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Lance Tillman Willis, 74, passed away peacefully in his home in Mesa, Arizona, on August 8, 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Lance was born July 11, 1946 in Snowflake, Arizona, to Max and Amy Willis. His family lived in Mexico when Lance was 3 and 4 years old, where he learned to speak Spanish very well, a gift he’s used throughout his life. The family eventually moved to Mesa, where he attended Emerson Elementary, West Jr. High (Carson), and Mesa High School.

He began playing the clarinet in third grade and played until junior high, when his interests turned to football, which became a central part of his life. As a senior, he was a standout on Mesa High’s 1963 undefeated, state championship football team. This led to a football scholarship at Brigham Young University where he ultimately received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. He worked his way through school as a waiter at the Sundance Resort, where he had the opportunity to ride motorcycles with Robert Redford on occasion. The university is also where he met his wife of 51 years, Margie Ashton, from Provo, Utah. Lance and Margie eventually moved to Mesa, where they have lived for 48 years and raised their ten children, on Orange Street, the same neighborhood Lance grew up in.

Lance was an extremely active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many ward and stake capacities over the years, including Young Men’s President, Bishop, and Young Men’s Softball Coach, which was the calling he loved the most. He had the opportunity to serve several missions for the Church as a young man in Argentina, and later with his wife, Margie, as a Mission President in Ecuador, as temple missionaries in Chile, and as the president of the missionary training center in Argentina. He cherished each of these experiences as he had the opportunity to associate with hundreds of wonderful missionaries.

He is survived by his wife, Margie Ashton Willis, and their ten children: Jessica (Jared) Seaman, Amie (Kyle) Johnson, David (Stacy) Willis, Melanie (Peter) Driggs, Melissa (Warren) Bodine, Michael Willis, Scott (Kellie) Willis, Steven (Shawnee) Willis, Kayleen (Spencer) Reed, Afton (Tyson) Oliver, their 40 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Eric (Denise) Willis, Elizabeth (Brad) Barrett, Ronald (Lida) Willis, and Maxine (John) Pew. He was preceded in death by his parents Max and Amy Willis, and sister LeNae.

Lance had an incredible talent of making everyone he met feel loved and important.

A memorial will be held Friday, August 14, 2020, at the Wright House in Mesa, at 6:00pm. The service will be recorded and shared via YouTube the following day.

Theresa Ann Cantalice passed away July 31, 2020 at Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa, AZ.

Born March 16, 1962 in Trenton, New Jersey, she was the daughter of Judith Grace Driscoll and Anthony Felix Cantalice.

Teri attended St. Anthony High School in 1980 in Hamilton, New Jersey. In 1993, she, her partner Ed, and her children moved to Chandler Arizona where she obtained a position working with America West Airlines (currently American Airlines) as a Travel Agency Auditor. She was a dedicated employee having served over 25 years until the time of her death. She enjoyed travelling, spending time with her children and endlessly doting on her grandson, Bodhi.

Teri will be remembered for her high energy, generosity, tenacity, positivity and selflessness. Her family and friends could always rely on her and no one questioned her loyalty to them.

She is survived by her daughter Dana Hammerl and husband Daniel, son Edward Sportelli; grandson Bodhi Hammerl; Mother Judith Madli, Father Anthony Cantalice; Stepmother Irene Cantalice. She is also survived by her brothers, Anthony Cantalice and Mark Madli, sister Nicole Cantalice along with loving nieces and nephews.

James Warren Walker, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, passed away July 31, 2020 in Sheridan, Wyoming.  He was born October 27, 1933 in The Dalles, Oregon.  He enjoyed a successful career with AT&T, ultimately contributing in supervisory roles.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene Walker and sister Darlene.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Ray Walker; his brother, Tom & (Pat) Walker, his children, Brad & (Corey) Walker, (Tim) & Natalie Golightly, Scott & (Julie) Walker, Jeff & (Tiffanie) Walker, his 13 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 1 step great-grandchild.  His interaction and attachment to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was of greatest importance to him in his life.  He was a “family man”.  His Church service over his lifetime is noteworthy. He loved playing basketball and this recreation served him well in many ways for 53 years.  He loved the mountains and fly fishing.  He loved to fix things and was fearless when it came to learning what needed to be learned and applying that learning and knowledge to anything in his path.  We love our husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother and uncle. 

