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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.

On Monday, March 2, 2020, Michael Christopher Trousdale (Mikey Mike, Mike, Big Mike, Joker, Mick) , loving husband and father of 2 children,  Family man of  many nieces, nephews, best friend to many, best son in law and brother in law, passed away at the age of 48.

Mike was born on November 26th in Los Angeles, CA to Linda Jo Blackwell and Barry Lynn Trousdale. He was a Navy Seabee who served in Iraq, and continued to load Operating Heavy Equipment and loved driving big trucks, and was always happy, wasn’t ever about the money, just wanted to be out of an office. On June 7th, 1997, he married Heather Riggio. They raised two children, Son Gage and Daughter Frankie.

Mike had a passion for family. He loved big holidays, the better the food the better the holiday He also loved to ride his Harley Davidson every day to work. He loved comradery, though neither of us could ever rarely spell it we often talked about how he loved the comradery of family, friends, military, and the Biker World. Mike also had a passion for the Steelers, and I would often tell him, Babe, write them a stern letter.. they will win. He did not find this amusing. He was a garage guy, music lover, a collector of anything. He was known for his humor and gregariousness, His CARING eyes, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Jo Blackwell. He is survived by his wife Heather, his two children, Gage and Frankie, and several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Michael loved to love, loved to be loved, loved to live, and he always lived like he was dying.

There will never be a man easier to talk to;
an easier man to please,
an easier man to admire,
but he’ll be the hardest man to miss.

To you, Mike, you will remain in my heart everyday moving forward. I will celebrate your life and remember you always as the best of the bunch of us. Thank you for all the laughs and good times. Thank you for always being there for me and my kids no matter what, no matter when, without question. Thank you for being my sons best man, best friend and the best Uncle Jake and Dean could ever ask for. You were a wonderful role model and my kids are better men for that.

To you, Heather, I love you so much and have always admired the fact that you were able to find your Prince Charming and be an amazing example of faithfulness and perseverance. Through thick and thin, no matter what the circumstance, you and Mike fought for each other and always won. I’d like to believe a little piece of you and Mike live on in Dean and Natalie and they live by your example.

Michael Trousdale, thank you for being a part of my life. I miss you and can’t wait till we meet again my friend.

Mike was a hero. He was the best man, friend and uncle. He gave great advice, treated friends like family and was the greatest part of many peoples lives.

A celebration of his life will be hosted On Monday.

• Date of celebration: Monday, March 9th
• Time of Viewing our beloved loss: 10am  to 12pm
• Family and Close Friends: 10 to 11am
• Everyone else who needs a hug: 11am to 12pm
• Time of Service: 12pm to 2pm

Where is our beloved Michael Trousdale?

• Bunker University Chapel 480.830.4105
• 3529 E University Dr., Mesa AZ 85213

Ignacio F. Rodriguez, age 83, passed away peacefully on February 23rd, 2020 in Salt River, AZ. He was a retired construction foreman who was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Ignacio was predeceased by his wife Earlene and sons Rudy and Reagan. He is survived by his children Ignacio Jr., Warren, Dagovrto, Petra, Armando and Jason Rodriguez along with 21 grandkids and 34 great grand kids. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

A wake service is scheduled on March 5^th at the residence located at 3842 N Alma School Rd. Graveside service will follow on March 6^th at 8am and located at the Salt River Cemetery 10661 E Palm Lane Scottsdale, AZ. Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at 3842 N Alma School Rd.

Dora Rosa Dubs born September 8, 1928 in Dayton Ohio, passed away on Monday February 24, 2020 in Mesa Arizona, preceded by her parents Emil and Anna Rosa Dubs and sister, Anna Barger.  Left to carry on her memory is her daughter Jennifer Kreis (Ron), grandchildren Bobby Mendez Jr (Irma)., Marissa Borum (Chase), and Aaron Kreis, nieces Sandra Rogers (Tom), Marcie LaVigne, and great grand-nephew Scott Braun.  Her beloved cat Bootsy will also miss her.

