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

On December 4, 2019 Lowell Kent Gardner returned to be with our Father in Heaven. He left us very unexpectedly and much too soon. Lowell and his family resided in Mesa, Arizona at the time of his passing. Lowell was an example of kindness and service to all those around him. He genuinely loved with his whole heart. He lived life to the fullest with his family at the forefront of all he did and was a devoted husband and father. Whether with his family and friends, in his job as a Usability Engineer, or serving at church, Lowell was a calming, reassuring presence to all those around him. He will be missed more than words can adequately express.

Lowell was born in Payson, Utah to Richard Allan Gardner and Zilpha Diana Nielsen. He lived in many places, but Thatcher, Arizona was home to him. He graduated from Thatcher High School in 1996. Lowell met his wife, Becky at Eastern Arizona College in 2000 soon after returning from a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married May 18, 2001 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple and enjoyed more than 18 years of marriage together before his untimely death. 

Lowell is survived by his wife Rebecca “Becky”; his two children, Joshua Logan (17) and Tylee Mabel (12); his parents, Allan and Zilpha; and his siblings, Doug (Maria), Jeff (Lizeth), Randall (Jennifer), Tiffany (Wes Gilmore), Gary (Heidi), and Corrianne (Nathan Coons) and their families. 

You will be in our hearts forever… Until we meet again.

Services will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10305 E. Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85208. 

A viewing will be held at 9am followed by the memorial at 10am. 

Interment for immediate family members will take place at 12pm at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85207. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a private memorial fund to help with funeral expenses and support for Lowell’s surviving wife and children during this difficult time.  Donations can be made by visiting: https://give.donatekindly.org/lg996/makedonation/donation/60b33571-d5b1-4e94-8464-1471b23deffa

Feonisia “Sia” Sikalu, 54, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Mesa, Arizona due to God’s calling. He leaves behind his beloved wife Sepi Tuakini Ma’ake Sikalu, his daughter Joycelyn Sikalu Lomu and husband Mafi, daughter Luisa Paea I Muli Sikalu, son Taniela Piukala Sikalu, daughter Amelia Losena Tupou Ha’ano Sikalu and daughter Ruby Lolohea Sikalu.

Born at Neiafu, Vava’u July 21, 1965 to parents, the late Rev. Luke Taulanga Sikalu and the late Sokopeti Sikalu. He was a brother to Sione Totau Havea, Luseane ‘Aho, Viliami Sikalu, Tevita Sikalu, Vosailangi Sikalu, Fonua Sikalu, Silia Manoa, Petiola Vaipulu and Panei Ngu.

He attended ‘Atele Government Primary School for his primary education. He entered Tonga High School in 1977 for his secondary education. Due to family obligations, he was unable to pursue further studies.  He entered His Majesty Armed Forces Tonga and was employed for several years. He then worked for the Peace Corps Tonga for 20 years which presented an opportunity for him to bring his family to the United States of America.

He was an ordained pastor for the Free Constitutional Church of Tonga. He was tasked to overlook the ‘Uluakimana Youth group. He was also involved in the Tonga High School Ex-Students Council. He was an active member of the Board for the Ministry of Health which was led by several Tongan church leaders including his late father Rev. Luke Taulanga Sikalu.  He was involved with the First United Methodist Church community and he became a staff member at the church office.

In celebration of his life, we remember the great values and principles he lived by including serving others, timeliness, being humble, hardworking, cheerful and being optimistic. He dedicated his life to giving his absolute best, no matter the circumstances. He was a devoted husband and  father and for that he will be treasured dearly. Feonisia, may your legacy live on through your works, your children and your visions. You are loved and appreciated. Fly high.

Benner Azro Hall, 101, born July 23, 1918, in Mesa, Arizona, and passed away December 1, 2019. Survived by 3 daughters: Becky (Robert – deceased) Bentley, Diane (Al) Krueger, and Joan Hall, and 3 sons: Dale (Jan) Hall, John (Annabel) Hall, and Bill (Jennifer) Hall, 26 grandchildren, 83 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife of 2 years, Patsy Dalton, and his wife of 60 years, Geraldine Hatch, along with granddaughter, Rebecca Bentley, and grandson, Andrew Hall. Served honorably as a Platoon Sergeant in the European Theater during World War II and decorated with many citations. Excelled as a Sharpshooter; some of his experiences included in the book, Saints at War, and the movie, Saints and Soldiers.

