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For a brief period on the night of Sunday, January 26, 2020, an ordinary, four-block-long residential street in West Mesa became a glowing pathway to Heaven. Luminarias, set along Palmer Street with loving care, gave off their soft golden glow, marking the way to and from the home where an extraordinary woman of courage, compassion, and Christlike love had so recently lived. It was the way this close-knit neighborhood honored her on her final journey home…the way they said to her “Godspeed” — and to her family, “We will miss her” and “Oh, how we loved and admired her.” “She is our hero!”

Stephanie Brimley, just 41 years old, was startled 3-1/2 years ago by the diagnosis of Stage 4 colon cancer.  Startled, but unafraid. Startled, but determined to fight with a warrior’s ferocity, with a champion’s courage. And so she did, until her body – but not her spirit — could fight no more.

She was born to Ivard and Elizabeth Brimley on May 1, 1978, in Mesa Lutheran Hospital in Mesa. She lived her entire life in that fine city: She grew up there, she played there, she went to school there, she loved friends and family there, and there she found her life’s calling.

Over the course of her life, Stephanie earned three college degrees: a Bachelor of Education degree from Ottawa University, and two Master’s degrees – one in Special Education, one in Autism Spectrum Disorders, from Grand Canyon University. Though she was the youngest of 6 children in the Brimley family, she was the first to receive a college degree, for she knew what she wanted to be – a teacher. Her career with the Mesa Public School District spanned 17 years, during which she taught at Hawthorne (now Hughes) Elementary School. Her final class assignment was 5^th Grade…and oh, how she loved those children, especially the ones who needed special attention and extra help. She made it her life’s work to reach out with love not just to ‘special needs’ children, but to all people, young or old. A friend, learning of her passing, said Stephanie “was my best friend throughout high school, my only friend really. She took me to lunch every day. She knew me better than anyone.” Stephanie embraced everyone she met, without judgment, with unconditional love – a lifestyle she learned in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which she was a lifelong member. There, in the New Testament Gospel of John, she read that the Savior gave His disciples a new commandment: “…as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” And so, she did, without restraint.

When she retired from her teaching job in 2019, it was not because she wanted to, but because that relentless enemy, cancer, had resisted her valiant attempts to beat it, and had made her unable to continue in the profession she loved. Still, she continued to teach the children around her: her beloved nieces, nephews, a grand niece and two grand nephews, 24 in all. Throughout her Church service, she taught both children and adults — the children in the Primary and Young Women’s programs in the 20^th Ward, the adults in the women’s program, as Relief Society Secretary, and adults and children as a leader in the Stake Primary Presidency.

The playful side of Stephanie took diverse forms. At Carson Junior High School, and at Westwood High School (Class of ’96), Stephanie showed her competitive side, playing no-holds-barred women’s volleyball…and playing it so well that she joined the elite Club Red Volleyball Team and traveled the Valley in pursuit of victories.

Then there were the weapons…. Yes, this kind and loving daughter and teacher and friend also loved the feel of a .22 rifle or a shotgun in her hands, plinking cans and bottles in the desert with her brother John, enjoying the fun and freedom of days in Arizona’s beautiful outdoors, while also honing her marksmanship.

Stephanie’s softer side included a passion for all things Disney. There were frequent trips with the family to Disneyland, conveniently located just seven hours to the west of Mesa. Her room at home was filled with Disney princesses, beautiful dolls of all sizes and descriptions, and pillows galore covered with Disney characters’ images. And water-filled glass ‘snow’ globes with Disney characters and scenes depicted inside. They provided a magical getaway for this woman who worked so hard in the real world.

So, too, did Stephanie’s skill in the kitchen, where she was renowned for her baking – most particularly for her delicious cupcakes, slathered generously with her incredible buttercream icing. Less than a month before her passing, she was hard at work providing 200 of these superb cupcakes for a family member’s wedding reception…an act of love and kindness typical of Stephanie.

Stephanie’s large, loving family survives her, including: Father and Mother, Ivard and Elizabeth Brimley; sister, Maribeth Child (Scott); brothers, Wayne (Gail) Brimley, Merrill (Jenni) Brimley, John (Cristi) Brimley, and Charles (Suzanne) Brimley; and 24 nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her niece, Avery Jane Brimley.

Now the honor and responsibility of sharing love, remembrance and life stories about Stephanie falls to that wonderful family, as her life is celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, 848 N. Westwood St., Mesa. Viewings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, at Bunker Family Mortuary, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, and on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. at the Church. The family asks that to honor Stephanie’s kind, compassionate caregivers in her final days, that donations to Hospice at Home of Arizona, 1423 S. Higley Rd., Suite 121, Mesa, AZ 85206 be considered in lieu of flowers…and the family wishes to offer its special gratitude to the caregivers, Wendy and Jessica, who went the extra mile in service to the family.

