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Daniel Taylor, son of father Urshel Claude and mother Jaqueline Taylor died on December 18, 2020. He was born February 7, 1967 in Brigham City, Utah, where he graduated from Box Elder High School. He received a certificate in heating and air conditioning from a technical institute in Phoenix and was employed with various companies around Utah and Arizona for many years. He is survived by his mother, a brother Tony, two (2) nieces and a one (1) nephew: Page, Jimmy and Zoe, respectively. He was preceded in death by his brother Urshel Keith Taylor and his father Urshel Claude Taylor. Interment in Salt River Cemetery.
Orra Lundgren died on Monday, December 21, 2020, at home in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 97. He was in good health most all his life, and succumbed to complications following gall bladder surgery. Orra was surrounded by loving family members at the time of his passing. He is survived by his spouse June, all five AZ- based children ( Larry, Dale, Dean, Brian and Sharon), his 18 grandchildren and 54 great- grandchildren, plus 2 great- greats.
Born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, the son of Alfred August and Oline Lundgren, he was the last survivor of four children ( including Don, Margret, and Alf).
After serving in the Army during WWII, he completed an LDS mission in Hawaii, and then married the love of his life, Billie June Leistiko, on July 25, 1950 in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. After the third son was born, the family moved to Phoenix, AZ where the large part of his adult life was spent.
Orra led an exemplary life, was active and engaged in his devotion to God, his country, his family, and all his many passions in life. Early on, Orra became interested in the Arts and opened a pottery business on E. Indian School Road, called ” The Clay Shop”. Aside from his love of the outdoors, camping, hunting, and fishing ( yes, Sharon always caught the biggest fish), Orra studied jewelry making, crafts, silversmithing, made wedding rings, lamps, his own archery equipment, learned hydroponics, and leatherwork. He also loved finding Indian ruins, and pottery, and he had a good relationship with White Bear Oswald Fredricks, the Chief’s son on the Hopi Reservation.
After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Art Education at ASU, he taught Arts and Crafts at West High and Scottsdale High Schools, painted back- drops for plays and made a fabulous villain as Pesky Pewter in a church melodrama. He loved acting and drama, and was known to dabble in the art of make-up, having stumped an entire church congregation to who “this Hillbilly couple” was. Orra was loved for his humor, his stories, his tricks, and often entertained at Scout Camp or church socials.
After retirement, Orra became more passionate about developing his talent in water color paintings and his home became an art museum. There were many things to like about Orra as a teacher, a mentor, and family man. I think Sharon described him best as she sent around a recent picture of him. She said ” My sweet Dad passed to the other side tonight. He had a sense of humor, and was loved by many. He taught us to work hard, have integrity, and was a great example of Christ-like service. I still can’t believe he made it to 97/” Happy Trails, Orra.
Viewing for friends & family Dec 27th from 5-7 pm at Bunkers, 33 N. Centennial, Mesa.
Services for Lundgren posterity the 28th at 10:30am at Maricopa Stake Center 1718 N. Date St., Mesa.
For those who would like to view the service, please join us at: https://zoom.us/j/91031076708p
Barbara Nell Anderson, of Apache Junction Arizona, went to be with her Heavenly Father on December 18, 2020 in Mesa Arizona. She was born December 02, 1960 in Fort Hood Texas to Elvis and Shelia Dahl. Barbara lived life to the fullest loving her two sons, her grandchildren, her family, and most of all the Lord Jesus Christ. Painting was her long-time trade. She loved listening to good music and singing with her amazing Angelic voice.
She is survived by her son James Anderson III and wife Elenore of Apache Junction Arizona, son Joseph Anderson of Apache Junction Arizona. Grandchildren Audrey Anderson, James Anderson IV, and Kennedy Anderson. Mother Shelia Dahl of Denton Texas. Sister Julie Ruiz and husband Leanardo of Eugene Oregon, sister Evelyn Blackwell and husband Gerald of Mesa Arizona, brother Alfred Dahl and wife Janita of Glendale Arizona, brother Harold Dahl of Denton Texas, brother William Dahl of McKinney Texas, Sister Ellen Woolf and husband Micheal of Alto New Mexico. Numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara’s celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and close friends.