Visitation at Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, Arizona, on Friday, August 14, 2020, 6 to 8pm.  Memorial Services attended by extended family Saturday, August 15, 2020, 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1249 S 48th Street, Mesa.  The service will be broadcast via ZOOM at https://tinyurl.com/JWWFuneral

Burial at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center Street, Mesa, Arizona.

Alta Mae (Crater) Wadsworth, 83, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away, peacefully on August 3, 2020, at her home of twenty years following a lingering illness.  Alta was born October 7, 1936, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Alfred William Crater and Edna Faye Graeber.  Alta attended Wilson Elementary and Phoenix Union High School class of 1955.  After graduation she worked as a long-distance telephone switchboard operator.  She and Ralph lived in California, Arizona, Idaho and Utah as they raised their children.  Alta stayed home with them most of their childhoods preferring to care for the home and family to being a career woman.  She had studied child care in school and was a gifted mother.  After the children were reared she went to work for Beneficial Life in Salt Lake City as a premiums receipt clerk.  She loved so much going to the company gatherings with some of the Apostles of the Church.  It was a wonderful experience for her and one that she talked about fondly long after retiring from Beneficial.

Alta is survived by her husband of sixty two years, Ralph, their five children: Mark (Jean) Wadsworth, Michael (Susan) Wadsworth, Julie Wadsworth, Joni (Michael) Williams, and Sandra (Michael) Wise, fourteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her older sister, Evelyn Garcia, her younger sister, Joyce (Eugene) Curtis, two half-brothers, Michael Smith and David (Roxanne) Smith and stepfather, Louis Smith (Lee Sweetman).

Alta was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was a woman of great faith and she had an abiding testimony of her Savior.  She testified often of her belief to her children.  Her favorite service calling was as a nursery teacher. She dearly loved the little children.  Alta was a loving person who was kind and generous.  She served whenever she was asked. Alta loved everyone, and everyone who knew her loved her.  She will be greatly missed!

ODE TO ALTA

(An Ode is a poem or expressive statement describing one’s virtues and characteristics.)

ALTA: The name itself exudes royalty, nobility, or an elevated station.

The name in Spanish means, “Highness”.

ODE to ALTA

Written and read by her admiring husband, who, after years of blindness, came to see her as the valued treasure she really is, a glistening gem, a diamond named, “ALTA”.

The crest of her head is adorned with golden strands like a gossamer tiara shimmering in the morning sunlight.

Her mind seeks the truth, always. It is steadfast in sharing light and knowledge and offers love to all. It exerts mental effort to gain wisdom and understanding, and to develop skills and talents.

Her face, lovely in features, glows with enthusiasm and is fascinated with the creations of life and the wonders of nature.

Her eyes, ever seeking and finding the good in others, sparkle with the light of Christ and the love of God.

Her ears, so sensitive to the sounds of uplifting music, the spoken word of God, the subtle yen of one pleading for a friendly visit or a word of comfort and encouragement.

Her mouth, full of favorable comments, praise, comfort, and encouragement. Because of her love for and interest in her fellow beings, questions come, in order for her to perceive a need she may address.

Her tongue, never prone to tell an untrue tale, speaks only that which is honest and true.

Her lips, so soft and sweet, kiss away the salty tears of a troubled child, and quick to soothe, comfort and chase away any semblance of fear and pain.  

Her neck, firm in directing her regal head to a straight road, turning neither to the right nor the left, but forward following the path of all righteousness.

Her shoulders, tho not broad, are strong and resolute in their determination to do good, minister, faithfully bare the burdens of life, serve, and follow the savior.

Her arms, always willing to lovingly hold and embrace, cuddle and enfold infants, babies, sweet little children, (her own or those of another mother), and to provide a comforting and encouraging hug to family member or friend alike.

Her hands, outstretched to any and all in need of help, to lighten loads, ease burdens, come early, stay late until the work is done. Hands teeming with talent for sewing, drawing, cooking and helping.

Her heart is noble and full of love for God and all His children. It beats a rhythm of relentless love for her children, and radiates an earnest and passionate regard for their welfare and wellbeing.

Her back has born the burden of daily labor which accompanied the carrying, bearing, nurturing and caring for the little ones, and the supporting, comforting, encouraging and enduring a mate.

Her bosom, soft and warm, provided comfort, security, peace and nourishment for the God-given infants entrusted to her care.

Her womb wherein were formed the essential components of mortal tabernacles to house God’s spirit children.

