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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.

Nickolas Lewis Thomas, the thoughtful, tenderhearted, generous, loving light in our lives chose to end the battles he fought on this earth and return to the peace of that place from whence he came.  He now joins and is embraced by his younger brother, Kohl, and welcomed by his Grandpa Thomas, Grandma Clouse and uncle Scott Clouse.  Our grief, shock and pain are overwhelming as we attempt to muddle through our weighty emotions and to adjust to our futures without his physical presence with us.

Nick leaves behind the love of his life, Kara Kjorvestad, and their precious son, Easton Lewis Thomas.  Also caught in the wake of this tragedy are his parents, David and Terry (Clouse) Thomas, his brothers D. Brock and Kalvin E. Thomas, sisters in law Madison (Brown) and Ashlee (Skinner), his nephew Beaux David Thomas and his niece Scottie Kohl Thomas.  He will also be missed by his Grandma Thomas, Grandpa Clouse, 23 aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins and friends.

Nick was a fearless adventurer, keen observer, empathetic listener and loyal friend.  He was a deep thinker, a talented musician and a gifted horseman.  He loved spending time outdoors and was given the name Patient Fire Elk out on the Anasazi trail as a tribute to his temperament, competence and leadership.  His laugh was contagious and his humor infectious.  He was a caring son, a protective brother, and most importantly, a tender, nurturing father.

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 20^th, from 6-8 PM at the Val Vista Stake Center 1005 N. Voyager Dr., Gilbert.  Funeral services are Friday, February 21^st, at 9:00 AM preceded by a visitation from 8-8:40 AM.  Arrangements provided by Bunkers Garden Chapel

Arthur J Hatch passed away February 11, 2020.  He was born March 19, 1932 to Martha Heywood Hatch and Roy Cooper Hatch in Panguitch, Utah.  Arthur and his twin sister, Arlene, were born in his great-grandmother Heywood’s home.  He was raised in a family of 11 children, three brothers and seven sisters.

Arthur loved being outdoors as a boy, fishing and riding horses.  His best friend was his cousin, Wallace Hatch.  As teenagers, they tended sheep together, sometimes for weeks at a time, on the family’s ranch.  “We slept under the wagon and lit lanterns in the trees to keep the coyotes away.”  In school, Arthur played the trombone in the school band and was a member of Future Farmers of America.  He participated in the southern Utah livestock show, and won prizes at the County Fair for breeding lambs.

Arthur showed a great work ethic at a young age.  At fifteen, he worked every day pumping gas and changing oil at the local gas station.  He graduated from Panguitch High School in 1950 and went to work in a logging camp in Washington state that summer.  While there, his family moved from Panguitch to St. George, Utah, and when Arthur returned that fall, he began school at Dixie College.

He met his future wife, Carrole Snow in December 1950, when she came home to St. George from her first semester at BYU.  They dated for several months, and Arthur returned to Washington the following summer to earn enough money for them to marry.  They were sealed September 6, 1951 in the St. George LDS temple.

While living in St. George, Art and Carrole welcomed a son, Kerrick (Rick), followed by a daughter, Heather.  They moved to Provo, Utah in 1956 and purchased their first home there in 1959.  A son, Kreston was born in Provo, and a daughter, Pamela. The family later lived in Salt Lake City; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and finally settled in Mesa, Arizona in 1972.

Art loved to meet new people and could start a conversation with anyone.  He was a natural salesman and sold cars, insurance, and later real estate.  He also set up and managed some of the first health clubs in New Mexico and Arizona in the early 70’s.

Art was a devoted husband and father.  He cherished his wife and created happy memories with his children, teaching them to ski, waterski, and play golf.  There were many family trips to Lake Powell, the beach, and to family reunions.  He loved to go hunting and fishing with his sons.  As a grandfather, Art enjoyed taking his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the cabin in Pinetop, Arizona.  He wanted to be the first to introduce little ones to ice cream, and was a master at getting them to sleep.

Art was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a Stake Seventy and in a Bishopric.  He and Carrole made many dear friends in the Mesa 30th, 18th, and Northridge wards.  He was a devoted home teacher, a genuine friend, and loved to serve in the Church.

