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Rita Mae Schmolke 78 of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, after fighting a courageous battle of cancer for the last several years.  She was born on January 17, 1942, in Akron, to John Harmon and Emma (Jones) Eiseman.  Rita grew up in Brimfield and graduated from Kent State High School and Bohecker’s Business College.  Rita was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving with the sisters and the youth.  Rita loved music, ballroom dancing and, even taught herself to play the piano.  She lived many years in Kent and Pickerington Ohio and had made many special friends that she held very dear to her heart. Rita lived the last eight years in Gilbert, Arizona loving the sunshine.  Rita was blessed with many talents; cooking, decorating, sewing, and singing to mention a few.

Rita will be greatly missed by her devoted husband Dennis Schmolke and her daughters, Renee Lane of Bartlesville, OK and Rebecca (Paul) Porter of Gilbert, AZ. Six grandchildren Cami (Morgan) Lish, William Pidge, Ashley (Nick) Lewis, Mackenzie (Jordan) Saunooke, Mariah and Mason Porter and 8 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sister Jeanne(David) Peugh of Tallmadge, OH  and nieces, nephews and, friends she has made throughout her life.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents and Husbands: Robert E. Lane Jr. and William J. Gibbons.  Her brother, Edward Eiseman and great granddaughter Taylor Lewis.

Bunker Funeral Home in Mesa, AZ will be handling arrangements for Rita to be sent to Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent, Ohio,  where Private Family services will be at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, Ohio.

*Those attending services to honor Ramon will be required to wear a facemask and adhere to physical distancing guidelines at the mandate of the Governor and Mayor. For those who are uncomfortable attending, the services can be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/RdSDSwc-TS0

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverb 17:22

Mi niño lindo, mi pachutí, mi querido adorado….te quiero tanto mi amor… estes con Diosito.  Diosito te va cuidar…. duerma con los ángelitos mi niño lindo.  Those that knew Ramon knew that he was your medicine.  Our dear Ramon passed away of multiple illnesses and complications. His struggle in life after his major accident in August 2010 left him with a traumatic brain injury and in a coma for a year. Ramon had a terrible episode where he was carjacked and left for dead in a ditch in Phoenix on Van Buren Street.  Paramedics rushed him to the Maricopa Medical Center with 6 breaths a minute.  He underwent brain surgery, Dr. Cruz saved his life.  Ramon was fortunate to have his cousin Joey Evensiosky and one of his school classmates tend as his respiratory therapist while in ICU..they saved his life.  Joey shaved him for the first time after his accident.  He had many medical challenges throughout the last 10 years but he prevailed. He was a walking miracle. He was afflicted with 8-9 pneumonias, another brain surgery, kidney stones, multiple cardiac arrests…was comatose for a year and survived another 10 years.

Doctors and specialists were proven wrong over and over on their prognosis because Ramon was a fighter…a Football Tight End ~~~ Unstoppable~~ and a true believer of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Thank you to Valley Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Dr. Christine Kwasnica, Suzanne Kelly, Maria, Kenneth and multiple therapists, Barrow Neurological Institute, Banner Desert Rehab, Banner University, Banner Baywood and Trillium Specialty hospital.  Mi Casa Nursing Center, especially Natalie, Hanger-Reese, Numotion, AT Univ Dental Clinic, the interns and the many attending doctors that fought to keep him alive and healthy.

Ramon was born in Phoenix to Manuel “Manny” Marin from Ajo, AZ, and Ofelia C. Cañez from Superior AZ.  He is survived by his brothers Francisco “Kiko” Marin and Manuel “Lito’ Marin, sister Alma Engracia Marin Rodriguez (Tomas, brother-in-law).  Proceeded by grandparents Rodolfo Acedo Cañez and Matilde Cañez; Manuel R. Marin and Amalia Gonzalez Smith;  Uncles: Rodolfo Cañez, Ramon Cañez (Margaret), Arnold Cañez (Pauline) , Frank Marin (Beth);  Aunts: Anita Cañez (Jose), Herlinda Cañez and Tilly C. Johnson (Richard), Maria Marin- Oropeza (Esteban), Josie Marin Varela (Gerry);  Godparents: Rudy and Grace Perez, Roman and Nena Chacon, Coach Danny Flores and Tia Linda Cañez.  He spent most of his life in his beloved South Phoenix.

