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Hugh J. Phillips, 98, passed away August 1, 2020, at home in Tempe, Arizona.

A private interment in Eager, Arizona was held for immediate family with a memorial service to be held later when a larger gathering is appropriate.

He was born April 6, 1922 in Salt Lake City to William Dolphas and Ethel Garn Phillips, the fifth of their six children. He grew up in Salt Lake City and moved to Southern California after high school. While there he worked for Lockheed building airplanes which helped further his lifelong love for aircraft. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps, the precursor to today’s Air Force. He served in World War II in the 500th Bomb Group of the the 882nd Bomb Squadron from 1942 until the end of the war in 1945. During that time, he was stationed in Saipan and flew 35 bomb missions over Japan as a ring gunner in his beloved B-29.

Upon returning home he pursued a zoology degree at UCLA, earning his bachelor degree in 1951. He then taught seminary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Star Valley, Wyoming. After a few years of teaching he moved to Provo, Utah to pursue a graduate degree at BYU. While attending BYU, he was set up on a blind date with a beautiful music student, Harriet Hamblin, and they soon became sweethearts. In 1955 he completed a master’s degree in zoology and wed his sweetheart. They moved to Mesa, Arizona where he taught seminary until becoming the first biology professor at the new Mesa Community College. He loved being a teacher and was very proud of the biology department at MCC and especially the many nursing students he taught. He remained at MCC until his retirement in 1983.

In his retirement he served a mission in the Mesa Family History Library with his wife and subsequently they served as temple workers in the Mesa Temple. These years of service in the church to his fellowmen and his Savior, Jesus Christ, were very satisfying and fulfilling for him. He was able to bless the lives of many people as he provided service in both of these callings.

Following the death of his beloved Harriet in 2002, he turned much of his attention to working with veterans and civic groups. Hugh and Harriet moved their family to Tempe in 1965, where he spent the remaining years of his life. He was a passionate advocate for Tempe, and served many years on his Neighborhood Association Board. During his last years, Hugh enjoyed serving with veteran’s groups as he presented educational programs in the schools and worked to record the service histories of many veterans for inclusion in the Smithsonian Museum.

Hugh is survived by one son, Hugh H. Phillips and two daughters, Priscilla (James) Benitez and Louise (Bruce) Polay, 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He loved his family passionately and spent countless hours in service to them. His presence in the family circle will be sorely missed.

Fern Lillywhite Andersen, 87, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully, August 14, 2020, in the home of her daughter, Adriana Burk of Queen Creek, AZ.

Born in Woodruff, AZ, January 26,1933, Fern was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as a full-time missionary to the people of the Kingdom of Tonga. She attended school in Snowflake, AZ, and nearby towns of Taylor and Woodruff, and earned a bachelors degree in Home Economics from Brigham Young University.

Fern was married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple, June 1, 1959, to Adrian Lyneer Andersen. Together, they raised their 8 children, primarily, in Mesa. Fern and her husband cared for the elderly in their home for many years. Fern enjoyed serving her family and others with her talents of quilting, sewing, and cooking.

Fern served full-time missions with her husband to Panama City, Panama; Guadalajara, Mexico; and Elberta, Utah as well as other church service missions. She radiated love, acceptance and kindness to all who entered her sphere.

Fern’s legacy continues in an increasing posterity (currently at 198), including two sons and six daughters. She is also survived by 4 of her 11 siblings.

Viewing and funeral for Fern Lillywhite Andersen will be held at the Vineyard Ward building, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1054 West 2nd Place, Mesa, Arizona. Viewing (open to all): 7:00-9:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2020 Funeral (for immediate family): 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2020 Flowers should be delivered to Bunker Mortuary by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201

Sharon L. Desenberg, age 77, passed away on August 18, 2020 with her husband by her side.

Sharon was born on April 25, 1943 in Independence, Kansas to Louis and Elaine Oliphant. She moved to Mesa, Arizona and found the man whom she would spend the rest of her life with. They had three great children, Roxanna, Dianna and Michael. She stayed at home to care for their children, but also had a successful cake making business she operated out of her home. She was a very talented quilter, where she met up with the “church ladies” weekly. Later in life she developed a passion for card making and scrapbooking. But her greatest passion was taking care of her three favorite grandchildren, Garrett, Brittani, and Ryan.

