Find An Obituary

Jacqueline “Jackie” Nielsen (Wood) Heap passed away on June 30, 2020 in Mesa, AZ, at the age of 88.  She was born in Dayton, ID on July 17, 1931, the oldest daughter of Jonathan (Jack) & Rhea Wood. They preceded her in death along with her brother Jim and her oldest daughter Denise.

She was raised in Idaho, and spent her early childhood living on a farm in Clifton, ID; she, then, spent her teenage years living on a ranch in Letha, ID.  It was in Idaho where she met the love of her life, Delbert Heap.  They were married in 1950 and spent 70 wonderful years together. They lived in Idaho for the first 7 years of marriage; first running a farm, and later owning and operating a small grocery store. During their time in Idaho, two daughters joined their family. In 1957, they moved to Mesa, AZ and this is where they welcomed 2 more daughters to their family.

From an early age, Jackie worked hard to become an accomplished pianist.  On the piano, she accompanied many choirs, vocal and instrumental soloists.  She loved to fill her home with beautiful music.  Her children grew up singing and dancing to the music from her piano.  She passed her talent on by teaching children through lessons, including several granddaughters.  In her youth, she learned to play the organ, accompanying the church congregation and the choir frequently throughout her life.  As an adult, she taught herself to play the accordion. For over 20 years, she directed the songs in Primary, encouraging the young children to sing; many of the children called her “the music lady”.

She was a hardworking lady with many talents.  She sewed clothes for her daughters, making many school dresses.  She was a wonderful cook. She canned fruit, made delicious jam, and almost always made her own bread.  She loved having a beautiful yard; she had a “green thumb” when it came to growing plants and flowers.  She worked alongside her husband in maintaining several apartment complexes they owned: cleaning, painting, tiling, and fixing drapes.  It was through this experience that she learned to re-upholster furniture.  In addition to assisting in the property maintenance, she did all the bookkeeping for their businesses.

As a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she generously gave of her time and talents.  Serving in all aspects of music, Relief Society President, Primary President, Primary chorister, Primary teacher, as well as, ministering to many sisters in her ward.

She was well acquainted with her neighbors and dear friends.  They all knew they could rely on her for friendship and help in times of need.

Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are the jewels in her crown.  She was the happiest when she was with them, singing, playing, camping, storytelling, or just helping them.  She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend.  She is survived by her dear sweet husband, Delbert, her 3 daughters: Cindy Apple (Rick Apple), Carla Weaver (David Weaver), and Janeen Ashcroft; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her 3 brothers: Bruce, Linden, and Terry.

She holds a special place in all our hearts and will be missed in so many ways.  Her memory and legacy will continue in the family she dearly loved and served.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, July 30, 2020 at the home of her granddaughter. Due to Covid-19 the funeral service will be for immediate family only.

Lorna Iris Moreno (84), of Mesa Arizona, passed away on July 13, 2020.  She was the daughter of Matthew Alexander and Sophia (Shusterman) Ashe and was preceded in death by her husband Paul Alejo Moreno (2015).

She is survived by her sister Ruth Berg and brother Edward (Nancy) Ashe; children from a previous marriage – Judy (Les) Turner, Amelia (Daniel) Loveland-Flora, and a son; grandchildren – Jason (Lydia) Turner and Joshua Turner; great grandchildren – Joel and Seth Turner (Jason and Lydia); and children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren from the Moreno family.

Lorna was born in Philadelphia, PA, graduated from Olney High School in Philadelphia, earned her Associates in Arts at Mohave Community College in Lake Havasu City, Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Education from Arizona State University, Mesa.  She retired after teaching Art & Reading for many years in Mesa, AZ.

Lorna was a life-long learner.  After retiring, she continued to engage her creative spirit in anything art related.  She loved doing arts & crafts, teaching art classes to other retirees, participating in poetry, writing memoirs, collecting stamps, and so much more.  She was an avid reader and loved to travel.  She also enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

We ask that you remember Lorna as she lived – celebrating with family and friends:  telling stories, laughing, and enjoying your favorite food and drink.  She will be missed by all who loved her.