Dora graduated from Fairmont High School in Kettering Ohio.  Worked at Malone Cameras, and began a clerical/accounting career at County Fair Bread/Wonder Bread Hostess Cakes in Dayton, retiring after 40 years at the Columbus Ohio plant.  She then moved to LaHabra California to be with her daughter.  A family move to Phoenix/Mesa Arizona allowed her to spend fun times shopping and laughing with her sister after many years apart.  Dori will be remembered for being a loving mother, hand stitched quilts, her love of books, and daily cross word puzzles.

A private memorial will be held in Phoenix.  Dayton, Ohio will be her final resting place.

Gregory N. Ashby, 69, passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona on Feb. 25, 2020, with his mother holding his hand and surrounded by his family.

Greg was born to Ralph H. Ashby and Cecile Bradshaw Ashby in Victorville, CA on October 17, 1950.

Greg loved competitive sports and participated and excelled for many years in various church and city leagues. When he became unable to participate personally, his passion in sports continued as he followed all professional, as well as, college sports.

Greg served a mission in London, England for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was diligent in church callings throughout his life.

After his Church mission, Greg graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arizona State University. He then worked for over 40 years for the Dana Brother’s corporation.

He was preceded in death by his father and an older brother, Ron (Debbie).

Greg is survived by his mother, three brothers – Doug (Sherry), Nick (Martha), Fred (Lisa) and one sister – Janna Dwiggins (Dave).

Greg will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

A Graveside Memorial & Interment to be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 10:00am at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ, 85201.

Oscar Gene Williams, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at his home in Mesa, Arizona. Gene was born to Roy A. Williams and Lola Nichols on April 9, 1935 in Lehi, Arizona. He was a life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his family moved to California in 1950 where he graduated from Colton High School. He served a mission for his church in the Western Canada Mission. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960.  He married Jacquelyn Pace in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on December 29, 1960. They have celebrated over 59 years together. They have four children: Rebecca (Becky), Kevin, Kurt, and Christianna, all born in Fontana, California. Gene worked at Valley City Supplies for 27 years. He worked for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Physical Maintenance manager. Gene had O type blood and was a regular donor for many years. He retired from Church employment in 2000 and moved to Mesa, Arizona. After moving to Arizona Gene and Jackie bought a small cabin in Heber, AZ where they enjoyed escaping from the valley heat during the summer. He served in varying positions in his Church, including (but not limited to) Bishop, Ward and Stake missionary, Ward and Stake clerk, Ward librarian, and faithful home teacher/ministering brother.  Gene enjoyed wood working, coin collecting, puzzles, and traveling. Gene and Jackie participated in the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant four years.  They also served at the Bishop’s storehouse for three years as service missionaries. Gene was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lola Williams, and all his siblings and their respective spouses, John Williams, Andy Williams (Dorene), Lawrence Williams (Charlene), and sister Shirley Riley (George). He is survived by their four children Rebecca Gibson (Scott), of Mesa, AZ,; Kevin Williams (Sherry), of Upland, CA.; Kurt Williams (Jana), of Mesa, AZ.; and Christi Williams, of Mesa, AZ.

Maria E. Costello was called home Sunday, February 23, 2020.  Maria was born Sep 3, 1929 in Puerto Rico, where she has surviving relatives.  She attended school in Maryland, later working as a Medical Technician for the armed forces.  There, she married Donald F. Costello June 17, 1967.  Donald retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and preceded Maria in death Oct 7, 2009.  During their forty-two years of marriage, they traveled much of the world together, and faithfully wrote each other letters whenever apart.  Maria collected many antique dolls, and other collectible toys, and impressed everyone with her quiet humor. She passed peacefully attended by friends who love her.

Dean Beutler was surrounded by his loving family as he peacefully passed away on February 21, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. A Phoenix native, he was born on December 7, 1939 to Lotta Lee Parsons Beutler and Benjamin Leo Beutler. Dean was 80 at the time of his passing. Throughout his life, Dean enjoyed meeting people. He regularly expressed compassion for those whom he met who were struggling in their lives and he looked for ways to help out in whatever manner he felt that he could. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and had a number of various interests and experiences in his professional life. Dean is survived by his wife Jean Shumway Beutler and their six children; Eric (Julie) Beutler, Mike (Shelly) Beutler, Ryan Beutler, David (Angelique) Beutler, Amy (Mike)Trent, and Bart Beutler, 38 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren, his sister Benna England, and his brother Jim (Peggy) Beutler.

