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Katherine Alyse Pindar (19) passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Houston, Texas while serving a proselyting mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She was born in Allen, Texas on May 14, 2000 and moved to Mesa, Arizona when she was 4 years old.

Katherine was active in band, playing the saxophone and was involved in track and on swim teams before graduating from Dobson High School in 2018.  She attended Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, Arizona for one year prior to her missionary service.  Katherine enjoyed music, hiking, dogs, and planning her next adventure.

Katherine was excited to serve a mission for the church and was so happy to go to her home state when she was assigned to serve in the Houston Texas East Mission beginning August 2019.   She LOVED being a missionary, speaking Spanish and being in Texas.

She is survived by her parents, John & Sara Pindar, siblings Jonathon, Amy and Asher.  Her grandmother Edna Christensen, an uncle, Mel (Debby) Christensen, and four aunts, Jeanne (Nickoli) Eilertsen, Lisa (Jason) Nicoll, Emily (Russell) Matheny and Suzanne Pindar.  She is preceded in death by three grandparents, Albert Christensen, Wellington and Nancy Pindar, her uncle, Wayne (Margie) Christensen, and her aunt, Paula Christensen.

She will be buried in the Mesa City Cemetery.  www.bunkerfuneral.com

Elden Spencer Porter passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on March 24, 2020. He was born in Prescott, Arizona on March 23, 1927, the fourth of seven children born to Gladys Vivian Despain Porter and Cyril Vickory Porter. His siblings are Gwen, Lynn, Cyril, {Elden} Lylia, Newell and Robert.

In 1931 the family moved to the Bowler Ranch, five miles north of Heber, Arizona, where he grew up during the Depression years. They planted crops of corn, wheat and oats to grow and harvest, had animals to take care of, and burros to help bring in the wood for their needs through the winters. This was a time when everyone had to work together to survive and in reality, are treasured memories and great teachers of hard work and faith, building strong family ties and love.

Elden was 8 years old when his father died, leaving his mother a young 34-year-old widow, with 7 children to raise. He had to grow up fast, and he learned to be the great man that he is through the faith and teachings of his dear mother.

Elden attended grade-school, which was held in a neighbor’s home, high school for 2 years in Mesa, Arizona and 2 years in Prescott, Arizona where he graduated with honors in 1945. During the summer between his junior and senior years, he worked for an uncle in Heber, Arizona. “The pay was quite good”, he said, enough for him to buy a 1931 Model A convertible for $25 and keep it full of gas- meaning, he no longer had to walk the 2 miles each way to school and back. He graduated as an outstanding athlete, was president and salutatorian of his senior class.

Elden served in the Armed forces from 1945 through 1947, stationed in the Philippines and Japan in the mop up operations of World War II.

On June 27, 1948 Elden married Patsy Ruth Howard from Prescott, Arizona. He lived the rest of his life (over 71 years) with his beautiful girl who captured his heart.

Elden worked for Arizona Public Service Company, and in 1954 was transferred from Prescott, Arizona to San Manuel, Arizona. In 1958 he was promoted to Flagstaff, Arizona as assistant area manager, then to Mesa, Arizona and finally Show Low, Arizona. He had progressed from lineman to area manager in the company.

Elden had a lifelong love and involvement in scouting. He took two different troops of Boy Scouts to the National Scouting Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and later in his life was given Scoutings highest honor for adult volunteers, the “Silver Beaver” award.

Close friends would call him “Port”, an appropriate nickname. He was a mentor, guide and stay to many, young and old. Any who felt lost or adrift could find anchor and respite in his friendship and love. The qualities he learned from his mother of industry, endurance, tenacity, perseverance, dependability, patience and love were shared with many in his service, both in church and community. He is remembered by many of the boys he coached in Little League Kiwanas and other community service organizations and served faithfully in his church callings including Scoutmaster, seminary teacher, Bishop, Stake President and Stake Patriarch.