Due to the COVID virus, there will be no funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to:

Sonoran Arts League – Scholarship Fund for Students.

https://www.sonoranartsleague.org/donate.php

*Those attending services to honor Norma 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: Arnett Live Broadcast

Norma Perkins Arnett, a 94-year-old native of Arizona, passed away July 20, 2020. She was born in Chandler, AZ on December 7, 1925 to Jesse N. and Mabel S. Perkins. Her family moved to Mesa when she was 5 years old, where she attended Mesa Public Schools. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1944. Norma was an accomplished pianist and organist, having played piano in various dance bands throughout the valley for over 50 years. She also served many years in the LDS church as ward and stake organist.

She is survived by a son, Dennis (Karen), a daughter, Laurel (Darrell) and numerous grand, great, and great-great, grandchildren. Norma is also survived by a brother, Roy Perkins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd “Bud” Arnett, a son, Craig, a daughter Susan and grandson’s Brandon Arnett and Matthew Ellsworth. Funeral services will be held at Bunker Funeral Home, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201 at 10:00 am. There will be a viewing one hour preceding the services. Interment will immediately follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.

Due to Covid-19 we are limited to 49 people which have already been counted with close family members. We are so sorry for the inconvenience. It will be livestreamed the day of the service for those of you that cannot attend.

Mary M Campos- Mesa Arizona

Mary M Campos age 81 of Mesa Arizona. Born June 7, 1939. Passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
Mary was the youngest of 12 children, born to Mercedes, Sr. and Lorenza Martinez. Mary
Was born in Mesa, Arizona, never moved away, spent the rest of her life in Mesa.
She attended Mesa schools. Being the youngest, her brothers would tease her and call her Rosa, and
Because it made her angry and she would cry, that gave the older children more reasons to keep calling
Her Rosa, that name stuck with her and up to this day a lot of her relatives still called her Rosa.
She loved music, her sister-in-law who lived close to Mary’s parent’s home, tells that she could hear
Her playing her music all the time. Mary convinced her dad to allow her to buy a musical instrument.
She bought an accordion, took lessons and loved playing her accordion. She lost interest when she met
her boyfriend George Campos, they were soon married and they had two children Michael Campos and
George Campos, Jr.  She worked for the City of Mesa, until she retired. Enjoyed her life to the fullest, even thru her illness
She stayed positive and managed her life.  She is survived by her son Michael Campos, Sr., Grand Children Michael Campos, Jr., Brandy Campos,
Great Grand Children Carina Facio, Angel Facio, Elias Ortiz, Luis Ortiz, Athena Ortiz, Jesus (Chuy)
Rodriguez.  Brothers Paul Martinez, wife Roberta and Andrew Martinez, wife Margie. Many nieces
and nephews. She is gone, but will always live in our hearts.
Due to COVID-19 restriction, no funeral or church service will be planned.

Thomas was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister’s, Evelyn and Virginia and niece Cheryl. Thomas is survived by his loving wife Lois, his four children, Michael, Luanne, Marlin, and Amy, eleven grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

The Faw family moved to Charlo, Montana where Thomas graduated from high school in 1956. He later joined the Navy from Spokane, Washington to gain an education in electronics which became his lifetime career. In December 1957 he met his future bride while on leave. Thomas married Lois Anderson on August 2, 1958. Their first home was in Alameda, California. He was then transferred to Miramar Naval Air Station to be an instructor in Airplane Technician Electronics. His last two years in the Navy were spent teaching Aviation Electronics, including Radar Systems on F8U fighter jets in San Diego, California. While there they started their family. Thomas was discharged in 1963. The family moved to Greeley, Colorado for a year, and their second child was born there. Thomas was employed by US West, which was the first telephone company! This move began a career in this field for 37 years. The Faw family moved to Helena, Montana for the next 20 years, where their last two children were born. Thomas and Lois moved to Tucson, Arizona where he then retired. 

Thomas cared deeply for his family, and spent his retirement traveling in a motor home visiting family and friends. Thomas loved life though and suffered 40 long years with a debilitating lung disease. His strong faith sustained him through his trials of life, with many family and friends by his side. 

