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Wyatt Scott Funk
03/01/1999 - 12/24/2019

Wyatt Scott Funk, 20, passed away in a car accident in the early hours of December 24th, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Wyatt led a life full of travel, adventure, and fun. From snowboarding, snowmobiling, to wake surfing and other sports, Wyatt was always ready to try it and excel at it. When not occupied with school or adventuring, Wyatt could often be found working under the hood of his favorite truck, a 1969 Chevrolet C10, or zipping through the streets of Mesa on his moped with his “Scoot Gang”.  Nicknames given by friends and family include: Mr. Intensity, WyWy, Avocado, Funky Monkey, and Mesa’s Best Friend.

At age 18, Wyatt served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to Federal Way, Washington State, where he deepened his love for the Savior and learned to help other people. He even extended his mission for a month at the request of his new Mission President. His energetic and hardworking nature, as well as his goofy confidence, endeared him to all who met him. People flocked to him just to be around him. He truly exemplified Christlike love in all his relationships.

Wyatt was loved and adored by his family. He is survived by both of his parents, Wayne and Lexie Funk; his four siblings Tyler, 29 (wife Stephanie, 29, daughter Cora, 18 months), Josh, 26 (wife McKenzie, 27), Westin, 23 (wife Madelyn, 23, son Wren, 6 months), and Ciera,17. He also leaves behind a strong community of family, friends, and neighbors who love and will miss him dearly.

Wyatt’s family will sorely miss his always-positive outlook on life and the energy he infused into every situation. His presence alone made everything more fun. The Funk family looks forward to the day that they can be together again as an Eternal Family through the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 3rd at 11 Am, preceded by a viewing at 9 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints’ Hermosa Vista Stake building, 2701 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa. Wyatt will be buried at Mesa Cemetery following the services. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

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Glendon Joseph Kirch
02/22/1942 - 12/23/2019

Glendon (Glen) J. Kirch passed away December 23, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was preceded in death by parents Herman and Bertha.  He is survived by wife: Toni Erman–Kirch; sons: Robert, Chad, and Brad Kirch.  He also had 4 grandchildren: Jared, Brittani, Shayn and Kasey Kirch all of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Glen Enjoyed a full life working auto body repair, golfing, motorcycle riding, loving his pets and his cars – especially his vintage Chevy.

Memorial Services: December 29, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Grace United Methodist Church, 2024 E. University Drive in Mesa, Arizona.  Donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.

 

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Mark Phillip Cram
09/18/1946 - 12/13/2019

Mark Philip Cram, 74 passed away December 13, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born to George and Viola Cram, in Bismarck, North Dakota.  Mark graduated from Bismarck High School in 1964.  He attended Bismarck Junior College, University of North Dakota and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Accounting, and also served in the National Guard.  Mark led an active life; golf was something he was very good at and enjoyed.  Mark resided in the Minneapolis area for about 40 years before returning to the Bismarck area.  In October of 2018 he moved to Mesa, AZ where he enjoyed the warm weather and visiting with the neighbors in his area.  Mark had a great sense of humor, was meticulous in his work and enjoyed being around people.  He is survived by his brother Don, George Jr., Jerry, David and Bob, as well as several nephews and nieces.  Also surviving is his ex-wife, Kathy in Minneapolis.  Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother Lyle and sister Janice.  Mark has been cremated and burial will be in Bismarck at a later date in 2020.

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Yvonne JANE Young Robinson
05/28/1919 - 12/19/2019

Yvonne JANE Young Robinson was born May 28, 1919 in Vernal, Utah.  She was the daughter of Albert Young and Gertrude Derbidge Young. She was the youngest of eight children. Shortly after she was born, her mother told her older sister Lora, age 10, that Lora would be in charge of this baby. This created a special bond between the two sisters for the rest of their lives. The family moved back to Salt Lake City when Jane was two and they lived there until she was thirteen when they moved to Venice, CA.

At age 15 she and her eventual husband, Ralph Grant Robinson, determined to be married once he finished his church mission. Their marriage occurred in Salt Lake on November 28, 1940. Ralph served in the Army Air Corp throughout the length of WWII. Jane and then their first son, Dave, followed Ralph to the various work stations to which he was assigned. Those included Tucson, AZ, Alamogordo, NM and Madison, WI.