He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Elden is survived by his dear wife, Patsy, his sister, Lylia Carlisle Nelson, sons Michael, Richard, Ron, Von, Steve and Gary and daughter Connie. He leaves 33 grandchildren, 72 great- grandchildren, and 1 great- great- granddaughter.

Don Leo Calder age 93, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020 incident of age.

Don was the second son of eight children born to Leo and Lucile (Hacking) Calder in Vernal, Utah July 7, 1926.  He had a vivid childhood especially loving Diamond Mountain. He graduated in 1944 from Uintah High School in Vernal.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in WWII from 1944-1946. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Northern California Mission from 1948-1950.

After returning home from his years of service, he attended Utah State University and Brigham Young University (graduating from BYU with a BS in August 1952) where he met and married his sweetheart Marilyn Pearl Cardon on October 1, 1952 in the Mesa, Arizona Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temple.  At the time of his death they had been married for 67 years. Within these years their family grew to 6 children, 30 grandchildren and 69 great-grandchildren.

Don was an industrious man and worked hard all of his life to provide for his family.  He had many talents and used them throughout his various careers: dairy farmer, builder, real estate, inventor, artist, entrepreneur.  He owned his own businesses– Calder Dairy and Calder Building Company. He was curious, an avid learner and solved problems through his creations.  His signature quality was to make things strong and to last. He was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice and played the harmonica. He loved the Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square.

Don was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served multiple callings and missions.  He served three with his wife including Adam-ondi-Ahman, Guatemala/Mexico and West Virginia. His faith never faltered and he leaves a legacy with a strong belief in his Savior, Jesus Christ and that he would see his family again.  He said, “The most important thing that I leave this world is a good family. Nothing else really matters to me.”

Don is survived by his wife, Marilyn Pearl Cardon Calder.  Six Children: Lucile Kellis (Brent) Mesa, Arizona; Susan Henshaw (Vernon) Lehi, Utah; Brent Calder (Ann) Taylorsville, Utah; Kristine Galati (Richard) Columbia, South Carolina; Ilene Strong (Gregory) Eagle Mountain, Utah; Donna Call (Stephen) Snohomish, Washington.  Grandchildren (28) and Great-Grandchildren (67). He is preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, one granddaughter, one grandson, one great-granddaughter, and two great-grandsons.

A private family graveside service will be held Monday, March 30, 2020 at the Mesa City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Humanitarian Aid of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  The family would like to express appreciation to Arizona’s Best Hospice at Home and Jim & Patti Jones Assisted Living Homes where he received excellent care

Mildred R. Quill, 96, of Mesa passed away on Wed., March 25, 2020 at Oasis-Fellowhip Square.  She was born on Jan. 14, 1924 in Summerville, Massachusetts, to the Late Medore Robichaud and Eva (Girouard) Robichaud.

Her childhood was spent in MA>.  During W.W. 2 she worked at M.I.T..  She met James L. Quill during church dinners provided to the serviceman.  She accepted Jesus as her Savior at age 16 and for the rest of her life she walked closely with the Lord.  She was baptized at age 16 upon her confession of faith.

Mildred married James Quill in MA. On Jan. 19, 1946.  To this union were born Martha Ruth 5/8/1948 and Stephen John 5/12/1953.  She was a very loving mother and was able to stay at home to raise her family.  She was also a great encourager.

After her husband retired from Shell Oil Co. in CA., they purchased a trailer and began doing ministry at Kentucky Mountain Mission & Camp for many years.  They also volunteered at Gospel Recordings in Los Angeles while they attended Church of the Open Door with Pastor J. Vernon McGee.  While at Ponderosa Baptist Church is Payson, where they spent 15 years, both Mildred & Jim did volunteering at their church.