Ramon attended St. Catherine’s school, played flag football with Coach Danny Flores, and also played South Mountain East Little League with coach, Ralph Velez and dad Manuel.  He went on to South Mountain High, played Jaguars Frosh tight end having Dr. Leticia Ruiz as his director, and graduated from EL Dorado HS.  He attended Phoenix, Mesa and Pima College.  He completed Carpentry Certificates from Pima College.  His jobs included Fazoli’s, Papa Johns, L & M Kitchen and Bath, an Auto parts runner and Laborer. Ramon also was his mother’s apprentice with Ofelia’s Traditions and Catering. One of his last gigs was catering to our beloved AGUILA Leadership Institute… and for first time he could help fight for the rights of DACA students.

Ramon Nacho… Ramoncito was rich in life and lived it every moment of the day.  His story is a lesson of love and happiness, a lesson of pure strength, a lesson of true Christian faith, a lesson of unity, and a lesson of humanity.  And he played a mean Chess game…don’t even try dominoes or PS4 with him because he would beat you!!! He was a resident of Westchester TBI Home in Tempe and lived there with his beloved roommates; Allan and Julio; beloved caregivers Sophia, Bennie, Florian and Ruben. He was loved and he was their happy child, a family member.  Sophia says..”Gone but not forgotten. Gone to young, gone too soon. He was precious, beautiful, jovial, hilarious, a resident of our facility and most of all part of our life, part of our family.  God allowed Ramon to be medicine for all of us and his heart was always cheerful. He taught us to love more, to appreciate life more, to be grateful and to be better people for all.” He was a media internet buff…he would research everything. He wanted a purple mattress and already had an idea of the newest PS5 digital or regular video game, his negotiating skills were sharp, “he could sell ice to an Eskimo” …his nana Molly would say, “Hey, Ramon you could be a really good used car salesman!”  The other group home where Ramon lived in the valley was Everlasting with Tanya Wiebly, and his tutor Tiffany Bailey and Riley, and his chess mate caregiver Silvia who also took him to chess lessons. They loved him very much and he was their family member.

We express our most sincere gratitude to those that kept Ramon healthy.  To the first responders and health professionals, and his prayer warriors, those that worked with him daily, weekly and throughout the years who never gave up on him. You all made his world a lot more loving and fun.  We will forever be grateful for all your love and attention…It truly takes a Village…thank you Village.   Those who formed beautiful friendships and always had Ramon’s back..anytime, anyplace.

Ramon wanted to go to college, he did his own research and made an appointment with the Mesa College advisement center. The MCC Disability Center accepted him one full summer before classes began to teach him the use of the college online media tool.  Upon enrollment, he tested into College Algebra, and went on to successfully complete a college career course earning an “A” and a PED atypical fitness class with Jim Haggerty and Eric Estep who never gave up on him and went the extra mile to assure his safety and well-being and also for letting him be the only student allowed to play his Spotify in the gym. He was their mascot of a good fitness buff.  Thanks to his counselor Christopher, his personal attendant, counselors, tutors and his dear teacher Dr. Olivia Lara. Ramon loved his private fitness sessions with Self-Made Training Facility Fitness, special thanks to his coach Nick Johnson, who worked closely with his medical therapists to assure proper exercise.  He never gave up on Ramon.

His village consisted of his school classmates, his trainers, caregivers, family, friends, musicians, ninos and ninas.  For several years, Freddie Duran and cousin Melissa Canez surprised him at Trillium Hospital right after his coma with las mañanitas and birthday songs.  Angie Trujillo and her mother would also visit him and play Christian songs for him.  Father Jorge Eager held mass in the garden and continued with a rosary in the chapel. Much love to Ofelia’s nina Francis Castillo and the St. Catherine’s Guadalupanas who prayed at Ramon’s bedside creating a strong faithful fellowship of prayer warriors.  Thank you to Holy Cross in Mesa for the prayer group fellowship also…they truly loved Ramon and praised his wellness when he appeared at Mass on Easter Sunday for the first time.  It was a true revelation to see him healthy and praising Jesus.  Thank you to Queen of Peace Father Thomas and Deacon Richard, especially home visits during bereavement times,  Ash Wednesday for Ramon and his birthday masses; and dearest Ramona for his Sunday Eucharist visits.

