Find An Obituary

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.

Theodore (Ted) Vaughn Hougland was born on July 8, 1935 in Republic, Washington, and passed from this life on September 23, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. He graduated from Washington State University with a Masters in Electrical Engineering.

Ted Hougland was a kind and gentle man. A man of few words, he could talk at great length to the right audience about his favorite things. He loved inventions and science and was very skilled at learning how things worked. Given the time, Ted could fix just about anything. He was a small town boy that kept that simple mindset throughout his life. He was an electrical engineer by trade but had a brilliant mind capable of all sorts of endeavors. In fact, he did work on The Lunar Orbiter used by NASA to map possible landing sites on the moon.

 Along with being a kind man, Ted was also a loving and devoted husband and father. He adored his wife of 45 years and always made time for his children. He would help with school work, science projects, hobbies and even playing and tickling. Ted always made the time even if he was very busy. Some of his favorite hobbies were tinkering on projects in his shop and in later years, exploring on Google Earth. He always said he had liked the idea of being able to fly above the landscape as a kid and felt that Google Earth was a way he could do that.

Ted also shared his resourcefulness with others. After he retired from his engineering work, he worked as a handyman and would help older clients with odd jobs and mechanical things. Many people remember him doing so with great patience and kindness. Our husband and father will be missed but we know that he is not the body that passed, but an angelic being that went back home.

He is survived by his wife Arlene, four children, Bob (Chris), John,( Kristi), Amy (Abel), Matthew (Lyndley), 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his mother, Verena, his father, Vaughn, and one grandchild, Charlotte Rose.

Diana French (nee Cherem), passed away peacefully on September 26, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 87. She was born on January 16, 1933 in Royal Oak, Michigan, the 5^th of 12 children. Living in Detroit most of her life, she met her husband Fred in 1954 when he was in the Coast Guard. They were married for 49 years before Fred passed away in 2004.

From the time Diana was a child, she was always helping people. When she saw someone alone, she would automatically go to them and address their needs. Her desire to help led her to work with many charitable organizations over her lifetime. Her greatest achievement was the co-founding of Brother to Brother International, a charity that matched companies with donations of food, medicine, hospital equipment and supplies to over 1600 charities needing them. She personally traveled to 13 countries in fulfilling the organization’s mission. In Nigeria, she is honored by those she helped with the naming of a village hospital after her.

She retired from Brother to Brother as Executive Director after 45 years of helping others. In appreciation for her lifetime of service, Diana was presented with the Daily Points of Light award from the Points of Light organization founded by President George H. W. Bush.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Linda Marie French, Jeffrey Paul (Debra) French, Michele Kathleen (Joseph) Verderame; cherished granddaughter Natalie (Michael) Christiansen and grandson Andrew Verderame; brother Gabe (Barbara) Cherem and sisters Luda Huff and Pola Bowden.                                                     

A celebration of life will be held at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe, Arizona at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Desert Cross Lutheran Church, 8600 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, Arizona, 85284.

Darell Eugene Hardison was born February 9, 1938 and passed peacefully on September 23, 2020. He is survived by his wife Sandra, sons Kenneth, Steven, Randall, and daughter Andrea. He also leaves 23 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

As a lifelong Arizona native, Darrell served 33 years as a phoenix fire fighter and Arsons investigator. He was known as a good natured practical joker and drove fire trucks like there was no tomorrow.

He also served in positions in his church as a Boy Scout leader, Stake clerk, Ward mission leader and High Priest group leader. He also served a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints alongside his wife as Family History missionaries at the Mesa Genealogy library.

Known for his kind, caring demeanor, infectious smile, baby blue eyes, he told the best stories ever and there was nothing he couldn’t fix. He is loved and is missed by all.

Christine Elizabeth Phelps, beloved wife of Duke and devoted mother of Matt, passed away Saturday morning after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the youngest daughter of Helen and Eugene Hogue. She served in the Air Force, then worked in Spokane, Washington where she met Duke, the man she cherished for 43 years. Two years ago, she retired after working over 20 years at Vanguard in the processing department. Christine was well-loved by all who knew her even though we could never out-hike her, out-smart her in scrabble, or out-love her.  Her faith in Jesus as her savior gave her the strength to live a beautiful life and a legacy for those she left behind. She is survived by her sisters Linda, Sue-Marie (Galen), Teresa (Al), and brothers Gene, Steve, and Mike (Terri).

For website only: Services will be held at the LDS Church at 9 a.m. The church is located at 777 E. Elliot Rd, Gilbert AZ, 85234. You can access the service via zoom at 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89116777183?pwd=WmlCZDErYldjNUNPd0R5VTBQRjdWQT09

Mildred Elaine “Midge” Miller (nee Butricks), passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 23, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 59 years old. She was born on February 14, 1961 in St. Charles, Missouri. Midge proudly worked in medical billing in Missouri for many years but spent her last few years savoring retirement in Arizona living her best life. She loved her family more than anything and enjoyed activities like bingo, arts and crafts, and reading novels.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Everett and Judith (Borders) Butricks, and her beloved son, James Everett “Jamie” Miller. She will be lovingly remembered by her partner of twenty years, Larry McLeroy; dear children, Starla Rae (Larry) Drake, Charles Robert (Brittany) Miller; cherished grandsons, Raylan and Jax Miller; siblings, Susan (Carl) Daugherty, William Butricks, Gayle (John, deceased) Thomas, Leroy (Sandy Barton) Butricks, and Melody Wunderle; father and step-mother of her children, James and Jody Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Missouri at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Midge’s name to the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America at www.debra.org/donate, a cause near and dear to her heart due to the death of her son Jamie from Epidermolysis Bullosa in 1985.

Matthew Scott Larocque (Rocksteady), 32, passed away unexpectedly on September 17, 2020, in San Tan Valley, AZ. Matthew had a huge heart and would give the shirt off his back. Whenever someone called on him, he did his best to help. The one thing that made him smile most in life was his daughter.  Matthew is survived by: His daughter Emily Marie Dodson; His father Mark J. Larocque SR; His mother Beth L. Larocque; His brother Mark J. Larocque Jr.; and His Sister Stephanie N. Larocque. As well as a significant number of family friends.

Fred Duane Disbro, born October 20,1960 was called home Monday September 21,2020  in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to John O Disbro and Stella VanCuren in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Duane was caring, kind, compassionate,and of a giving nature, always willing to help a friend, neighbor, or someone in need. He loved to teach about mechanical work to new employees, or friends and family. Duane’s hobbies were golf, fishing or Nascar racing. He and his wife Barbara were married 30 years, Married April 20, 1990, they have 2 beautiful children Taylor Disbro, Kirsten Disbro, and two grandchildren Leighton Howell, and Kalaya Wade. He is survived by his Father John O Disbro, Step mom Wilda Disbro, Brothers -JD Disbro and Chester DIsbro, his sister Debra Disbro. He will be missed by all.

Visitation by invation will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, Az Thursday September 24, 2020 at 2pm. The family will hold an open house at 4-8pm at  2564 E. Harmony Ave, Mesa,Az.