Ronald Eugene Gibson , 62, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully at banner desert hospital in Mesa, AZ, on July 10, 2020. Born October 1, 1957, in Memphis Tennessee to the late Melva and Richard Allen Gibson, he was one of 4 siblings, 2 late sisters, and a surviving brother, Donnie Gibson. He married Nancy Plumb in 1978 and prior to their divorce had 3 children, Rhonda , Ron Jr and Kelly. Ron was a hardworking father, he was a member of the civil air patrol/ ROTC and later, Air Force; and held various civilian jobs after his honorable discharge, including construction, caregiver in the state hospital, in home healthcare , security guard, and more. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Bunker funeral homes and he will be interred at Mesa cemetery. He is survived by his 3 children, mentioned above, and 7 grandchildren , Emily and EJ Cardullo, Lily, Amber and Howard Hall of Mesa, and Perrin and Corina Jones of Oregon. He was a beloved father and grandfather and is greatly missed.

Loueen Gardner, Age 71, died on July 14, 2020 with her family in her heart and her in their thoughts and prayers.  Loueen was born on a nice wintery day in December in McNary, Arizona. Unbeknownst to her she was to be the oldest of 7 children and would then get to set the example for them. She loved each and every one of her siblings and then as they added their spouses and children, she loved them just as much.  Loueen married the love of her life, Carwin, in 1967 for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Out of the blissful union came 6 bouncing baby children, 4 boys and 2 girls. She certainly had her hands full with the kids and their activities and loved every minute. As the kids grew, so did the size of her family. Those that had the honor and privilege of joining the family learned that they were just as loved as the ones that were born into the family. Loueen welcomed all with open arms and a wide smile. Her smile was described as “when she smiled her cheeks moved up an inch.” Her family was her pride and joy.  She worked outside of the home, but her greatest work was done in the home.  Loueen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and loved her Savior. She shared that love with her family and with those around her. Even up to the last day, shared her love and her testimony through her actions.  Loueen is survived by her husband of 53 years, children Rick (Suzanne) Gardner, Carleen (J. Eric) Wellard, Keith (Alyson) Gardner, Elaina (John) Bishop, Ryan Gardner and Logan Gardner. 19 grandchildren and 3 great-children who were the twinkle of her eye and she was the twinkle of theirs. She is also survived by her siblings, their spouses and numerous nephews and nieces that adored and loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Leola Mendell.  Graveside Service will be held at the Woodruff, Arizona Cemetery.

Gary Fred Lyon

1936 – 2020

On Thursday, July 16th, 2020, Gary Fred Lyon passed away at the age of 83. Gary was born in North Odgen, Utah in 1936 to George Albert Lyon and Edna Caroline Berrett. He was the youngest of his six siblings; Sterling Richard, Anna Beth, Roland George, Myra, Maxine Evelyn and Kathleen. Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Rita Kay Grant, his sister Kathleen, his children; Gary Grant and wife Jill Louise (McIff), Richard Roland and wife Stephanie Kay (Rodabough), Rita Ann and husband Edwin Munoz, Pamela Kay and husband Jeffrey Webb Crockett, Leisann Joi and husband Derrick Jon Dickerson, and Howard Van and wife Shari Elle (Lunt). Gary was also the proud grandfather to 34 grandchildren, including spouses, and 16 (soon to be 17) great-grandchildren.

Gary’s life was defined by his love for his family, his dedication to his faith and his love of learning, teaching and invention. Those that knew him spoke of his kindness, wisdom and intelligence. He was truly brilliant, by any definition.

Most of his career was spent as a teacher and Department Chair of Technology at Mesa Community College, where he taught courses in mathematics and technology. He also worked for Motorola and did work for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

He designed a radio that was used by NASA to communicate from earth with astronauts on the moon and also helped to write the program that determined how to calculate the size and placement of the tiles that protected the Space Shuttle. He also has a patent to his name for “Electroresponsive Controls – Patent #3,428,820”.

Gary was never one to seek out the spotlight and listened more than he spoke. He was a wonderful counselor to those in need of wisdom and he gave his time and experience freely to those who asked and to those in whom he saw a need.