Art is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carrole Snow Hatch; children Kerrick (Rick) Arthur Hatch (Peggy); Heather Rohner (Tim); Kreston Snow Hatch (Karen); and Pamela Kitchen (David).  His descendants include 18 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his siblings Karma Pectol, Arlene Bell (Dev), Carol Moss (Carl), and Rell Hatch (Suzanne).

A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 15 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2701 E. Lehi Road, Mesa, Arizona.  Family visitation is from 10:00 to 10:40 am.  Interment will be at Mesa City Cemetery.

Blake Sinclair Boynton, beloved son, and brother died on February 5, 2020, at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, following a prolonged battle with myotonic muscular dystrophy.  He was 38. 

Born on November 2, 1981 in Mesa, Arizona, Blake was the second of five children in the family of Mark and Nancy Boynton.  He is survived by his father, Mark, a brother, Trevor Scott Boynton, three sisters, Heather Alexia Boynton, Rachel Caroline Maka (David), Jocelyn Orel Boynton, and four nephews.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Gedicks Boynton.

Blake graduated from Highland High school in Gilbert, Arizona.  In his youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America and greatly enjoyed making new friends at annual Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camps.  He had a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and movies and always knew of upcoming films before any of his family members and friends.   He was a gifted storyteller and was abundantly blessed with the gift of gab – both as a speaker and listener.

Blake lived in Gilbert and then Mesa, Arizona, where he resided until the time of his passing.  He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in a variety of callings, including work as a service missionary, and teaching the youth of his congregation – his favorite calling.  Blake’s friends and family loved him for his unyielding optimism, cheerfulness and compassion, his encouragement of them in their endeavors, his “never quit” attitude, and his courage in the face of serious health challenges.     

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.  Funeral services will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 15, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stratford Estates Ward, 11121 E. Ray Road, in Mesa.

Dolores Hanson Wood, 86, was ushered into Christ’s presence on February 11, 2020. Dolores was born on April 4, 1933 in Mabscott, West Virginia to parents Carlos and Callie Hanson. She married her high-school sweetheart and love of her life, Lewis “Tink” Wood on October 30, 1950 in Pearisburg, VA. They spent time in Rhode Island while Lewis served in the US Navy, and after moving out west, Dolores and Lewis eventually settled in Scottsdale, AZ in 1962. They were blessed to enjoy 54 years of marriage before Lewis was called home in 2005.

Dolores had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and a fierce devotion to loving and caring for her very blessed family. She is survived by her brother Estel (wife Chris); son Richard Wood (Wife Gwen); daughter Natalie McCutcheon (Husband Patrick); and her five grandchildren:  Jonathan (Wife Amy); Ashley (Husband Mitch); Amy; Julie (Husband Jared); and David; along with her four great-grandchildren:  Logan, Sydney, Elijah and Lucas – all of whom loved and knew her as “MaMaw”.

We love you Mom and we will miss you profoundly until we get to see you again in Eternity.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 14 at 3:00 PM at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home.  Dolores will be buried next to her beloved husband Lewis at the Veteran’s National Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 10:15 AM. Arrangements by Gilbert Memorial Park.

Linda Sue (Bearden) Strang

March 7, 1947 – February 6, 2020, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Child of The Lord Jesus Christ

Linda was born and grew up in Inglewood, California.  She graduated from Morningside High School and received a degree in music from El Camino College in Torrance, California.

Linda met her husband, Bob, at church and they were married July 18, 1970.  Linda and Bob were blessed with two children, Rhonda Chantelle and Robert Clayton (Jr).  Linda is survived by her husband Bob, her daughter Rhonda, her son Clayton, daughter-in-law Jessica, and five grandchildren: Roslyn Celeste, Gwendolyn, Phinian, Duncan, and Beatrix. 

Services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, February 22 at Gateway Fellowship Baptist Church, 60 North Recker Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85234.  Interment will be held at 12:30pm on Monday, February 24 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

Donations in Linda’s name may be made to Awana Scholarship fund through Gateway Fellowship Church or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  Flowers are also appreciated.