Sharon is survived by her husband John Desenberg, daughters Roxanna Winchester (Scott), Dianna Clark (Michael), and son Michael Desenberg, her granddaughter Brittani Kame (Justin), grandsons Garrett Clark (Amy), Ryan Clark (Deanna), great-grandchildren Luke, Jaxon and soon to be Ella, brothers Larry Oliphant (Sherry), David Oliphant (Bella) and many nieces and nephews.  

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents Louis and Elaine Oliphant.

A celebration of life will be on August 26^th, 2020. Visitation will be from 11am-12pm, and services from 12-1pm at Bunker Family Funeral, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213

Maxine Hancock Faraoni of Mesa, Arizona passed away on August 16, 2020 at the age of 70. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who spent her life in the service of others. Maxine was born in Safford, Arizona on September 11, 1949 to Max Gilbert Hancock and Angeline Clawson Hancock. Her family moved to Alameda, California; Flagstaff, Arizona; and eventually settled in Gilbert, Arizona when Maxine was 9. She attended Gilbert High School where she was involved in band and excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian of her class. Maxine met her husband, Melvin, while attending Brigham Young University. They were married on September 5, 1970 in the Mesa, AZ Temple and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Maxine was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the church in many capacities, but her favorite was working with the Cub Scouts. Her most recent calling was as a missionary serving in the Bishop’s Storehouse.

Maxine’s favorite activity was spending time with her family, including attending every sporting event, concert, play, or other activity of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed family history work and we have no doubt that she has been greeted on the other side not just by family she knew during her life, but by countless family members whom she had never met, but “found” through her diligent searching.

Maxine was an angel on earth and was able to see the best in everyone she met. She is survived by her husband, Mel; six of their seven children: Mel (Dana) Faraoni, Michelle (Jason) Turcotte, Margo (Trevin) Edgeworth, Matthew Faraoni, Mark (Rachel) Faraoni, and Megan (Jeber) Villatoro; 19 grandchildren; two sisters: Evelyn (Grant) Harless and Pamela (Stephen) Fort; two brothers: David (Melanie) Hancock and Christopher Hancock; and lots of loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Michael Todd, her parents, and two grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Bunker’s University Chapel located at 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at the LDS Church building located at 1455 N. Harris Dr., Mesa, AZ. Due to Covid-19 restraints, attendance at the funeral is by invitation. For those who wish to view the funeral service virtually, a link will be provided on Facebook or please send an email in advance to maxinefuneral@gmail.com and the link will be emailed to you. Interment will be in the Mesa Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to FamilySearch to further family history work. Donations may be made online at http://give.churchofjesuschrist.org/familysearch.

Wyatt Christopher Jackson, 18, of Mesa AZ passed away suddenly in his sleep on August 16,2020 from a genetic heart condition (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).  Wyatt was the proud loving son of Janet and Jeffrey Jackson.  Wyatt graduated in the class of 2020 from Mountain View High School in Mesa.  He was proud to be employed by Mesa Public Schools as an IT Tech, which helped him to support his true love of Chevy trucks.  His passion for trucks led him to become a dedicated member of the C10 Club doing photography and truck renderings and meeting lifelong friends along the way.  Wyatt spent many quality hours with his dad restoring their Chevy square body trucks.  Family was so important to Wyatt and the bond he shared with his mother was truly undeniable.  They spent a lot of time together just talking, laughing and enjoying the same music.  They both agreed their bond of humor was clearly a saving grace. Their love and time together cannot be compared to any other and is cherished.

He is preceded in death by grandparents Ernie and Norma Benton, Uncles Tim Benton and David Jackson and his nephew Jackson Welch.  Wyatt is survived by his parents Jeff and Janet Jackson, grandparents, Dick and Robin Jackson, Dick and Nancy Carlquist, sister Nancy Welch (Peke Urias) nieces, Savannah Witzel, Teryn Jackson and nephew Caleb Witzel. Also survived by loving Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and a special friend, Taylor Bowman.

Words cannot express the loss of this kind, respectful, well-loved, talented and humorous young man taken way too soon from us.  Wyatt will be sadly missed by all that knew him and is way too loved to ever be forgotten.

