance. This included characters dressed as George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, and Uncle Sam (on stilts) that would mill through the crowds teaching the children about the founding fathers. It was a great event.

For the past 2 ½ years, Steve & Linda have been serving as BYU Pathway Connect Missionaries. Serving the students has been a blessing to his life.

One of his favorite things to do was to feed the quail, finch, and hummingbirds in his backyard. He took great delight sitting on his patio, reading a book, and watching the birds. Another was to plant pansies in the yard. His love for this began in his childhood when he would plant pansies with his Grandaddy. He really enjoyed continuing the tradition by planting them with his children and then with his grandchildren every year. To this day, there are pansies in the yard that have been chosen by Steve himself.

Steve is survived by his wife Linda of 52 years, his children David Scott Allen (Laura McDaniel), Kari Allen VanNoy (Lann), Juli Jeanne Walsh (Christopher), Wendi Kaye Lee (Kevin), Jonathan Robert Allen (Andrea).

Steve would have loved to have everyone come celebrate his life. But because some of our family members have compromised immune systems, we sadly have to limit the funeral services to immediate family members. Because of the miracle of technology, everyone can remotely be at the services.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Funeral services are for immediate family only; however, there will be a broadcast available for all to view at http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org   Event Code: 33113. Please sign into the broadcast with your name, it will be given to the family as the guest list. Thank you so much. Interment will be at the Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to help with his medical and funeral expenses and to set up the Steven W. Allen memorial fund to create a perpetual pansy garden where it can be enjoyed by all. The memorial garden will be at the Queen Creek Botanical Gardens inside the English Garden.

 Venmo: @Linda-Allen-72

GoFundMe: http://bit.ly/stevenallen

Donald “Skip” Hervey Smith Jr., 73, of Mesa, passed away on December 22, 2020.

Donald Hervey Smith Jr. fondly known by all as “Skip” was born on May 2nd, 1947 to Donald and Cherie Smith in Los Angeles. After graduating from West Chester Senior High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Skip was a proud Veteran and High Priest of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an ordinance worker at the Billings Montana Temple.  He held many positions with his wife Dawn working with the youth and adults in the church.  He was extremely devoted to serving where he could. Before retiring He worked as Police Officer in Utah for 13 years.  Later he became a sales representative for various car dealerships.  After retiring He continued to work as a non-emergency medical transport driver for indigent individuals.  Skip was well known for his generous nature and was always willing to give help in any way he could.  He had a deep love for God and a strong devotion to his faith. If you asked anyone what kind of man he was, everyone would agree, he had a warm heart.  He was a kind and gentle man. He was cheerful with a sense of humor that brought laughter to many.  He was a humble man who took nothing in life for granted.

All who affectionately knew Skip knew he was the most devoted husband and loving father and grandfather a family could ask for.

Skip is survived by his dear wife Dawn 6 children. Deanna Smith (Darlene) , Christina Smith,Karyn Wolfsohn (Jon), Donald Smith 3rd, David Borough (Valeria) and Kristin Ashton (Rob); grandchildren, Robert, Hannah, Lindsay, Sierra and Jadyn. He is predeceased by his parents Donald and Cherie and his sisters, Donna and Diane.

The family humbly requests that in lieu of flowers a charitable donation is made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project.