In his early life, he enjoyed the hobby of building and flying RC airplanes. He was also always interested in home improvement and carpentry. He had a strong foundation in architecture and design and was always designing something new for his house and yard. His Mesa home of 46 years was ever-evolving as needs changed or new opportunities for improvement arose. Many of his kids and grandkids have beds, easels, displays, toys and other custom pieces of woodwork that were crafted with love for each person.

He had a laugh and smile that spread to those around him and you could feel his genuine, charitable spirit through his countenance. Gary had a love for problem solving and his mind was very well suited to this task. You could present a problem and he would immediately start processing the challenge, coming up with solutions. This led him to invent many tools and gadgets to help around the house and work. That same thoughtful mind was also beneficial to those seeking his insights into whatever challenges they might be facing in their own life.

Gary Lyon was a deeply spiritual man and was at ease discussing profound and meaningful issues relating to eternity, God and the purpose of life. That spirituality led his life of service to others. He served three missions for his church, one as a young man in the California Mission and later with his wife, Rita in the Hartford, Connecticut mission and again with Rita as teachers of English to Somali refugees. He also served faithfully in a wide range of callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was in his nature that those whom he served with became life-long friends as they observed his character and wisdom and came to love him.

One of Gary’s favorite hymns was the insightful “O My Father” whose words were written by Eliza R. Snow. Here is the fourth verse:

When I leave this frail existence,
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, Mother, may I meet you
In your royal courts on high?
Then, at length, when I’ve completed
All you sent me forth to do,
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.

John Kenneth Kalajian passed away June 17, 2020. Born in South Gate, California, Ken was the son of Vaughan Ellen Kalajian and his adopted father, Harry Missag Kalajian. Ken’s family relocating to Michigan when he was two years old. Ken grew up with a younger brother, Charlie, who was his partner in crime and may have helped Kenny set fire to part of their house as kids. At the age of twelve Ken and Charlie were adopted by their stepdad, Harry, and given another brother, Michael Kalajian.

Ken served his country in the U.S. Army from August 1976 through July 1979. He was stationed in Germany and worked in the communications field. While in Germany Ken traded jackets with a German soldier. This jacket was handed down to Ken’s daughter, Sonja.

Upon his return to civilian life Ken relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he met his wife, Branka. The couple moved to Southern California in 1982 to be near Ken’s family; they divorced after 22 years of marriage.

While visiting Sedona, Arizona, Ken fell in love with the red rock landscape and decided to move there in 2007. While not a religious man, Sedona accentuated the Native American culture Ken appreciated, occasionally attending shamanic services.

Ken’s favorite meal was spaghetti, which he shared with to his grandson, Logan. Ken was a classic rock music fan and attended countless concerts with Sonja; a memory she cherishes. His enthusiasm for music was noticeable by his tendency to wake his household by playing rock DVDs loudly in his living room.

Ken loved his animals. His death was preceded by those of a few of his favorite pets: dog, Harley; and cats, Midnight and Bobbi. Ken kept their photos around the house and often lit candles in their memories.

A man of high intelligence, Ken loved to read. His collection of hundreds of books covered various topics, such as politics, religion and music. He shared a love of guns with his daughter and son-in-law, who had the great opportunity of visiting the shooting range with Ken shortly before his death.

In Sonja’s words: “He was my Big Guy and I his Little One. We had an amazingly close relationship, where we couldn’t stand living further than a couple hours apart – I followed him from California. One year for Christmas we even got matching Celtic tattoos. That’s just how our relationship was. I will always be grateful for the memories I have of us at concerts and camping. He was also very close to my husband, Tyler, and to our son, Logan. My dad was such a proud grandpa to my boys.”

Ken’s girlfriend, Erma, was by his side for the last five years. Together they took trips throughout Northern Arizona and Colorado, memories Erma will keep close to heart.

Ken was preceded in death by parents, Vaughan and Harry Kalajian; brother, Charles Kalajian; and grandson, Ezra “Braden” Lundahl.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Sonja Lundahl and her husband, Tyler; grandson, Logan Lundahl; brother, Michael Kalajian and his wife, Yvette; girlfriend, Erma Molina; and dog, Mickey.