Son, we love you to the stars, suns, moon and back.

Any charitable donations can be made to 4HCM.org in memory of Wyatt Jackson

Cynthia Louise Wilhelm Sturgiss was born on August 18th, 1959. She died from complications incident to Cystic Fibrosis. She wanted to be the oldest person living with the disease and was very close to reaching that goal. She stayed at home for many years to avoid getting sick and could sympathize when the whole world had to do the same thing due to covid.

She loved her many friends and family and her Savior, Jesus Christ. She believed in prayer. She died at the hospital surrounded by nurses and doctors on this side of the veil and a huge family meeting her on the other side. She had a firm testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints.

She was presided in death by her parents, George Alma (Bud) Wilhelm and Carol Rita Peters Wilhelm, her brother Daniel Mark Wilhelm, and her sister-in-law Cindy Ann Lehr Wilhelm. She is survived by her siblings; Gary (Julie) Wilhelm, Crystal (Steve Toles) Wilhelm, George Aaron Wilhelm, and Heather Hurst. Cindy is also survived by her nieces and nephews; Jessica, Sarah (Zac), Jacob, Alec, Olivia, Dillon, Tyler (Halle) and Kestin and her great nephew Linkin. Due to covid services will not be held. A life sketch will be posted on her facebook sight.

Gregory Jacob Hamblin passed away, at age 71, on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, from Melanoma Cancer, in his home in Mesa, AZ. Greg had many accomplishments in his life. He raised Quarter Horses with his dad. He received his BS from BYU in Agri. Economics. He was a General Contractor and built many homes, duplexes and fourplexes in Mesa. He was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His callings included working with the young men, serving in the Bishopric, serving on the High Council and teaching Gospel Doctrine. Though he had many friends, Greg would say his greatest accomplishment was his family. He always did everything to make their life happy! Greg was preceeded in death by his sister Kathy Goodman Abney. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Kerri Biggs Hamblin; four children, James (J.J.) Jacob Hamblin (Erica), Tysen Brandt Schlink (Kellee), Garrin Duhame Schlink (Alison) and Laynie Ann Hamblin Moore (Hayden); three brothers, Mike Hamblin, Brick Goodman (Mary Lou) and Gary Goodman (Alma); two sisters, Sue Boswell and Erin Crowshaw (Randon); five grandchildren, Titan Jacob Hamblin, Rook Gregory Hamblin, Jovie Hamblin, Charles Ezra Schlink and Benjamin Huxley Schlink and many other loving family and friends! He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed! No services are planned at this time

Raymond Torrez Jr. was unexpectedly called to Heaven in the early morning hours of August 5, 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona.  In addition to being welcomed home by his Heavenly Father, surely Ray’s earthly father, Raymond Torrez Sr., was there to welcome him by saying, “What took you so long, son?”

Ray, known to his family as, “Sonny” leaves behind a very large family that will forever feel this void.  Ray and his wife, Tracie, recently celebrated 12 years of marriage. In addition to Tracie, Ray is survived by his two sons, Raymond Torrez III (Candice) and Anthony Torrez (Stephanie); and his stepchildren, Andy Powell (Alissa) and Kim Gates (Brent).  Ray had 11 grandchildren and step-grandchildren ranging in age from 9 to 21: Zech, Destiny, and  AJ Torrez; Raymond Torrez IV and Derek Torrez; Natalee and Rachel Gates; Chad and Aaleyah Powell; and Kayla and Megan Bright.  Ray also leaves behind his mother, Grace Torrez; brother, David Torrez; sister, Barb Torrez; as well as many, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, & cousins.

Ray was born in Denver, CO on August 9, 1957.  He was just 62 when God called him home. He graduated from Alameda High School (1975) and Colorado Christian University (1998). Ray joined the US Navy with his best friend, Kenny, on the “Buddy Program” right after high school. After the military, Ray began working as a barber alongside his father, Ray Sr., in his father’s barber shops. Ray’s law enforcement career began in 1986 with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.  Ray had a very diverse career with the Sheriff’s office and looked forward to every move, promotion, and assignment. To name just a few, assignments included Warrants Investigator, Agent with South Metro Drug Task Force, Warrants Supervisor, Investigations Division Manager, Canine Commander, and his favorite; Patrol Watch Commander. Ray retired as a Patrol Lieutenant in 2010 after 24 years of service. Ray loved being a cop and always said that he couldn’t believe he got paid to do something that was so much fun.

