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Adda Mae (Good) Miller, 89, peacefully passed away on October 9, 2020  in Mesa, Arizona.  Adda Mae was an inspiration to her family and those who knew her.  She was a woman of faith and had many talents.  After completing school in Cosmetology, she owned her own business for several years.   After moving to Kentucky she took art lessons from Russell May and became an impressive artist working mainly with oils.  She pieced together beautiful quilts, and she was a very good cook.

Adda Mae was born February 17, 1931 in Dahlgreen, Illinois, daughter of Almon and Dessie (Jones) Good.  She was married to the late Shirley Ray Miller for 41 years.

Surviving are three sons, Raymond Howard (Vicki) of Gaston, SC, Randy LeRoy (Juanita) of Mesa, AZ and Ronald Lindy (Jill) of Elko, NV.  One daughter, Roxanna Mae (Rodney) Courtney of Reno, NV.

She had 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

She is survived by her brothers, Warren C Good of Sutherlin, OR and Kenneth Good of Kingman, AZ and sisters, Edna Breeze of Mt. Vernon, IL and Marilyn Breeze of Bluford, IL.

Preceding her in death were her parents; three brothers: Leland, Isaac Russell and infant Almon Dean Good; three sisters: Rose Marie Payton, Mary DeJournett and Minnie Millenbine; and loving husband.

Adda Mae was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. Strong in her faith, her favorite hymn was sung by Johnny Cash “I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone.”

Memorial services will be held at a later date in the Spring.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers that you give to your favorite charity.

Barbara McAlister was born to William Davidson and Dorothy Taylor McAlister, on March 20, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois.  She grew up in Alhambra, California, along with her older sister, Jean, and her younger sister, Nancy.  Barbara and her family were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and loved being part of their ward family, with their beloved bishop, Howard W. Hunter.

Barbara went to BYU, where she eventually met a young man from Arizona, Wayne Stanton Hamblin.  They were married on December 22, 1949, in the Idaho Falls Temple.  They soon moved to Reese River, Nevada, where they were the only elementary school teachers on a very isolated reservation.  At the end of that school year they moved to live temporarily with Barbara’s mother in Rexburg, Idaho.  Their first child, Charee, was born there in 1951.  The next year Wayne and Barbara taught elementary school in Fallon, Nevada, and then moved to live temporarily with Wayne’s parents in St. Johns, Arizona, where Denise was born in 1953.

The young Hamblin family lived in Washington DC, for the next four years, while Wayne attended medical school at George Washington University.  Marcene was born there in 1954.  Eventually they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where Wayne opened a family medical practice.  Lynnette was born in 1957, David in 1959, Mark in 1961, and Bryan in 1963.  Scottsdale, with a bigger house, later became the new home for the family.  Barbara was well known for welcoming others into her home, creating beautiful clothing and decorations, serving in the church, and as a wonderful mother.

In 1979, Wayne, Barbara and Bryan moved to St. Johns.  Wayne became the town’s only doctor, and Barbara was his office manager.  They lived on a small ranch, and took care of Wayne’s parents, who lived in town. Barbara’s hobby was to make beautiful and comfortable flannel quilts for each of her children and grandchildren.  So many fun family weekends and reunions were held in their spacious home. With Wayne’s passing in 1999, Barbara moved to Mesa, Arizona, to be near all seven of her children.  She worked for many years as a service missionary in the Church’s humanitarian center, designing quilts.

Even at 91, Barbara’s body was strong, and her mind was clear.  She enjoyed joining in on all kinds of family activities, dinners, programs and theater productions.  Barbara was kind, wise and elegant, yet down-to-earth.  She has blessed the lives of her parents, sisters, husband and children, plus three more generations of descendants.

Barbara McAlister Hamblin passed away peacefully on October 12, 2020.  She is survived by her sister, Nancy Foster (Gary,) and her children, Charee Harbertson (Steve,) Denise LeCheminant (Greg,) Marcene Harris (Joe,) Lynnette Nelson (Jim,) David Hamblin (Deniece,) Mark Hamblin (Sharon,) and Bryan Hamblin (whose wife, Ann Marie, is also deceased.)   She has continued to bring blessings to her 25 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  Barbara is a beloved daughter of her Heavenly Father who loves her, and who has welcomed her home.