Ramon did not escape mom’s and dad’s political activism and involvement.  He loved being involved with the community while his father served as District 6 AZ State House of Representative. Many strong advocates become part of the village Sam & Rita Ramirez, Earl and Mary Rose Wilcox, Eddie Basha, Ed and Verma Pastor, Laura and Yvonne–his babysitters at times, Alfredo Gutierrez, Alan Stephans, Art Hamilton, Belton Hodges, Tommy Espinoza and Pete & Sarah Garcia many more.

Much gratitude to his great St. Catherine’s classmates, Joaquin Higuera for playing virtual games, visits and love.  Auncuncion Robles your love, phone calls, texts and events.  TJ Moreno for taking him to the Fiestas, SMC Reposo park gym, to your wedding, church and the Day on the Lake with St. Joseph’s Hospital.  Enrique and Brina for feeding him, giving him shelter and playing with the kids. To his beloved cousin, Jeff who never said no for helping me with NFL games, Fiestas, Lowrider Car Shows, Parades, Cheech & Chong…Baseball games.  To his beloved Tia/Nina Linda who many years spent alongside with me during our darkest moments thru cardiac arrests, pneumonias, operations, novenas, and Rosario’s, for all the food and Dutch and Starbucks coffees. His beloved Tia Pauline that always answered his phone calls, prayed with him, had long conversations and accompanied me to the ER medical emergencies. He was her angel.  Richard Ochoa thank you for sponsoring Ramon and family with free tickets to the awesome lowrider shows..those days were the highlights of his life. For the texting and love support from cousins Anissa, Monica, Rony, George & Arnold, Vanessa Blanca Canez, and Jaime Santamaria and many others that he would connect with.  Thank you Tio Ramon and Margarita & cousin Angel Cañez for hosting us in Tucson for 4^th of July and many other holidays and for the menudo. Much love to Tia Julieta from Imuris, Son. Mexico that managed to visit with him at his home when in town and especially bringing him Mexican empanadas.

Thanks to Tio Arnold for going to watch the movies, baseball games and events…for assembling his recliners and TV, for being the handyman at the home.  And, of course his beloved extended family member’s endless cousins, aunts and uncles.  His beloved sister Alma and brothers Francisco and Manuel who never gave up on him and were in disposable for him always. Having lunch during work breaks, praying, ER visits, surgery visits, each taking turns to be with him while recovery…Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween and all special days… and most of all my Lord Jesus Christ for granting this angel into our lives, he surely was a God sent and made this world a better place, he was medicine to our souls and now will be in spirit. A spirit that will live in our lives forever.  Mijo querido Ramoncito Rest in Peace in God’s Kingdom.

Ramon’s Services: Viewing: Tuesday, July 14 6-8pm Bunker Family 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201 (49 visitors allowed in rotations) Wednesday, Rosary: 9:30am, Mass: 10:00am July 15 Queen of Peace 141 N. MacDonald Rd. Mesa, AZ 85204 (200 visitors with facemasks), Interment PRIVATE Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery 1562 E. Baseline Rd. Saint Anne Plot, Mesa, AZ 85204. For more information please contact Alma Marin info@almamarin.com, 602-384-4817.

To live stream Funeral Mass for Ramon today at 10:00 a.m. please click on or copy link below:

https://youtu.be/RdSDSwc-TS0

Michael P. Wright, 64, passed away on July 6, 2020 in Phoenix, AZ.  Mike will be remembered for his dedication to the restaurant business, his beautiful flower gardens, and his willingness to help others around him. He loved to socialize and had many wonderful friends as well as a strong bond with his brothers.

Mike is survived by his children, Tom, Brett (Julie), Beth Ann, Carrie, and Matt; 7 grandchildren; and brothers, Bill and Rick.

A memorial service will be held at a later date when it is safer for all of Mike’s family and friends to come together to celebrate a man who will be greatly missed.