Following the Feb. 1 funeral service at the Church, Stephanie will be buried in the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Her love of bagpipe music will be celebrated at the Church and at graveside by a lone bagpiper.

Blaine “Bub” Mathews, 59, passed away unexpectedly from a plane crash over the Mazatzal Mountains in Arizona on Friday, January 24th, 2020. Bub was born to Gordon and Julie Mathews in Pasco, Washington on January 16th, 1961. He was the youngest of 4 children and grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work and serving others. He attended Brigham Young University where he played collegiate football, graduated with a bachelor’s degree, and met the love of his life, Sandy Perkins. Bub and Sandy were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on March 1st, 1986. They later had 5 beautiful children and recently 3 little grandchildren. Bub loved nothing more than being a father and a grandfather. He worked hard at his job in commercial real estate, but nothing gave him more joy than spending time in the outdoors and attending his kids’ events. He was well known to those around him for his endless service, hard work and his unconditional love for others. As a leader in the Boy Scouts of America for over 30 years, he provided an unshakable example to the boys and men around him. Many, old and young, also gathered at his house for his famous waffles each Sunday, not knowing that they would leave with inspiration and love in their hearts. He was a silent humble giant working miracles wherever he went. He will be loved and missed by all those that knew him.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5350 E. McLellan Road, Mesa, Arizona 85205 with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00 am. For more information, please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com​.

Sheila Le Sueur was born June 1, 1927 in Jersey Channel Island, UK. This island was occupied by the Nazis during WWII for five years (age 13 to 18). Five months after liberation, she started nurses training at The London Hospital. She was very proud to be a member of the League of Nurses. In 1952, she emigrated to Detroit, MI where she spent most of her nursing career at Bon Secours Hospital in Grosse Pointe. She was particularly proud of her role in the new field of coronary care. In 1977, she moved to Arizona to be with family. She worked another 15 years with the last six as a Hospice nurse. She loved being a nurse, especially her time at Bon Secours and Hospice; she recalled fondly many of the staff and patients that played instrumental roles in her life and in her memories.

Sheila was always interested in American politics. While in retirement, watching C-Span, she saw a series about Alexis de Tocqueville which ignited a desire for her to know more about his wife, Mary Mottley. That simple desire turned into a 20 year quest which included several trips to France, England, and Washington DC to research the Mottley family. While retired, Sheila learned to use a computer and ended up writing three books: one on her experience at Bon Secours, one on her love of both Jersey and the USA, and one on Mary Mottley (she often said the historians ignored her even though she had great influence on her husband, Alexis).

She is survived by her sister Anne, as well as her four nieces: Sheila, Patricia, Michele, Alison, and her nephew Matthew. She remained independent to the end. God speed, Sheila.

Sheila’s ashes will be taken to her beloved Jersey Channel Island in May for burial. And her last wish for all who read this – is that you do something nice for someone else. 

Wayne Walters, 85, passed away peacefully in Apache Junction, AZ on January 23rd, 2020.  Wayne had a very happy and long life filled with family, friends hiking, sports, camping and his many loved pets.

Wayne is survived by his wife Betty, children Linda Mecham, Steve Walters ( Renae ) Mark Martin ( Teresa) Dave Walters, Joyce (Jo) DeVean (Don), Sandra “Sandee” Harrah, and Larry Walters(Becky).He is also survived  by his sister Mary Gonzalez (Al).He is also survived by 36 grandkids and 87 great grandkids.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday February 1st, 2020 at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2520 E. Old West Hwy, Apache Junction, AZ  85270.  Viewing will be from 10:00am -10:45am.   For more information please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Joe Jesse Sharp passed away on January 24, 2020 in Gilbert, Arizona. His services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 1150 West Elliott Road, Gilbert, Arizona. They will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM.

Betty L. Orler passed away on January 21, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. Her services will  be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home, located at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Walter Russell Bendure, Jr., was born on July 11, 1931 in Mesa, and passed away peacefully on January 17, 2020. He is survived by his sister, Irene Betts; children, Leanna and Tim; 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Russell served in Korea with the US Army. After returning home to Mesa, he worked for AJ Bayless Markets until his retirement. He enjoyed his family, his pets and being at home in his hometown of Mesa.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Betty.