Funeral Services will be Friday, February 28th at the Mesa Central Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 925 N Harris Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203.  A viewing will be held at 9:00 AM, followed by a 10:00 funeral service.

While Gene Austin Gibbons thought he lived an uneventful life, he truly lived an extraordinary life.  He was the third child born to Austin and Mary Burk Gibbons in Eagar, Arizona in 1936. At 12 years of age, Gene and the Gibbons clan uprooted their small town life for big city life in Phoenix. It was quite the adventure with Gene and his siblings making Phoenix their lifetime home.

While in high school at Phoenix Union, Gene met and would marry Barbara Elliott.  They would bring five amazing sons into the world and watch them thrive in the outdoor life they loved.  Gene was sure to take his sons hunting and fishing every chance he could and that love of the outdoors was instilled in his sons.  Absent of a bird dog, he often used his eldest son to retrieve the downed quail while on their hunting adventures.  His love for fishing was taught to all of his children and despite two of his kids losing interest and regularly deciding to swim instead, patience was given to them and love of fishing ultimately became theirs as well.

Career wise, Gene was chosen for a coveted Hydro Electric Apprenticeship with Salt River Project where he advanced over his 39 years with SRP and played an integral part of building and repairing most of the dams throughout central Arizona in providing electricity to the Valley.  His knowledge and work ethic shown through in all that he did from work to sports.

Gene’s love of sports started at a young age in Eagar… basketball was his game of choice back then and it continued through a lifetime of Phoenix Suns loyalty, Roadrunner Hockey and Arizona State Sun Devil Football for which Gene was a season ticket holder for years.  He added season ticket holder for the Arizona Cardinals when they came to town.

Gene was very active in church basketball and softball and played on Salt River Project city teams as well.  His SRP crew affectionately called him “Geno” and he was tenacious about winning.  But, his true passion was watching his kids, nieces, nephews and grandchildren play high school sports.  He was a frequent cheerleader to all who would let him and never missed a single high school basketball game of his daughter, no matter how far he had to drive.  Even after all of his family members left high school, he still participated as a Mountain View cheerleader for decades.

Gene lost his wife, Barbara and middle son Steven but found a wonderful and caring wife in Sharon Newby.  Sharon was working on multi-state single adult conference and had a mutual friend who introduced them.  They were married on October 20, 1990.  Sharon brought with her two children (a son and daughter) to add to Gene’s growing family of five sons and a daughter.  Sharon was a positive influence on Gene opening up the world to him through her love of travel and her desire to see new and unusual places.  Sharon was even able to convince Gene to take his first ever airplane flight followed by a cruise for their honeymoon.  Travels didn’t stop there, Gene agreed and loved every travel adventure they embarked upon.

Gene was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved his volunteer work as an Ordinance worker at the Mesa Arizona Temple.

This was truly an extraordinary life.  But, after 83 years on Earth, Gene Austin Gibbons was called home on February 22, 2020 to waiting family members Austin and Mary Gibbons, Barbara Gibbons, Steven Gibbons, Willis Gibbons, Karen Gibbons, Art Turley and Ed Mason.

Gene leaves a loving family here including his wife of 29 years, Sharon Gibbons; children Greg Gibbons, Darrell (Sheri) Gibbons, Tim Gibbons, Christine Gibbons, Brian Gibbons, Stacey (Catherine) Newby, Shauna (Alan) Moore.  His siblings will miss him terribly – Althea Turley, Ralph (Joyce) Gibbons, Cedric (Carol) Gibbons, Francine Gibbons, Roxanne Mason and Carolyn Gibbons.

Gene’s amazing life includes his 22 grandchildren.  We will celebrate his extraordinary life on Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 2618 N. Lindsay Rd, Mesa, Arizona at 11:00am.  A viewing will be held at 10:00am in the chapel.