A skilled and talented woodworker, he taught Industrial Arts at Mesa Jr. High for 31 years and had a profound influence on his students. Built many homes and treasured gifts for family and friends. Active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many positions including as Bishop of the Mesa 7​th​ Ward. Also served 3 missions with his beloved wife, Geri, and was a dedicated Temple Worker. Benner was an inspiration to so many and will be greatly missed. Viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, on Friday, December 13, from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm. Viewing one hour prior to service on Saturday, December 14, at 9:00 am. Service will be held at the Kimball Stake Center, 1266 S. 32​nd​ St., Mesa, at 10:00 am. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery.

John C. McLoughlin Jr., 84 of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 3^rd, 2019 at his home with his loving wife MaryAnn, of 38 years, at his side. John was born November 19^th, 1935 in Buffalo, New York to John (Tex) and Charlotte McLoughlin, who preceded his passing along with his sister, Charlene and son, William.

John served in the US Air Force and later in the US Army National Guard and made his career as a State Farm Insurance Agent for over 40 years in Tempe, Arizona. He is survived by his children; Melanie S. Sepulveda, John M. McLoughlin, and Carrie J. Miller, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Services will be held Sunday, December 22^nd, at 4PM at The Seventh Day Adventist Church @ 1188 W. Galveston Street, Chandler, Arizona 85224.

Jordan Hope Nicholas-Yeh

葉佳音

After an uneventful pregnancy, Jordan was born quickly on 11/29/19 at 0115.  She weighed 6 pounds 5 ounces.  Soon after delivery, it was discovered that Jordan had a serious heart defect.  After fighting for 29 hours, she died peacefully in her mothers arms.  Although her life was short, she lived up to the meaning of her Chinese name– ‘good news.’  We are left with a lifetime of love and memories of our beautiful daughter.  We eagerly look forward to when we will welcome her back here on earth with a perfect heart.  She is survived by her parents Chun-yen (Jem) and Jennifer, sisters Tabitha and Olive, grandparents Jeff and Cindy Nicholas of Gilbert, Arizona, and Chuan-ching Yeh and Hui-Chen Hsu of Taipei.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday December 7 at 2 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

3441 N San Marcos Pl

Chandler AZ  85225

Nancy Jo Doyle, 73, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Monday morning, December 2nd, 2019, at The Villa Hospice Home in Mesa, AZ.

She was born to Lloyd and Virginia (Joyce) Doyle on August 8th, 1946, in Vandalia, Illinois.

Nancy worked at Bass Cabinet Manufacturing many years and Stewart Solutions as an accountant up to her retirement in 2016.

She enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and being at every single activity and life event of theirs, shopping, reading and watching her tv shows. She also kept Starbucks stock up by going through their drive thru twice daily.

She is survived by one daughter, Kim (Klitz) and son-in-law Clarence Heckathorn of Mesa, AZ; grandson Kyle (Kendra) Heckathorn and granddaughter Chelsee (significant other Kyle Dermody) Heckathorn, both of Mesa, AZ. Three sisters: Linda (Charlie) Hudson of Mesa, AZ; Gyrlee Kobler of Dixon, IL; Jan (Steve) Wybourn of Lena, IL; and one brother Jim (Kim) Doyle of Lena, IL. She is also “Aunt Nanny” to many nieces and nephews in Illinois and Arizona alike.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 6th, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at the Bunker Funeral Home in Mesa, AZ. Condolences can be sent to www.bunkerfuneral.com

Rodger Harry Denny, born December 23, 1947 passed peacefully into Heaven on Thursday November 28, 2019.  His final days were spent with loving family and friends.

He was born the 2^nd of 7 children to Donald and Mary Lou Denny.