Lavena Peel Herbert, age 79, passed away on January 17, 2020. She was born June 13, 1940 to Dennis Robert Peel and Lucretia Harper Peel of Mesa, Arizona. She is survived by two children, Christy Ann Herbert and Shane Leroy Herbert, five grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 12p.m., with a viewing at 11a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Centennial Ward, 422 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203.

Dorothy Edna Becker Lahaie passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2020. She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Lahaie Corrigan (Vicki), her son James Robert Lahaie (Jim); cousins Howard Ahders, Mary Sharpe, Barbara Anderson, and Arthur Heck; sisters-in-law Dorothy Ronic Lahaie and Evelyn Lahaie; and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her cherished husband of nearly 60 years, Robert Emil (Bob) Lahaie, her parents Albert and Katherine Becker, and her brother William Becker.

Dorothy was born in New York City on October 1, 1930, and spent most of her childhood in Armonk, NY. After moving with her parents to Bermuda, Dorothy completed high school. There, she met her future groom, and Dorothy and Bob were married on September 3, 1949, on Long Island, NY. They settled in the Chicago area, where Dorothy worked for Graybar Electric.

The couple followed other Lahaie family members to Arizona in 1956, initially living and working in central Phoenix, then making their home in Mesa.
Dorothy worked as a homemaker during Vicki’s childhood. After Jim entered school, she worked for Maricopa County Welfare as a transcription typist, then for Mesa Public Schools as a media center assistant at Roosevelt Elementary School and Powell Junior High School.
Dorothy made several memorable cross-country road trips with Bob over the years, visiting family and friends across the Midwest and eastern U.S. With her husband’s devoted support, she also cared for her parents during their senior years.

Dorothy’s self-effacing nature kept her out of the spotlight, but she’ll be remembered for her cheerful attitude, industriousness, innate kindness, and her delightful laugh. She put others at ease, and was a treasured friend to many. An ardent correspondent, she reveled in sending handwritten cards on Valentine’s and St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, as well as notes and letters throughout the year.

Over the course of her life, she enjoyed the family’s many cats (including current residents Amber, Muffy, and CowCat), gardening, owls, historical fiction, classic films and TV mini-series, and her menagerie of stuffed animals.
Dorothy was beloved by many, and her presence will be greatly missed by all who held her dear.

Paul Clebern Reheis returned home on January 15, 2020.  Paul was born on November 16, 1931 in Elkville, Illinois to John Raymond and Allie Bean Reheis.  He grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky.  After he graduated from High School, he joined the United States Air Force, which brought him to training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona.  While in Arizona he met and married Anita Joy Bradshaw on October 11, 1951 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  After the Air Force, he went to work for Motorola and retired in 1994 after 36 years.  Paul was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in various callings.  He enjoyed working with the Scouts, serving in the Bishopric and serving a mission with his wife, Nita, in the Family History Center.  Paul loved gardening and visiting his cabin in Pinedale with his wife and family.

Paul was preceded in death by wife Anita, daughter Cari (Gerald) Mickleson, and grandson Michael Reheis.  He is survived by sons, Daniel (Rena), Benjamin (Diane), Larry (Faye), and daughters Tami (Randall) Nelson and Judi (Brad) Haugen. He is also survived by sisters Mary Dukate, and Patsy Martin, and brothers Jerry, and Steven.   Paul’s family includes 24 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren and his loyal dog Max.

Kathryn Elberta “Bert” Willcutt, 84 was born on March 2, 1935, and passed away peacefully on January 15, 2020.  Kathryn is survived by her 5 children:   Randy McKim, Louis (Linda)McKim, Gunnar (Toi Morren) Willcutt, Lora (Jeff)  Shufelt, and Lynn(Richard)  Gutierrez.  Kathryn had 13 grandchildren:  Jodi McKim, Jason (Alayna) McKim, Tyler (Ashley Parrish) McKim, Travis McKim, Robert Willcutt, Rachel (Tyler Griffin) Willcutt, David (Adrianna) Willcutt, Christian Shufelt, Ryan Shufelt, Andrew Gutierrez, Zachary Gutierrez, Aleia Gutierrez, and Rhiane Gutierrez. Kathryn also had 7 great grandchildren:  Justin McKim, Kelsea McKim, Nolan McKim, Garrett McKim, Tristan McKim, Rivers Willcutt, and Charlotte Griffin.  Kathryn is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Robert Willcutt, both parents Elbert and Connie Lewis, one child Mary K. McKim, and her 4 siblings Mary, William, Virginia, and June.

