Find An Obituary

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.

Georgia, 88, born Aug. 31, 1931, in Glendale, AZ, to George Arthur Dixon and Effie Elizabeth Brogden, was called home to our Heavenly Father on Wed., Jan. 29, 2020. She was raised in Glendale and Phoenix, AZ. During high school, she was in the ROTC and advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Her life of service to all her friends and family is an example to all. She served as a CTR Teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for 25 years, having an impact on countless children. She is preceded in death by her eternal sweetheart of 64 years Charles Owen, her son Roy (Deanna), her granddaughter Jennifer, and great-granddaughter Quinn. Her legacy will live on through her remaining sons, Gene (Julie), and David (Lawanna); 15 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. Viewing: Fri., Feb. 7, 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral: Sat., Feb. 8, 10 AM, 230 N Val Vista Dr, Gilbert, with viewing at 9 AM. More information @ www.bunkercares.com.

Sandra L. Driscoll, 68, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2020.  She was born to James and Leda Fitch in Three Rivers, MI in 1951.  Sandy led a life filled with service to others.  She enjoyed being active with family and friends, and she particularly loved her time with her grandkids.

Sandy graduated from the Police Academy in December of 1973, and soon after, she married her academy sweetheart, Randall Driscoll, on February 6, 1974.  Sandy and Randy celebrated 46 years together.  She worked with the Mesa Police Department for 30 years, and after retirement, she worked with the Salvation Army.  Sandy and Randy raised two sons: Darin G. Driscoll (Kathryn) of Peoria, IL and Brian N. Driscoll (Danielle) of Mesa, AZ.

Sandy loved her two sons and daughters-in-law, Kathryn R. Driscoll and Danielle M. Driscoll.  Sandy especially loved her eight grandchildren: Jasmyne (21), Jordan (19), Helena (18), Franklin (16), Rhealynn (15), Forest (11), Lilian (8), and Anna (6).

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, James Fitch.  Sandy is survived by her husband, Randy, children and grandchildren, mother (Leda Fitch), sisters, Cheryl Ball (LeeVan) and Jamie Brooks, and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at Noon on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at the Mesa Salvation Army, 241 E 6^th St., Mesa, AZ, 85201, with a visitation beginning two hours prior to the service.  A grave site service will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St., Mesa, AZ, 85201.  Following the grave site service will be a reception at the Mesa Salvation Army.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the 100 Club of Arizona or the Salvation Army Mesa Citadel Corp.

Larry Michael “Mike” Hendrickson, peacefully passed away on January 29th, 2020. Preceded in death by his Grandparents and Grandson, Kody.

Mike was born September 23rd, 1961 in Kearney Nebraska to Larry and Bonnie Hendrickson. In 1980, Mike joined the United States Navy. He met his wife, Darlena and her son, Jason in 1985. Mike and Darlena were married on March 7th, 1986.  Mike took Jason in as his very own. They had their first daughter in February 1987, and two more beautiful daughters following in 1989 and 1990. In 1996, Mike was given a great job opportunity and moved the family to Arizona.

Mike is survived by: his Mom, Bonnie. Aunt, Dottie and her son Shaun. Sister, Lori, her husband Robert, and their 4 children. Brother, Jaime. Children, Jason, Niki and Jeff, Alyson, and Cassie. Grandchildren, Zoe, Ethan, Jude, and Harper. Mother in law, Alice. Father In law, Gary. As well as, several cousins and friends.

Mike was a very dedicated father and grandfather. An avid Nebraska Football fan. His Navy buddies meant the world to him and he looked forward to their annual get together every year. He had so many wonderful and funny stories to tell. He was absolutely the greatest man. Go Big Red.

 A Visitation  will be held, Friday, February 7th, 2020 @ 2PM followed by services at 3PM at the Bunker University Chapel

3529 East University Drive, MESA, AZ 85213

For a link to Whittlee’s full obituary and to leave a condolence message, please visit: http://www.gilbertmemorialpark.com/obituaries/whittlee-merrill-hamblin/

Whittlee Merrill Hamblin, 31, beloved wife and mother, cherished daughter and sister passed away on January 28, 2020 after a long battle with colon cancer. Whittlee was born in Mesa on December 6, 1988 to Brooks and Shelli (Ramsey) Merrill. She grew up in Gilbert and enjoyed many holidays with her large extended family in Eagar. Whittlee attended Highland High School where she enjoyed playing volleyball and playing the violin in orchestra. There she met her high school sweetheart and future husband Stewart Hamblin. Several years later they were married in the Mesa LDS temple and she graduated in Interior Design from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She worked in interior design and opened her own firm, Hamblin Group Interiors, which brought her joy, though not as much as her three beautiful daughters, Navy (6), and twins Scout and Brigette (4). Whittlee had a popular podcast (inspiredhomepodcast), ran marathons, and enjoyed the company of many friends.  She was caring, generous, loving, beloved by many, and will be sorely missed. She reached out to others as she struggled with her own illness and has been a light to all who have been touched by her amazing spirit. She is survived by her parents, husband, daughters, sister Charlee Merrill Egg (Tyler), and her grandmother, Karen Merrill of Eagar. Services will be Saturday, February 1, at 10:00AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3580 E. Houston Ave., Gilbert; with a public viewing at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, on Friday, January 31, from 6:00 to 8:00PM. Internment in Eagar. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley.        

John Carl Brooksby, age 96 of Mesa AZ passed away peacefully in his home on January 27, 2020. Carl was born on Nov. 17, 1923 to John Brooksby and Melinda Judd of Fredonia, AZ.  As a young boy, he herded sheep for the Brooksby Brothers, in the Arizona Strip and southern Utah.  He served in the US Navy, aboard the USS Colbert in the Pacific in WW II. After the war, he returned home, graduated from BYU, married his sweetheart, and established a long career as a CPA in the Phoenix area, eventually serving as president of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy.  He and his wife VerDon raised a family of four children in Mesa.  He served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many callings, including scouting and several bishoprics.  Carl is survived by his sisters Emma and Glenda, and a brother Pres, his children Kent (Jan), Craig (Pauli), Linda Hatch (Brad) and Don (Josie), 15 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.  Carl was an avid poet and collector of cowboy poetry. https://jcbrooksby.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/if-i-get-to-heaven/ or https://jcbrooksby.wordpress.com/

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, Feb.4 at Bunker Mortuary, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, from 6-8 PM.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb 5 at the LDS Chapel, 848 N Westwood, Mesa, AZ 85201, at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing for family and friends at 10 AM (an hour before the funeral).