One of her great loves was the many years she participated in Bible Studies, including at Oasis.  She had many precious friendships everywhere she lived.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter Martha Schroeder of Chandler, AZ., son Steve Quill  of Lake Forest, CA., Granddaughter Judy Green & Ryan of Loveland, CO., Grandson Jim Schroeder of Chandler, AZ., and 4 great grandchildren.

Craig Leon Powell was born on 21 April 1955 in Mesa, Arizona to Roy and Dixie Powell. He died on 22 March 2020 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was the 6^th of 11 children.  He was married to Jacqueline Ann Pagani in Mesa, Arizona in 1980.  They had two children, Elizabeth Ann Powell and Jonathan Craig Powell.  They divorced in 1987.  He married Collette Myrna Gleed in 1993 and adopted a son, Jameson Lee Powell (James) in 1999.  He was divorced from Collette in 2010.

Craig was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints his entire life and went on a mission to Denmark in 1974 -1976. Craig graduated from EAC in 1976, attended ASU spring of  1977 and summer of 1980. He died with a testimony of  Jesus Christ and was loved by his family and friends.  He is survived by daughter Elizabeth Ann Powell (Christian Spindler), granddaughter, Elisabeth Abigail Spindler, grandson, David Jonathan Spindler, son  Jonathan Craig Powell (Erin Powell), granddaughter, Zelda Grace Powell, son Jameson Lee Powell,  mother Dixie Lee  Powell, brothers: John,  Richard, David, sisters: Karen, (Tony Carbine), Lora Lee, (David Hofmann), Donna  (Don Bradshaw), Denise.  (Paul Hamilton), Yvonne, (Paul Nickels), Elon, (Paul Simonson). 

Family members who previously passed: father, Roy and brother, Ronald. 

Longtime Tempe resident and Arizona native, Nova May Plumb Thompson, 86, passed away on  March 18, 2020.

Nova May Plumb Thompson was born April 6, 1933 in Globe, AZ, to Moses Presman Plumb and Unisa Victoria Mackey.  Nova married Lawson Kay Thompson on December 22, 1956.  Nova is survived by two sons, Scott Kay Thompson, and Kyle Lee Thompson, her brother Jack (Erlene) Plumb of Woodruff, AZ and her sister Cleo Phillip Salter of Law Crusas, NM.

Nova was a loving and kind caregiver.  She helped raise her siblings and was an excellent mother to her two children.  She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.  She quietly served many people in leadership positions as well as individually.  She never spoke poorly about anyone.  Prior to her husband’s death, they served together in the Mesa Family History Center and The Mesa Arizona Temple.  Her life and Christ-like charity touched many people who called her mother, Aunt, Sister and Friend.

She will be buried on Saturday March 28, 2020 at the Clay Springs Arizona Cemetery where a graveside service will be held at one p.m.

On March 19, 2020, La Verne Scott Done slipped from this life into the next following a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

La Verne was born to  William Walter and Mary Scott on September 9, 1935 in Gilbert, Arizona. She is the second youngest of ten children. She is survived by her older sisters Thora Scott Cluff and Ina Scott Ray and younger brother Howard Scott, all three current residents of Mesa, Arizona.

On October 11, 1956 she and Reed E. Done were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were blessed with five children – Brent Reed Done, Terri Done Miller, Todd Orin Done, Mark Barry Done, and Alan Scott Done. She and Reed were also foster parents to Louise Hascan Kinlecheeny of Chilchibito, Arizona and Deanna Doyle Gurr of Mesa, Arizona.

La Verne and Reed raised their family in Mesa, Arizona. She was active in her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in multiple positions, her favorite being working with the children. In 2002, La Verne and Reed served a mission for their church in Puerto Rico where she served as the mission secretary. She and Reed were also responsible for working with small congregations on other islands in the Caribbean.

La Verne was a devoted mother and a librarian for the Tempe School District. In her 40’s La Verne decided to return to school and received her college degree graduating with honors. La Verne retired from the Tempe School District in 1992.