Paul Feltch Langford, 39 was born October 14, 1980 in Vernal, Uintah, Utah, and passed away on July 01, 2020, in Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona.  Paul is survived by his parents Robert and Jan Langford, siblings Jaime, Kathryn, Anne, Matthew, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, all who miss him dearly.  Paul led a very active life giving service on a daily basis during much of his latter years.  Though having many trials in his own life with addiction, his ability to overcome these challenges helped him develop a strong sense of integrity, selflessness, and the desire to lift his fellowman.  Paul was a very active sponsor in AA, NA and HA, helping to lift both men and women daily to change their lives, and to overcome their own trials with addiction.  Everyone who knew Paul considered him to be their friend as he was such a positive influence on everyone he met.  The viewing for Paul will be held Thursday evening from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213.  His internment will be Friday morning at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, by invitation only.

William (Bill) Zane Barnes, 86, of Mesa Arizona was called home on July 4, 2020.  There to meet him was his mother, Mecca Lerline Barnes, his father, Clifford Cleburn Barnes, his brothers, Rudolph Barnes, Tony Barnes and his sister, Sandra Kay Woodard and his son Peter.   There will be a small family graveside service with Military honors at the National Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ on Friday, July 10, 2020.  He is survived by his wife Loretta Carole Barnes, his daughters, Shelia Shumway of Farmington, NM, and Terry Blair of Gilbert, AZ, and his son John Michael Barnes.  His legacy will continue through his 9 Grandchildren, Donald McAdams, Timothy McAdams, Cody Blair, Maria Hancock, Lindsey Blair, Shanlie Blair, Jerad Blair, Leo Blair, and Emily Blair and his 7 Great Grandchildren, with the youngest being born 2 days after his passing.  He is also survived by his siblings; Dottie Sutton, Lottie Morrical, Amelia Sanders, Janet Tharrington, Joan Kirkpatrick, Rita Spiers, Nita Barnes and Jimmy Barnes and his best friend Ray Bertrand.

Bill was born on June 8, 1934 in Commerce Texas. He enlisted in the US Army when he was 18 and loved to tell the tales of that time in his life. He met the love of his life, Carole, in a restaurant in Dallas Texas in 1962 where she was working as a waitress.  They were inseparable from that point on.  Bill had a very happy life.  He was always looking for his next big adventure; some of which took him to places most people only read about.  He went to New Mexico where he worked as a roughneck.  He went to Alaska and Yemen to work in the oil fields.  He was one of the “Original Ice Road Truckers” in Alaska.  The family spent 4 summers working a Gold Mine in Boundary Alaska. He and his wife Carole started several businesses that included Ought-To Trucking Company in Kenai, Alaska, and Hot Foot Frack Water Heating in Bloomfield, NM.  He even tried his hand at cattle ranching in Wolf City, TX for a while.   No adventure seemed out of reach for him.  He was willing to try it all.  He loved to travel, camp and fish and he passed that love on to his grandsons.  He moved to Arizona in 2008 where he made many good friends.  He believed it was his personal responsibility to make everyone around him smile and he was very good at it. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Legion to support Homeless Veterans Programs.

Terry M Turley of Mesa, Arizona passed away July 1^st 2020 in his home surrounded by those who loved him.  Terry was born 4 June 1934 in Woodruff, Arizona to Melvin Sevey Turley and Morjorie Gardner.  He has four sisters: Merla, Janet, Lelani, and Kathleen Lupher.

Terry met his beloved wife, Lucille, in the second grade.  They were married 64 years and have four children: Cathy Shurtliff (Bill), Julie Burrell (Ken), Steve (Cathy), and Joy Turley.

Terry was the owner of Turley Industries for 25 years.  He was known for his honesty and integrity.  He worked many long hours to support his family.

He was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He loved gospel of Jesus Christ with all his heart.  His dedication to the Lord was absolute.  Terry served in many Bishoprics, as a Stake Missionary, as a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Snowflake and Mesa Arizona Temples, and as a Scoutmaster.

Terry served ten years in the Army National Guard.

He and Lucille loved to square dance and traveled all over the United States doing so.

After he retired, he enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Forest Lakes.  His children and grandchildren have many fond memories of going to the cabin to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma.  Terry will be missed by all who knew him.  Terry has 27 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren.