Jane and Ralph have six children (Ralph David Robinson, Gregory Alan Robinson, Patricia Ann Andersen, Trudy Jane Carlson, Joseph Daniel Robinson and George Michael Robinson). She had twenty-one grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Jane approached all matters in life with a very positive attitude, a smile and a special sweet spirit. She was forever thinking of others and brought joy and inspiration to all that she met. Jane was an absolutely delightful person. She was born happy and blessed others with her cheery and grateful disposition throughout her entire 100-year life.

During Ralph and Jane’s marriage, they lived in the following places after the war: Venice, CA, Reseda, CA, Lakewood, CO, back to Venice, CA, Scottsdale, AZ, Huntsville, AL, Westchester, CA and then permanently back to Tempe, AZ in 1997. While in Tempe, Ralph took assignments for movie studio productions in Florida, New Mexico, Malta and India. Ralph passed away in 1999.

At age 92, Jane started to paint. She finished about 40 oil paintings over a six-year period. These paintings have been distributed to children and grandchildren and are now treasured keepsakes for them.

The funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Corona Building/Tempe South Stake Center 1111 E. Knox Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284, crossroads are Rural/Knox (between Warner and Ray) on Saturday December 28, 2019, 9:00 am- 9:50 am Viewing, 10:00 am-11:15 am Funeral Service, 11:30 a.m. Luncheon for the family, cemetery will follow the luncheon.

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Loris Leona Garner
May 23, 1925 - December 22, 2019

Loris Leona Johnson Garner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully December 22, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Loris was born to Rosco and Leona Hansen Johnson on May 23,1925 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She had fond memories of her childhood, graduating from Idaho Falls High School in 1943. She worked several jobs until moving to Seattle, Washington where she became a typist for the War Finance Department during World War II. She met the love of her life, Joseph Garner, while he was on leave as a B-17 bomber pilot. They were married on September 4,1946 and later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1948.

Loris and Joe moved to Preston, Idaho where they raised their family and enjoyed 66 memorable years serving in their church and community. Family, home and time spent with treasured friends brought immense happiness into their lives. After spending many winter months in Mesa, Arizona, they made it their permanent home in 2013.

Loris served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in many different capacities, although her heart and love was serving the young children as ward and stake Primary president. She had a passion for dancing, reading, cooking and traveling. She devoted her life to her family and cherished over 70 years with her greatest joy, her beloved husband Joseph.

Loris brought light and beauty into her home, creating feelings of belonging and acceptance with her kind and cheerful heart. Her warmth, selfless service and love for life inspired many to appreciate their blessings and to recognize the good under any circumstance. Her spirit of gratitude, love and unwavering faith will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Loris was preceded in death by her parents, brother Hal, husband Joseph and granddaughter Taylor Otteson. She is survived by two sons; Lance Garner (Saralee), Bradford Garner (Kathy), daughter Jody Otteson (Kevin), 12 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 10:00 am to 10:45am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Tempe South Stake Center, 1111 E. Knox, Tempe, AZ 85284, a funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be held on Monday, January 6, 2020 at 11:00 am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85024.

 

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Marlene Riggs
October 12, 1935 - December 22, 2019

Marlene Knight Riggs, born October 12, 1935, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2019, surrounded by family and loved ones.  Ready to greet her on the other side were her husband Wes, her brother Ron, her parents Keith and Lila, and four grandchildren. Left to carry on her legacy are siblings Sue Bennett and Steve Knight, her seven children: Rita (Les) Pico, Raylene (Greg) Anderson, Rosemarie (Gary) Gunnell, Russ (Jesse) Riggs, Renay (Kevin) Barnwell, Ryan (Rikki) Riggs, and Rebecca (Rusty) Tingey; 36 grandchildren, and 47 great grandchildren.

Marlene will always be remembered for her contagious laugh, her bounding energy, her cheerful enthusiasm, her generous spirit, her unwavering faith, and her overflowing love she gave to everyone around her. We will miss her deeply.