Ken was cremated. His ashes will be buried in the Sedona Community Cemetery at a later date.

Rosalie ( Rosa) Hrovatic Hemmen of Mesa, Arizona passes away July 16, 2020 from complications following orthopedic surgery. Born in 1933 to Joseph and Frances (Kastelic) Hrovatic in Salem, Ohio, Rosalie was second to the youngest of thirteen children.

Rosalie attended Salem High School and after graduation pursued a career in the United States Air Force. It was there she met her husband, Marcel, and they wed in 1953. Marcel’s career in the United States Air Force took them all over the United States and the Hemmen’s four daughters were born in four different states. Daughter Judith in California, Jennifer in Michigan, Rebecca in Montana and Elizabeth in North Dakota.

Rosalie and her family eventually retired to Salem, Ohio where they lived for many years with a subsequent move to Ocala, Florida and finally settled in Mesa, Arizona.

Rosalie is survived by her husband of 67 Years, Marcel: daughter Judy also of Mesa: daughter Jenny ( Steve) of Payson, Arizona; daughter Becky of Akron, Ohio as well as nine grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren. Rosalie was preceded in death by daughter, Elizabeth in 2008.

Of the original thirteen siblings only one now remains, brother Jim ( Barb) Hrovatic of Salem, Ohio.

A private viewing is pending.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the St. Mary’s food bank or to the St. Jude foundation.

In loving memory of Milo Eugene Schlink September 22, 1940 – July 13, 2020

On Monday, July 13th, 2020, Milo Eugene Schlink, loving husband and father of nine children, passed away at the age of 79.

Milo was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Belva Schlink, Sharon Clouse (sister), and Leah Koelle (sister). He is survived by his wife Janice, his siblings Cheryl Hawn (Fred), Janelle Cook (Gene), Adaline Park and Charles Schlink, as well as his children Evan (Bev), Janeen Conway (Tim), Lisa Chesley (Don), Carol Kitterman (Mark), Daniel (Victoria), Mila Hatch (Justin), Nathan (Summer), Jacob (Kristen), and Joshua (Jacqui). He also leaves a legacy of 47 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

Milo was born September 22nd, 1940 in Florence, AZ and grew up in Superior and Mesa, AZ. He attended Mesa High where he loved to play basketball and met his sweetheart Janice. Milo married Janice Buffington on June 10th, 1960 and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Milo was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He lived his life loving, serving, and working hard for those around him. Milo lived a life of service, working in a large variety of callings and assignments in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He especially loved serving with the Boy Scouts of America. He loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Milo provided for his family as a respected electrical contractor for 40 years.

Family visitation will be Monday, July 20th from 5-6:00pm followed by an open viewing from 6-8:00pm at Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation at 33 N Centennial Way in Mesa.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 21st at 9:00am at the Gilbert Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 777 E Elliot Road in Gilbert. Due to the current COVID health crisis, we respectfully request attendance by family members and those personally invited. The funeral service will be followed by interment at the Mesa Cemetery at 1212 N Center Street in Mesa.

Flossie began life as the fourth child of Oscar Emmanuel Bluth and Lucy Lavinia MacDonald.  Five more would follow to her home in a remote farming colony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where self-reliance and practicality were daily lessons, along with home and outdoor chores, music lessons and sports.  A pattern of service to her family and community was set early by her legendary mother, Lucy Mac, which she emulated as an adult.  Flossie was raised in a lively home where birth and death were natural events in the course of life.  She assisted in midwifery, even funeral preparations in all the practical services her mother rendered to her community.  A tomboy early, she rarely missed a game, activity of any musical nature, and built close friendships attending The Juarez Academy.

Surviving two World Wars and The Great Depression, Flossie married Samuel Jerald Robinson on September 6, 1936, another Colonial resident, and emigrated to Arizona for a new life in 1936.  Their own family of four children followed, who in turn fostered seventeen grandchildren, forty-two great grandchildren and six great-great children.  The legacy of devotion to family, faith, discipline and hard work has been reflected in the lives of those she served.  As an adult living in Phoenix, Flossie was destined to care for three generations over fifty years of nursing, feeding and blessing the lives of both parents, a widowed health-challenged daughter and the family she left behind.  She accepted these natural events with joy and strength, without complaint and fed all who came to her door.  The lessons of her mother endured, as her own contributions mirrored the life of the woman many have revered.