*Services will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 10:00 am.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82390236471

*Barbara’s remains will be buried later that day in the St. Johns, Arizona Cemetery.

Gary Ray Christensen, “Mr. C” and “Uncle Gary” age 83, of Mesa, AZ passed away on October 10, 2020, in his second home, The Big Red Truck. Gary, born May 15, 1937 in Pima, AZ was a 31-year veteran teacher in Queen Creek Unified School District, he taught subjects in Math, Science, Wood Shop, and coached Girls Basketball and other sports.  He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, Lifetime NRA member, and gun safety instructor.  Gary was everyone’s favorite Uncle and a military veteran who served a peacekeeping tour of duty in South Korea.  He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark.  He was passionate about family and always supported his nieces and nephews in shooting activities and other family events.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Sarah Jane Christensen, and siblings; Beth Ellsworth, Phil Christensen, Geraldine Harrison, Lot Christensen, Coreen and Coleen Christensen (twins), and Jane Theobald.  Gary is survived by siblings, Betty Cook, Rose Shumway, Carol Shupe, Joy Jones, and Jim Christensen.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday October 16th, with a viewing at 3:00 PM and services at 4:00 PM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 745 North Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.

The services will be streamed on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/SLwArafukZg

Interment: Saturday October 17th, 1:30 PM, in the Pima Cemetery, 800 South, 400 West, Pima, AZ 85543

Marvin Kay McLaws, completed his earthly journey on October 7, 2020, at his home in Mesa, Arizona, peacefully returning to his Father in Heaven.

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was born to Lester Owen McLaws and Florence Standage Cutler in Mesa, Arizona on September 14, 1934.

Kay was married to his high school sweetheart, Fern Audene Allen (Slade), in the Mesa Arizona Temple on September 4, 1954. They recently celebrated the 66^th anniversary of their eternal companionship.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kay lead a life of service and devotion. He served faithfully in numerous callings including multiple bishoprics and youth leadership. He served multiple stake missions and shared the peace and happiness of the gospel he loved with many. Kay was always very generous and kind, spending countless hours seeking those in need. Very few people were ever allowed to leave his home empty handed. Kay had a great love for genealogy and serving in the temple. He followed the example of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and had a firm testimony of Him.

Kay was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dale and Richard and his grandson Austin Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Audene, daughter Pamela, sons Daniel, Randall, Darren and Brent, 17 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Jerrold and his sisters Marnell Davis and Patricia McLaws.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Thursday, October 15^th, 9:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 933 East Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona. The funeral will follow immediately at 10:00am at the same location.

Hedy Osborn, born June 15,1943, was called home on October 8. 2020.  There to meet her were her father Roy, mother Helen as well as her two brothers Jack and Mike.  Hedy is survived by her husband Richard, daughters Annemarie and Heidi, sister Musette, grandsons Logan and Spencer and her stepchildren Rich, Mandi and Anna and their families.

Hedy led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends and activities.  Mainly her love for quilting.  Known for her sweet nature and kindness, she will be deeply missed by all.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2835 E. Des Moines, Mesa, AZ 85213.  Visitation will begin 45 minutes prior to service at 9:15 AM.

Theora Jarvis Standage Davis passed away in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, 2020. She was born in St. Johns, Arizona on October 30, 1931. She moved to Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 13 where she met and married Marvin Standage, and lived there the rest of her life. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served many years teaching youth classes in Mesa Seventh Ward, where she also served as president of the ward Primary and as a counselor in the Relief Society. In the Mesa South Stake she served again as a counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. In her later years she served as an ordinance worker for 15 years in the Mesa Arizona Temple. She is remembered by many as being very happy and engaging, quick to laugh, loving, and giving. She shared generously from her kitchen. She took fudge to her doctors, pharmacist, and dentist. For her friends and neighbors she often shared her famous cinnamon rolls. Her extended family remembers many more delicious dishes and treats. She was generous also in sharing her sewing and quilting handiworks. She loved and encouraged her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and they loved her. She was preceded in death by her first and second husbands, Marvin Standage and Ted Davis. She is survived by her children Marvin Gary Standage (Marsha), Steve Standage (Karla), Janet (Charles) Billingsley, Cathy (Marvin) Dees, and Lesa (Eric) Gustafson, 20 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren. Due to Covid restrictions, Theora’s funeral service will be limited to her family.

