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Services can be viewed live at the following link: douglassweeney.live

Doug was born in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Arizona at 3 years old. He grew up in Phoenix and attended Central High School. He was a talented athlete and passed his love of sports to his children and grandchildren.

He graduated from ASU in Finance & Real Estate and worked as a real estate developer and custom home builder.

He married his high school sweetheart Kristen Rhead. He was a selfless and devoted husband to Kristen and father to their five beautiful children. His greatest joy in life was knowing that his children were happy and faithful.

Doug was also an adored grandfather and his favorite times in recent years were spent with his grandchildren. They all loved their Papi!

Doug was a tireless worker. Whether at home, work or church, he always managed to get things done. He was everyone’s handyman.

Doug was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He diligently served in many capacities throughout his life. Most recently he loved serving with the Young Single Adults.

Doug passed away Monday, December 7^th and some of his last moments on earth were spent serving in his callings on Sunday. He was always so devoted and eager to serve.

His unexpected passing has left a hole in the lives of all who knew him, but especially his sweet wife and family. He will be sorely missed. His family is grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sacred covenants that seal them for eternity and give them hope of a joyful reunion in the life hereafter.

Parents: Judy & Ron Gawlitta

Sister: Debbie Pennell

Children:

Justin & Marin Sweeney: Carden, Brooke, Rhead, McKay & Ruthie

James & Erin Sweeney: Emma, Lucy, Ethan, Joshua & Benjamin

Ashley & Mike Smith: Halle, Eva, Noah, Greyson & Duke

Jaren & Keisha Sweeney: Jordan

Michelle & Jake Wright: Maggie & Jacob Lo

Mesa- Marilyn Phyllis Olson, 89, slipped peacefully into the eternities on December 6, 2020 at her home in Mesa, AZ with her family by her side. We find joy she has been reunited with her eldest daughter Marie and her loving husband, George. She is survived by her daughters Vicki Shultz (Frosty), Terri Lynn Olson and Neola Judd (Stephen) and by her sons Tracy Olson (Paula), John Olson (Jacqueline) and Don Olson (Annette). Marilyn was a beloved grandmother and was adored by her 41 grandchildren and 83 great grandchildren.

Marilyn was born in Denver Colorado in 1931 to Alford and Ruth Gay. She later met George Olson while he was serving in the US Air Force and they were married on 5/16/1952. Marilyn loved her family and along with George, instilled in their children a love for God, a love for this great country and deep love for each other. She will be dearly missed.

An open viewing will be held on December 11, 2020 from 6-8pm at the Bunker Garden Chapel located at 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ.  Funeral services will be Saturday December 12, 2020 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints church building locate at 1550 N. Val Vista with a short grave side service at 1230pm at the City of Mesa Cemetery. (Face coverings are required at each event)

Carol Lucile Solomon, or Carol Lu to just about everyone who knew her, was born on August 20, 1938 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Clifford and Florence Mortensen.

When she was 5 years old, she met Stephen “Steve” Solomon, who tried to burn her father’s sign down in her yard.  Despite their getting off on the wrong foot, they fell in love and Carol Lu and Steve were married on September 14, 1956 at the tender age of 18. They were soon joined by Cindi, Wade, Stephanie, and Todd.

One rarely saw Carol Lu out of her home without her signature fluffy hair, a few rings of silver and/or turquoise, a very nicely arranged outfit with a matching purse, and a child or grandchild in tow. She was a professional seamstress with the talent to sew anything. She enjoyed painting, crafting, baking, crocheting, and giving. 

She served faithfully in all auxiliaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including as Steve’s home teaching companion in Pine for 25 years.

Carol Lu was a collector of antiques, teddy bears, decorations for every holiday, and an abundance of tiny things, but mostly she was a collector of memories. You could bring her every object in her home and she could tell you how and where she obtained it, who she was with, and probably what she ate for dinner the night she received it. Everything in her life represented fond memories, and she surrounded herself with them. 