Dean Rich Vaterlaus, 90, passed away Friday, July 3, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona.

Dean was born on March 25, 1930 in Montpelier, Idaho to Ernest and Virginia Vaterlaus and grew up in Montpelier, Idaho.  He married Barbara Olsen on September 21, 1953.  Together they raised three sons and three daughters.  Dean spent his life in service to his family, community and church.

Dean graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Business Administration and, after serving in the military, he was hired by Schering-Plough where he worked for forty-two years as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.

He served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of his life.  As a young man, Dean served a mission for the Church in the Central States Mission.  He served as a counselor in the Tucson Stake Presidency.  He worked in the Stake Young Men’s presidency and was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America for many years.  Dean served as Bishop of the Tucson Fifth Ward.  He also served as Stake Patriarch.  Dean and Barbara served a mission for the Church in the Bolivia, Cochabamba Mission.

Dean is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Olsen Vaterlaus; Children Richard (Gaye) Vaterlaus of Gilbert Arizona, Stanford (Susan) Vaterlaus of Tucson Arizona, Ann (Steve) Clark of Mesa Arizona, Paul (Betsy) Vaterlaus of Mesa Arizona, Rebeccah (Keith) Cannon of Cave Creek Arizona, Patricia (Kenneth) Haynie of Vail Arizona, 34 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and two foster daughters.

Dean Rich Vaterlaus will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery in Mesa Arizona.  Due to current social distancing requirements, funeral services and viewing will be limited to family.

Little Marco had a huge heart and the patience of a saint.   Little Marco loved to spend hours being creative with his Legos, playing Xbox, and playing with & collecting Pokémon and Magic the Gathering.  Little Marco was a gifted child & beloved by all those he came across.  Especially his big sister who would send him out to ask for snacks at night, and his little brother who loved to play Legos & Xbox with his “Coco”.

Little Marco was survived by Jennifer Mendoza (Mom), Marco Mendoza (Dad), Isaiah Mendoza (brother), Taleah Mendoza (Sister), Todd Jordan Weber “TJ” (Brother), Todd Weber (Magic partner & Friend), Grandmother Diane Martin  Uncles: Gonzolo Mendoza (Melissa), Jason Martin (Liza), Juan Mendoza.  Aunts: Alissa Vantassell (Jeff) Liz Martin, Mercedes Resendiz (Juan) And Godparents Heber and Darrell Lee Garcia, and countless friends. 

John Martin (grandpa) preceded death 

Little Marco left us much too soon, and anyone who met him knows how much little Marco had a HUGE impact on all of our lives.

Marco, we love you, we miss you, and we know you will always be watching over us with that smile. 

In lieu of flowers please honor Marco’s sweet spirit by spreading kindness and love. Buy the person behind you a cup of coffee, donate time to a charity, say hello to strangers, be a good person.

Funeral will be help at Bunker’s University Chapel in Mesa on Friday, July 10th.  Due to COVID we are keeping it to immediate family. 

A celebration of life gathering will be held at our apartment on Saturday July 11^th from 10-2.  For details & directions please email or call the following so we can have an accurate count of possible attendees: Todd Weber (stepdad) 801-391-5279 or rawlegold@yahoo.com

Frank E. Davis was a young 85 year old, full of hope and resilience, passed away June 17, 2020 surrounded by family.  It was a tender goodbye for his wife Susan and the many children, grandchildren and great grand-children and many friends who loved him.

Frank was born, Frank E. Frazer August 10, 1934 in Los Angeles, California.  He was the only child of Ora Benson and Emory Frazer.  Frank was proud of his ancestry and Scottish heritage.  At five years old his father died.  He inherited his father’s inquisitive mind with an aptitude for mechanical engineering.  Frank grew up during WWII in Los Angeles and his mother worked in an aviation plant.  His summers were spent in Parowan with his Benson grandparents working on the family farm.  His mother remarried and Frank was adopted by Gerald T. Davis.

Frank graduated from Torrance High School where he played football and basketball. His work ethic, quiet, unassuming manner, and zest for life afforded him an impressive job opportunity.  At age 18 he was hired by NCR Corporation as their youngest computer specialist.  Franks affinity for problem solving and leadership provided him a successful 40 year career.