Jonathan LeRoy Ellsworth (Dad), 85, of Mesa, Arizona, passed on December 20, 2020. He was born to William Ronald Ellsworth and Eugenia Winifred Guthrie on March 16, 1935, in Mesa, Arizona. Dad graduated from Farmington High School and received a degree in Soil Chemistry from Brigham Young University. His careers reflected his passion for developing potential. This was evident in his Idaho farm, Arizona real estate developments and in the love and inspiration he showered on those he served as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He married our mother, Cecelia Eileen Ellsworth in 1955. Dad is survived by Mom, and seven (7) children, Bryan (Sherri Jones), Timothy (Jennifer Hilton), Daniel (Linda Jensen), Shawna (Michael Jones), Kathleen (Michael Munroe), Rebecca (Jason Hansen), Ronald (Audra Brown), and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will join his parents and his beloved siblings Vaughn, Grant, Thelma, Winnifred, and Georgia for a blessed reunion on the other side of the veil this Christmas.
Dad loved Mom. He wanted only the best for her. Nothing was as important to him as making her happy and being at her side. In addition, he honored the role of father. We will remember him as strong, gentle and patient. He believed in us and taught us to look for the good in every person and situation. He set an example of hard work and integrity as a pathway to success. He had a delightful sense of humor and infectious laugh. We loved to try to make him laugh until the tears ran down his cheeks, and he often obliged.
He loved the outdoors. When he wasn’t working, he would try to slip away to lead scout hikes, camp with his family and spend time with his dearest fishing buddy, his brother Grant. Even in their later years Grant and he would trek to Mexico for a chance to catch bass.
Dad was deeply spiritual and dedicated countless hours to church service. In addition to the three (3) missions he served with our mom, he gave his heart and time to his ward family. As a bishop he loved them deeply and cared for them as if they were his own.
Dad was a farmer, an entrepreneur, and real estate developer, but most of all he was a husband, father, and friend. We will miss his smile, his relentless drive, his faith in our abilities and his quiet way of finding joy in the journey.
With all our love,
Johnny and Cecelia’s kids
A virtual memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 26, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. more information please see >>>>>>>>>> Facebook page.
** Please click this link to see the service live** http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/gilbertarizonagreenfieldstake
Melvin Glenn Guthrie, of Gilbert, Veteran, Educator, and fourth generation resident of Arizona, died in Gilbert, Arizona on December 17, 2020 at the age of 95. He was born in Douglas, Arizona on June 5th, 1925, to Anna Elizabeth ( Dillman) and Loren Vaughn Guthrie Jr. Glenn was the second of four children who were raised, in their formative years by caring grandparents, aunts and uncles when their mother died in 1935. He attended schools in Higley, Paradise Valley, Elfrida and Mesa, graduating from MUHS in 1941. Quick to be grateful to friends, relatives, and mentors along the way, he honored his Guthrie and Dillman grandparents, many excellent teachers, scoutmasters, Willis Rollins and Elias Brimhall and MUHS Superintendent, Harvey Taylor. Treasured best friends were Max Killian and Wallace Sabin. Glenn was an early Eagle Scout. He enlisted in the US Navy in June, 1943 and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga.
He met Wanda Knudsen in April 1945 while home on leave after his ship was badly damaged with a heavy loss of life while supporting the Marine invasion of Iwo Jima. Theirs was a beautiful, unique love story as they courted 21 days before he went back to the Navy. They wrote each other every day for six months. Wanda was the love of Glenn’s life, and they were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on 15 November, 1945. After Glenn’s discharge from the Navy in 1946, he earned degrees from Arizona State College and ASU ( 1950, 1955, 1965.) After teaching (6th, 8th, 9th grades) ten years in Mesa schools, he served 18 years as principal at Alma School (2), Mesa Jr. High (8) and Poston Jr. High (8) retiring in 1982.
Always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Glenn enjoyed his many assignments to work in boy scouting and other teen activities. He was a member of Mesa Baseline Rotary Club for 13 years. He worked for many years to further the work of Mesa United Way in its annual drive.
Glenn and Wanda had a high fidelity marriage. He always spoke of her as ” the biggest blessing in my life”. They are parents of six children: Anna Jean( deceased) (Royce West) of Gilbert, Catherine ( Dennis Vance) of Puyallup, WA, Marlene ( Robert Elliott) of Gilbert, Steven of Gilbert, Dale ( Jo Ellen) of Gilbert, and Wayne ( Kathy) of Vernal, UT. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wanda, brother Loren, sister Eileen Black, and daughter Ann West. He is survived by five children, 31 grandchildren, 100 great- grandchildren, and his sister Charmaine Halverson of Bountiful, Utah.