She lived to make memories and to be there for others as they made theirs. She made all her family feel special no matter how far away they lived, and made an effort to be there for every milestone. Her phone seemed to constantly ring, yet she rarely left a call unanswered. She loved her family more than anything and would go to the ends of the earth to show her love every day. 

Carol Lu Solomon departed peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of December 2, 2020 surrounded by family. 

Carol Lu is survived by her husband Steve, four children, Cindi Beck (Russell), Wade (Elizabeth), Stephanie Beesley (Curtis), and Stephen “Todd” (Alison), thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and enough frozen food to feed them all for the next couple years or so. 

She has gone on to be reunited with hundreds of those she loved and served who passed before her, including her parents, her sisters Colleen Rogers and Lillian Arrington, and her grandchildren Jenifer and Ryan Beck. She will be dearly missed by hundreds more, but we are joyful for her release from all her Earthly struggles. 

Services will be held on Saturday December 12th, 2020, 10:00 am, at the LDS Meetinghouse on 1005 N Voyager Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85234. 

Leslie Mel Jones was born on July 19, 1951 to Melvin Lee and Evalyn Jones in Logan, Utah.  He was named after his grandfather Leslie Peel who had passed away the prior year.  The family moved back to Mesa, Arizona, where Les attended Erving and Edison Elementary Schools, Mesa Jr. and Kino Jr. High Schools, Westwood High School and Mesa Community College.  He served a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Uruguay/Paraguay.  Upon returning home, he attended Brigham Young University where he met his wife Julene.  They were married for time and eternity in the Los Angeles Temple, March 9, 1974. 

Les started his work career at the age of 8 working for his father’s company, Mel Jones Masonry, sweeping the office and cleaning up around the yard.  By the time he was 14 he spent his summers, after school, weekends and holidays on the construction site working with the other tenders, masons and then laying block – competing with the best masons on crew.  He took pride in showing all the homes, fences and commercial properties he worked on around the valley.  He worked briefly in real estate and in 1986 began working for Arizona Block.  The company later purchased Superlite Block Company where he worked till his medical retirement in 2014.  He developed deep friendships with many that he continued till the end of his life.  Because of his fluence in the Spanish language, he was called to translate often for his father and in his work.

He experienced many health challenges and live with pain for many years.  Despite his hardship, he tried to always have a joke and a smile.  His love for his family, friends and his Savior Jesus Christ never wavered.

He passed away on November 30, 2020, on his grandfather Willard Jones’ 138^th birthday. 

Sons: Jeremy, Joshua, Justus (deceased); Wife: Julene; Siblings: Randy (Marie), Brenda, Willie, Glen (Sylvia) and Ivan (Allison).

We are grateful for his life, his hard work and dedication, his love of family and mostly love of the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks if you would find an opportunity to serve any of you neighbors – even in some small way.

Angela M. Evans, 53, passed away on the patio of her and Bobbilee’s home peacefully on November 28,2020. Angela lived a very happy life always surrounded by friends and family who loved her. She enjoyed many activities such as collecting rocks and sea shells, playing with animals, and eating ice cream. She is survived by her father, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and nephew, she will be missed greatly. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 12:00 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way 85201. Grave side services will be held Friday December 4, 2020 st 1:00PM at the Mesa Cemetery.

Gregory Chacon passed away in his home on the morning of November 21st 2020.  He is survived by his son, Jason Chacon, mother, Carmen Chacon, sister, Anna Staley and brother, Tony Chacon.  A public visitation will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel from 11:00 am-1:00pm.  His service will follow immediately after but will be limited to close family and friends.  The service may be viewed online at:  