La Verne traveled between Arizona and Utah to see her grandchildren in Utah and extended family in the Kanab/Fredonia area. She was a devoted grandmother and a calm steady influence on her growing family. As one grandchild stated, “You never had a question if grandma loved you. She always accepted you for you.”

Throughout her life La Verne displayed a talent for sewing of all kinds. Quilting became her passion and every grandchild received a baby quilt upon their birth and bed quilt for their wedding. Additionally, each Christmas brought some sort of quilted surprise. Her husband Reed got involved as well by making a variety of jigs and tools to help her with her work.

While family was her number one love in life, her devotion to her faith and her love of Jesus Christ was the guiding light in her life. She exemplified this love through her daily actions and the counsel she gave her children and grandchildren. Her soft-spoken guidance was ever present – even in instances where others may have been more vocal.

La Verne is survived by her husband Reed, her five children, 17 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.

Due to restrictions on gatherings as a result of the COVID 19 virus, there will not be a formal funeral. A small service for her immediate family will be held. Her interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery.

Marilyn “Joyce” (Carlson) Staebell, born on September 16th 1935 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the late Floyd and Helen Carlson, passed away at age 84 on March 16th 2020 in Mesa Arizona.

Known as Joyce her whole life, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, Eugene “Gene” Charles Staebell; sister, Marcia K. Carlson; and grandson, Ronald Eugene Staebell. She is survived by her daughters; Kathleen J. Keyworth (Michael) of Granger Indiana, Connie J. Frenell (Peter) of Ada Michigan, and sons; Daniel L. Staebell (Linda) of Lansing Michigan, and Ronald E. Staebell (Terri) of Mesa Arizona. Twelve grandchildren; Joshua Staebell (Whitney), Nicholas Staebell (Ali), Amber Pitts (Sandoval), Elyse Staebell, Dani Appicelli (Anthony), Christopher Keyworth, Ryan Keyworth, Shannon Keyworth, Shawn Keyworth, Daniel Keyworth, Matthew Keyworth, Hannah Keyworth; ten great-grandchildren and one brother Reuben Carlson.

Joyce has been attending the Phoenix Bible Students class since she moved to Arizona in 1945. She became a member of the Mesa Mahnah Club in 1965, and to name just a few projects: she volunteered many hours at the Maricopa County Well Baby Clinic, delivered Meals on Wheels, and served on the committee that was instrumental in the start up of the Child Crisis Center in Mesa. Joyce also volunteered as a troop leader for the Girl Scouts and sold Home Interiors for several years. She enjoyed doll collecting, and was a longtime member of the Valley of the Sun Doll Club. Her other hobbies were: oil painting, ceramics, sewing, golf, and bowling.

Joyce is so loved by her family and will be dearly missed.

A memorial will be announced at a later date due to the current health crisis and health restrictions. A private gravesite service for the family will be on Tuesday March 24th 2020. Bunker Family Funeral Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, is taking care of arrangements (480) 964-8686.

Theresa Pepe (nee Auletta) of Mesa, AZ and formerly of New Rochelle, NY passed away on March 16, 2020 at the age of 100.  She was born in New York, NY on January 29, 1920. Theresa was predeceased by her beloved husband, Carmine Pepe in May of 2003. They were only days away from their 64^th wedding anniversary.  She was predeceased by her husband, Carmine, her brothers George and Anthony Auletta, and her son Vincent A Pepe.

Theresa is survived by her loving daughter, Frances and her son-in-law Daniel Burbank;  her dear sister Rita Chirello of Fulton NY and her brother Pasquale Auletta of the Bronx, NY; her grandchildren, Jeff (Jennifer) Walker, Bill Walker, Cherie Lynn Bottone and Vincent Pepe; her great-grandchildren Jason Walker, Adrianna and Amanda Bottone, Kati Keeler and Jessica Walker.

She was also predeceased by her brothers George and Anthony Auletta, and her son Vincent A Pepe.