Services will be held December 29, 2020 at the Greenfield Stake Center at 2740 S. Lindsay Road at 10:00 AM with a Family Visitation only, at 9:00 AM. Interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery.
**To view the service that was previously recorded, please see the link below. This will be available on Wednesday, 12/30/2020**
YouTube Link (starting Wednesday):
Cecil Glenn Conrad, Jr., 64, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2020, at his home in Mesa, Arizona. A life-long resident of Mesa, Cecil was born on August 2, 1956 to Cecil G. Conrad and Mildred L. Getz, both of whom preceded him in death. In 2017, Cecil retired from the City of Phoenix, after 20 years, as a heavy equipment operator, a job he greatly enjoyed. Cecil spent his time doing many activities including camping and fishing at our local lakes, canoeing, and rebuilding vehicles of all types. He had a mischievous sense of humor (Holy cow!), a love for the outdoors, and a near constant twinkle in his bright, blue eyes.
Cecil is survived by his daughter Chantel Ramirez (George) and grandchildren Cindy and Rick, his sisters Virginia Stodghill (Frank), Glenda Patrick (Jerry), Pamela Williams, and brother William Conrad (Jayne). Cecil’s sister, Cecilia A. Conrad, also preceded him in death. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
As a remembrance, please consider making a donation, in Cecil’s name, to the Arizona Diabetes Foundation. Diabetes is ranked as the 6th highest disease related cause of premature death in Arizona.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family has chosen not to have a memorial service at this time.
Cecil’s memory will be forever kept alive in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Fernando Guerrero passed away Saturday December 12, 2020. He was born August 29, 1929 to Pedro Warner Guerrero, and Rosaura Castro Guerrero in Mesa, Arizona.
He attended and graduated from Mesa High School, and Arizona State University. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at the Panama Canal working counter-intelligence.
While attending ASU he met Lucille Campos. They were married January 16, 1954 and shortly after settled in Mesa. They were married for over 60 years until Lucy passed away in 2014. They had three children, and the family spent much time together taking summer trips to San Diego, Yellowstone, and New York City. They also spent many summer days at the family cabin in Pinetop.
Fernando and Lucy had a large group of friends they enjoyed traveling with on many trips to Europe, the Far East and many ski trips to various resorts.
He was an avid gun collector and enjoyed his bird hunting trips with Dr. Richard Flynn, Hayden C. Hayden, Dave Workman, and Al Mendivil.
He was active in the sign industry throughout his business career. He served as President of the Arizona Sign Association and was recently inducted into its Hall of Fame. He retired as President of Guerrero-Lindsey Sign Company.
He was active in the community throughout his life as a member of the Mesa Jaycees, Mesa Baseline Rotary and the Mesa HoHoKams. He served terms in each organization as President.
He was a fan of all Arizona State Sun Devil athletics, and never missed a game, holding season tickets to Football, Basketball and Baseball.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lucy, His mother and father Rosaura and Pedro, his siblings Adolfo, Pete, Maria Jaimes, and Kathy Bradley. He is survived by his sister Herminia Stechnij, his three children Patricia Dircks (Chip), Fernando Guerrero Jr., Katherine Gruenewald (Warren), five grandchildren Jamie Smith (Brandon), Michael Guerrero (Adriana), Matthew Dircks (Krystal), Kaitlin Gruenewald (Logan), Garrett Gruenewald, and his four great grandchildren Kayla, Jayden and Adalyn Smith, and Remi Dircks.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the future.
Marilyn June (Courtney) Jungman, born February 4, 1935, was called home to heaven Wednesday, December 16, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to Clarence and Edna Courtney in Ottumwa, Iowa. Marilyn met the love of her life, Chuck, in 1953 at the University of Iowa. They worked together at Jungman Oil and raised their three children in Van Meter, Iowa. They were married for 66 wonderful years and fell asleep each and every night holding hands.
Marilyn led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends and an abundance of hobbies such as painting, crafting, traveling the world and riding Harleys with her beloved husband. She had a great sense of style and loved to entertain. She was an avid lover of all sports and never missed a chance to watch her favorite team the Iowa Hawkeyes.