After “retiring”, Ray’s passion for law enforcement continued by becoming a School Security Officer at Falcon Creek Middle School in Aurora, CO.  Ray left that job only because he missed “working the streets”. He was hired on as a patrol deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.  Ray’s last job before officially retiring and moving to Arizona was a Parole Officer with the Colorado State Department of Corrections.

Ray and Tracie moved to Mesa, AZ in 2016 for health reasons.  Leaving friends and family behind in Colorado was made easier with an endless stream of visits from family.  Many priceless memories were made during those visits.

Ray was an outgoing person and communicated effortlessly with anyone regardless of who they were. Whether it was a prisoner he was extraditing back to Colorado or a church member he was sitting next to,  Ray treated everyone with respect. Ray made friends easily and mentored many along the way. While in Arizona, Ray established close relationships with buddies he met at the gym. He had many interests but at the top would have been his beloved Denver Broncos, attending Sturgis Motorcycle Rallies, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Some of Ray’s happiest times were riding with Tracie as they explored Arizona from the seats of their Harleys.

At the time of his passing, Ray was a volunteer with the Mesa Arizona Police Department, and a Membership Officer with the East Valley HOG Motorcycle group.  Ray and Tracie attended CCV, Christ Church of the Valley.

A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held in Aurora, CO with internment at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Littleton, CO.

Contributions can be made in Ray’s honor to CCV, East Valley Fund, Christ Church of the Valley.  https://pushpay.com/g/christchurchofthevalley

Barbara Reardon, 75, passed away on August 2, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.  Barbara was passionate about nursing and caring for children. She was a nurse practitioner for over 45 years, teaching parenting, lactation and child development classes to many of her patients, as well as providing school readiness assessments to hundreds of children over the years.

Barbara married her high school sweetheart, David Reardon in 1963 and they were married for 40 years before his death in 2004. She loved spending time with her extended family and the many pets who shared her home over the years.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, parents; William and Elizabeth Evans, and her in-laws; John and Val Reardon. She is survived by her daughters Christine Best (Scott) and Deborah Reardon-Maynard (Craig), her three granddaughters Natalie Best, Anwen Maynard and Lorna Maynard, her brother James Evans (Dale), Mary Bennett (James) and Cathy Evans.

Due to the current situation- services will not be held at this time. When circumstances allow for gathering safely, a celebration of Barbara’s life will be held. For more information, please visit https://bunkerfuneral.com  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lost Our Home Pet Rescue.

Una Lee Phelps passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter on August 10^th, 2020 where she was able to be surrounded by loved ones.  She was born May 11, 1931 in Teton City, Idaho and was raised in Idaho Falls.  After her marriage, she moved to Arizona and spend the rest of her life there.

She is survived by her five children, Don, Boyd, Nola, Ray and Laurie Clayton and her brother, Royce Searle.  She was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Una Lee devoted her life to her family and friends, to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to anyone in need.  She was extremely generous and offered service and unconditional love to everyone she encountered.  She had a way of making everyone feel special.  The lives she touched were numerous and her legacy is eternal.

Those who wish to honor Una Lee are welcome to the viewing held Monday, August 17, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, where the event is limited to 50 people at a time.

As we are limited, the funeral service attendance is by invitation only.  The service will be held at 9:00 am Arizona time, Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at her ward building.  A graveside service will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, where Una Lee will be laid to rest.

Funeral Will be broadcast for anyone desiring to join us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWnsf51fzmg&feature=youtu.be

Please comment on Bunker website https://bunkerfuneral.com

Feel free to add photos of Una Lee

Dorine D. Ruwart, 89, went to her heavenly reward on 11 July 2020 in Mesa, AZ. Dorine was born in Northwest Kansas near Selden & Leoville to Adlor & Clara Fortin. She attended Cresco Rural School, Leoville Grade School, and graduated from Leoville High School. She then attended and graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in Wichita, KS. She worked at hospitals in Hoxie and Quinter before her marriage to Joseph Ruwart in January 1953. Joseph was in the US Army National Guard. They moved to Mesa in 1953. Dorine was the head surgical nurse at Desert Samaritan Hospital in Mesa until her retirement. Joseph and Dorine had two sons, Mark William and Patrick Joseph.

