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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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 32^nd 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.

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.

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.

Master Sergeant Frederick M. Rogers, 81, passed away while peacefully holding his wife Lil in his arms, on Thursday, December 5^th, 2019 in Queen Creek, Arizona. Fred was a devoted husband and loving father. He retired from the US Air Force after serving 22 years. After retirement he moved his family to Mesa, AZ, where he became a very active member of the El Zaribah Shriners. He played in the Drum and Bugle Corps and fulfilled many duties. Fred is survived by his wife, Lil of 62 years; and son, Slate and his wife, Cindy; and daughter, Sandra and her husband, Robert. He lives on through his 4 grandchildren; Ryan and his wife, Paula; Hope and her husband, Michael; Sarah; Seth and his wife, Samantha; including 5 great-grandchildren; Angelina, Cayden, Caydence, Bentley and baby Heuer (due Jan 21, 2020). Fred also has one surviving brother, Bob and his wife Betty. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 1 PM, at El Zaribah Temple 552 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona.

Ronald Harold Huemiller Sr. of Mesa, AZ, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2019 at the Lund Home Hospice of the Valley at the age of 81.  He was born on June 20, 1938 in Utica, MI.  19 years later, he married his high school sweetheart, and fellow bandmate, Karen Marsh, on June 30, 1957.  They came to Mesa in 1970 and after relocating to Utah in 1977, they returned to Mesa permanently about a decade later.  A bowling aficionado, Ron shared his love of the pins with everyone he met, often recounting the game for his family frame by frame.  He had many 300 games and held at least a dozen 800 series wins with the rings to prove it.  Being inducted into Mesa Metro Association Bowling Hall of Fame was one of Ron’s proudest accomplishments.  He was an everyman and tried a number of varied jobs but bowling was where his heart lay.  He passed that love on to his children and grandchildren.  Ron was always a pleasant and outgoing man and liked to say that he never met a stranger.

Ron is predeceased by his parents, his younger brother, Dale, and his beloved wife of 57 years, Karen Marsh Huemiller (2016).  He is survived by their 9 children: Ronald H. Huemiller, Jr., Donald Huemiller, Tony Huemiller, Larry Huemiller, Heather Huemiller Gentry, Peter Huemiller, Heidi Huemiller Thornhill, Matthew Huemiller, and Kristi Huemiller Mabry.  The pair leave behind a legacy comprised of a multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even a few great great grandchildren.

Ron requested to be cremated and did not wish to have a ceremony.  Anyone desiring to celebrate Ron’s life is encouraged to gather their family and friends, raise a glass in his honor, and go bowl a few frames.

Craig Parker went home to the arms of his Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ on December 4, 2019. Craig is survived by his beloved wife Kerry Esther Parker and 6 children: Annie (Timothy) Amundsen, Elizabeth (Daniel) Thorup, Kathleen (Raymond) Heidt, Hannah (Joshua) Zuniga, Max (Brianna) Parker, and Fred Parker; 10 grandchildren: Amelia, Luke, Everly, Edric, Cecily, Maverick, Madilyn, Diana, Tucker and a grandson due in March; mother Myrtle Elizabeth Parker; and 5 siblings: Jim Parker, Curtis Parker, Raymond Parker, Andrea Willis, and Lauri Astel. He is preceded in death by his father Clyde Monroe Parker.

Craig Wendell Parker was born January 31, 1955 in Snowflake, AZ.  He was the fourth son of Clyde and Myrtle Parker. In 1973 he graduated from Mesa High.  Throughout his life, Craig was athletic and physically strong. He enjoyed many sports, both as a spectator and participant.  He especially enjoyed playing softball.  As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a Spanish speaking mission in the New York, New York Mission, where his testimony and love of his Savior strengthened.  Craig married his one and only true eternal love Kerry on November 16, 1985 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. 

He always made sure to take care of his family and loved them unconditionally.  He cherished family time—whether on family camping trips, a night at the movie theater, or to Disneyland.  He leaves a legacy of treasuring family ties.

Craig was a lifelong learner.  His mind was never happy remaining idle.  He found entertainment in brain puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku and teaching himself languages.  He carried a pen and pad of paper with him, many times with complicated sketches all done using math and science.  He loved helping his children with their homework. Calculus, trigonometry, biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy—it didn’t matter which subject, he was teeming with knowledge.  Many times, his lessons at the kitchen table were more in depth, fascinating and longer than the actual class!  

Craig had a warm and cheery personality, with just the right amount of humor that drew many people to him.  It was always a delight to be around him at family and social gatherings!  He had an ability to make people feel happy and comfortable.  Craig was a hardworking and caring individual who was always willing to take the time to help those around him.  Over the years, Craig served in many ward and stake callings.  He served honorably, and with love and dedication. He carried a Christ-like light about him and ensured that his wife, children and grandchildren knew of his everlasting testimony.

For all those who would like to share in celebrating the life of this great man, a viewing will be held for Craig on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 6-8pm at Bunker Family Funerals- 3529 E University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. There will also be a viewing from 9-10am on Saturday, December 14, 2019 followed by a funeral service at 10:00am at the LDS Church building on 5350 E McLellan Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205.    A Venmo account has been set up for donations to aid in the funeral expenses. www.venmo.com/KerryParker  or through the Venmo app: @KerryParker

Robert David Winebrenner passed away on December 5, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. His arrangements will  be handled by Bunker Family Funeral Home.