Stanley Reid Hurst, a resident of Mesa, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. He was born on February 20, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York to parents Delora Reid and Guy Harold Hurst. He graduated from Ogden High School, attended Weber College, and earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) degrees from the University of Utah; further attesting to his excellent mind, he earned a Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.) from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the field of Electrical Engineering.

Stan served honorably in the Army during World War II in the Army Special Training Program.

Professionally, he worked primarily in the Aerospace industry. First at General Electric in the Valley Forge, PA area, and mostly at Martin-Marietta Aerospace in Littleton, CO, from which he retired. His projects involved satellite communications, components of the Viking Mars Lander, as well as Top-Secret work for the US Government.
Stan was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many capacities, including: Seminary Teacher; Bishop of Valley Forge, PA Ward on October 16, 1960 (set apart by Sterling W. Sill); 2^nd Counselor in the Presidency of the Columbine, CO, Stake, December 7, 1980.

In 2007, he and his wife Shirley served a Church mission in the Illinois Nauvoo Temple Mission; and finally as Temple Ordinance Worker and Sealer from 11 January, 1991 to 18 May, 2016.

Stan loved good music, whether it be a musical such as the “Fantasticks”, “Don Quixote”, “Oklahoma”, “Annie get Your Gun”, and many more; or classical piano (which he played), or vocal music. With his love of this genre, he spearheaded the creation of the semi-professional Colorado Mormon Chorale; it grew to be a very successful and sought-after organization due to the quality of its performances.

Stan was always kind, caring, and patient with others. He possessed a keen and dry wit; humorous stories, puns, treasure hunts, and “dad” jokes are memories that will be greatly missed.

Stan was also a dedicated participant in community affairs such as Kiwanis Club, and gave many years of service in the Boy Scouts of America, from which he completed his “ticket” as an Owl.

Stan was a wonderful patriarch to his rapidly growing posterity. He held reunions, told stories, visited as many of his grandchildren as possible for important events in their lives, such as baptism. He taught his children and posterity by example how to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ through righteously serving his family and serving others.

Stan is preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth Hal Hurst, and Grandson Joshua Harrison.

Stan is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Shirley Burrows Hurst; 5 children:  Robin Harrison (Eric), Debra Loftus (Larry), Guy Henry Hurst (Corinne), Mark Burrows Hurst (Sonya), Mara Behrmann (Larry); 19 Grandchildren, and 48 Great-Grandchildren.

Carol A. Palmer, age 79, of Mesa, AZ, was called to heaven on September 20, 2020.

Carol was born on September 3, 1941 to George and Mabel Trohkimoinen in Deadwood South Dakota. She was raised in Vale SD, a beautiful little farming town. After graduation she ventured out and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado and began her career in banking in 1962. She was married in 1965 and her daughter, Ann, was born in 1968. She then became a wonderful full-time mom. She went back to banking in 1978 and 20 years later ended her banking career as a loan officer with Colorado National Bank Exchange. She enjoyed her job very much and made great friends along the way. She left Colorado and moved to Arizona in 1998 to be close to family. She continued to work for various dealerships in their title departments until she retired in 2006. She filled her retirement years enjoying her hobbies such as sewing and craft projects. Christmas was her favorite holiday. She decorated multiple trees beautifully and had a Christmas Village that was like nothing anyone had ever seen. It stayed up year-round and she was continuously adding to it. She loved her large family and they loved her. Being close to them and attending the many family functions, birthdays and Holidays was an absolute blessing to her.

Carol was predeceased by her parents, George and Mabel, her Brother Bob and Nephew Tyler. She is survived and missed by her sister LaDonna, sister in law Sheryl, daughter Ann (Mike). Grandchildren, Ashley (Sean), Amber (Joe), Jayme (Trevor) and Hannah (Nick). Great grandchildren, Chloe, Danika, Isabella, Brylee, Adalyn, Paityn, Emersyn, Kensley and Madison, nieces Jill S., Jill T. and nephew Toby.