Wendell Emery Tompkins, 88, of Tempe, AZ, gained his eyesight and saw his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 4, 2020.  He left his earthly home peacefully with his wife by his side.

Wendell was born in Mapleton, ME, on January 3, 1932, to Elmer M. and Adeline (Bull) Tompkins.  He graduated from Mapleton High School in 1949 and from Bob Jones University in 1953 with a degree in music education.  Wendell began his teaching career in Easton, ME, where he taught K-12 music for 3 years before being drafted into the US Army.  Starting out at Fort Dix, NJ, Wendell eventually ended up at Fort Story, VA, where he was the clerk typist for the sergeant major.  During this time, he learned to play the organ, directed the chapel choir, and sang in an award-winning barbershop quartet.  While home on leave, he reacquainted himself with Betty Barton, whom he later married.  In February of 1958, stomach surgery led to a medical discharge from the army.

On August 5, 1958, Wendell and Betty became husband and wife.  They lived in Easton, ME where Wendell resumed his teaching for the next 3 years.  He then taught at Stearns High School in Millinocket, ME; Stephens/Rumford High School in Rumford, ME; Clinton Christian School in Upper Marlboro, MD; Tri-Cities Christian School in Blountville, TN; and Tri-City Christian Academy in Chandler, AZ where he retired from teaching in 1994.  He was responsible for launching several highly successful band programs across the country. His encouragement led many students to continue developing and using music throughout their lives. Following his retirement, Wendell worked in the garden center at Walmart in Mesa for 11 years.

Wendell was beloved by all who met him.  He adored his wife, children, and their families.  “Dad, Grandpaw, Papa, and Grandpaw Pumkin” was dearly loved by his family!  Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Adeline Tompkins; brothers-in-law, Sherwood Barton, Wendell Blackstone, and Clayton Blackstone; sisters-in-law, Joanne Tompkins, Lois Barton, Doris Barton, Phyllis Blackstone; and niece, Heidi (Tompkins) Knight.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty (Barton) Tompkins of Tempe; daughter, Nancy (Tompkins) Blount (husband, Bill) of Hesperia, MI; and two sons, Steven Tompkins (wife, Becky) of Greenville, SC, and Jeff Tompkins (wife, Annette) of Orangevale, CA. He has 13 beloved grandchildren: Erin (Blount) Montanye (husband, Phil); Andrew Blount (wife, Emily); Zach Blount; Ethan Blount (wife, Catherine); Paige (Blount) Converse (husband, Alex); Kelsee Blount; Karlee Blount; Will Blount; Kaitlynn Tompkins; Kaleigh Tompkins (fiancé, Jon  Ludka); Karis Tompkins; Carissa Tompkins; Karyn Tompkins; and, six precious great-grandchildren. Wendell is also survived by his two brothers, Roland Tompkins (wife, Pauline) of Presque Isle, ME ; and Gerald Tompkins (wife, Eileen) of Grand Forks, ND; and an aunt, Ardis Tompkins Libby, of Crouseville, ME.

The family would like to express gratitude to the hospice team from Banner Health who graciously assisted in caring for Wendell in his final days.

Public visitation with the family will be on August 6, 2020 at Tri-City Baptist Church, 2211 W. Germann Road, Chandler, AZ, 85288, from 5:30 – 6:45 PM, with a memorial service to follow at 7:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Wendell’s memory to Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC; International Baptist College and Seminary, Chandler, AZ; or, The Wilds of New England, Deering, NH.  Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ.

Robert E. Farnsworth “Bob” passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona.

Bob served his country in the United States Air Force for 22 years, after retiring from the Air Force. Bob worked for the Arizona Republic for another 22 years. Bob loved his country and he loved his family even more.

Bob is survived by his wife Marion “May”, brothers David and Morris; children: Alex, David (Anne), Julie (Doug) Shade, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren. Family meant everything to Bob.