Her legs, the sturdy columns of flesh and bone, blood and sinew, supporting and fortifying the sacred Temple that embodies the spirit of God.

Her feet, shod with the desire to always tread the pathway leading to eternal life, and swift to overtake obedience and righteousness.

Her spirit that elicited shouts of joy from the angels of heaven as they celebrated her departure from their presence, to sojourn in the mortal realm, for they knew that she would be faithful here as she had been there. A spirit empowered with resolute determination to do what is right, and the dogged perseverance to pursue truth and righteousness. A spirit that above all else wishes to love God and obey his commandments.

Margaret Jean Clegg Webster passed away peacefully of natural causes in her home on August 4th, 2020. She was born October 8, 1928 in Vineyard, Utah, remained in Utah until her marriage to Nelson Webster in 1949 and spent the rest of their time in Arizona.

Preceding Jean and greeting her on the other side is her loving, eternal companion Nelson, along with 4 children, Sam, Bill, JoAnn, and Joyce.  She is survived by her daughters Jenell Williams Burnham (Robert), Lois Webster (Bill), Janet Webster, Judy Cotter (Ben) and Jillene Petersen (Kirt). She was blessed with 14 Grandchildren, and 37 great grandchildren. Jean devoted her life to her family, community, students and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her legacy is one of service and unconditional love offering joy and happiness to others.  She had a way of making everyone feel important. The lives she touched were numerous and her memory will be felt forever. Due to Covid-19, funeral and viewing will be in accordance with the social distancing requirements from the State of Arizona and the church. We will respectfully be wearing masks. Those who wish to honor Jean are welcome to the viewing held Wednesday, August 12, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201. Family viewing is from 5:00-6:00 pm the same day.

In following the guidelines and as we are limited, the funeral service attendance is by invitation only. The service will be held at 10:00 am Arizona time, Thursday, August 13, 2020.  A viewing will be held from 9-9:45 for those attending the service.

Funeral will be broadcast on Zoom for anyone desiring to join us.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89912126649?pwd=Q21lQzhpNWRUTmV5eWlIeG03SmdRUT09

Meeting ID: 899 1212 6649

Passcode: 268352

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdRthvYXmq

Graveside service will follow where Jean will be laid to rest at the side of her husband, Nelson at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 North Center St, Mesa 85201

https://bunkerfuneral.com

Please comment on Bunker’s website as we won’t have a sign-in book for Zoom and would love to know you were with us. Feel free to add photos of her.

Douglas Richard Bowers, born June 30th 1969, was called home Monday, August 3rd, 2020.  

He was born to Louis James and Thelda Kay Bowers in Salt Lake City, Utah.  

He enjoyed traveling with his wife, hanging out at his cabin, and his yearly trips to Lake Powell.  Doug’s wild and goofy personality attracted many people over the years.  His good hearted nature led to many long lasting relationships that he valued til the day he died.

He served in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Some of his favorite callings were in the Boy Scouts, Elder’s Quorum and as Young Men’s President.

He started his company from the ground up and was very successful. Building his own company allowed him to work alongside his boys, which was his ultimate goal and dream.  But his proudest achievement was his family.  

Doug’s first marriage blessed him with his first son, Matthew. 

In 1996, he met and married the love of his life, Dina Dodenbier, they were sealed in the Bountiful Temple on August 29th, 1998.  Together they had four additional boys.

Doug is survived by his wife Dina, his sons Matthew and his wife Becki and grandson Emmett; Dallin and his wife Morgan and soon to be granddaughter; Spencer, Blake and Hunter. His mother Thelda Bowers, Sister Susan and her husband Glenn; Brother Steven and his wife Marsha; Ginger and her husband Nate; Janet and her husband Chris; and his Brother Jared and his wife Kirstie. He is preceded in death by his father, Louis James Bowers III, and his brother Michael.

Doug leaves behind a hole in the hearts of all who knew him, his memory will not be forgotten.

Funeral services are Wednesday, August 12th, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church Building located at 6942 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ  85207. There will be a Viewing on Tuesday evening, August 11^th, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Funeral Home located at 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ  85213. Due to social distancing restrictions, we are asking that church family and close acquaintances come at 6:00 pm. and work affiliated friends come at 7:00 pm. Thank you for understanding.

Due to Covid 19, attendance is only allowing a limited number to attend the Funeral Service, but will be broadcasted live. Details will be posted at a later date.