A memorial service will be held at Bunker Family University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ. 85213 on October 13, 2020 at 1:00pm with a celebration of life to follow at the Weis home

Kenneth Joseph Bond, a long-time resident of Mesa, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020. He was born September 4, 1931 to George Alma Bond and LaPrele Maeser Bond. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1949 and from Arizona State University in 1959. He continued his education by pursing an advanced degree at ASU and graduated in 1965.
Kenneth was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in Guam and Japan. He loved his country and he was very passionate about preserving personal freedom and the Constitution of the United States. In his later years, this passion led him to actively participate in Legislative Districts 18 and 26.
Professionally, Kenneth worked as a property insurance claims adjuster and examiner for 35 years. His work took him around the state of Arizona and to various parts of the country, including Alaska in 1989-90 after the oil tanker spill in Glacier Bay, and to southern Florida in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew. In his earlier career, he taught business courses for a year at West Jr. High School (now Carson Jr. High) and for four years at the Church College of New Zealand. Living in New Zealand was one of the greatest experiences of his life. He spoke fondly of wonderful memories from his stay overseas.
As a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he had a strong, unwavering testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He served the Lord faithfully in many capacities, including as a missionary, teacher, and clerk. He was a beloved Bishop of the Prescott 1st Ward. In his later years, he spent the majority of his time serving in the Mesa Arizona Temple as an ordinance worker.
His personality was warm, welcoming, good-natured and fun. He loved music, theater arts, poetry, and history. He was an optimist; he kept a smile on his face, and a twinkle in his eye, as he extended a hand of friendship to all he met. He loved people!
Kenneth is preceded in death by his dear wife of 57 years, Genevra Nelson Bond. He missed her tremendously after she passed in 2015. Siblings Marian Mulkins, Karl Bond, Paul Bond and Joyce Leavitt also preceded him in passing. He loved his wife, parents, and siblings more than words can describe. We rejoice knowing that they are together again!
Kenneth is survived by his children Kent Bond, Diana (Dan) Glenn and Sharon (Matthew) Freeman, and grandchildren Kimberly (Ty) Buchannan, Nathan Glenn, Jacob Glenn, and great- granddaughter Everly Buchannan. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law, all of whom he treasured dearly. He is loved by his family and he will be missed.

Phil Garrison, Jr., 87, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2020.

He was born to Phil Sr. and Madie Cain Garrison on December 24, 1932 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Phil attended Southern University where he played collegiate baseball before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1952. Upon his honorable discharge from the USAF, Phil moved to Los Angeles, California where he met his first wife, Virginia; together they had four children – Todd Andrew, Sally Elizabeth, Dawn Laura, and Phil III.

Phil and his family moved to Arizona in 1973 to complete his education. He received an Associate of Fine Arts in Voice Performance from Mesa Community College then attended Arizona State University. He worked for a variety of tech companies and defense contractors for the majority of his career. He retired from Talley Defense Systems in 1996 where he worked as a production fabrication supervisor.

After losing Virginia to cancer in 1988, Phil met then later married Eleanor (nee Sidor-Sheridan) in 1990. They enjoyed 30 years of marriage that was filled with travel, friends, laughter, and happiness.

Phil was a competitive judo player and coach who held the rank of second-degree black belt. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, serving as State President 2002-2003; was a 3-time Grand Aerie Ritual Champion – achieving a 100% score all three times; and was inducted into the Arizona State F.O.E. Hall of Fame in 2011. He loved Western movies and enjoyed his time as one of the gunfighters at Goldfield Ghost Town. Phil was best known for his love of singing. He enjoyed performing to crowds of any size and knew over 200 songs by memory. He was honored to have been chosen to perform the National Anthem at the Grand Canyon State Games, F.O.E. Grand Aerie Conventions, and Roadrunner Hockey games.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lovie Dee Henry, Carol Ann Garrison, and Yvonne Crockett; brother Alphonse Garrison; wife Virginia, and his sons.