https://youtu.be/6lC2o1wXE1I

Rebecaa Lynn Crismon, 66 was called home on November 21,2020. Becky lived a very happy life with her children and grandchildren being the center of her world. She loved to spend time with her friends and her family. She adored her dog Lola, who was her most loyal companion. She had a wonderful talent for making beautiful flower arrangements and specialized gifts. She was a retired fire and police dispatcher for the City Of Mesa. She was a faithful loving mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She lit up a room with her warm heart and kind spirit. Anyone who was blessed enough to know her loved her immediately and felt blessed to have her in their life. She will be missed more than words could ever say. She is survived by her 5 children Ritchie, Kimberly, Katy, Emily and Danny, her 6 grandsons Trey, Kendon, Shane, Kylo, Daven and Wyatt and 1 granddaughter Brodie. Her siblings Terry, Bonnie, John and Sandy and her father Clarence. She had many nieces, nephews and 3 stepchildren. There to meet her in heaven was her brother Dale, her mom June and her grandparents Maybelle and Conrad. Due to COVID-19 she is having a closed funeral that is by invite only for in person. There is a live link available for anyone who would like to attend virtually. Please reach out to one of her family members for the date and the link to attend. 

Donna Jean Hansen, age 78, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 4, 2020.  Donna was born on July 7, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Willard & Jean (Dewalt) Lillroth. She graduated from Anaheim High School in southern California and received her LPN nursing degree from Orange Coast College. She married William (Bill) Hansen on May 6,1978 in Maple Lake, Minnesota. 

Donna had various jobs throughout her life, including gogo dancing, but she was most proud of her in-home nursing work that she did for the past 30 years — the last 11 of which were with the Wilson family, whom she loved dearly. 

Donna lived in California for many years of her life and loved San Clemente. She also resided in various cities in Minnesota, with Buffalo being her home for 15 years. Just to keep us on our toes, she and Bill moved to Costa Rica for three years. For the past 14 years, she called Mesa, Arizona her home, where she attended Mission Community Church in Gilbert. 

Donna lived life to the fullest! She did it all and did not want to miss out on anything! She loved a good party and always opened her home up to others. She loved to cook and enjoy good food. She loved Diet Cherry Coke, Sonic Ice, and one or two Cuba libres. She also had an affinity for movies, The Young and the Restless — which she called The Young and the Useless — and of course, her children, grandchildren, and husband.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Jean; her son, Todd Green; her brother John Lillroth; her nephew, Jason Albright; and her sister, Janet Jackson. Donna is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Bill Hansen; her sister Cheryl Adams; her brother Dean Lillroth; her children, Douglas Green, Jaimie Green, Steven Hansen, Brent Hansen (and wife, Linda), and Brooke Diercks (and husband, Jeff); her 10 grandchildren, Ariahna, Kynsie, Kaylee, Kyler, Keston, Callahan, Madison, Ashton, Camryn, and Ryan; and her neices and nephew, Jenny, Amber, Saundra, Jessica, Ashley, and Aaron.

Charles Thomas Janulewicz “Bear”

“Bear,” 66, Was called home to be with his Wife Gloria on Saturday the 14^th of November in Mesa, Arizona. Bear was married to Gloria J. Janulewicz for 27 unforgettable years. In 2006 Bear lost the love of his life. Bear spoke of Gloria every day and of the day when he would be reunited with her.

Bear is survived by his 3 daughters, Candi, Cindi, and Conni and son Robert, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and many more extended family members.

Bear had a busy life filled with family, friends, and amazing bike rides on his Harley Sportster. The Harley being a gift from his father when he was young. Bear and Gloria went on many rides and enjoyed many miles together. Now, they ride together again.

Bear will be missed dearly and will remain in our hearts forever.

There will be NO formal service, due to Bear’s wishes of being sent home to Wisconsin to rest with his dear wife.

Donations may be made, in lieu of flowers, in Bear’s memory, to “BACA” “Bikers Against Child Abuse.”

Please leave condolence messages and memories for the family at BunkerFuneral.com

Beloved infant Henry passed away after 1:00 am on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Banner Desert Children’s Hospital in Mesa, AZ due to multiple medical conditions. Henry was in the hospital from birth for 2 months and 7 days. We would like to acknowledge the wonderful and caring NICU & PICU nurses, doctors, and staff at the Banner Children’s at Desert for their above and beyond services. We would also like to acknowledge Henry’s Cardiologist, Doctor John Stock, for his help.