She was an incredible mother, daughter, sister and wife. Family was everything to her and she was everything to her family. She will forever be remembered for her kind heart, sense of humor, and words of wisdom.
She is survived by her husband Chuck, children Dr. Douglas Jungman (Donna) of Bradenton FL, Dennis Jungman (Ann) of Fairfield PA, Debra Decker of Mesa AZ, grandchildren Adam Jungman (Erin), Bridget Harry (Matthew), Elise Pfeifer (Drew), Megan Buhrman (Zach), Courtney Morrison (Richard), Catie Van Cura (Robb) and great-grandchildren Ellie, Tellulah, Bronson and Evie. Marilyn is also survived by many friends and family whom she adored. We find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her parents and siblings in heaven.
Marilyn will be laid to rest in Van Meter, Iowa. A celebration of her life will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers we ask that you please cherish every day and hold the ones you love a little tighter in honor of Marilyn.
Frank Castellanos Ramirez was born July 5, 1995, in Chandler Regional Hospital, Chandler Arizona. He was raised in Gilbert and graduated from Gilbert High School. From the age of four he began playing soccer and competed on various teams. Growing up his friends recognized his love for church and soccer and called his family “chur-cers” because of their involvement in both. Many times he left his friends early to get home in time for church.
He attended Chandler Gilbert Community College and studied auto mechanics. He continued his education at Mesa Community College studying Computer Information Systems before pursuing a business degree from Arizona State University. He graduated with a Batchelor of Arts Business degree in the W.P. Carey School of Business, December of 2019. In the Covid-19 shutdown recession gripped the nation. Frankie sought employment to utilize his recent education and eventually was rewarded with a position as an investment broker with Merrill, a Bank of America company.
Frankie had a love for music. He played the saxophone from the fifth through the twelfth grade and performed in the school’s marching bands. His love for music expanded to the guitar and keyboard, but he eventually found his greatest passion in playing drums for the praise team at church. He also used his vocal talents and sang on the praise team at LifeChurch, Gilbert, and joined Arizona Praise, a combined Christian choir from several churches in the metro Phoenix area for a year. He was very active in his church and began mentoring young aspiring musicians who wanted to learn drums and other instruments.
Frankie is survived by his father and mother, Victor and Lucia Ramirez; siblings: Antonio, Ricardo, Andrew, Victor Jr, and Victoria; and six nieces and nephews: Makinzee, Emily, Adalynn, Ty, Jaxx, and Crew.
He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Chad Ronald Robinson was born February 20, 1955. He is the eldest son of Ronald and Ella Mae Robinson. He was born in Tacoma, Washington, where his dad was stationed during the Korean war. Chad spent part of his childhood is Scottsdale and the remainder of his life living in Mesa.
Chad had a natural talent for doing mechanic work, building, welding, and modifying engines and car bodies to make them jump higher or go faster. For a living Chad worked as a car mechanic, sold auto parts (was part owner of a NAPA store), and at Garden Spot Mobile home park as manager/repair man.
Chad enjoyed traveling and had a lot of opportunities to travel and go fishing with his dad and brothers. When at home he was always willing to serve and help others in need. He shared his mechanic talents when asked and was willing to share his home with others in need. He served as a Boy Scout leader for the troop at his church.
Family was very important to Chad and he loved his parents and siblings. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ella Mae Thomas, father J. Ronald Robinson, brothers Randy and Daniel. He is survived by brothers Michael, Ted and sisters Jenny Burnham and Susan Birch.
Chad will be missed by his friends and family.
Patti Ann Mortensen Nielsen was born December 18, 1950 in Mesa, AZ. She was the first born child of Max Eldon Mortensen and Ileen Wilkins and loved being the oldest of seven children. Patti graduated from Mesa High in 1969, attended beauty school, and graduated Mesa Community College with an Associates Degree. She met her husband Larry William Nielsen at a wedding reception in Ridgecrest, CA and dated him long distance while she was living in Utah. They were married and sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on March 24th, 1978. They lived and raised their four daughters in Kern Valley, CA before moving to Thatcher, AZ in 1997.
After Larry passed on, Patti moved back to Mesa to be near friends and family. Patti considered EVERYONE she met a friend and actively worked to find the good in all people. She would chat up her best friends and someone she just met at the neighboring table in the exact same way.