Abbra Janice Lawrence age 70 of Mesa, Arizona passed away on February 07, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Jerry Kay Hatch , 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, in Mesa, AZ after a 3 year battle with Alzheimer’s.  Jerry was born to E. Kay and Zona Flake Hatch on June 16, 1942 in Snowflake, AZ. He was raised in Snowflake and graduated from Snowflake High School. While attending Arizona State University he met Swanee Wheeler. They were married February 19, 1966 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  Jerry and Swanee raised their 5 children in Tempe, AZ. Jerry is survived by his 5 children and their spouses: Holly and Michael Rogers, Brian and Marta Hatch, Derek and Elizabeth Hatch, Jolyn and Christopher McLaughlin, and Jeron and Ann Hatch; 20 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren with 3 more expected this year. He is also survived by 3 sisters; Sandra Thornhill, Eileen Hatch and Paula and Wayne Evans. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Swanee (they would have been married 54 years this month), his parents Kay and Zona Hatch and 1 sister Joycelyn Turley Bartlett.

He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the mid-west states mission, which included Wisconsin and Illinois. He loved his mission and spoke of his time spent there often. Jerry was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many capacities in the church. Jerry spent his entire career working for Aerodesign where he eventually managed their deburring department. He had a love for ASU and had season football and basketball tickets for as long as any of us kids can remember. He loved to watch his kids and grandkids in sports and all other activities.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 10 am, with a visitation prior to the service at 9 am. The service and viewing will both be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2707 S College Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282. Interment will be Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the Snowflake Cemetery at 11:30 am.

Charles Lloyd Kittrell IV, 52, of Chandler, AZ, was unexpectedly called home Feb. 4, 2020. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 27 years Tonya (Verkler) Kittrell. Charles led a very happy life filled with family, friends and his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks.

He was born Sept. 13, 1967, in Panama City, FL. While serving his country, Charles met his wife when they were both stationed in San Diego, CA; they were married the next year in Las Vegas. Charles befriended everyone he met. He was well known for his kindness, sense of humor, patience, integrity, loyalty and compassion. He loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing, cooking for family and friends, riding horses and traveling.

Charles served in the United States Marine Corps as a Small Arms Repair Technician from 1989 to 1993. At the time of his passing, he was the Complex Safety Manager at CAFCC, where he had been employed since 2009. Charles was a graduate of Hudgens Academy in Sardis, SC, and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Gerald Smith Sr. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by: maternal grandmother, Elsie Smith of Cades, SC; mother, Janet (Smith) Kittrell of Elgin, SC; sister, Lynn (Kittrell) Montjoy (Chris), niece Lauren and nephew Austin, all of Lugoff, SC; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Eddie and Lynda (Vance) Verkler of Black Rock, AR; Tarra (Verkler) Simmons (Stacey), nephew Wave and niece Garnet, all of Mountain Home, AR; Tiffany (Verkler) Head (Michael), niece Amelia and nephew Mick, all of Conway, AR; father, Charles L. Kittrell III of Fort Worth, TX; and several much loved aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Feb. 9, beginning at noon at the Kittrell home, 15127 East Wood Drive, Chandler, AZ. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Funeral Home.

Carol Arlene Grunert Binder, 83, passed away while surrounded by loved ones in her home in Mesa, Arizona on February 1, 2020.  Carol was born on July 2, 1936 in Stamford, Nebraska to Irwin and Hazel Grunert.  She attended country school in Princeville, Illinois and graduated from Princeville High School.  Carol settled and raised her children in Peoria, Illinois .  She worked at Pabst Brewing Company, retiring after over 20 years of service.  Carol married LaVerne Binder in 1982 and they became Arizona snowbirds.  They loved the retirement life and eventually made Arizona their permanent home.

Carol led a fulfilling and active life.  She had a great sense of humor and a ready smile.  She loved the outdoors, bingo, theater, making favorite foods and desserts for family gatherings and just being surrounded by friends and family.