Theresa was known for the joy she brought to everyone she ever encountered.  She maintained the most gracious, uplifting “pure spirit” that was so infectious that no one could ever forget how kind, loving and caring she was.  She will be deeply and forever missed by her friends and family.

She will be entombed at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, NY

Ida Allene Gibson, 79- of Chandler, Arizona passed away March 16^th 2020 following a brief illness.

Allene was born to Floyd Allan Hill and Ida Ione Graham on May 6, 1940. She spent most of her childhood and teen years in Del City Texas. She attended BYU in Provo Utah for a short period before her marriage to her 1^st husband, Jess Morrow. They had one daughter. She later married Gail Alton Gibson, and they had 3 sons. She was as devoted mother and homemaker, whose passion was her family. As an army wife, she enjoyed the experience of living in new places with her family -especially Hawaii, and Germany. She loved to crochet, needlepoint, and paint. She also enjoyed cooking, and collected recipes from different countries. She has a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and enjoyed ministering to others in any way that she could. She is preceded in death by her parents, 1 sister and 3 brothers. She is survived by her brother, Charles “Bob” Johnson, and her sister, Susanne King, as well as her children, Michelle (Curtis) Bond, Eric (Ronda) Gibson, Kevin (Rose) Gibson, and Ryan (Heidi) Gibson. Her descendants also include 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. A family graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21.

Mary Lou Vickman passed away on March 17, 2020 in the Banner Heart Hospital, Mesa, Arizona, after a long fight with cancer. She was born to Raymond Burton Rubeck and Coralynn Idella (Brown) Rubeck in Machias, New York on August 12, 1942.

She graduated from the Ten Broeck Academy in Franklinville, NY and started her career as a Legal Secretary for a law firm in Arcade, NY in 1960. She married Dale A Vickman on July 13, 1963 in Farmersville Station, NY. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2013. They have lived a happy life for 57 years.

Dale was in the Air Force and they soon moved to Georgia where she started her Government Civil Service career at Robins AFB, again as a secretary. In 1966 she accompanied Dale to Hahn AB, Germany where she was the secretary for the Base Commander. They resided in Kirchberg, Germany for 4 years before Dale was assigned to Williams AFB in Mesa, Arizona. While at Williams AFB she was secretary to the Commander of Maintenance. She remained in that position until Williams AFB closed. In 1996 she started as secretary for the Mesa Police Training Department in Mesa, Arizona. She retired from the police department in 2006.

Mary Lou was a sweet and caring person. People were drawn to her by her kindness and pleasant personality. She loved to shop for clothing and was a perfectionist in everything she did. She had a special knack of putting different colors of clothing together to give them the wow look. One of her favorite things was going out to dinner and she especially loved going out to lunch with her friends. She never complained throughout her illness and her favorite words were “I’m doing fine”.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Burton and Cody Rubeck, father and mother in-law Albert and Vena Vickman, brothers, Jerry and Wayne, sister and husband Jeanne and Anthony Zoccalli. Brother and sister in-laws, Phillip Sampson, Robert and Jerry Vickman, Cecil and Margaret (Vickman) Goss. She is survived by her husband, a sister Cheryl Rubeck,a sister-in-law Mary Rubeck, brother and sister-in-laws, Patricia Sampson, Kenneth (Nancy) Vickman, Donna Vickman, Philip (Peggy) Vickman, and many nieces and nephews.

At Mary Lou’s request there will be no services. She will be cremated with no burial.

Bunker Family Funeral Services are handling the affairs.

Campfires won’t be the same with the passing of Robert Neilson Llewellyn on March 15, 2020.

Bob was born in Phoenix, AZ and was the first and last child of Max R. Llewellyn and Alberta Neilson.  Bob claimed they got it perfect the first time and didn’t need to try again.

He enjoyed playing the guitar, keyboard, and vocals in a band as a youth and met his sweetheart, Marilyn Flake, when he was playing a high school gig.