Phil is survived by his loving wife Eleanor; daughters Sally Garrison (Faye Carey) of Tempe, AZ and Dawn Garrison-Warn (Rich) of Brick, NJ; brothers Kingsley Blaine Garrison of Hammond, LA and Binkley Joseph of Fort Washington, MA; special nephew Rodney Garrison (Staffany) of Pearland, TX; special “daughter” Tammy Gilbert of Tempe, AZ, and two sisters in-law, a brother in-law, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Services will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel located at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201 on October 8, 2020 beginning with a viewing at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m.; followed by a graveside blessing and reception. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks through the Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation

Sherilyn Wheeler Hale, age 65, of Tempe, Arizona passed away peacefully in her sleep early on Wednesday morning, September 30, 2020 after a 17-month battle with brain cancer.

Sheri was born in Mesa, AZ on August 28, 1955 to Richard and Betty Joan (Holt) Wheeler. She was a graduate of Arizona State University, where she studied education. Sheri married her sweetheart, Michael Reber Hale, in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 30, 1976. Together they built a loving and supportive family of 7 children, and 39 grandchildren.

Sheri was preceded in death by her mother, Joan, her precious daughter, Season Joy Barnett (Ian), and her sweetheart, Mike.

She is survived by her father, Richard Wheeler (Fay); six of her children, Aaron Hale (Becky), Summer Schlink (Nathan), Autumn Crawford (Jason), Spring Theobald (Cory), Winter Freebairn (Kyle), and Rainy Christensen (Brandon); her son-in-law, Ian Barnett (Erin); her 39 grandkids; and her siblings, Pam Garner (Dale), Rick Wheeler (Debbie), Dale Wheeler (Tracy), Larry Wheeler, Laura Gregory (Bill), Meilyn Bushman (Rob), Kari Eagar, Becky Cox (Bill), Mike Eagar (Cindy), Bryan Wheeler (Christina), Josh Eagar (Kristie), Tami McCoy (Devin), Julie Spahr, and Kristen Reber (Ty).

Sheri spent her life in the service of her family, friends, and neighbors. She was a devoted mother who sacrificed her time and talents throughout her life to bring up her children in light and love. She served her adult children and grandchildren just as faithfully and played an active role in each of their lives. Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and her greatest source of joy. She faithfully served a mission to the Dominican Republic (2018-2019) and in many ward and stake callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sheri loved everyone she served and was a friend to countless many. Her cheerfulness and positivity were inspiring to all those around her. Above all, she loved God and wanted to please Him. She attended the temple diligently and worked daily to be worthy of the Holy Ghost’s guidance. The love of Christ shone abundantly through her words and actions.

Sheri leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her light and influence was far-reaching and she will be missed by many. Thank you, mom, for all the goodness you brought into our lives. We take comfort in knowing that you and dad are together and that we will all be together again.

Sheri’s visitation is being held Friday evening, October 9, 2020 at the Lakeshore LDS Chapel (6001 S. Lakeshore Dr. Tempe, AZ) from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday morning, October 10, 2020 at 11:00am. Flowers can be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel (33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201).

Lane Darnell Vance, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather completed his earthly journey on September 29, 2020, at his home in Mesa, Arizona, peacefully returning to his Father in Heaven.

Lane was born to Orwell Nicholas and Lucy Fryer Vance in Mesa, Arizona on March 22, 1938.
He married his high school sweetheart, Beckie Smith, in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 14, 1957.  He graduated from Arizona State University and had a long and respected professional career as a C.P.A.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in numerous callings including as bishop of Mesa 40th Ward and later of Heritage Park Ward.  He especially loved his time serving as scoutmaster to many young men. He and his wife served a mission for the church in upstate New York.  He was always very generous and kind, serving those in need.  He followed the example of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and had a firm testimony of Him.

He is survived by his wife, Beckie, five sons: Lyle (Kerynne), Chad (Michelle), Olin (Sara), Evan (Sharon), and Eric (Amanda), and five daughters:  Celeste (Jim) Goldthwaite, Laurie (Curt) Squires, Athena (John) Hatch, Crystal (Vance) Carroll, and Autumn (Mike) Mortensen, 51 grandchildren, and 86 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother, Leland, and sister, Myrna Johnson.