Marlene has touched the lives of many people in many places.  She actively sought out the one.  No individual is anonymous–no encounter is insignificant.  For example, at restaurants while we would be looking over the menu and deciding what to order, Mom would be visiting with our server–making a new friend and sincerely learning all about her. At family gatherings we would be visiting and suddenly realize mom wasn’t there.  A search would find her sitting on the floor happily playing with dolls with a small granddaughter. Of the 4 full-time missions she served with Wes, three of them were spanish speaking. The language was an obstacle for her, but did that stop her from seeking out the one?  No!  She carried pens, pencils, gum, and candy in her purse so that she would have a small gift for each child she encountered.

Marlene loved being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She found joy serving in a variety of assignments, and would throw her heart into each one exclaiming that the calling she currently had was her “very favorite one.”

Marlene has made the world a better place, one connection at a time.  If you are one of the many she has singled out and touched, please come celebrate her legacy.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 5350 E McLellan Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205.  The family will be receiving loved ones prior to the service (10:00 – 10:30 AM) and also on Friday, December 27, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Church’s Missionary Fund

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Charles Ray Haller
July 17, 1933 - December 21, 2019
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James Melvin Harrison
09/20/1935 - 12/17/2019

James Melvin Harrison passed away peacefully at home in the company of his loving wife on Tuesday morning, December 17, 2019.

Jim was born September 20, 1935 in Ogden, Utah.  His parents were Joseph Melvin and Thelma Louise Jones Harrison, who preceded him in death. Jim spent his early years in Ogden and later in California until he left for Sydney, Australia, where he served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After graduating from Brigham Young University, Jim married the love of his life, the beautiful Sandra Lou Asay, in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 5, 1962.  His love and adoration of his “Sandy Lou” was deep and abiding. Jim and Sandy enjoyed a very happy family life and brought seven children into the world.  The couple had a goal that their children would love one another and be very close.  They worked at this goal by making time for family trips, home evenings, scripture study, game nights, and other family activities.  The result of this time and effort is a rare bond of closeness among the family members.  Jim was an exemplary father and a devoted husband.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim was passionate about his religious life.  His strong testimony of the Savior got him through many trials and challenges, and he gave his best effort to follow His example.  He loved every opportunity he was given for service in the Church.  He especially cherished his time serving as missionary, bishop, and temple worker.  He considered his service in the temple to be “the frosting on the cake” of his church service opportunities.  Throughout his life, Jim loved turning to scriptures for comfort and guidance.

Because Jim was a great friend himself, he made friends with some of the most wonderful people one could ever hope to know.  His family and friends knew that he cared deeply about them.

Jim enjoyed business and treasured the relationships that developed from these interactions.  In addition to being an avid reader, golfer, BYU football fan, and world traveler, Jim was passionate about art.  He was particularly fond of early Utah art, and he amassed a significant collection that he was very proud of.

Jim made an indelible impact for good on his family and many others. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his lovely wife, Sandy; siblings, Bonnie and David; and his children, JB Harrison, Sissy (Blake) Izatt, Chris (Doug) Peterson, Jared (Jackie) Harrison, Andi (Aaron) Raty, Jen (Chad) Martin, and James Harrison; his grandchildren, London (Sky) Sway, Finn, Willow, Crew, and Raymond; McCall Izatt (Mitch Tall); McKenzee (Shane) Graham, Nora, Remi, Scottie, and Skeen; Chance (Alyse) Asher, Rowe, Demi, and Paris Peterson; Marcus Peterson; Parker Izatt; Macy (Cole) Ridge Raymond; Amber Raty; Noelle, James, and Sarah Martin; Cheyenne and Blaze, Destiny and Emie, Kendall, and Tinsley Harrison. Jim’s grandchildren know him as “Poppy.”

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; Sandy’s parents, Bert and Sally Asay; her siblings, Kathleen and Michael; and son-in-law, Geoffrey Showell.

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 9:45-10:45 am, prior to the funeral service, which will begin at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house, 11121 East Ray Road, Mesa, Arizona.  Interment will be held at Bountiful City Utah Cemetery.  To send online condolences please visit: www.bunkerfuneral.com or https://www.goffmortuary.com/

 

 

 

 

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Ridge Charles Miller
02/26/1970 - 12/11/2019

On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, Ridge Miller, father, son, brother, and uncle, and boyfriend, passed away suddenly at the age of 49 years. He was born to Richard and Romaine Miller of Mesa, Arizona on February 26, 1970.