He has taught us how to “Prime The Pump” and he sang to us the virtues of “Grandma’s Feather Bed”.  We are sure he is now up in heaven singing with the “Ghost Chickens In The Sky”.

As a young missionary in England, he relished his time singing with the Missionaries before “Leaving On A Jet Plane” back home to his sweetheart. After 2 more years of courtship (5 years total!), Bob and Marilyn were married for time and all eternity on April Fools Day 1972 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Bob spent most of his career at APS as an electrical engineer after graduating from Arizona State University. Years later he attended University of Southern California for his EMBA then started his own consulting company.  He became known throughout the electrical utility industry as “Bob The Biz Bucks Guy” and taught business skills and his copyrighted decision-making method to people around the world in his training course. Bob excelled in teaching, training, and public speaking.

Bob was a master storyteller and had a knack for delivery.  He was blessed with a gift to recall minute details of the stories that he heard or experienced throughout his life. He used these skills to author a business acumen book and a novel.

Bob lived a life of service. He spent countless hours in multiple church callings including multiple Bishoprics, Bishop, High Council, and Stake Young Men’s President.  He always magnified his callings.  He enjoyed serving the Scouting organization in various capacities including District Commissioner and received the distinguished award of Silver Beaver.

As his own boss, Bob enjoyed an “emergency golf game” every Friday morning maintaining a single digit handicap. He jokingly referred to his golf clubs as his 12 best friends.

Bob thoroughly enjoyed serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with his eternal companion in the Maryland Baltimore Mission working with the Young Adults and supporting the missionaries (and their broken bikes).

While serving on the mission, he was plagued by dizziness.  He underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor.  The surgery was successful, but during recovery, he had an infection flare up in his brain.  After an eight-month quest to make a recovery, Bob was “Called to Serve” back to his heavenly home.  He served our Savior and was a missionary to the end.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for everyone who followed and cheered Bob through his recovery.  We were supported and sustained by your thoughts and prayers.  You can remember how much Bob loved you when you hear one of his favorite songs, “I Love You, Arizona”.

Due to the COVID-19 virus the funeral services will be a very small, private, invitation-only event.  A public memorial will be held on a future date after the threat of the pan-“damn”-ic has passed. “Dag-nab-it!”

Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn Flake Llewellyn, Cambria (Scott) Blair,  Heather (Sam) Gray,  Angela (Mike) Kelly,  Robert Jr.,  Matt (Holly),  Steven (Marie), 17 grandkids, and 1 great-grandchild.

Antoinette Romney, cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away surrounded by her beloved children and siblings on Friday, March 13, 2020, at the age of 64 in Gilbert, Arizona. A private, family service will be held in her honor to celebrate her wonderful life, well-lived.

Antoinette was born September 27, 1955 to Nellie Spilsbury Romney and Irvin “Doe” Burrell Romney in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,  fulfilling many roles and responsibilities throughout her lifetime. Antoinette had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and eternal families. Antoinette dedicated her life to her family. They were always her number one priority. 

She graduated high school from Academia Juarez in Colonia Juarez in 1974 as salutatorian. After high school, Antoinette attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science. She moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1979 and raised her three children whom she loved and adored with all her heart. She graduated from Arizona Summit Law School with a Juris Doctorate degree in 2016. Throughout her life, Antoinette enjoyed playing tennis, basketball, and riding her horse through the beautiful countryside in Mexico. She also enjoyed musicals, playing the piano, traveling the world, following politics, and especially BYU Football. 

Her greatest joys in life were her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. She always knew that people should come first in life and showed tender kindness to all those around her. She spent countless holidays and vacations going “Home” to Mexico to be with her most treasured people, her family.

