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Henry Junior Higley… August 10, 1934 – December 30, 2019 of Mesa Arizona. He passed away at home with his daughters Sharon Smith and Gaylene Tatge by his side. He joins his eternal companion, Dorothy Irene Brown Higley. He was born to Henry Higley and Fern Violet England Higley. He is survived by his four daughters, Irene Charney (Joe), Sharon Smith (Wayne), Elaine Stepp (Dan deceased), Gaylene Tatge (Keith), 11 grandchildren, along with great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Henry Junior Higley was the oldest of 9 children: De Roy (deceased), La Neta(deceased), Jay (deceased), Doug, Ann, Beth, Myrna, Marilyn. He was very attached to his little dog, Angel.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in numerous callings including Counselor in the Bishopric in Idaho.

Henry worked hard all his life to provide for his family. He was the best Dad four girls could have.

A Graveside service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 3:00pm, at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Joyce Elaine Hill, 89, passed away peacefully at home December 28, 2019. Joyce was born September 2, 1930.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents Mervin and Mae Enzler, her husband of 53 years, Edgar Paul Hill, and her grandson, Michael Bent.

Joyce is survived by her brother Edwin Enzler, her four daughters, Sylvia Kent, Lillian Valley, Linda Molloy, and Violet Bent, 12 Grandchildren and 17 Great- Grandchildren.

Joyce was very active in her church for her whole life. Joyce enjoyed her family, especially the Grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2334 East Pueblo Avenue, Mesa, Arizona 85204.  Interment will be held at the Russian River Cemetery on Low Gap Road in Ukiah, CA 95482 on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 1:00pm.

Michael Eugene Taylor, 70, passed away in Mesa, AZ, on December 26, 2019 after an 8 year battle with cancer. He was born on November 27, 1949, in Winston-Salem, NC, to William Roy Taylor and Mary Idell Parrish.

He is survived by his wife, Lesli Gower Taylor, sisters Janice (Maurice) Yokley (Winston-Salem, NC) and Donna (Willie) Jamison (Winston-Salem, NC). Daughter Serena (Adam) Schmidt (Windsor, CO), Jennifer Young, (Ely, NV), Brooke (Joshua) Liddell (Myton, UT), Bradley (Joshel) Taylor (Provo, UT), Brandon (Mayerlin) Taylor, (Gilbert, AZ) as well as his grandchildren: Jacob Steinfeld, Chris Young, Collin Young, Bradley Schmidt, Andrew Young, Tristan Schmidt, Lindsey Schmidt, JD Taylor, Aidsa Arellano Banderas, Alexander Arellano, Harper Liddell, Reese Liddell, Merrick Liddell, Anthony Taylor, Kendall Taylor, Edith Taylor, Watson Liddell, Mark Taylor, Ender Liddell, Maxen Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Roy Taylor and Mary Idell Parrish; as well as Mary Ellen Crews, sister and Don Taylor, brother.

Mike grew up in Kernersville, NC and graduated from East Forsyth High School, class of ‘68. In 1968, he was drafted into the Army and served until 1971. After an honorable discharge, he worked full time as he began his career in retail with Kmart, opening stores around the US while attending college full time. In 1979, he transferred with Kmart to the western US and met and married Lesli in Mesa, AZ in 1982, and was sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. He worked in management for Kmart for 33 years. He then shifted to management with Best Buy for 7 years and retired in 2012. He spent his retirement visiting family and teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade.

Mike’s pride and joy was his wife Lesli of 37 years as well as his kids. He also had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 3rd from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Bunker Family Funeral Home at 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa, AZ. There will be a viewing beginning at 10:00 AM and funeral to follow at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 4th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building located at 1852 North Stapley Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203.

Jennifer Lynn Machula entered mortality on November 21, 1975 and entered eternity on December 28, 2019. Over her lifetime she revealed herself to be a loving, empathetic, and spiritual woman. She was an accomplished vocalist and pianist as she held a Bachelor of Arts cum laude which she used to bless those in her sphere of influence. Jennifer also enriched the world by serving a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the face of many obstacles and disappointments, such as twice confronting cancer, Jennifer chose to respond with faith and courage. In the end her powerful example shows she came off conqueror, doing so with grace.

 Those of her friend circle say she is a joy to be around and loyal, always supporting and encouraging. Those of her family say she is loving, tender and of an understanding heart. Those who casually know her say she has a keen and discerning mind.

 Jennifer leaves behind two sons Jordan and Dallas Merdick who adored and relied on her; her former husband and childhood friend Grayson Merdick; her father and step-mother Myron and Dorothy Machula; two siblings Cindi Baltz and Ryan Machula. Finally, she also has many relatives, friends, and associates of both long-standing and newer acquaintance. Her mother Terri Lee Franks Machula preceded her in death.

 Memorial services are contemplated for January 11, 2020 at 10:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 745 North Val Vista, Mesa, AZ 85205.

Audrie Hartsfield Taylor, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona.  Audrie was born on October 10, 1934 in Tucson, Arizona, to Audie Ray Hartsfield and Helen Tilton Hartsfield. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She taught pre-kindergarten through third grade in California, Utah, and Texas—retiring in 2002 as Teacher of the Year in the Fabens Independent School District. Audrie touched the hearts of many while living in various places including San Diego, Miami, Puerto Rico, El Paso, Mexico City, and Ottawa, Canada. Audrie, a devout and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served in various callings including Primary and Relief Society President. Her love of music and flair for the dramatic made the award-winning roadshows that she wrote and directed special events for all.

Audrie was a social butterfly with a well-developed talent for visiting and socializing. She was the perfect hostess and a wonderful cook renowned for tacos and desserts. Above all, Audrie was a loving and devoted mother. Audrie is survived by her children (and their spouses), Wayne H. Taylor (Karen), Thomas “Tom” G. Taylor, Troy T. Taylor (Stacy); her former husband, Wayne O Taylor; and her siblings (and their spouses), Donald Hartsfield (Vicci), LaRae McDaniel (Vic), and Jim Hartsfield.  She is also survived by nine (9) grandchildren (and their spouses), Cory (Emily), Aaron (Rachel), Jeremy (Shaylie), Travis, Hayley (Neil), Trina (Dallin), Caroline (Tyler), Hunter, and Hudson; and by seven (7) great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Vineyard Ward LDS Chapel located at 650 W. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ—viewing at 10:00 am with service to follow at 11:30 am. Bunker Family Funeral Home, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 (www.bunkerfuneral.com)

Elizabeth Deatra Montgomery passed away in her sleep on December 26, 2019 in Gilbert, AZ. She was 61 years old and lived there her entire life. She was preceded in death by parents Cecil and Betty Burger. She is survived by husband Ernest of 43 years and children William, Carl, Rocky, Wesley and Ashley and grandchildren Veronica, Heidi, Jordan and Julian. 

Elizabeth enjoyed life, her family and gossiping with her friends. She was especially proud of her grandchildren. 

Viewing will be held Thursday January 2nd 2020 at 10am with services starting at 11am at Bunker Funeral Home 33 N Centennial Way in Mesa. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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/

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.

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.