Patti passed on her lifelong love of learning to her children and grandchildren and taught them to ask questions and seek truth in all areas of their lives. Music was important to her and she made sure her family was surrounded by uplifting music that was not only beautiful but taught lessons on how to live a Christ-centered life.
Patti served in many different callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. Some of her favorites included ministering as a ward missionary, librarian, and in the Primary. She always considered herself a missionary and shared gospel truths with everyone she met. She loved her Savior and sought to help others want to know Him because of the way she lived her life. We know she’ll continue that work in heaven.
She is mourned by her four daughters Joi (Jared Wilson), Karla (Paul Waite), Lisa Nielsen, and Juli (Daniel Crowder); her fourteen grandchildren Kaylee, Caiden, Gavin, and Rachelle Wilson; David (Michelle), Maleen, Radon, Emilee, Sarea, Rani, Miriam, and Stella Waite; Maizy and Shae Crowder; and her siblings Kerry (Tammy), Ron (Shirley), Jerry, Joey (Vanessa) Mortensen, Penny (John Sweigart), and Peggy (David Dargie). She was welcomed into the eternities by both her parents, her husband, and her brother Joey.
Bunker Funeral home in Mesa, AZ helped facilitate the graveside service held at Mesa City Cemetery Heritage Garden on December 10, 2020. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on December 26, 2020 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Chapel at 2647 South Signal Butte Road, Mesa AZ. A virtual meeting link will be available for those unable to attend in person.
Lee, 92, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away on December 15, 2020 from complications related to COVID. He was born November 4, 1928, of humble beginnings in Oklahoma. In 1955, he married Nancy Skinner (Echave) of Bisbee, Arizona. They enjoyed 48 wonderful years of marriage together until her passing in 2003.
Lee is remembered by many for generosity, faithfulness and gentleness. He served in the U.S. Army for 30 years with tours of duty in the Korean War, Vietnam War, Japan, Europe and across the United States. He earned more than 16 service medals and decorations, including the Bronze Star. Honoring his deep family roots in Bisbee, Lee retired in Sierra Vista where he remained active in the local community.
He is survived by his three sons, Michael, Richard (Pete) and John Skinner, his daughters-in-law, Valerie, Rebecca (Becky) and Barbara Skinner, 8 grandchildren including Scott, whom he raised, 14 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends. As the nucleus of our family, we hold Lee dear to our hearts.
Lee will be laid to rest at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery. When conditions are more favorable, a celebration of Lee’s life will take place in Bisbee, Arizona.
Hill, Bill G. 87, passed away on December 12, 2020 at his home in Tempe, Arizona. He was born in Quinton, OK on January 10, 1933. He was the youngest of eight children born to Huey H. and Josie May Hill.
The family moved to Gilbert, Arizona in 1940. Bill went to school in Gilbert, that was where he met the love of his life, Mary Frances Payne. They were married on August 2, 1952. They shared 62 years beautiful years together. Mary Frances preceded Bill in death on January 14, 2015. Bill is survived by their four sons, Mark, Mike, Jerry, and Larry (Susan), as well as 13 Grandchildren, 4 Great- Grandchildren, also numerous nieces, and nephews.
Bill served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He retired from the Salt River Project in 1991. Funeral Services are being handled by Bunker Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. A graveside service will be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery on Tuesday, December 12, 2020 at noon.
Barbara (Sue) Bagby Thompson, 64, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 with her loving husband and sons by her side. She was born on August 8, 1956 in Marshfield, MO., the second child of Richard (Rick) Bagby and Shirley J. Bagby. Barbara is survived by her father Rick Bagby, husband Donald Thompson of Gilbert and sons Matthew and Michael of Phoenix. She is also survived by three sisters, Joyce Walls of Las Vegas, NV., Linda (Mike) Jobe of Kansas City, MO., Patricia (Brian) Burns of Geneva, IL., and a brother Steven (Donna) Bagby of Carmel, CA. and nieces Molly and Renner Burns, Jillian Jobe, Megan Walls and Rachel Bagby. She also loved and was loved by her Thompson family including mother-in-law, Eva Thompson, sister’s and brother’s-in-law Betsy (Tim) Vicente, Donna (Pete) Buchert and George (Brenda) Thompson along with nieces and nephews Sean (Jennifer) Vicente; Meghan Buchert, Casey Buchert, Brian (Danielle) Buchert, Blake (Makenzie) Buchert, Kathryn (Adam) Grieser, Luke Thompson, Brandon Bressman and Marissa (Aaron) Eaton along with several great nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death and there to meet her in heaven was her mother, Shirley, her Renner and Bagby grandparents, uncle and aunt John (Billie) Bagby, her aunt Jodie (Kenneth) Clift and aunt Retha Redlesbeger along with her father-in-law George O. Thompson, Jr. and sister-in-law Patricia Thompson and by her Labrador Best Friends for nearly twenty-five years: Jordan, Taz and Charlie Brown.