Daniel Logan Redd  passed from this world on August 4, 2020 at the age of 36.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Ercelle Redd and Ervin and Veda Saline.  He is survived by his parents Walt and Pam, siblings Jenny Miner (Andrew), Dustin Redd (Cheeri), James Redd (Crystal) and Jordan Redd (Kinsey) and many nieces and nephews.  He attended school in Mesa and graduated from Mesa High in 2002.  He graduated from MCC in 2011.  He loved music and played in a band.  Guitar was his favorite but he drummed also.  He was an extraordinary skate boarder and spent many hours perfecting his moves.  He worked in the IT field and loved building and tearing computers apart. He is loved and will be missed by all of us. Private family services will be Thursday, August 13.  He will be interred at Mesa Cemetary.

Glendene’s hard work ethic, her caring nature, and her love of family are some of the many traits that characterized this amazing and loving woman.  She was brought into this world by her parents Glen Wisdom & Mary Pearson Wisdom on February 24, 1935 in Los Angeles, Ca  where they lived.  She was joined by 3 siblings  Carol, Velma, Don and later Myrla and Cathy joined the family.  

Several years into her adult life she met and married Rudy Rubalcaba and began their lives, remaining in Pico Rivera California.  Where they had 4 Children, Danny, Denise, Thomas and Kellie.  She worked at Bethlehem Steele Company as a key punch operator.  In 1970 her marriage to Rudy had ended and she and the children moved to Tempe, AZ.  

A Few years later she met Ross Smith, They were married and joined two families together adding 7 more children.  They remained in Tempe for 13 years and when the kids were all grown up, they built a beautiful home in Gold Canyon where the family had many gatherings.  During this time Glendene worked as a head secretary for Allied Signal Aerospace Engineering, Now HoneyWell.  Glendene and Ross were married for 32 years but decided to part ways in 2004.  

Glendene was blessed with 11 Grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 3 great Great grandchildren who all called her Grandma G.

Glendene had a love of the arts and she committed her retirement time to ASU Gammage and the Tempe center of the arts, where she enjoyed being a hospitality host of events.  She was surrounded by many talented and up and coming actors.  She was very proud of her work and was very popular in the performing arts world.  

Her life touched so many people,  and gave us many memories.  We all will miss her! 

Sherrill Ann Benzley Funk, 79 passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and Covid-19 on August 1, 2020 in Gilbert, Arizona.  Sherrill was the first daughter of James and Ione Benzley.  Two sisters came along later, Betty Brown and Val Stupar, each six years apart.  Sherrill was raised in Southern California and attended San Gabriel High School.  It was here when she developed her love of art, creativity and design.  She was also entering and winning beauty pageants.  As luck would have it, one year she designed and won a float competition for the Rose Bowl and was also crowned Miss San Gabriel.  She then got to ride as a queen on a float she had designed herself in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Parade.  Upon graduation in 1958, Sherrill attended Brigham Young University and was crowned a member of the Homecoming Royalty.   While at BYU, she joined the Arizona club, where she met her future husband, Herman Funk.  They married in the Los Angeles Temple in 1962 and raised six children.  Sherrill was an elementary school teacher prior to having her children, and then resumed teaching at Powell Junior High for many years later.  She was a life-long active and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Herm and Sherrill served a mission for the LDS Church in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2003-2005.  She loved crafts, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and art.  She loved to read and wrote hundreds of book reviews.  She served at the Church Humanitarian Center.  She loved and doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Her Miller Ward walking friends became her devoted best friends and companions.  Sherrill was preceded in death by her husband, Herm, and  granddaughter Clare.  Surviving Sherrill are her children, Chris (Emily) Funk, Lorie (Todd) Tucker, Gary (Amy) Funk, Julie (Mike) Huish, David (Jessica) Funk,  Andy (Lisa) Funk, 25 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  The funeral service will be in accordance with the social distance guidelines of Arizona for Covid-19 on Thursday August 6, 2020.  For more information on those details contact lorie.tucker@gmail.com .   A link to watch the funeral at home, will also be available upon request

*Those attending the private services to honor Velvalee will be required to wear a facemask and adhere to physical distancing guidelines at the mandate of the Governor and Mayor. Services can be viewed via live broadcast at the following link Click below on the italicized statement:

Velvalee Cluff Service Broadcast

Velvalee Cluff was called home on July 31st, 2020 in Mesa, AZ. She is preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Eva as well as her Sister Beatrice Still. She is survived by her husband Wayne, her son Rick and daughter in law Terri, her son Mark and daughter in law Elizabeth and her son Greg. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Erica Cluff, Ryan Cluff, Josh Cluff, Marisa Heckman, Emily Cluff, and David Cluff as well as her 2 great-grandchildren Keaton and Braedon.