Dorine was preceded in death by her parents, Adlor Joseph & Clara Walburga Fortin; Her husband Joseph and sons Mark and Patrick; her sister Eunice Dooley; brothers Denis Fortin, Maurice Fortin, and Marion Fortin. She is survived by her brother Elmer Fortin of Fort Collins, CO and his twin sister Alma Lubbers/Richardson of Grinnell, KS; and Dorine’s twin Doris (“Dodi”) Markovich of Random Lake, WI; numerous nieces and nephews and grand/great grand nieces and nephews.

Dorine’s family would like to especially thank the special network of neighborhood friends and acquaintances that helped Dorine over the time spent in Mesa and especially the last 50 years in her current home. Special thanks go to the Chaparro family: Jesus, Emma, Chris, and Margaret. Other neighborhood friends include Jessie Taylor, John Taylor, Dwayne Taylor, Billy Taylor, Tina Van Loughnn, Richard Van Loughnn, Roy Van Loughnn, Jane Goodmen, Starla Goodmen, Trent Goodmen. Mark’s long-time childhood friend, Cecil, who called and checked on Dorine three times a week along with frequent home visits. Also, Raymond who is the unofficial Neighborhood Block Landscaper.

It was Dorine’s wish to be buried beside her husband Joseph at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and distances for family members, an inurnment ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Queen of Peace Catholic School in Mesa, AZ or Seton Catholic Preparatory in Chandler, AZ.

*Those attending the services to honor Richard will be required to wear a facemask and adhere to physical distancing guidelines at the mandate of the Governor and Mayor.

Services on Saturday can be viewed via live broadcast at the following link: https://youtu.be/JWFZCeBri9s

Richard Bennion Johnson, 79, passed away on Saturday, August 08, of an extended illness. Richard was born on October 19, 1940 in Murray, Utah to Rolland and Ruth Johnson. He grew up on his parent’s dairy farm along with his older brother, Sherman, and younger brother, Ronald. It was there that Richard developed a strong work ethic.

Richard excelled throughout his school years. He graduated from Utah State and then the University of Utah, earning his juris doctorate degree. He moved to Arizona to begin his law career. He needed to establish Arizona residency, so he used that year serving as a law clerk for Chief Justice Jessie Udall, of the Federal Supreme Court in Arizona. He then joined a large law firm in Phoenix and after working there 10 years, he opened his own practice in Tempe.

Richard was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many ward and stake capacities. He cherished his associations and friendships he developed through that service. Richard had the opportunity to serve two missions for his church. The first as a young man in the Northern States Mission, and the second with his wife Carol, in the New York South Mission.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carol Bedford Johnson, and 11 Children and 24 grandchildren. Richard and his first wife, Joanne, had 6 children, Kristine (Rob) Corder, Mark ( Sally) Johnson, Melissa ( Russ) Kurtz, Matthew (Deirdre) Johnson,  Anne Gould, and Michael Johnson. He was also father to Carol’s 5 children, Scott ( Becca) Fuller, Christina (Justin) Fuller, Brian (Patty) Fuller, David ( Nikki) Fuller, and Laura (Dolan) Fuller. He is survived by his brothers, Sherman (Janice) and Ronald (Sharon). He was preceded in death by his parents, Rolland and Ruth Johnson, his sister, Diane Anderson, granddaughter, Sarah Kurtz, and first wife, Joanne.

A viewing will be held at Bunkers Garden Chapel on Friday, August 14 from 6-8 PM. The funeral will be at the same location on Saturday, August 15 at 11:00am. The service will be streamed ( Check back here for the link.)

After 95 years of adventures, Farrell Walter Lewis reached the end of this life’s journey on August 8, 2020.  He left behind sorrowing loved ones who rejoice that he has been “taken home to that God who gave him life” (Alma 40:11) and that he was welcomed by previously departed loved ones.  Farrell was always upbeat, optimistic, and ready with a joke or quip.  He was remarkably healthy and energetic until the last few months of his life, when his health deteriorated quickly.  Before that decline, if you didn’t know better you might have thought he was twenty years younger than he really was.