Lyle Dwane Coombs, born Oct. 13^th, 1928, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, February 21^st, 2020. Waiting to meet him were his parents, all of his siblings, and grandson, Clint. He is survived by his wife Louise, children Terry, Janet, and Troy, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Born to Burt and Deycie Coombs in Richfield, Colorado, he spent his childhood years working on their family farm before moving to Mesa as a teenager for the rest of his life.  He met his sweetheart, Louise Johnson, shortly after and they enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage together. Lyle’s great love in life was being a cowboy, both in the mountains of Colorado and the deserts of Arizona. His ability to fix anything and the many summers spent camping at Jim Crick with his family will be sorely missed. Viewing services are Friday, February 28^th, 2020 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, February 29^th, 2020 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10036 E. Brown Rd., Mesa.

Joan McKay Brinton passed away peacefully on February 21, 2020, in Tempe, Arizona after a prolonged illness.  Joan was born September 9, 1951, in Price, Utah to Ernest and Lucille (Gold) McKay.  She moved to Mesa as a young child and grew up and raised her family here.

Joan was a talented violin player, singer and musician.  She loved playing her violin and the piano for her family and others.  Joan also loved to perform in plays and musicals, and was involved in theater at Mesa Little Theater, Mesa Musical Theater and MCC Summer Theater for many years.  She was also a gifted seamstress and loved to make formal dresses and wedding dresses for her daughters and others.  She was also a talented scrapbook artist, and had spent many hours creating beautiful visual family histories for her children and extended family.   Joan loved to see her children and grandchildren perform in choir, orchestra, band, or on stage.  She rarely missed a performance.  She also enjoyed singing and loved all good music.

Joan attended Mesa Public Schools and graduated from Westwood High School, Class of 1969.  She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Elementary Education.  Joan was a dedicated first and second grade teacher at Mesa Public Schools, Murphy Elementary School in Phoenix and Boulder Creek Elementary School in Gilbert for 19.  Joan was also fluent in Spanish and was an ESL teacher to many children over the years.  She loved teaching children to read, and loved to see her students succeed.

Joan was a life-long, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She met her husband Dil Jr at the Mesa Community College Institute where they were in charge of the young adult activities for several years. They were married in the Mesa Temple on June 6, 1972.  Joan also served in many callings including callings in the Relief Society, Primary and MIA.  Her favorite calling was playing the piano in the Primary and being a primary teacher with her husband.

Joan is survived by her husband Dilworth Jr.; children Joyce (Joseph) Anderson, Los Alamos, NM; Marie (Matthew) Porter, Chandler, AZ; Dilworth Ernest, Mesa, AZ; and James M, Arlington VA.  Grandchildren are: Melanie, Meredith, McKay and Maxwell Porter, and James, Jeffrey and Janey Anderson; Her siblings are: Jeanne (Nelson) Boren, Cameron (Cindy) McKay, Ernest (Elizabeth) McKay, Robert (Antonia) McKay, and many nieces and nephews.   The family wishes to thank all who have served Joan over the years, including friends, relatives, ministering sisters and visiting teachers in Forest Ward and Mesa Central Stake.  We are also thankful for the dedicated care Joan received at Banner Desert Hospital from the staff of the ICU and also from Hospice of the Valley.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 27 and one hour prior to services at Forest Ward 1345 E. University, Mesa, AZ.  Funeral service will be held at the Forest Ward 1345 E. University, Mesa AZ at 10 a.m. on Feb. 28. 2020. Interment will be at Mesa City Cemetery.

Shari Kae Cope Snow, 45, beloved wife and mother, cherished daughter, sister and friend passed away February 14, 2020 after a long battle with breast cancer.  Shari was born in Rapid City on November 2, 1974 to Terry and Claudia (Tschetter) Cope.  She grew up in Colorado, Texas and Arizona.  She attended Westwood High School where she played softball and basketball and played the clarinet and oboe in the band.  She attended ASU where she studied Elementary Education.  She met her husband and sweetheart though a mutual friend in 1995 and was married on November 25, 1995 in Mesa, AZ.  Their children, Andrew, Natalie, Matthew and Jackson are her greatest joy.  Shari would give and do everything for her children.  Shari was a great leader and served in many positions within her church. She loved the missionaries who were often in her home.  She was kind, patient and understanding and did much to help others along life’s journey especially those who were suffering in any capacity.