Kathryn was born in Edina Missouri the second daughter of 5 children to Elbert and Connie Lewis.  In 1938 Kathryn’s family moved to Kirksville, Missouri where she and her siblings grew up and went to school.  Kathryn graduated from Kirksville High School in 1953.  She worked at Kirksville Osteopathic Hospital in her younger days, working in the operating room assisting doctors, and helping patients.  She met, and married Dr. Robert Willcutt in February, 1961.  They had 5 children together.  After marrying Robert, Kathryn continued to work at Kirksville Osteopathic Hospital until 1975.  In 1975 both Robert and Kathryn moved to Mesa, Arizona with 3 of their children.  She helped Robert set up his private practice in Mesa, which eventually became Central Arizona Medical Associates. Kathryn worked with Robert in his private practice assisting Robert in taking care of his patients until she retired in 2003.

Kathryn was an avid bowler, and she continued bowling up until her passing.  She was an awesome bowler, and took pride in seeing some of her grandchildren bowl as well.  Kathryn loved spending time with her grandchildren.  Her Mesa grandchildren would visit every Sunday afternoon.  It became a tradition so go visit grandma.  Kathryn would return to Kirksville as often as she could to visit her children and grandchildren also.  Last summer, Kathryn  attended a family reunion so she could see her entire family.  She also would return to Kirksville to see her old high school friends of the Class of 1953.  Kathryn never slowed down.  She was an active, independent woman up until her passing, and  she was loved by all her family and friends.

Judy Ann Meiley, age 76, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. 

Judy loved spending time with her family and friends.  Her face always lit up when she was in the presence of her grandchildren.  She enjoyed playing the piano/organ at her church and loved to shop.  Judy was a loving mother and grandmother.  She cherished her children and grandchildren whom brought her joy and inspiration.  Judy graduated from Arizona State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.  Judy retired from the Mesa Unified School District in 1999 after dedicating 21 years of service to teaching.  She taught Economics and Political Science at Mountain View High School and also served as a Varsity Cheerleader Coach for 5 years.  Judy loved playing the piano and organ.  She was the lead pianist / organist for 50 years with the Mesa First Church of the Nazarene.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Annabeth Thorne.  She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Emery (Duke); son, Steven Meiley; daughter, Janene Howitz; daughter, Jenifer Meiley and her wife, Ronda; son, Bryan Meiley and his wife, Tiffany; 7 grandchildren, Kaylene, Michael, Matthew, McKenzie, Kacey, Brianna, and Carly; 2 great grandchildren, Anastasia and Lillian.  She is also survived by brother, Gary Thorne and his wife, Margie; and sister, Connie Torres and her husband, Joe; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A viewing will be held at 11am to 1pm on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation located at 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.  Burial will follow the viewing at the National Memorial Cemetery at 2:00pm located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024 (pass the cemetery to Pinnacle Peak light and go right.  Entrance will be on the right and a marquee will display shelter location).  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the Mesa First Church of the Nazarene located at 955 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ and officiated by Pastor Caudle.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to your charity of choice as Judy was fond of donating to numerous charities. 

Karen Ann Eilert was born under an endless summer sky in a small Kansas town in the summer of 1954. One of ten children born to her parents, Helen and Albert, Karen spent her early years on their small family farm on the rolling prairies of America’s heartland. Life lessons came hard and fast on that little farm, and Karen had to grow up too fast and too soon. The oldest daughter among her siblings, she learned early on how to help care for her younger brothers and sisters and to help with the day to day chores essential to the life she was born into. Fearless, driven, and passionate in every aspect of her life, she was determined to become more, to accomplish more, than every statistic would say was possible.

In her professional life, Karen was focused and competitive in every sense. Beginning as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and later spending over 25 years as a Licensed Optician, she never allowed herself to be anything less than the best in her field. She took enormous pride in her profession, and pushed everyone around her to be the absolute best they could be. She had an uncanny ability to sense the untapped potential in her colleagues and was relentless in challenging them to rise to their abilities.

As a single mother to three children, she was loving, nurturing, supportive, fierce, and brave beyond measure…but it was as Grandma to her seven grandchildren where Karen found joy beyond measure. A love without boundaries and with limitless hope and possibility. First with five grandsons, and, finally, through two little girls in whom she could bestow her love of hearth and home, teaching them to bake cookies and knead bread dough beside her in the kitchen.

As a wife, Karen found her “happily ever after” in her husband, Mike Valasco. He was her soul mate, best friend, and confidant. Together, they traveled the world, ate the food, drank the wine, and made memories most would envy given two lifetimes. Through her illness, he was her helpmate, caretaker, and tireless advocate. He was her anchor and safe harbor in the storm.