Velvalee led an active life that included being of service to her family, many friends, and to her church. She found joy in making things beautiful, she was an incredible artist and a talented painter, sewer, and decorator. Her artistic ability even found a home in the annual Easter pageant that was held at the Mesa Temple grounds, where you can see her work displayed on the stage in the props that were used as well as the some of the flags that were sewn. She was always doing something for somebody else, whether it was for her kids, her grandkids, her great-grandkids or her friends, she was always there for whenever a helping hand was needed. She was beautiful inside and out and was always an example to her family. She had an abiding testimony in her Savior and would always be found every morning dedicating her time to studying her scriptures and was ever prayerful in her daily life.  The love she had for her family was immeasurable, she has touched each one of us in her own special way and we are all better because of it. We will miss her every day.

Due to the pandemic that is happening,  the family will be having a private memorial service at this time. Please feel free to send condolences or share your memories of her.  for more information please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com. 

Glen Charles Griffin, 85, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Benjamin and Marian Griffin in Asnieres, France on August 2, 1934. He grew up with two loving sisters: Janet Chamberlain (Wayne) and Lois Jensen (Alan). While doing his preceptorship as a young doctor-to-be in Liberty, Texas he met a delightful nurse, Mary Ella Page. They married in 1957 and raised 6 children: Janelle Selover (Robert), Joan Watson, Mark Griffin, Gary Griffin, Jill Shook, and Greg Griffin (Carl Kamb). He graduated from the University of Texas as a Doctor of Medicine. As a Captain in the Army he served at Martin Army Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia before setting up a private pediatric practice in Columbus, Georgia. During this time he served as the bishop of the Columbus 2^nd Ward in the Atlanta Stake. Glen moved the family to Bountiful, Utah where he set up a one-of-a-kind drive-in medical office. Patients could park and come in to their own exam room, set up like a living room, without going into a waiting room. It was his privilege to serve the wonderful families in the Bountiful area. Glen was appointed as a Consultant for Health Services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and would sit at the side of the stand to provide medical coverage at General Conference. After retiring from his pediatrics practice Glen became the Editor-in-Chief at Postgraduate Medicine. He was an author and published many books including You Were Smaller than a Dot. He co-authored with Dr. Bill Castelli, Good Fat, Bad Fat: How to Lower Your Cholesterol & Beat the Odds of a Heart Attack. Later he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Collegium Aesculapium, the medical journal for doctors in the Church. He also wrote a syndicated column called Child Care that appeared in many newspapers nationwide. Glen was the founder of the CAMIE AWARDS, to encourage production and awareness of outstanding, uplifting and entertaining motion pictures with positive role models. CAMIE is the acronym for Character And Morality In Entertainment. Glen and Mary Ella served a medical mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Asia based in the Singapore Mission from April 2001 – September 2002. Together they traveled and served in Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore and Thailand. One of the highlights of their mission was teaching the gospel to their miracle girl from China, Xialian, and others. Glen loved doctoring his patients, writing, inventing, designing and building homes, watching CAMIE approved movies, and BYU football. Most of all he loved his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Marian and his loving wife, Mary Ella. Their legacy will be continued through their 6 children and their 16 grandchildren: Jeff, Holly, Heidi, Audrey, Jason, Ty, Michael, Spencer, Brian, Emily, Kelsey, Heather, TJ, Rainey, Kaelin and Riane, and 21 great grandchildren: Marley, Hendrix, Rory, Jacob, Carter, Olivia, Derek, Grant, Maddie, Lacey, Blake, Leah, Ben, Ella, Claire, Logan, Calvin, Beckham, Russell, Mila, and Dakota. Funeral services are Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., preceded by a visitation from 3:30 p.m., with the family prayer at 3:45 at the Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions service is limited to family only. Please request an invite to the Facebook Group called Grandad Griffin’s Live Funeral and you will be added where a live Facebook funeral stream will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. After the live stream concludes a link will then be available in the group to watch at a later time.) Interment will be Friday, August 7, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions burial is by invitation only.) The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff, caregivers, med techs, chaplains, nurses and doctors at Emerald Groves Central, ATLAS Medical and THEMA Hospice for taking such loving care of our Dad, Dr. Glen. Bunker’s University Chapel handled the arrangements.