Shari is survived by her husband Dustin, her children Andrew (Gabrielle) Snow, Natalie, Mathew and Jackson, her mother Claudia and stepfather Les Thompson, siblings Susanne (Nathan) McCabe, Shelli (Kenneth) Brinkley, Sawnya (Christopher) Sherwood, Thomas (Meredith) Cope, James and Jonathan (Alicia) Cope.   Shari is preceded in death by her father, grandparents and many dear friends that have brightened her path along the way who are celebrating with her now.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1005 N. Voyager Drive in Gilbert, AZ 85234.  A viewing will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Saturday February 22, 2020 from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1005 N. Voyager Drive in Gilbert, AZ 85234. Arrangements by Gilbert Memorial Park.

Steven Wayne Allen 12/5/63 – 2/2/2020 Served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Spain 1982 -1984. His interest was in printing, and continued that while attending Brigham Young University. He is resting from life’s journey in the loving arms of those relatives that passed before him.

Linda Kay Walker Black passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 15, 2020, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born March 9, 1949 in Willits, California. She was the daughter of LeRoy and Alma “Nickie” (McDonnell) Walker. She moved to the Detroit, Michigan area when she was a few months old and lived there until she graduated high school.

She attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she obtained a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Music. While there she met Steven Black who was in her Family Home Evening group. They were married almost 49 years, having married in the Manti Temple on May 28, 1971.

They had five children; Sarah (John) Skabelund, Jennifer (Don) Sharp, Kathryn Black, Steven (Jessica) Black, and Lindsay (Trevor) Florence. They have 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Linda’s family was her life and she loved being with them. They were her pride and joy in this life. In November 2006 she said, “The older I get, the more I realize that ‘Family is everything!’”

Linda was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many different positions at various times in her life. She loved every one of them, but her favorite ones always involved music. She could play piano, organ, oboe, basson, french horn and any other instrument that was put in front of her.

Linda was well known for her Gingerbread Houses. She won numerous blue ribbons at the Arizona State Fair and even sold Gingerbread houses professionally. She taught many community classes on how to make a gingerbread house, as well as her school classes. Linda was also an exceptional cake decorator, flower arranger, calligrapher, seamstress, and pianist.   

Once her children were all in school, she decided to start teaching again. She substitute taught in the Kyrene district for a year and then was hired at the same elementary school her children were at (Kyrene de los Ninos) teaching 5th grade. Mrs. Black was a favorite teacher among the students. During this time she also obtained her Masters degree in Elementary Education from NAU. 

A car accident put her teaching on hold, as she spent years recovering from that. She was able to return to teaching and taught 3rd grade at Gilbert Arts Academy in Gilbert until she retired in 2014.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother and her sister Marti. Linda is survived by her husband Steve, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her father and sisters Leslie, Amy and Sarah.

A viewing will be held Friday, February 28, 2020 from 6pm – 8pm at Bunker Family Funeral (33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201). 

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 10:00am, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service starting at 9:00am. This will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Harris Building (2220 N Harris, Mesa, AZ 85203).

For more information, please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Stephen “Luke” Knight passed away after a tragic car accident leaving school on February 7, 2020 in Gilbert, Arizona.  Luke was born on December 31, 2002 in Ogden, Utah.  It is only fitting that he would come to earth on the biggest party night of the year, New Year’s Eve!  Though his life was cut much too short, he lived more in his seventeen years than most of us do in a lifetime. To Luke, life was an amazing adventure, meant to be explored and enjoyed.

We knew from the very beginning that Luke would have an unbreakable bond with his older brother Kohl, who was two years older.  Even as a baby, Luke went to Kohl in laughter and in tears, reaching out for his toddler brother to hold him, or play with him.  The two brothers were quite different with Kohl being a bit more reserved in their surroundings, and Luke eager to try anything.