He married Mitzi B. Trimiew and received a draft notice as a wedding present. He was inducted April 1957, and was sent to Fort Lewis Washington.  Frank received top marksmen and finished basic training first in his unit.  His unit consisting of 389 men went to Korea.  He was pulled to serve in the Adjutants General Corp as part of a top secret military operation reporting to the Pentagon.

It was here he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Serving in numerous positions loving the people he served.  Scouting and mentoring young men became a life long passion.  Frank loved to hunt, fish, ride motorcycles, read, study history, camp and spend time with the grandchildren.

Frank and Mitzi raised their family of five in Orange County, California.  Later moving to Southern Utah, and settling in Parowan. Frank was a loving father and husband who devotedly cared for Mitzi until her death.

Frank’s positive spirit was the gift he freely gave.  In the summer of 2005, lives changed forever.  He met and later married Susan W. Brown. Together they planted seeds that grew into a wonderful life. The family continues to multiply.

Frank is survived by his sweetheart, Susan B. Davis, Mark E. Davis, Meliss (Troy) Houston, Denise (Cornell) Orton, Celeste (Steve) Johnson, Matthew (Angie) Brown, Timothy (Mysti) Brown, Andrew (Tammy) Brown, Benjamin (Shauni) Brown Joshua Brown, Jacob (Lisa) Brown, Angus (Lacey) Brown, Blake (Kallie) Brown, 50 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by Mitzi Davis, Scott E. Davis and Nathan T. Johnson.

Funeral Services
July 10, 2020 @ 10:00 am
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
1005 N Voyager, Gilbert, AZ
Due to Covid-19, the funeral service will be restricted to family and invited guest.

Televised Service:
July 10, 2020 @ 10:00 am
https://youtu.be/faOJM4b3btU

Interment
Gilbert Memorial Cemetery
2100 E. Queen Creek Road
Gilbert, Arizona

Celebration of Life
July 18, 2020   3:00 – 5:00 pm
LDS Church 25 North Main

Irby Jean Blakesley, 78, went to be with the Lord in the evening on June 22, 2020 after valiantly battling ALS for more than three years.  She is survived by her sisters Eloise (Ron) Hartbarger and Inez (Robert) Luckie, her former husband Robert Blakesley, her son James Blakesley and daughter Carol (Lee) Scarpitto, and three grandchildren.

Jean was born to Irby and Lottie Mae Faircloth at Georgiana, Alabama on November 27, 1941. She attended church and participated in the choir and other activities.  She embraced a hardworking lifestyle and earned money by churning and selling butter.  Her steadfast respect for others would never allow her to accept racism, for she treated everyone cordially.  Later she graduated a business college and worked as a secretary.

In 1961 she married Robert Blakesley who was serving in the Air Force.  They lived in Montgomery, Alabama where her children were born before moving to Mesa, Arizona.  Jean became employed at Motorola where she enjoyed a successful 30-year career that culminated in an important role working closely with Design Engineers.  She was well satisfied from her accomplishments for years to come.

Jean had a passion for reading that lasted her entire life, and she would frequently share her books with others.  She was intelligent and possessed a wealth of knowledge that covered many subjects. She took great pride in her family roots, her siblings, and in her children and grandchildren.  She found joy in helping others, especially if she could help someone solve a problem or learn more about themself.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, watching her favorite programs on television, assembling and framing interesting puzzles for display, and occasionally playing the slots at a local casino.

Because of her unwavering kindness, her caring and love for others the world became a better place in the lives of those she touched.  She is dearly missed and she will not be forgotten.

The family requests donations be made in Jean Blakeley’s name to the Arizona Chapter of the ALS Association or to Dream Catchers.

James (Jim) Donald Coleman was born in Faulkton, South Dakota, on March 14^th, 1950 to Donald Coleman and Anna (Parrett) Coleman.  He grew up in Dupree, SD.  Graduating from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD, with a degree in finance, he rodeoed through high school and college, riding broncs and bulls.  Jim was employed by Farm Credit Services of America for over 40 years, serving in several different positions and locations including Imperial, NE, Casper, WY, Rapid City, SD, Omaha, NE, Lincoln, NE, Spokane, WA, and Sioux Falls, SD.  He retired in Mesa, AZ.