Surviving are his parents Brent Charles Larsen and Jessica Gail Larsen; maternal grandfather Kenneth Lee Shelton; paternal grandmother LeAnn Hatch Larsen and grandfather Brad Calister Larsen; 5 maternal aunts and 5 maternal uncles; 3 paternal aunts and 3 paternal uncles; and numerous maternal and paternal cousins.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandmother Patricia Bohne Shelton

Services will not be held however a celebration of life will occur in the coming months. We are also considering a virtual option for people to share online as many are not local to Henry. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers the family would please ask any interested parties to donate to their favorite children’s hospital.

Lavina A. Mendoza, 65, passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2020 in Mesa, AZ.  She was born to Clement Santos Sr. And Viola Mae Johnson in Sacaton, AZ on November 6th, 1955 on the Gila River Indian Reservation.

She was one of a kind; a truly genuine woman who loved and cherished her children, especially her grandchildren. She was a beloved mother, sister, wife, friend, mentor and more. Lavina enjoyed taking road trips with her youngest children, playing with her grandchildren, listening to music on her CD/cassette player and watching tv shows like Chicago Med, Fire and PD, as well as watching tv mass on sundays.

She is preceded in death by her parents Clement and Viola Santos, her brothers Calvin, Clement Jr. and her sisters Francis, Glenda and Jonella.

She is survived by her husband, Ernest Mendoza Sr., her children; Maria F. Antone, Ernesto Mendoza Jr., Aaron Gene Mendoza, Angelica Mae Mendoza and Andrew Thomas Mendoza. Her grandchildren are as follows: Ramona & Maria Antone, Ernesto Mendoza III, Jada A. Notah-Mendoza, Lareyna Amelia Mendoza and Mateo Gene Mendoza and her great-grandchildren.

Her funeral mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November, 18th, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 230 W. Galveston St. Chandler, AZ 85225. The family visitation  will commence at Gordon Santos’ residence in District 5 at Casa Blanca, AZ. Burial of the cremains will be at a later date at Sweetwater Cemetery in Casa Blanca, AZ. Lavina was indeed irreplaceable, a joy to be around and will be sorely missed by all who were blessed with her presence.

Bobby Ray New, age 78, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 5, 2020.  He was joined moments later by his wife Janet New.

Bobby was born on May 13, 1942 in Eubank, KY to the late Albert E. New and Eva Jane (Jones) New. He was a 1961 graduate of Eubank High School. After graduating, Bobby worked at Cornett Machine Shop in Somerset, KY for a year before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1963, where he served honorably for 22 years. He retired in June of 1984 as a Master Sergeant.

He married Nisa Deekrathok Sawyer, he became a loving father to 3 children, Pojana, Charley, and Roger. In June of 1989, Bobby married his soulmate, Janet and added 4 stepchildren, Stacey, Victor, Lee and Darcy whom he adored as his own.

Bobby and Janet were devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Bobby was a do it all handyman, a jack of all trades, he enjoyed and was skilled in repairing any and all things mechanical and technical. He had a passion for exploring his family genealogy.

He is survived by a daughter, Pojana Joseph (Authur) of Dallas,TX; two sons, Charley New (Ashley) of Waycross, GA and Roger New of Grand Prairie, TX; two stepdaughters, Stacey Hanson (Steve) of Independence, MO; Darcy Whatcott (Matt) of Keller, TX; and two stepsons, Victor Allred (Theresa) of Kansas City, MO and Lee Allred (Michelle) of Kansas City MO; a sister, Betty Lou Wilson (Don) of Ferguson, KY; a brother, Billy New (Sue) of Science Hill, KY; and a special niece, Tish Ann.

He is preceded in death by his father, Albert New and mother, Eva Jane Jones; two sisters, Lona Pittman and Wilma Baston; and two brothers, Dennis F. New and Chester G. New.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Melby Mortuary on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Celebration of Life Services will be held 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 14th at Melby Mortuary in Mankato, Kansas with Matt Whatcott officiating. Burial will follow in the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak, Kansas.   Military honors will be conducted by the US Air Force and Emory Clemons Post #263.