Karen Lynne (Litke) Hathaway, 58 of Mesa, AZ passed-away on April 28, 2020 from a long illness.

Karen was born in Hollywood, CA, living in the Southern CA area until age 9.  At which time her family moved to Merced, CA where she lived out the remainder of her youth.  During that time, she enjoyed being in Drama, FFA, cruising Main Street, and attending Saturday night dances at Buhach Hall with her sister and friends. She was part of a small theater group in Jamestown, CA where she really shined taking the stage and living out one her many dreams. Karen Moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1996 where she met the love of her life “Buddy” Ernest Hathaway.  She became a Farmers Insurance Agent running a successful office for several years.  They then moved to Mesa, AZ giving up her practice to become a stay at home mom to raise their children. 

Karen and her family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoyed being a part of the fellowship and making many new and good friends.

Karen became ill in 2003 but stayed strong hoping to obtain a kidney from a donor that last 3 years of her illness.

Karen was also a very, talented singer and sang with several local bands while she lived in Albuquerque, NM.  She enjoyed cooking and traveling with her husband and children all over the US and taking in all it had to offer.

Karen is preceded in death by her father, James Allen Litke, who passed September 22, 2017 in Sonora, CA.  She is survived by her Husband Buddy Hathaway, their three sons Benjamin Litke, Ernest Hathaway Jr., Dustin Reese, their two daughters Brittney (Hathaway) Martinez, and Brooke Marie Hathaway, and three grandchildren, Johnny Reese, Landon Martinez, and Luna Hathaway.  Her Mother Margaret Litke-Ortiz and only sister Darlene Litke-Floriano.

The family gathered for private graveside services at the Mariposa Memorial Gardens in Mesa, CA on May 2, 2020.

Due to COVID, there will be future plans for memorial services once it is safe for larger groups and her family and friends can join in to remember Karen.  One will be held on Arizona and the other in California.  These dates will be announced at that time.

Karen’s family is requesting in lieu of flowers, please donate to American Diabetes Association for further research enabling them to find better treatment for this disease.

James Knytych of Gilbert, Arizona; passed away July 27, 2020 at the age of 85.  He was born on July 17, 1935 to James G. Knytych and Mary Loyek in Chicago, Illinois.  He graduated from Calumet High School in Chicago in 1953.  James lived in Oak Lawn, Illinois until he was drafted into the army at the age of 18 following his twin brother Joseph.  After his service, he received an honorable discharge.  James then started his career working for AT&T/Mountain Bell, and retired from them in the 1980’s.  He would later work for and retire for SRP.

He met his first wife, Dorisjean in Chicago and they had two kids; Greg, their biological child, and Charlotte, whom they adopted as a baby.  The family moved to Arizona in 1967.

James later married his 2^nd wife Sandra, for 16 years and adopted her 4 children: Darla Knytych Riding (Dean), Rodney, Jeff and Mark Knytych (Dyana).

James was a very loving, compassionate, smart, successful, and humorous person, who presented a goofy persona at times.  He was loved and respected by anyone that knew him.  James was the adventurous type, who enjoyed the outdoors.  He also enjoyed reading and building a wide range of projects for his family and friends.

After retiring, he began his next adventure and purchased a 1972 Piper Cherokee plane, which he later refurbished.  He made several cross-country trips, including Alaska.  He loved to travel with his sister as a co-pilot on multiple trips.  He shared his love of flying with other family members, including his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his sister Rosalie Draper; Children: Greg, Darla, Rodney, Jeff and Mark; 20 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents (James and Mary), twin brother, Joseph and daughter, Charlotte.

A memorial service in his honor will be privately held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, or other offerings, please donate to a charitable organization of your choosing in his honor.

Benedict Humetewa of Phoenix, Arizona passed away at Arizona State Veterans Home on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

Ben, a member of the Hopi Tribe, was born in Moenkopi Village in 1928 to James and Grace Humetewa. After his mother’s passing, he was raised by Bryan and Lilly Gilbert. After High School, Ben enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in the Korean Wars Battle of Chosin Reservoir (Chosin Few). Ben was honorably discharged in June 1952 as Sergeant.

After the military, Ben became a painter by trade and a skilled artist with landscapes being his specialty.