Carol will be missed and was greatly loved by all those she left behind including her four children: Bill (Carla) Carter & Ann Reed, both of Arizona, Susan (Gary) Fraase & Shelley (Mark) Davis both of Illinois.  Grandchildren: Matthew (Karen) Carter, Mark (Jenna) Carter, Alex Reed, Heather (David) Greer, TJ (Kelly) Fraase, Brittany Cashdollar, & Lindsay (Nathan) Wineinger.  Great grandchildren:  Amber, Anthony, Blue, Lincoln & Daisy of Arizona & Cole, Corgan, Cannon, Ali, Adi, Aurora, Bella, Layla, Ruthie, Tessa, & Joanna of Illinois. Sister: Bertha (Walter) Hulvey.  Nieces: Lynne Hulvey and Patty (Jason) Lantz.

Carol was preceded in death by grandson Jeremy Reed and husband LaVerne Binder.

Crapo, Charles S. 94, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on February 1, 2020.  Charles was born on October 13, 1925 in Nephi, Utah.  He married his wife Joan on September 7, 1947, and they moved to Phoenix, AZ in July of 1950.  He is survived by his daughter Kathleen Peterson (Larry), son Steven C. Crapo, 3 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at the LDS chapel located on 6840 E. Gold Dust Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.

Aurora Arredondo Yother passed away February 01, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. Her services will be held Saturday February 8th, 2020 at 11:00 AM. They will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1007 South 72nd Street, Mesa Arizona 85208, with a visitation at 10:00 AM.

Ann Marie Adams,  69,  passed away peacefully on the 31^st of January 2020. The Lord called her home just four months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nathan Adams last year. They would have been married 50 years in September. Ann’s parents Kenneth & Imogene McEwan, brother Don and grandson Preston also preceded her in death. She is survived by 7 children and 26 grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held February 8^th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day  Saints 10036 East Brown Rd Mesa, AZ 85207.

Ann accomplished many things during her lifetime – college graduate, registered nurse, licensed massage therapist, clinical aroma therapist and reflexologist, bereavement  counselor, certified child birth educator and birth doula. She helped welcome thousands of babies into this world, and dedicated her professional life to bringing love and comfort to others. She spoke at conferences, team lead at work, and taught numerous educational classes throughout her career. She has inspired many to the healthcare profession and empowered her children to become educated.

Ann was a wonderful wife and mother. She made life fun, and taught her children to celebrate life. Nathan and Ann loved their weekly date nights, and had the opportunity to travel the world together. They told stories of visiting the Lavender fields in France, museums and theatres in London, and even won a kissing contest in Hawaii. They truly loved one another, and it brings us comfort knowing they are together.

A visitation will be held at 4:00 pm with a funeral service at 5:00 pm, Saturday, February 8th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 10036 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona.  

Silvestre Tanguma Jr., 82 passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 1, 2020 in Apache Junction, Arizona. He was born to Silvestre Tanguma Sr. and Hermina Benevides in Mercedes, Texas on July 5, 1937. Silvestre Jr. led a fulfilling, active life filled with family and friends. He enjoyed many activities such as golfing, hunting, and cheering for his favorite sports teams. He was also proud to be a Marine Corps Veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son, Stacey Kyle Tanguma, and his daughter, Yvette Marie Rogers. Silvestre Jr. is survived by his wife, Phyllis Swan Tanguma; as well as the mother of his children, Mary Rangel Sheets (Ron); daughters, Ynette Holton (Steve) and Manela Peterson (Greg); son, Michael Tanguma (Christy); stepchildren, Danny Swan, Jodie Madrid (David), Lori Germano, and Joey Germano. Silvestre loved his 19 grandchildren; Amanda, Jennifer, Stephanie, David, Shannon, Paula, Will, Ashley, Jarod, Jason, Gabrielle, Cianna, Heather, Scott, Lindsay, Nicholas, Jacob, Katie, and Nathan and his 28 great-grandchildren plus 7 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many of his Tanguma family from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. A visitation and Rosary will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel. A Prayer service will be held on Thursday February 6, 2020 at 12:00 PM with a visitation one hour prior to services at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213.