A viewing for friends will be held Thursday, October 8th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Az.  85201.
A family only funeral service will be held Friday, October 9th at 10:00am and will be broadcast at http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/events/mesaarizonastake

In lieu of flowers, friends may choose to donate to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Fernando Paz Soldán died peacefully at home on September 30, 2020, with his son, Luis Paz Soldán by his side. Fernando was 103 years old. He was born September 29, 1917 in Puno, Peru to Manuel Paz Soldán and Maria Salas. He married Elsa Ricardina Estrada on June 17, 1944 and had four children. He worked as a businessman in Lima and on April 29, 1972 he moved to Chandler, Arizona, with his wife and their two minor children. At the age of  55 he started over, working at a dairy. He taught himself how to make cheese, butter, and yogurt with the fresh milk from the dairy. He was a life-long learner, always seeking out the new, learning to use the internet in his 90s. He also loved to fix things, especially electronics and was always finding new projects to work on. Fernando loved his family and dedicated his life to being the best father and grandfather possible. Fernando was preceded in death by his wife, Elsa and his daughter Patricia Paz Soldán. He is survived by his sons Miguel and Luis Paz Soldán, his daughter Bibiana Paz Soldán Gonzales, 16 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren.

William Dufner, or Bill Dufner as he was known to all, transitioned to his new life on September 29, 2020. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 2, 1941 to William John and Mary Rafferty Dufner. Bill spent his early years enjoying the city’s West Side and being a true city kid. Upon graduation from St. Philip Basilica High School, he earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where he earned his degree in Accounting. He remained an avid Illini fan throughout his life thanks to fond memories as a Manager of the varsity basketball team and the wrestling team, earning his “I” letter. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and served as president his Junior year.

     After graduation, Bill began a career in telecommunications by accepting a position with Illinois Bell Telephone as a Management Assistant. His career was interrupted by his time spent serving his country in the Army Reserves. He returned from active duty and married his college sweetheart, Janet Merrifield in Peoria, Illinois. They then embarked on a 9 year journey with Illinois Bell including assignments in Champaign, Springfield, Alton and Sterling. In the course of that time they were blessed with two adopted children, Stephanie Lynn and Matthew E.

     In 1972 Bill joined United Telephone of the Northwest in Hood River, Oregon. After one year he was appointed Director of Operations for the states of Oregon and California and he relocated to Redmond in Central Oregon. 3 years later the family returned to Hood River where he was appointed Customer Service Director. The following year they moved to the United Telecom Headquarters in Kansas City where Bill joined UniTel International, a subsidiary that was doing business in the Middle East as Operations Manager. In this assignment he had the opportunity to spend time in both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait developing proposals for telecom projects.

     Over the next 23 years he had several assignments within the United family in Kansas City including sales at North Supply Company, process re-engineering at the Corporate Staff level, and Field Team Manager for the state of Kansas as the company evolved into SPRINT. Bill retired from working life in 2001, stating that he always wanted to retire before it was too late to enjoy and while he was still very healthy.

     Bill and Janet enjoyed their time in Kansas City and formed many lasting relationships. Lifetime friendships with neighbors in Post Oak Farm, Quivira Highlands and Lake Quivira provided great times throughout their lives. In April, 2006 Janet passed away fighting valiantly against cancer, something she was so passionate about fighting against, with donations to Cancer research. Bill subsequently decided to take some time to determine what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He sold his house and all the furnishings and moved to an apartment. The following year was a journey in learning, and he was so excited to learn more about Kansas City, and to meet new people. Many of his friends from Lake Quivira were very supportive of this effort.

     During the year-long solo adventure Bill reconnected with a former neighbor from Quivira Highlands. Arlene VanderVegt and her late husband Don had lived across the street from them for many of the years they were there. Arlene had lost her husband about 2 years before and she and Bill renewed their friendship over the next 6 months. After that time together it became more apparent to Bill that this friendship was evolving into much more…he asked her to marry him and in October of 2007 they were married at the Unity Church of Overland Park. They were joined by their immediate family in the celebration of this union. Bill and Arlene were determined to make the most of each day of their life together. They enjoyed traveling and sharing time with their children and their many friends throughout the country. Their membership in Unity Church of Overland Park, Ks was a constant source of joy and peace in their lives.