He was a handy man who enjoyed fishing, boating, and cooking. He loved watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers.

Ridge will be forever remembered by his daughters, Hannah, Ashley, and Amanda, whom he shared with his former spouse Deanna, by his parents Richard and Romaine Miller, and by his sisters Roxanne (Earl) Feddick, Rochelle (Glen, Jr.) Fort, and Rhonda (Jim) Eyster. Ridge will also be forever remembered by his girlfriend Donna and his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends. He will be missed by his dog, Little and his bird, Jimmy.

A visitation & memorial service will be held on Friday, December 20, at 11:00 a.m., at Bunker Family Funerals and Cremation, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213.

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Randy Lane Goodman
02/20/1956 - 12/15/2019

Randy Lane Goodman, 63 years old, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully at home December 15, 2019 surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born February 20, 1956 in Tucson, AZ to Donald Eugene Goodman and Della Lou Miller Goodman. He was the fourth of seven children. He woke up early every morning of his life whether it was milking cows, going to football, baseball or basketball practice, serving others or pouring concrete. While attending St. David, AZ High School, he was recognized with multiple sports awards. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Costa Rica Mission from March 1975 to March 1977, which included serving in Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica. He married his best friend, Debbie Jean Kerby, August 11, 1977 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He has served as Young Men’s President, 11-year-old Scout Leader, Bishopric Counselor, Stake High Counselor and most recently as Bishop of the Crosspoint Ward Mesa Arizona Mountain View Stake. He was a business partner owner of Sher-Good Concrete and Good-Wood Properties with Ted Sherwood. He loved his family, his Savior, serving others, gardening and sports. Randy will be remembered for his delicious homemade ice cream, hard work ethic and quiet service to others.
He is survived by his wife and seven children, Jesse James (Kristen), Stephanie Lou Holmes Piacitelli (Justin), Casey Lane (Shelley), Travis Gene (Sunni), Melinda Rae Hathcock (Stephen), Breanna Dawn Ellingson (Martin), and Valerie Lee Heywood (Jake) and 30 grandchildren. Also his siblings Connie Merrill, Benny Goodman, Dona Lee, Deanna Chandler and Rodney Goodman. He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lou; brother, Jerry Goodman; son-in-law, Bryant Holmes; and grandson, Gunner Gene Goodman. Viewings will be Friday, December 20, 2019 5:30-7:00 pm and Saturday, December 21 at 12:00 noon with funeral service following at 1:00 pm. All will be held at the Mesa Mountain View Stake Center, 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, AZ. Interment will take place at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ following the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Humanitarian Aid for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

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Lowell Kenneth Heater
01/16/1962 - 12/12/2019

Lowell “Rusty” Kenneth Heater, born January 16, 1962 in Mesa, Arizona, passed away December 12, 2019 in San Tan Valley, Arizona.  Rusty lived all of his life in Arizona, but traveled to several states and countries throughout his life.  He loved to travel with his wife, Lucy of over 30 years and they had several stamps in their passports as well as many miles on their car.  For the last 11 years their main focus has been on raising their twin nieces that they have had full custody of since May 2017.  Rusty spent most of his married life working with the youth at church in the scouting program.  He faced everything head on and never complained about anything.  He was an amazing man who was willing to help anyone with anything.  He was fun loving and full of life.  He was extremely intelligent and very spiritual.  He loved the Lord and he loved his family.  He was loved very much and will be deeply missed.

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James (Jim) Lloyd Henry, Sr.
06/13/1945 - 12/11/2019

Jim Henry, 74, was born on June 13, 1945. He passed away in his home on December 11, 2019. Jim is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters Becky (Richard) Fields, Diana Henry, Stacy (Daniel) Oertel, son James Henry, Jr, and sisters Sue Bickford, Sandy (Paul) Borsch and Tanna Jo Henry. Jim is proceeded in death by parents Lloyd & Donna Henry, sister Theresa, brother Gerry, and sister Nancy. He served in the United States Navy and Army. At the time, Jim was proficient at morse code – although he could have embellished the story, which he was known to do.