Jim was a friend of Bill W’s and after going through treatment, remained sober for the next 42 years.  He was a caring husband, loving father, grandfather, son and brother. Jim was a jack-of-all trades always there to help anyone in need or simply be their friend.  Being an outgoing, energetic, charismatic person, there was never a stranger in the room when Jim was there.

He enjoyed camping and spending his time on his Harley and in his Corvettes, preferring convertibles so he and his wife, Sheila, could enjoy the outdoors.  As busy as he was, he always found time to play poker 3 days a week, another favored pastime.               .

Jim loved sports and history.  Not only was he a season ticket holder for the Denver Broncos and avid fan of Nebraska football and girls’ basketball, Jim would attend local high school football games just to watch them play.

In 1980, he married Sheila Enger from Watertown, SD.  They were blessed with two daughters, Callie Woodland (Nathan) of Kansas City and Christie Banks (Brian), Omaha.  He was always eager to spend time with his grandchildren, Justin, Jackson and Harper.  Jim was also a second father to Travis (LaShawn) Yarbrough, Minneapolis, Sheila’s son from a previous relationship and enjoyed their 3 children, Erica, Cameron and Connor.

On June 23rd, 2020, having a strong faith, Jim left this earthly world to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving wife and children.  He was preceded in death by his father, Don, his mother, Anna, his sister, Marsha (Gary) Frame, his brother Bobby Coleman, and his father-in-law Gary Enger.  He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brother Tom (Laurie) Coleman of Bismarck, ND, and mother-in-law Mattie Enger, Mesa, AZ.

Jim’s ashes will be spread in the Black Hills on the mountaintop where he was married, August 23, 2020 on what would have been his 40^th wedding anniversary.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Marilyn Louise (Anderson) Norton, 88, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on June 21, 2020.

Marilyn was born in Weiser, Idaho on July 28, 1931 to Laurel John and Edith Haslam (Archibald) Anderson.  Marilyn married her husband Joseph Clair Norton in Weiser, Idaho on October 28, 1949. They were blessed with 8 children while living in Idaho and 2 more children joined the family after moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1964.  

Marilyn was not your typical grandma. She wasn’t the sweet old lady that baked or put a band-aid on your boo-boo. She didn’t coddle us, but she did love us. She was a strong and independent woman. She was the designated driver when her friends in Vegas would drive to the beach because the rest of the ladies were too anxious about navigating an unfamiliar city. She didn’t drive like a grandma. She wasn’t afraid to climb up on a roof to fix it, even when she was pregnant. Or drive herself to the hospital when she was in labor. She would just take care of whatever needed to be done.

Marilyn was one tough lady. She enjoyed telling stories about growing up on a farm without plumbing in Oregon. She was proud of having raised ten kids. She knew the deep snow of Idaho and West Virginia and the desert heat of Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Marilyn loved her husband very much. Since he passed away nearly two decades ago, she spoke often of wanting to be with him again. It seems appropriate that our mom has been reunited with our dad on this day, Father’s Day.

Marilyn easily made friends everywhere she went and will be missed by many.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Joseph (Kelly), Connie (Rodger Summers), Patricia (David Oakden), Alice (Brad Thurston), Susan (Stephen Dart), Chris (KC), Jon (Tammy), Michelle (Jeremy Luquin); Daughters-In-Law Phyllis (Philip Norton) and Marilyn (Steven Norton; 41 grandchildren and 92 great-grandchildren.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents Laurel John and Edith Haslam (Archibald) Anderson.

Her husband Joseph Clair Norton, sons Philip Loran and Steven Thomas Norton and her brother Laurel Dean Anderson.

George Nelson Berry, 89, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Mesa Arizona.  George was born in Fresno, California, retired from the US Air Force and then was graduated from Arizona State University.  George is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Bryan) Schmidt, Melissa (Mark) Tompert and Becky Stallings, nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wives Mary Lee and Luella and son Greg Stallings.  A funeral service will be held at Bunkers Mortuary, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, on Friday, June 26, at 9am.  There will be a viewing on Thursday, June 25, 6-8pm at the mortuary.