Bob met May in Scotland while on his way to an Air Force assignment in England. The plane he was traveling in wasn’t able to land in London due to fog and the plane had to be re-routed to Prestwick, Scotland. While in Prestwick for the layover, Bob decided to do a little sight seeing. It was there while walking over the Brig O’Doon (the bridge over the Doon river) that he met May. The rest is history for the two. They were married April 1955.

Funeral Services for Bob will be Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the LDS Stake Center located at 611 N. Stewart in Mesa. Visitation will begin at 9:30 with a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at 11:00 at the Mesa cemetery.

Due to COVID-19, services will be limited to members of the family. 

Funeral arrangements handled by Bunker Family Mortuary.

After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Evangelina Damian de Martinez passed away on July 11, 2020. Evangelina was born to Jose Damian Puga and Juanita Fuentes Damian in 1949 in Nochistlan, Zacatecas.

She married Andres Martinez in 1967, and together they raised four children: Daniel, Susana, Juanita, and Margarita. Evangelina dedicated her life to her family. She was a truly selfless person who chose always to place others before herself. She had a great love for her grandchildren, music, reading, roses, and laughter.

She is survived by her husband; her four children; her siblings, Luis, Maria, Celia, and Benjamin; her eight grandchildren, Daniel Andrew, Andres Antonio, Anthony, Jasmin, Alex, Naomi, Joel, and Evangelina Lucy; and her four great-grandchildren, Ana, Damian, JoNael, and Isabella.

John Thomas Taylor

May 15, 1945 – June 30, 2020

John Thomas Taylor, 75, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at the VA nursing home, Scottsdale Village Square, on June 30, 2020.  We are heartbroken that he is no longer with us, we are rejoicing in the knowledge that he is enjoying a reunion with those loved ones who have preceded him in death: wife Lottie Taylor, parents Caldwell G. and Thelma H. Taylor (Poulson), siblings Phillip Taylor, Deloris (Karl) Ray, Donald Taylor and loved ones.

John was born on May 15, 1945 in Walla Walla, Washington to Caldwell G. and Thelma H. Taylor.  He enjoyed his childhood on the family farm in Walla Walla Washington.  He especially loved driving tractors, riding his horse Pete and listening to his sister play the piano.  He was the only one of the boys who could carry a tune.  John watered and fed the chickens, collected eggs and when he got enough money to buy what he wanted, he quit caring for the chickens.  This experience taught John the blessings of hard work.

In 1957 (Age 12) he earned the National Rifle Association Junior Diploma and was certified a Pro-Marksman. During his teen years the family moved to Mesa, AZ.  John graduated from Mesa High School May, 1964 and was soon called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Eastern Atlantic States.  John loved serving his Heavenly Father and the people in his area.  He completed his mission and was honorably released June 1966.

John was drafted and served in the United States Army for two years and nine months (1968-1970).  John received a single helicopter maintenance diploma.  He served as a Specialist Four and Helicopter Gunner.  He received the following decorations, medals, badges and commendations:  National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Unit Citation and The Air Medal.  John gave his heart and ultimately his life in the valiant service of our country.  He was honorably released from the military and returned home to attend school and reunite with family.

John received an Associates in Arts Degree from Mesa Community College in 1972.  He continued his education by receiving a Building Construction Diploma from the Commercial Trades Justice of Chicago, Illinois in 1978.  John was the first to create a hydroponic gardening system on the side of his Mesa home on Olive.  John married his sweetheart Lottie and they resided in Apache Junction, AZ for many years.  Lottie would often play the piano or organ and John would sing along.  They enjoyed working on projects, camping, and serving others.  John had a welcoming and memorable smile.  John could often be found making others laugh and listening to music.  He loved wearing several hats at once, just to hear people laugh.  John was a good friend and brother.  John found great joy in his family and friends and has been grateful for the love and support shown by many.

John is survived by his brother Clifford (Shirley) Taylor of Cheney Washington, sister Celestia (Mike) Ordaz of Tempe Arizona, Sister-in-law Marva Dee Taylor and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on June 8, 2020 at 9 a.m., at The City of Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to the missionary fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.