One of the many things Jim loved in life was to make people laugh. You could count on him for a joke (good, bad, or even inappropriate), recounting a story he saw on the news (good or bad) or the latest weather update (yours or his). Before retiring, Jim drove a stretch of road in every state except Alaska and Hawaii as a long-distance truck driver. But, don’t mention the “w” word to him later in life because that was a swear word! The over-the-road career was a love-hate relationship because it kept him away from his family. The open road called him back over the last few years, so he and Kathy bought an RV, which they planned to move into and travel the country. Jim’s love for seeing the world took him, alongside Kathy, across oceans by plane and by boat – the latter was his favorite. Cruising on the open waters was his happy place. Jim loved sharing stories of the ports and cities they stopped at or the elaborate dinner show they got all dressed up for and the subsequent photo they took with the ship’s captain.

Jim enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and pointing out when he won the family football pool. He loved old John Wayne movies, Johnny Carson and singing along with Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. Safe to say that one of Jim’s favorite more recent gifts from his kids was seeing Bocelli in concert.

Jim had the gift of gab and loved talking with anyone who would listen. He enjoyed going to his favorite local watering holes and treasured the friendships he had formed with staff. Jim loved hearing his name being called out and a wave hello from whoever was about to pour his usual.

What he valued the most was his family. His parents, sisters, and brother, large extended and immediate family. Jim and Kathy would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in June of 2020. Married life is full of challenges and detours with a partner you sometimes want to exchange for a new flat-screen TV (and it was only a 28-inch)! At the end of the day, that partner has your back as Jim and Kathy did for each other. Jim loved Kathy and the life they made together. Despite the very long-running joke about not liking sweets, that’s why he married her, he looked forward to having Kathy around 24/7 when she would finally retire. Kathy might have been prolonging retirement – guess the secret is out. Their most significant accomplishments together are their children.

Jim was very proud of and loved bragging about his children Becky, Diana, Stacy, and James, Jr. Each one with their unique talents and gifts that they share with the world today because he and Kathy decided to hang out after meeting at a party on October 25, 1969. Seven grandchildren and a great-grandson filled his heart, and he showed it by teasing them endlessly – after all, he said it was his job to do so!

Jim’s journey was filled with adventures, memories with those he loved, and laughs with friends and strangers. Jim, Dad, Grandpa, brother, uncle, friend … you will be missed by many. May your infectious laugh and smile fill the heavens and be heard by those who love you here on earth until we meet again. 

Funeral services are Thursday, December 19, 2019, at 11am, preceded by a visitation at 10am at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona, 85213. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JDRF and the Lupus Foundation of America.

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Jodie Marie Jones
June 14, 1959 - December 11, 2019

Jodie Jones passed away on December 11, 2019 following a courageous battle with cancer. Daughter of Dr. Richard and Elaine Barnes, she leaves behind her husband of 36 years, Alan Jones, four children Nicole Zinn, Natalie Walter, Jessica Jones, Sterling Jones and nine grand children.

Jodie’s life will forever be remembered for her enduring selfless service for others and measured by the multitude of people who loved her.

She was gregarious, thoughtful and lit-up every room she entered with her boundless energy and infectious love for life and those around her.

Jodie was reared in Rialto California, was President of her High school student body, graduated from BYU with a bachelor degree in communications, served as a Latter-Day Saint missionary in Jackson, MS and has continued to serve in various leadership positions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints during her 33 years in Mesa, AZ.

Following her successful battle against breast cancer six years ago, she, with her son Sterling, started JoJo’s Chocolate, inspired by her own invention during her breast cancer treatment.

She will forever be loved, missed and admired for the indelible mark she left on this world. Without a doubt, this saint has returned to her Heavenly Father and will be warmly welcomed by her mother Elaine.

 

 

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Kevin Wade Horne
09/09/1961 - 12/09/2019

In loving memory of Kevin Wade Horne, age 58 of Mesa, Arizona who passed away on December 9, 2019 after a valiant fight with stomach cancer.

Kevin was born in Phoenix, Arizona on September 9, 1961. He was raised in Mesa and Lehi, Arizona. He graduated from Westwood High School and continued his education at Mesa Community College, receiving his associates degree.