When Luke was two years old, he moved with his mother and brother to Queen Creek, Arizona, where he lived the remainder of his life.  In his early years, he loved music, which became a life-long pleasure.  He sang and danced to the top of his lungs.  He listened to music whenever possible. If he wasn’t listening to music, or singing, he was softly humming.  In fact, there was rarely a time when Luke wasn’t humming to himself.  He also delighted in dressing up in costumes; transforming from one character to another, from one hour to the next.  His treasure was an old trunk, stuffed full of Super Hero, Cowboy, and Pirate costumes.  To his loved ones, Luke without costume, will always be remembered as our “Pooky Bear”.  As he grew older, his “costumes” became his trendy “fits”.  His sense of style frequently starting the latest fad.

When it comes to interests, the list is never ending. Luke enjoyed drawing, photography, baseball, football, snowboarding, wake boarding, frisbee throwing, and skateboarding, just to name a few.  He tried to master whatever, and wherever his anxious mind led him.  Luke’s tenacity was unequaled.  He researched and practiced over and over again to the point of being accomplished in many areas.  What would appear to be an exhausting amount of physical exertion to some, was pure joy to Lukey.  When he reached his goals, he shared his abilities and knowledge with his younger brothers.  They too, have become capable participants far beyond their years.

Luke loved animals as a little boy, so much so that he couldn’t bear that even a creature as small as a caterpillar should suffer.  He attempted and succeeded in saving the lives of many tiny critters including birds, lizards, and a caterpillar he named Carl.  In choosing the animal love of his life, it would probably be the horse.  He truly was born with a deep reverence for the majesty of horses.  He collected horse figurines, and cowboy clothes.  His room was cowboy this, and horse that, in every nook and cranny, and on every wall.  He learned how to ride, and how to care for a horse.  As he grew older, and his interests evolved, there was no time to ride.  As it turned out, it was a good thing that he never owned a horse.   

Another hobby which Luke acquired was photography.  Although he became quite a proficient photographer, taking baptism, wedding, and family photos, his best work was that of nature and the outdoors.  Those photos were captured to document his adventures, and to express his deep appreciation for God’s beautiful earth.  Ironically, Luke made a video not too long ago entitled “My Life.”

Luke started his education at Benjamin Franklin and was finishing his high school years at Higley HS, where he was currently a Junior.  But his bright personality and joyful spirit were felt far beyond the school walls. It is evident that he influenced many lives for good.  He was never happy being alone.  Luke’s greatest passion was people, and he never held back his affection and feeling for everyone.  Luke Knight never met a stranger.  He connected with others young and old.  He readily forgave and never judged. He loved to express his thoughts and feelings.  You always knew what was on his mind. The Lord must need his special gifts desperately on the other side.

As Luke grew older, he discovered his desire to become an island boy.  He loved the ocean, and anything to do with surfing or wakeboarding.  He yearned for the sun on his face, wind in his blonde hair, and sand between his toes.  He wanted to travel the world in one grand adventure after another, with his friends at his side.  He had big plans to fulfill his goals and dreams; we know he would have accomplished whatever he chose.

Luke continued to give until the end.  He donated his young, healthy organs, to save the lives of five, giving several organs to a few, who would have otherwise not survived. 

Luke lived life to the fullest, not wanting to miss a single minute.  He was at the center of all holidays, special occasions, and family gatherings.  There was never a dull moment when he was included.  For his family and friends, life will never be the same.  He will be deeply and sorely missed.  His loved ones find solace in knowing that in eternity, they will hold him in their arms once again.  Luke leaves behind his loving parents, Jaime and Jeremy Prahl, and four adoring brothers, Kohl 19, Tate 10, Cade 8 and Kash 6.  He also leaves his great grandmothers Leah Crossgrove and Cherrill Knight; his grandparents, Stephen and Niki Naylor, Kevin and Sydney Knight, and Gary and Peggy Prahl, along with many close aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.  We will cherish our memories of you forever, Luke!  We love you!  

A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Friday, February 21st with the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 19781 E. Ocotillo Rd, Queen Creek, Arizona.