Farrell was born February 9, 1925 in Winslow, Arizona, the first child and only boy of six children born to Walter Larcom Lewis and Nettie Ann Hatch.  Farrell’s childhood and school years were spent in Winslow, Taylor, Snowflake, and Holbrook, and he graduated from Holbrook High School in May 1943.  Farrell’s sister, Doreen, just one year behind him in school, was friends with Irene Whiting, and soon enough Farrell and Irene were high school sweethearts.

Farrell entered the Army shortly after high school graduation, and after basic training and engineering school he was assigned to the 281st Engineer Combat Battalion.  He was ordained an elder before leaving for the Army, and holding the priesthood of God was a sustaining influence to him.  He served in the European theater in the 3rd Army under General George Patton and took part in the Battle of the Bulge.  Many lives were saved through the dangerous work of detecting and disarming landmines, and his service earned him three battle stars.  At one point when returning home alive seemed unlikely, he had a vision of several little girls that he understood to be his daughters, and this vision was a ray of light and hope in dark times.  Farrell loved this great nation and the goodness and liberty that it stands for.

In March 1946 Farrell returned home to Taylor, and a few weeks later, Irene returned from BYU to Holbrook.  On June 24, 1946, Farrell and Irene were married in the Salt Lake temple.  These were wonderful and challenging times.  Hodgkin’s disease had befallen Irene’s mother, Armina, and she was in Los Angeles receiving treatment.  But she encouraged Farrell and Irene to not wait to marry, asking only that they visit her afterwards so she could see Irene in her wedding dress.  Armina passed away just a few weeks after Farrell and Irene were married.

Farrell and Irene brought six children into their family, five girls followed at last by one little boy.  They spent nearly twenty years in Arizona, including Holbrook, Wickenburg, Snowflake, and Phoenix.  Farrell worked in various endeavors, including banking, service stations, flight instruction, and charter flights and air evacuation.  At nearly age 40, Farrell decided to go to college, starting at BYU as a freshman.  He graduated in 1966 magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree, a Ph.D, and finally post-doctoral work in Pennsylvania.  Farrell then joined the BYU faculty and became administrative director of a mental health center.  Despite a late start, he had a long and successful career in mental health.

In about 2003 following Farrell’s retirement, the Lewis’s moved to Mesa, Arizona, enabling them to be closer to their five daughters.  In these retirement years, Irene still referred to Farrell as her boyfriend.  Her health began to decline, and on June 24, 2006, 60 years to the day after their wedding, she passed away rather suddenly with several family members nearby.  In the years following Irene’s death, Farrell missed Irene terribly, but he treasured time with family and friends, including cruises, Lewis Lunch Bunch (aka LLB), and other gatherings in the park.

Throughout all his years, Farrell served faithfully in various Church callings, including twice as a bishop.  His faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel never faltered, and he leaves behind a powerful legacy of devotion to God, family, and country.

Farrell was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Doreen, Thelma Jean, and Mary, his beloved wife, Irene, daughter Peggy Kennedy, sons-in-law Steve Peterson (Lynette) and Robert Priest (Karen), and granddaughter Kari Holladay.  He is survived by five children, a foster daughter (Margaret Red Elk), twenty-one grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.  Farrell and Irene’s children are Lynette Peterson (Steve), Karen Priest (Robert), Peggy Kennedy (John), Kristine Holladay (Hal), DeeAnn Abaroa (Steve), and Steve Lewis.  

Due to the pandemic the family will hold a private funeral service with immediate family members only.  The funeral will be available to watch live on Saturday, August 15, at 9:00 am (Arizona time) through YouTube Live at this web address:

YouTube Live at this web address: https://youtu.be/bqvJoROxL80

The recording of the service will remain available afterwards through the same web address.  Since we can’t see many of you, we would welcome condolences, which can be posted below.  In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the charity of your choice in Farrell’s honor.