Ben is survived by his wife, Mary Alice, his four children, Keith, Kevin, Stephanie and Kim, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Ben will be remembered for his kindness, caring and sense of humor.

Interment will be held at National Cemetery of Arizona.

David Jaimes Danelowitz, 45, passed away March 1, 2020 with his extended family by his side in Mesa, Arizona.
David was born July 29, 1974 in Mesa, Arizona to Mark X. Danelowitz and Marie Annette Jaimes.
The name David, which means beloved, was given to him by his mother and he was indeed loved by so many. David grew up in Gilbert, Arizona and attended Pima Community College in Tucson. He had a deep interest for history and WWII. He had many talents as a multidimensional artist and musician. He could play the guitar, piano and saxophone. David’s favorite job was at the Improv Comedy Shop where he could work alongside his Best Friend Dimitri Uhlik. It was a perfect fit for him since he had a great sense of humor himself and loved Comedy. He was also able to explore some of his artistic abilities and his love for music as an apprentice to his cousin Zarco Guerrero, who is a renowned cultural mask maker.

David was in good health until he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2002 at the age of 28. He then lived many good years with his Nana Mary before the disease advanced and he then moved into a care home in 2018. He lived with the uncertainty of a progressive disease, which left it difficult for him to maintain relationships with family and friends. He succumbed to the complicated illness after an 18 year battle. It is also noted that he passed on St. David’s Day, who was the patron saint of Wales.

David is preceded in death by his Father Mark X Danelowitz (Olga Danelowitz) and his Grandparents Rudolph Jaimes and Maria Teresa (Guerrero) Jaimes
David is survived by family members on both the Jaimes, Guerrero and Danelowitz side of his parentage. His mother, Marie Annette Jaimes, brother Mark S. Danelowitz (Stacey Danelowitz) sister Andrea Danelowitz, four nephews, Brandon, Damien, Dominick and Mark, and his niece Mila.
Dimitri Uhlik, his Best Friend of 30 years and his Earth Angel, Shelley Dayhoff who were also
beside David, along with many other family members during his final days, that the care facility referred to as “David’s Tribe”

They often say the good die young and in David’s case, this is so true. He left this Earth all too soon. He was talented and gifted in music and art. He was a beautiful and wonderful man with a captivating spirit. He was so very special in his interrupted life. Treasured and missed by all who were fortunate to really know him. As one of his nurses put it, “David is so easy to love.”

Valorie Candland Riggs, 77, was peacefully called home on Thursday, July 30th, 2020. She was surrounded by family in her home in Mesa, Arizona. Valorie was born on Jan. 7, 1943 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Harold and Eva Candland.
Valorie was preceded in death by her late husband, Charl Riggs Sr. who passed away just two months earlier after celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. Her legacy will continue through her 9 children Charl (Sheli), Kimberly (Barry) Thomas, Marie (Clark) Fullmer, Duane (Colleen), Clayton (Kim), Don (Shanda), Ammon (Kim), Sterling (Linnea), Natalie (Brandon) Connolly, her 43 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Valorie was also preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Eva Candland. She is survived by her four remaining brothers Harold, John, Noel, Bill, and sister Eve Anderson.
She earned a bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in English from Brigham Young University where she met her husband Charl Riggs. They eventually moved to Mesa, Arizona where they lived in the same home raising their 9 children for the remaining 51 years.
Valorie formed a book club in 1973 where 9 participants met monthly until the last months of her life. She was active in the Reflections Singing Group and while a member of the Arizona Young Mothers Council was nominated as Young Mother of the Year for the State of Arizona.
She was a loving wife that was devoted to her family, and you would often find her attending one of her children/grandchildren’s events.
She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Throughout her life, she served in numerous capacities for the church including Stake Missionary, Stake Girls Camp Director, Ward Relief Society President, and Ward and Stake Young Women’s President. She later served a mission with her eternal companion, Charl Sr. in the Mexico, Monterey mission. She was a righteous loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother friend, who loved her Savior Jesus Christ by living his teachings throughout her life.
A Visitation will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, Aug. 7th, 2020 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 (ALL ARE WELCOME to the Visitation). Due to current conditions, a private funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, Aug. 8th, 2020 (All are invited to view the funeral service virtually which will be streamed live at the following Zoom link.
Zoom link:
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
When: Aug 8, 2020 11:00 AM Arizona
Topic: Valorie Candland Riggs Memorial Service

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