Kevin lived his life as a devoted father and loving husband. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a peacemaker and patient man who always sought to see the best of people. He was a spiritual man who lived by his faith and served in many callings which he enjoyed. He will be deeply missed by all who love him.

Kevin is survived by his Mother Dixie Horne, Norma Horne (Spouse), Haylee Horne (Daughter), Bethany Lewis (Daughter,) and her husband Jeris, Benjamin Horne (Son) and his wife Miranda, Anneliese Liddle (Step-Daughter) and her husband Joseph, Jessica Broadhead (Step-Daughter) and her husband Devin, Harrison Messer (step-son), Ethan Horne (Son), and Abigail Horne (Daughter). He lives on through his eight grandchildren, Kyler, Ryker, Ridge, Wade, Brinley, Steele, Millie and Scarlett, Keith Horne (Brother), Shelly McNaughton (Sister), Lisa Hargrave (Sister), Kenneth Horne (Brother) and numerous nephew and nieces. He was preceded in death by his Father William Horne and Brother Benjamin Horne.

The funeral services will be held December 17, 2019 at 10:00 am (9:00-9:40 am visitation) at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1266 S. 32nd Street Mesa AZ 85204. Visitation will also be held Monday December 16, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr.  Mesa AZ 85213. Burial will follow at the Mesa Cemetery.

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John Whipple Skouson
09/29/1934 - 12/09/2019

John Whipple Skouson passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and six children, on December 9, 2019. The 7th of 10 siblings and a descendant of Mormon pioneers, John was born on September 29, 1934 in El Paso, Texas. When he was 9 years old, his family moved to Mesa and bought a home just south of Main and Center Streets, where he lived until departing for a Church mission. John met Leola Lamb at a dance at the Mezona in downtown Mesa in 1954, just a few months later, the couple was engaged. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on March 8, 1957, just three weeks after his return from the West Central States Mission, and have hardly been separated since.

Following their marriage, John and Leola began a 62-year life together that took them throughout the western United States, including Gilbert, Buckeye, Snowflake, Taylor, and Mesa, Arizona, American Falls, Idaho, Warden, Washington, Deming, New Mexico, Blanding and Moticello, Utah, and Sedan, Kansas. John had a love of farming that included managing a sugar beet farm in Washington and ranching cattle on 400 acres in Kansas.

John’s life was marked by a rich family experience and deep commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His proudest achievement was his six children and their faithful service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His 42 grandchildren know him as a fun-loving and involved grandfather who wasn’t afraid to interview them about their experiences.

John is survived by his wife, Leola, six children Kimberly Call, Demeron Skouson, Tamara Russell, Candace Esser, Daken Skouson, and Stephanie Ross, 42 grandchildren, and 71 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM at the Mesa North Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 933 E. Brown Road in Mesa. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral at 10:30 AM in the same building.

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Donovan Crandell
07/18/1939 - 12/02/2019

Donovan Crandell was born July 18, 1939 in Snowflake, AZ to Donald Glen Crandell and Ruth May Webb. He passed away peacefully in his home on Monday December 2, 2019. He married his sweetheart Sondra Atwood in the Mesa, AZ LDS temple May 2, 1958.

Donovan was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served faithfully in numerous callings. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them whenever he could. During his younger years he played baseball and basketball and was part of several championship teams. He also played church softball and basketball and traveled to many tournaments with those teams. Donovan and his father, Glen, were a dynamic horseshoe pitching team and they won many competitions together. He loved sports and instilled that love within his children. Donovan had a beautiful bass voice and loved singing, especially with his sweet wife. He has left a legacy of love for music with his loved ones, many of whom are excellent musicians. Anyone who knew him loved his quick wit, spunky personality, sarcastic humor, and genuine love for the welfare of others. We believe that his greatest work here on earth was his life filled with service and giving of himself. If asked what his most priceless possession in this life, he would say his family. Donovan is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Donovan was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sondra, daughter Vicki Fletcher, and his parents, Glen and Ruth Crandell. He is survived by his children Becky (Cache), Amy (Doug), Don, and Todd (Tiffani); 22 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren.

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Arizona Obituaries And Obituary Archive

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