Sonja Pearl Phelps Benson, 81, passed away at her home in Gilbert, Arizona on August 5, 2020.  Sonja was born January 9, 1939 in Chewelah, Washington.  She moved with her parents, Charles Harry Phelps and Nadine Henderson, to Portland, Oregon where she was raised.  She eventually moved to Incline Village, Nevada (Lake Tahoe) where she lived until 1984.  She then moved to Arizona.  She and her husband, Carl E Benson, were married in January 2000.  She was very active in her church (LDS) and was active in her community theatre and dance clubs.  She enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing golf and tennis.  She loved giving service to others and spending time with her family.  Sonja is survived by her husband, Carl E. Benson, her two children, Mike Roberts (Tamara) and Melanie Little (Steven).  Her legacy will continue through her 13 grandchildren and 7.8 great grandchildren.  Sonja was preceded in death by two grandchildren-Courtney T. Roberts and Dalton J. Roberts.  Sonja touched many lives with her kind spirit and loving nature.  She will be missed by all.

Visitation will be at the LDS Church (5190 S. Recker Rd, Gilbert, AZ) from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on August 12, 2020.  A private funeral service will follow. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Oscar Carlton Shealey, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on August 6, 2020.  He was born on March 8, 1935 in Ocilla, Georgia to Oscar Jackson Shealey and Lizzie Ruth Collins Shealey.  He was a US Air Force veteran and moved to Arizona from Florida in 2015.  He was a member of Eternal Life Lutheran Church in Mesa. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Olen Fraser, Robert Shealey, and Carol Shealey; sisters Annette Tanner, and Betty Jo Mock.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis Roberts Shealey, daughter Sheryl, son Jeff, daughter-in-law Kristin, sister Carolyn Sears, and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel.

“Vance Gilbert Smith passed away Monday, August 3rd, 2020 at the age of 36 while deployed in Portland, Oregon.

Vance was born November 10, 1983 in Canon City, CO to Vance Gordon and Patricia Ann Smith. He is the second of twelve children. He did the majority of his growing up in Wisconsin. At the age of 19, he was a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in Salt Lake City, Utah.

On April 14th, 2006 Vance married Heather Winsor in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Together they have 4 children, Gemma Lorel (11), Vance Gabriel (10), Brynlee Eliza (6) and Charley Kate (2).

For 12 years Vance has served his Country as a United States Border Patrol Agent. He joined the U.S. Border Patrol in 2008 in the graduating class 796 and was stationed in Douglas, Arizona. Vance completed the selection course for the US Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) graduating class XXI, May 2011. Vance became a full time Operator with the Tucson Sector Special Operations Detachment (SOD) serving there for five years. In 2016 he transferred to Yuma Sectors SOD where he served as an integral asset to both Yuma Sector and the Nations needs as called upon to do so frequently.

Through his work he received many certifications including but not limited to: Paramedic, Austere Medic, Swift Water Rescue Instructor, and EMT Instructor. As an Agent he had the opportunity to share his love of his work within his own community and abroad including Peru and Guatemala.

His love for the outdoors led to many hobbies including camping, mountain biking, hiking, shooting and spending time with his children dirt biking and hitting the lake on the weekends.

Vance put his heart into all that he did because of his love for his wife and children.

He is survived by his wife, Heather; children, Gemma Lorel, Vance Gabriel, Brynlee Eliza, and Charley Kate; parents, Vance G. and Patricia Ann Smith; siblings, Juli (Kelly) Mckendrick, Kimberly (Larry) Cox, Robyn (Luke) Phillips, Christie (Jeff) Chandler, Aaron (Cassie) Smith, Gregg (Taylor) Smith, Emma Smith, Kaydee (Rich) Perkins, Makenzie Smith, Janai Smith, and Mary Smith; Seven nieces and Six nephews; Grandparents, G. Vance and Elaine Smith.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harvey and Gaila Ruth Robbins Gilbert.

Much gratitude is given to his fellow brothers and sisters in Green. HONOR FIRST!

Funeral Services Friday, August 14th, 2020, 10 a.m. Mesa, Arizona LDS Stake Center 1430 N. Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201. Friends and family may gather at the Stake Center for the viewing Thursday, August 13th, 2020, 6-8 p.m. and Friday morning one hour prior to funeral services. Interment in the City of Mesa Cemetery.,

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted via the family’s Venmo account for the continued financial support of his children. Contact Heather’s mother, Lorel, at 480-489-0762.”