Barb’s family moved from Springfield, MO. to Aurora, MO. in 1968, where she graduated from Aurora High School in 1974. Soon after graduation, the family moved to Ireland for Rick’s work. Barb and some of her family returned to Aurora a year later but have many fond memories and stories of their time spent in Ireland. Barb attended Southwest Missouri State for a short time but decided to attend and graduated from cosmetology school. However, Barb elected to go to work at a bank in Springfield and that is where she and Don met in 1980. They were married May 1, 1982 at the United Methodist Church in Aurora. Barb and Don have lived in St. Joseph, MO. (10 years) where their sons were born, Overland Park, KS. (15 years) and in Arizona for the past 13 years,
Barb was an avid reader (often having three books going at the same time), she loved to cook for her family, attend her sons’ school and sporting activities, decorate the home, working retail at Williams Sonoma, Coldwater Creek and the Bombay Company, watching Wheel and Jeopardy and enjoying a glass of red wine or a good margarita. Some of her happiest memories were spent with Don’s family at their Lake of the Ozarks house beginning in 1981 with perhaps the most memorable being for a week just this past Labor Day with several family members joining in. She enjoyed tailgating in the fall at Mizzou football games from 1995 to 2006, cheering on the KC Chiefs and Royals to their Superbowl and World Series victories, backyard BBQ’s and pool parties, a large diet coke from Sonic, and traveling/driving trips with her Bagby family in her early years to see new places and later with Don and “the boys” to see Disney World, several of the National Parks and her favorite AZ places like the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Jerome plus trips to Maui and our trip a few years ago to Italy (Rome, Florence and Venice).
But Barb is best remembered for her calm and kind nature, putting others first and her unwavering love for her family and friends. Barb was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in early 2015. Over the past few years, she very much disliked the fact this horrible disease was taking away her ability to enjoy many of the things she liked to do. But she faced the disease with courage, stubborn optimism, calm and dignity. She will be greatly missed by her husband, sons, and extended family. The family wishes to express its appreciation to Hospice of the Valley, Dobson Home, for their guidance and care during her final week.
Given the ongoing constraints of COVID-19 and per Barb’s wishes, the family will be holding a Celebration of Life memorial service in the spring of 2021 in Missouri. Details are yet to be finalized. In lieu of flowers and for those who wish to honor Barb’s legacy, memorial donations are suggested in her name to any of the following organizations:
Lewy Body Dementia Association: www.lbda.org or the Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter; www.alz.org/dsw
KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc.- changing lives one dog at a time – provide guide dogs for the visually impaired, service dogs to assist individuals with physical disabilities, and facility dogs that assist professionals in the field of education, counseling, healthcare, retirement, or the legal system. 120 W. 7th Street, Washington, KS. 66968 or www.KSDS.org (Donate Now).
Phoenix Dream Center – a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit committed to stopping human trafficking, fighting drug addiction, ending childhood hunger and educating tomorrows leaders who are passionate about investing in hands-on ministry preparation. Services include a residential rehabilitation program, shelter and care for victims of human trafficking, affordable housing for men and women in transition, and distribution of food and clothing throughout various Phoenix neighborhoods where the predominately poor reside. 3210 Grand Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85017 www.phoenixdreamcenter.org
Hospice of the Valley – Dobson Home, 1188 N. Dodson Road, Chandler, AZ 85224
Or to the charity of your preference.
Condolences may be expressed at www.bunkercares.com
Dr. Lynn Smith Farnsworth (84) died on December 12, 2020 at his home in Mesa, Arizona due to complications related to COVID-19. He was born on January 27, 1936 in Beaver, Utah to Samuel Taylor Farnsworth and Elsie Kathleen Smith – the youngest of seven children.