Our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Janet Sue New, 79, passed away with her loving husband, Bobby Ray New, 78, at their home in Mesa, AZ.

Janet was the only child of Duane Neil and Margaret Lucille (Meeker) Bennett, born on Oct. 11, 1941 in Otego, Kansas. Her birth was excitedly anticipated as she was the first grandchild on both sides of the family and her great, great grandmother Mahala Bennett (whose husband Seth, a Union soldier) enjoyed Jan’s first year of life.

Janet spent her entire childhood in the farming community of Mankato, KS. Both sets of her grandparents resided in Jewel County and she was privileged to be surrounded by family. She was always close to her grandparents, aunts and uncles–family was everything to the Bennetts and Meekers. Janet graduated from Mankato High School, Mankato, KS in 1959. After high school Janet moved to Denver, CO to go to Beauty School with her best friend and started life as a beautician in 1960, staying in Denver. She went on a blind date and three months later married Milburn L. Allred on Aug. 28, 1960. On their first anniversary Stacey arrived, Victor came 11 months later. The family later moved to Kingston, NY in 1967. Lee joined the family in 1968 and their last child, Darcy arrived almost 2 years to the day. The family later moved to the Lexington KY area in 1975.  Jan earned her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree.

While attending a large LDS singles conference in Atlanta, GA Jan meet the love of her life—Bob New. Bob moved with his family of three children from Fort Walton Beach, FL to Science Hill, KY where they married June 3, 1989. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. Bob was raising three children—Pojanna (PJ) born in 1972, Charley joined the family a short 2 years later after Bob finished his tour in Viet Nam. Bob’s grand finale Roger arrived in 1984. Roger was almost five when they married and Roger called Jan, Mom from day one. Roger loved to ride in Bob’s pick-up snuggled in between his parents. Jan and Bob later moved to Brigham City, UT where they raised Roger close to his nephew, Russ and his nieces Emily and Rachel. Upon retirement, they split their time between Arizona and Utah. They eventually bought a house close to family in the Mesa and enjoyed their grandkids and three great grandkids.

Jan was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all of her adult life. She served in many callings but her very favorite was as a teacher in the Relief Society (Women’s LDS organization). She particularly loved family history work and completed one line of her family back to the 1600’s. She was proud of her heritage, especially that her line included grandfathers that fought in both the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars. She appreciated her husband’s service in the US Army of over 20 years. He later inspired a son and grandson to follow his footsteps. Jan enjoyed many crafts, but especially scrapbooking and taking care of her rosebushes. She was a dedicated full-time homemaker most of her life; raising five children. She loved the holidays, mostly spent without an extended family as they lived in both Texas and Kansas. She truly loved being a grandparent and great grandmother; for the last 30 years she enjoyed living by a daughter and later by her great grandchildren. Her last years living in Mesa were her happiest—she attended many programs and concerts that her grandchildren participated in and she never missed a chance to see her great granddaughter cheer at a local JR High School. She was a gentle, thoughtful soul who will be sorely missed by her family, neighbors, and church friends. She was quick to laugh and enjoyed watching movies all her life. She also enjoyed playing card games from a very young age. Her only unfilled desire was for siblings and she taught her children that the greatest inheritance she would ever give them was each other. Jan and Bob enjoyed eating lunch out most days and going to all kinds of antique and estate sales.

Jan is survived by five children– Stacey Hansen (Steve), Independence, MO; Vic Allred (Theresa), Parkville, MO; Lee (Michelle) Kansas City, MO; Darcy (Matt) Whatcott, Keller, TX and Roger New (adopted at age 18), Grandview, TX. She was also blessed with two step-children—Charley (Ashley) New, Waycross, GA and Pojana (Arthur) Joseph, Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. Twenty-five grandchildren and six grandchildren from both sides of the family graced her life.