Mary E Sparkes, 95, was called home on June 20, 2020. There to meet her were her husband Roy, and daughter Katherine Black as well as her parents, sisters and brothers. Left with many wonderful memories are her sons Thomas Buntin and Richard Buntin, grandchildren Jodie Black, Cassandra Black, Richard Black, Jacklyn Buntin, and Franklin Buntin and 9 great-grandchildren, cousins and many nieces and nephews.

She was born June 14, 1925 in Washington Mills, New York. Mary joined the Women’s Army Corps in 1944. She was assigned as a VIP Chauffeur to transport dignitaries to and from Los Alamos National Laboratory to Santa Fe, New Mexico. She drove physicists, chemists, generals and physicians as well as Paul Tibbets who dropped the Atomic Bomb. They were all informed to not speak to anyone about the Atomic Bomb testing that was nearby.  She never mentioned what she actually did in the Army until recent years when she read a book about the Manhattan Project and decided it was now okay to talk.

Mary later got her pilot’s license and became a Civil Air Patrol Lieutenant.  She then attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She went to work for Sears and became a buyer of women’s clothing.

After 29 years working for Sears, she retired in 1988 and moved to Mesa, Arizona. She became active in several adult retirement communities where she lived and loved to organize sightseeing day trips around Arizona. She also became an avid Bridge player.

The immediate family will hold a private memorial service at a date, time and place to be determined.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice. Cancer research or dementia research would be of interest to her.

David Lee Armentrout of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away on June 8, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born February 6, 1953, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Ivan and Loretta (Paxton) Armentrout.  David attended Eddyville High School and graduated in 1971.

David worked at Vermeer as a welder for 28 years before moving to Mesa, Arizona in 2002.  In Arizona, he continued to work as a welder until retiring in early 2019. David had numerous hobbies and interests which include camping, motorcycles, cars, traveling, off-roading, and fabricating anything imaginable out of metal. David will be dearly missed by his family and numerous friends who shared his love for these hobbies.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Loretta (Paxton) Armentrout.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Kathleen (DeGeus), daughter Lori (Matthew) Wiese (Maegan, Ethan, Lauren, Gretchen), and daughter Marcia (Virgil) Silhanek (Evan).  Also surviving are his sisters Beverly (Lawrence) Woten, Connie (Danny) Bircher, and Sherie (Dennis) Saylor, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1-5 PM on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Kinsmen’s Keep Banquet Hall located at 302 N. A St., Oskaloosa, Iowa. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) in David’s memory.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, C. Scott Hansen, devoted husband and father, left his earthly family to join his parents in Heaven. He passed away surrounded in love at the age of 85.

Scott was born on September 9, 1934 in Spring City, Utah to Catherine (Draper) and Waldo (Jimmy) Hansen. Scott was a financier as a profession but began his career as a furniture artisan. He married his eternal love, Joyce Tucker, in the Salt Lake Temple on November 23, 1955. They lovingly raised two sons, David and Larry, and five daughters, Kathy, Mindy, Lisa, Lynne, and Holly.

Scott was a true Renaissance man with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, passion for teaching the youth, and cherished family. He loved history, studying Spanish, genealogy, music, was an avid sports fan, and pitched a baseball fast enough to knock the catcher down. Scott was known for his smile, quick wit, and charisma. He was loving, kind, and selfless. Some of his most treasured moments were spent listening to laughter as he threw his children and grandchildren over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, counted their ribs, and entrusted them with the serious job of taste testing various flavors of ice cream. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, served in the Southern States Mission, and various church callings including counselor in the bishopric, bishop, and temple ordinance worker in Mesa and Gilbert Temples. Scott’s presence on earth was like a pebble dropped into a pond, intersecting and touching hearts like countless ripples.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Bonnie, brother LaVoy (Toy), step-brothers Delno and Roy. He is survived by his wife Joyce, seven children, brother Jack and wife Thea, sister Erlene, sister Gail and her husband Joseph, 29 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

The immediate family will hold a private memorial service to express their love and honor his life on July 4, 2020. He will be interred at Spring City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org