She is survived by her three children, Melissa Lyn Schofield, Crystal Lee Gourley, Landon Schofield, two beautiful grandchildren—whom she adored with all her heart—siblings, Maurine Hoffman, Kelly Romney, Shirlee Romney, Jeneanne Brooks, Leighton Romney and countless nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.  

Antoinette is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Lurlene Steele and Meredith Romney, and brother-in-law David Hoffman. 

We love you, Mom! You have left a huge hole in our hearts and the world will never be the same without you. We will miss your kindness, beauty, laughter, smile, hugs, kisses, wisdom, and gorgeous blonde hair. You are the most amazing mother any child could ask for. You have been our biggest cheerleader in life. We will always cherish our memories of you here on earth and can’t wait until we meet again in heaven. 

MARCIA MARIE (HATCH) SHIELDS
3 March 1941 – 10 March 2020
(Burial  21 March, Mesa Cemetery)

Peacefully passed away Tuesday, 10 March 2020. A week after her 79^th birthday.
She struggled in recent years with Dementia / Alzheimer’s, but never lost her
pleasant disposition and endearing smile.  She was a friend to all and believed that
everyone you meet deserves a smile.  She was in a private Care Home her final
30 months. Recognized some familiar faces.  When visited and asked,” How are you?”
Her response, “I’m doing great now that you are here !”
Born 1941 in Colonia Juarez, Chih., Mexico. Graduated from Juarez Academy.
Attended BYU, where she met and married Robert “Glenn” Shields (1963).
A talented “accompanist” on both the organ and piano.
Volunteer Accompanist at Dobson HS, LDS Church Services, Mesa, AZ Temple,
annual City of Mesa Office of Economic Development meeting and breakfast,
and Mesa West Rotary Club luncheons (Honorary Member of Rotary Club).

A founding member/singer in both the So. Calif. & Arizona Mormon Choirs.
Actively involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Christian Missionary in London, England 18 months with husband, Directors
of the London Temple Visitors’ Center.
Advisor to Lambda Delta Sigma Sorority at MCC Institute.  She and several friends
hiked the south rim of the Grand Canyon/camped at Havasupai several summers.
She loved to dance. An avid sports woman – MVP on women’s basketball team for
State of Chihuahua in Mexico’s National Tournament.  Played tennis with Dobson
Ranch Interclub Team competing throughout the Valley, and bowling league.
Loved watching any competitive sport no matter how late on TV at the Care Home.
Lived in Provo, UT (Kristen’s birthplace), Dearborn, MI (Andre’s birthplace),
& West Covina, CA (Nathan’s birthplace).  Moved to Arizona in 1978.
Surviving siblings;  John A. Hatch (Mesa), Donna West (Redlands, CA).
Deceased family: parents Ernest Seville Hatch & Fannie Bluth Hatch, Gary Hatch,
Antoinette (Toni) Brown, and Elizabeth Miller.
Survived by husband Glenn of 57 years.  3 children: Kristen (Tim) Cowley, Mesa,
Andre (Kim) Shields, (Laguna Beach, CA), Nathan (Whitny) Shields (Wasilla, AK).
22 grandchildren, & 7 great grandchildren.  Loved her family and being called “Nana.”

A patient at Barrow’s Neurological Institute for years.
Sympathetic to:   Barrow Neurological Foundation—SupportBarrow.org.
Phoenix, Az   602-406-3041 on behalf of Mrs. Marcia Shields
(A tax deductible Donation.)
Under today’s trying circumstances and limited gatherings – No Viewing  or public Service.
Immediate family at a short Graveside Service.  A “possible” Memorial Service, when
things calm down.  Thank You!

Sherry Marie Ellsworth Ashby, 71, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in San Tan Valley, Arizona on March 9, 2020.

Sherry was born on September 16, 1948 in Cottonwood, Arizona to Kenneth Wallace and Arliss Leamon Ellsworth.