She was preceded in death (for a few short minutes) by her husband Bob New; her parents Duane and Margaret Bennett and four loving great grandparents.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Melby Mortuary on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Celebration of Life Services will be held 1:00 p.m., on Oct. 14, 2020 at the Melby Mortuary, Mankato KS with Matt Whatcott officiating. Burial with her husband will immediately follow in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, KS.

The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to http://afas.org—(ASSA) HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY, 1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 809, Arlington, VA 22202, to honor her husband’s untiring devotion, loyalty and service to our beloved country. These can be sent in care of Melby Mortuary. For online condolences, please visit www.melbymortuary.com

Daniel Ray Miller was born in Hays, Kansas on April 27, 1939 to Raymond and Eva Miller with two brothers, Jerry and Steve.  He is survived by his wife Sue, married for 55 years; his son Michael and his wife Jennifer, their daughter Chelsea and granddaughter Charly.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 14, 2020 at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, Arizona.

James Herschel Dugger Jr. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, Oct 31, 2020.  He was born born June 2, 1942 in Savannah Georgia to James Herschel Dugger and Lottie Estelle Malphrus. He had two older sisters, Barbara and Sheryl, and a younger brother Allen.

They moved from Savannah to Mesa when Jim was five years old. He attended school in Mesa graduating from Mesa High School in 1960.  He served a 2 ½ year mission in the Netherlands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Jim married Marie Turley on July 17, 1964 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  They were blessed with five children: James (Patti) Dugger, Michele McBride, Denise (David) Klein, Kyle (Skye) Dugger, Stacie (Scott) Wright. They have 20 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  Jim is survived by his sister Sheryl (Bryce) Gardner.

Jim majored in Architecture at ASU and then Construction Technology at BYU. He Worked for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints for a number of years overseeing the construction of temples and chapels for the church. He and his family lived in England and Hong Kong for several years.

After they moved back to Arizona Jim served as a bishop, a counselor in a stake presidency, and as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Temple for 21 years.  He and Marie served three missions to the Palmyra Temple.  They served in the Ohio Columbus Mission which included northern Kentucky.  Their mission experience also included two Church Service Missions. Two years at the Church Employment Center and then two years at the Family History Center. He loved the Temple and the time he spent doing Family History.  He loved gadgets and computers. Designing things and then building them was his creative outlet. He also loved to travel. He and Marie had 56 wonderful years together.

There will be a viewing Friday November 13, from 6-8 pm at Bunkers Garden Chapel 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Az 85201

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020, with viewing from 9-9:45 am and funeral service at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 525 E. 2nd Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204. Funeral arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, Mesa, AZ (480)964-8686. Burial in the Mesa City Cemetery.

Funeral Services’ Zoom Link: https://churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/my/just1miller
Meeting ID 4802325240

Juan Aranda Gonzalez, 87, of Tyrone, NM passed away, November 5^th, 2020 surrounded by family.

Juan was born on February 13, 1933 in Bocoyna, Chihuahua, Mexico. He was the second youngest of 16 children. At 17 years old, Juan immigrated to the U.S. on The Bracero Program, an agreement between the United States and Mexico allowing the importation of Mexican laborers to work in the farmlands at .30 cents an hour. Juan was recognized early for his intelligence and leadership and quickly became a foreman. He taught himself English, became a master mechanic, certified welder, electrician, and carpenter. His driving force was his desire to become a pilot and after fighting a language barrier and certain biases, he earned his private pilot’s license, and became a skilled aviation mechanic. Juan fell in love with flying around the U.S. and Mexico. He settled in Arizona and New Mexico.

Juan taught himself to play the guitar and violin and passed on his love and passion for life to his children. He spent countless hours helping the needy on both sides of the border. He loved his home and adopted country and taught those around him the beauty of both. Juan was a testament to a successful emigration.  

Juan is survived by his children Olga, Beatrice, Benjamin, Margaret, Diana, Daniel, Martin, and Lalo along with 30 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  

A celebration of life will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 at the Virden, New Mexico Cemetery. Due to COVID precautions there will be no additional social gatherings following. Please remember to bring a mask. Proper social distancing will be observed.