He graduated from Beaver High School and attended Brigham Young University (BYU) where he studied Zoology. Lynn and Mary Elizabeth Clark met freshman year at BYU and they married in June 1959. Lynn graduated from BYU in 1961 and went on to attend medical school at the University of Utah. He joined the U.S. Army and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Lynn’s military career provided the opportunity for the family to live in several states across the country and in Germany (twice – Berlin and Heidelberg). He retired from the military as a colonel in 1996 after 35 years of service. Lynn continued his career at Maricopa Medical Center where he retired for a second time in 2003. He took great pleasure in teaching and training the next generation of physicians.
Lynn served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1956 to 1959 in the East German Mission. Lynn and Mary served two missions together: Brazil North Area – Medical Advisor (2004-2006) and North Carolina Raleigh Mission – Military Relations (2011-2013). He found joy in serving and spreading the gospel.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, and eight children: Scott Clark (Juliann) Farnsworth, LynAnn Ellsworth (Mark) Imlay, Karen Farnsworth (Robert) Sawatzki, John Taylor (Stacey) Farnsworth, Robert Clark Farnsworth, Joseph Clark (Jenae) Farnsworth, Melissa Farnsworth (Michael) Smith, and Jennifer Elizabeth (Sylvester) Buigut. He’s the grandfather to 29 children and great-grandfather to 24 children. Preceded in death by son-in-law Lansing Ellsworth and grandsons Dallin Ellsworth and Timothy Smith.
“Lynnie-boy” never forgot his roots as a farm boy from Beaver and his legacy exemplifies the qualities he learned in his early years. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, commitment to service, work ethic, and dedication to Jesus Christ and the gospel.
The Farnsworth family thanks the many healthcare workers who cared for Lynn throughout his illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warriors.
Funeral services will be live streamed on Wednesday, 16 December, 2020 at 11 am MDT at the following link: Services for Lynn Farnsworth (https://youtu.be/vgDlj0npWS4)
On December 11, 2020 Donald George Tutt passed from this life to the next after a brief respiratory illness.
He was 94 years old and still lived independently in Mesa, Arizona.
He was pre-deceased by his wife, Maxine Flanders Tutt, “Mickey”, who passed away four years ago.
Don and Mickey leave behind four children: David Miles Tutt (Yvonne), Donald Eric “Rick” Tutt (Floramae), Nina Ellen Bentley (Don) and Janice Ingrid Morgan (Jospeh), all of Arizona. Their progeny, including children’s spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren number nearly ninety.
Don was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. His father, George William Tutt, passed away from complication of wounds sustained in World War I before Don could get to know him. He was raised by his mother, Velma May Landen and his step-father, John McQuinn.
Don enlisted in the Marines the day after high school graduation and after boot camp was sent to the South Pacific. The war with Japan ended while he was en route. He told his children that the surrender was primarily because “they heard I was coming,” and we believed him. He spent several months on Guam, becoming a sharpshooter and representing his unit in multiple competitions.
After the war, Don went to New York City to study drama – a talent he had discovered in high school. His studies included voice, music and classical dance. He performed on stage and in several radio programs while in New York.
For two summers he also performed with a summer stock company in Booth Bay Harbor, Maine. It was there he met Mickey and they were married in 1951 in New York.
Don and Mickey moved to Ohio where Don worked in radio, then to Erie, Pennsylvania where he began his long career in television with WICU.
Don had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while in New York and Mickey joined while they were in Erie. Don corresponded with some of his college friends who were in other parts of the country and the couple decided to move their family – which now had two sons and two daughters – to Arizona.
Don found employment with KTVK, Channel 3. He was a natural in front of the camera and soon had an afternoon show where he interviewed “anybody who was anybody” when they came to Phoenix. He later worked in the news department, doing on-camera stories and interviews.
Don remained active after retirement, serving in various positions in his local church and occasionally performing in east valley stage productions and as the MC with a large Barbershop chorus.
His exercise regimen up to the week he passed away included 50 – 60 pushups every morning, along with stretching and cardio.
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Use our search function to find a specific obituary, or contact us if you’d like to have your loved one’s obituary hosted on our site.

Let us help you honor their legacy.
Celebrate your loved one’s life however you see fit. At Bunker, we’re committed to helping you. With decades of experience serving families like yours, we can guide you in the right direction to set up a fitting tribute to the special person you have lost.