Karen lived life to its fullest and loved openly. She took great joy in her family, whether it was taking cruises with her husband, baking cookies with her girls (all of them), or taking her boys out to lunch. She love her country and lived to spend time with family.

Karen found eternal peace on December 30^th, but her memory and legacy lives on through her husband, Mike, three children – Brandon, Nathan, and Heidi, seven grandchildren – Hunter, Geoffrey, Colby, Eric, Jaxon, Zoey and Evelyn, four brothers, four sisters, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Karen was the strongest woman we have ever known. Her love was limitless. She is gone too soon, but will live forever in our memories as our amazing Wife, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Friend, and Colleague.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 25th at Tre Bella in Downtown Mesa (119 W Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201). Doors open at 9:30am and we’ll begin at 10am. In lieu of black, please wear Karen’s favorite color, blue.

Jack Owen Stradling, age 86, peacefully left this earth to return home to his Father in Heaven on Saturday January 11, 2020.  He was born November 10, 1933 in Mesa, Arizona to Joseph Owen Stradling and Evelyn Fern Matthews Stradling.

Jack was a native of Mesa, AZ and graduated from Mesa High School in 1952.  After high school, he attended Arizona State College as a Freshman and then was drafted into the Army, where he was stationed in Germany and traveled throughout Europe and the Middle East walking where Jesus once walked.

He was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; of the Mesa 2^nd Ward and now Pioneer Ward where he served unselfishly in many callings within the church, along with serving in the Mesa Arizona Temple.   Jack was a master carpenter his entire life and could design and build anything.  Jack was an owner in the family business of Stradling’s Cabinets working side by side with his Brothers, Uncles, and Cousins.  Jack was also a member of the Mesa Sertoma Club over 50 years in creating good citizenship in his hometown of Mesa.

Jack was a loving Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, and Friend to all.  He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Virginia Peterson Stradling and their four children; Jordan Stradling (formerly Vayla), Darton Stradling (Sherri), Ashley Alvarez (Troy), Amber Lee (Mike).  He is also survived by 15 Grandchildren, and 7 Great Grandchildren, his brother Phillip Stradling (Dora); sisters Linda Messmer (Ken); Shelley Webb (Gary), and many other cousins.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; Charles, Dean, and Donald; along with his sister Jayne Vance (Leland).

Funeral Services will be held on Friday January 17^th 2020 at the Mesa Stake Center at 1050 S. Hobson Street, Mesa, AZ 85204, at 10am, with a viewing at 9am prior to the Services.

Robert Clifford “Bob” Merrill, 92, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2020 after a full and interesting life.  Robert was born April 12, 1927 to Clifford and Vera Merrill in Safford, AZ.  He married his first love, Bettie, with whom he shares three children, Lianne, Stephen and Kevin. Robert retired after working 22 years for Salt River Project to care for Bettie until her death from cancer. They were lucky to have celebrated over 40 years of marriage together.  He then married wife, Bessie, whom he spent several happy years with before her death, also from cancer.  He then found and married his next companion, Zilan, whom he also spent several loving years with until her death from heart failure.  Robert then met his match with beloved wife, Janet, and lived an active and happy life with her until the day he died.  He was blessed to serve many couples church missions throughout his married life for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His hobbies included fishing, diving, bowling and card games with family and friends.  Robert is preceded in death by wives Bettie Jane Jelte Merrill, Bessie Laverne Jepson Merrill and Zilan Janet Hollingshead Merrill; grandsons Kevin Clifford “KC” Merrill and Christopher Brent Whiting.  He is survived by wife, Janet Cleone Hillstrom Steffen-Merrill; sisters, Shirley Merrill White and Elaine Merrill Ellsworth; brother, Richard Allen Merrill; children, Lianne Ruth Merrill (Ted) Langston, Stephen Brent (Kathy Barrow-Kimball) Merrill, Sr. and Kevin Scott (Beverly Taylor) Merrill; 7 stepchildren; 15 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.  Memorial services are Saturday, January 18, 2020, 11am-1:30pm, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2265 S. Hawes St., Mesa, AZ 85206.  Flowers can be delivered to the memorial services.

David W. Grafton, 75, passed away peacefully December 24, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.  David was very proud to be an Army Veteran.  He loved dogs, nature and making people laugh.  In heaven to meet him were his parents Elizabeth Ida and Elmore Hill Grafton, brother Elmore Grafton and sisters Vivian Curson, Elizabeth North, Isabel Fray, and his three furry friends (Sounder, Conrad, & Boomer).  Keeping David in their loving memory are his beloved wife Karolyn of 47 years, sisters Erean Culbertson, Jean Dunn and Meg Surber.