     Bill is survived by his wife, Arlene VanderVegt Dufner; children Stephanie Dufner of Phoenix, Az and Matthew & Nikki Dufner and their two children Kellen and Alexandra of Camas, Wa.; Step-children Julie Hansen and her husband Dave Hansen of Tucson, Az,  and Julie’s children Allie Evans and Jerrod Evans and wife Kristyn and their new daughter/ great granddaughter Rian; step-daughter Jayne Engelhardt and husband Chuck Engelhardt and their two children Macy and Austin of Lansing, Ks; and stepson Travis Vander Vegte and his wife Heather Vander Vegte and their children Finn and Jude of Kansas City.

     Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Dufner, his wife Janet Merrifield Dufner, brother Don Dufner and sister-in-law Mary Dufner.

     A memorial service will be held this coming February (date TBD) at Unity Church of Mesa, Az. Per Bill’s wishes, his earthly body will be cremated and part of his ashes spread on the Western slope of Mt Hood in Oregon with the remainder sprinkled on the family grave site awaiting his arrival in Peoria, Il.

     This part of his journey is completed. He was always looking forward to the next step with great excitement and joy. Bill requested that memorial offerings be directed to either: the Cancer Center at Kansas University Medical Center https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1312/giving/interior.aspx?sid=1312&gid=1&pgid=791&cid=1843&bledit=1&dids=443.493.387.386.1083.375&sort=1&appealcode=WDP

or donations can also be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Phoenix/ Desert Southwest

https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=46640&mfc_pref=T&46640.donation=form1&32112.donation=&_ga=2.181265767.1122553040.1601587349-312254482.1601587349&utm_expid=.CP_xyKj9TUygDcXfejhsbg.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alz.org%2Fdsw

 Both organizations were near and dear to Bill and donations can be made in his honor on those pages.

Anthony James Ford (Tony) of Mesa, Arizona, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at the age of 60.

Anthony was born to parents Jimmie Earl and Ida Mae Ford on October 19^th, 1959 in Paris, France.

Anthony married Gloria Bowles from the UK in April 2002, having met on AOL Chat 4 years prior. Tony worked at Motorola/General Dynamics for over 20 plus years.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, son, Terrick, daughter in law, Veronica.  His sisters, Anastacia and Portia, stepchildren, Vanessa, Matthew and Emma.  His grandchildren, Victoria (Tori), Christopher, Brianna, Jason and Natalie and several nieces and nephews.

Tony requested a quiet cremation.  His family will be holding a private memorial service for the scattering of the ashes shortly thereafter. The family is grateful for the condolences but declines flowers.  If you would like to make a donation to assist the family at this time, please send donations to @Gloria-Ford-1.

Roger Evans Bean, born June 5, 1940, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at his home in Mesa, Arizona.  Roger was born to Willis Evans and Natalie Maude Christensen Bean in Price, Utah.  He was proceeded in death by his wife, Eldene Blaser Bean, his siblings, Richard Bruce Bean, Natalie Diane Bean Morley, also his twin brothers Wilford and Willis Bean, both of whom passed away at birth and his granddaughter, Kristi Lee Dabbs (Roger W. Bean’s daughter).

Roger and Eldene were blessed to have celebrated 49 years together and loved their five children, Roger W., Rebecca (Chris Otterson), Lisa (Dwight Delap), Bradley (Lara Altizer), Traci (Brian Allen). Together they have 24 grandchildren!

Roger was blessed to have wonderful friends and has always loved his pet dogs.  Kramer, his most beloved, loyal Cocker Spaniel, was by Roger’s side for 16 years!

Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping!  He was very talented and built a beautiful “Cabin Home” in Young, AZ!   He had a very strong, powerful testimony of Jesus Christ, His Atonement, His Resurrection, and of His restored Gospel.  Roger was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.  Roger loved his pioneer heritage and honored his Priesthood Covenants.

The funeral service will be held at 5pm, on Sunday, October 4, at Bunkers Mortuary, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85201, with a visitation beginning at 3:30pm.