Sherry was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was an amazing example of serving others even until her last day on this earth. Her greatest joy was spending time with her husband and posterity. Even when she was in pain from various health conditions, she could be found calling and visiting with her children, cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events or attending their concerts. She was always there to give her family a hug and words of encouragement.

Sherry was a gifted artist who loved painting. She shared this talent with many as she spent hours painting woodwork that she designed and gifted to family and friends.

Sherry and Doug met in Mesa, Arizona at a dance before Doug left on his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in British Columbia, Canada. She wrote to him throughout his mission while attending Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. After Doug returned home they continued dating and were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 6, 1968.

Sherry is survived by her husband of 51 years, Douglas M. Ashby and their five children Richard Alan Ashby (Tricia), Jennifer Ashby Forsgren (Shawn), Lindsey Dawn Ashby Tyler (Douglas), David Wayne Ashby (Danielle), and Michael Evan Ashby (Mari) and her sisters Robyn Tilton and Julie Logan. As well as her twenty-four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Sherry will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A visitation will be held on March 13, 2020 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Bunker Mortuary,  33 N Centennial, Mesa, AZ 85201.

A pre-funeral visitation will be held on March 14, 2020 at 9:00am at the Val Vista Lakes Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1005 Voyager Dr., Gilbert, AZ.

The funeral will follow at 10:00am at the Val Vista Lakes Stake Center.

The Interment will be at 12:30pm at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207.

James “Jimba” was born in Long Beach, California, the oldest of two children. He attended Long Beach City College and then was accepted into the U.S. Marine Corp, where he was deployed to Okinawa, the Philippines, and Japan. After his tour of duty, he attended Woodbury College and Pasadena ArtCenter College of Design, then Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. He was an artist at heart, a skill which was showcased in the popular “Jimba’s Restaurant” in Provo. He and his brother, John, built and operated “Jimba’s from 1968 to 1984. While at BYU, James was baptized into the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Barbara Betzing, and they resided in Lindon, Utah. Barbara was instrumental in helping John and James run “ Jimba’s.” After 12 years of marriage, Jim and Barbara divorced, and later, he married another restaurant owner, Pam Norris. For two years, they ran both Jimba’s, in Provo and Hardy’s restaurant in St. George, Utah. After their marriage dissolved, Jim moved to Arizona to help his brother run a sandwich shop, “Jimba’s Too” in Mesa. He Married Ella Murrin in the Manti Temple, and they were married for 26 years. He loved Ella very much, and they made some wonderful memories together. Jim went on to work at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa in its Food and Nutrition Services- a job worked for 14 years, before retiring in 2007. He Then worked part time for his brother, John, at Wudel International, in Gilbert, Arizona.

James was a gentle soul, always kind, considerate and even tempered. He loved all of God’s creatures, especially reptiles, birds and all animals. He looked at life with the eye of an artist and found beauty where most would see no value, even finding value in the smallest details. He had a reputation for his generosity and not judging others. Rather, he always believed the best in everyone, always looking for the good in them. He especially loved being with his four nieces, nephews, and spouses, and their 16 children. He believed in God and always showed reverence for his Savior Jesus Christ. His parents, Dr. Rheinhold and Kathryn Wudel, preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Christopher James Wudel, Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter, Jaclyn Kay Wudel, Woodland Hills, Utah; and Caitlin Angelina Wudel, Woodland Hills, Utah. Also, brother, John Anthony Wudel, ( Nanci), Mesa, AZ; nephews and nieces, Tricia Wudel Baird ( Bret), Robyn Wudel Rickeberg ( Jason), David Wudel ( Amy), Johnny Wudel ( Corinne), and 16 great nephews and nieces as well as Nanci’s sister Becky Woods, and brother- in-law, Tommy Woods, of Chandler, whom he appreciated so much. Private family services will be held in Mesa, Arizona, with arrangements handled by Bunker Funeral Homes, Mesa. James “Jimba,” you brought much happiness into the world. You are loved by many who will have cherished memories of you forever. Semper Fi.