As a child of an Air Force family, he lived at several military bases. Rodger graduated from Balboa High in Panama in 1966 and after some college he entered the Air Force serving 4 years and was honorably discharged in 1971. He served in Korea and at Minot Air Force base.

He was once married to Jill Thorstenson and to that union they welcomed their daughter, Laurie in 1974.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother, Douglas Denny.

Rodger began his Credit Union career in Bismarck ND and later as President of Town and Country Credit Union in Minot ND. During his career he was on National Credit Union Boards (Cuna Mutual) and involved with the ND Credit Union League as President for several years.

He married his wife Ruth in 2000 and when retired, they spent winters in Arizona, hiking and camping throughout the SW with friends. Summers were spent at their home on Lake Sakakawea, sailing the beautiful waters there as often as possible. They were blessed to have a wonderful group of ‘boat friends’ and shared epic adventures with them, along with so many wonderful neighbors and friends. He never turned down a chance to pitch in and help anyone who needed him. His ‘yard passion’ often drew others to consult with him on how to repeat his success with the beautiful green lawns he loved.  He was a sailor, golfer, hunter, avid traveler, and nature enthusiast. Most of all he loved his daughter, his wife, his extended family and friends. He touched so many people and will be all remembered by all.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Ruth, his daughter Laurie (Trent) Drennan and grandson Ryder of Blanchard Oklahoma, his stepsons Michael Ploof and significant other Christa of Gilbert Az, Kevin Ploof (Natalie) of Minot ND, grandchildren Cory, Jessie, Ryan, Ashley, Victoria, Bethany, Noah, Noelle, Landon and Sutton Ploof, his sister Barb (John) Dyer, brother David (Leslie) Denny, sister Donna (Bill) Hesser, brother Steve and sister Nancy (Marc) Gilliland and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Calvary Free Lutheran Church, 590 N 96^th St Mesa Az. on Friday, December 27, 2019, at 10:00 am. A future service to be held in the summer at Lake Sakakawea, Pick City ND.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of choice, or Hospice of the Valley (www.hov.org).

Harold L (only) Hubbard, age 90 passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 22, 2019. Harold was born in Gila, New Mexico on July 21^st 1929, son of Rollin Elisha Hubbard and Mary Jane Echols.  He was the 7^th of  9 children. 

Harold served his country in the United States Navy returning home to finish his education.  He later served his church as a missionary in Canada.  He loved chemistry and spent most of his working years as an analytical chemist.  He was also a skilled worker in wood, many family and friends still carry handmade pens that he loved to give away.

Harold was blessed with 2 families, He raised 2 sons (Delbert and Loran) with his first wife, Joann Boren.  After her passing, he remarried Ruth Jeanne Anderson and inherited 2 additional sons and 2 daughters (Kenny, Tim, Nancy and Linda).  He is survived by 4 sons, 2 daughters and a younger brother (Gary) as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had many friends and was a genuine gentleman.

If the measure of a person’s life is what they became by living and who they helped along the way, Harold was a raving success! We miss his kindness, his generosity, and the love he freely shared.   

A memorial will be held Saturday December 7^th at 2:00 p.m. at 1430 N. Recker Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85205.

Billy Ray Jeffers, 80, of Oneida, Tennessee, passed away quietly and peaceful on Sunday morning November 17, 2019 in Gilbert, AZ with family. He lived in Tucson for 50 years. Bill made a career serving our country. He served in the Army for 21 years. He loved the Lord and lived his testimony daily. He was grateful to be an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He joined the Church in April of 1992 and remained a strong active member the rest of his life. He enjoyed reading his scriptures and knew the Old and New Testament better than most. His favorite verse of scripture is the last verse in the Book of Mormon.

Bill loved to play the guitar and sing. He was a lifelong member of the Arizona Old Time Fiddlers of Tucson. Johnny Cash; “The Man in Black” was his favorite. He sang “I walk the line” at his son’s wedding reception. It was a perfect rendition. Dad played and sounded just like him. The last song Dad sang on Tuesday December 4, 2018 at the Old Time Fiddlers jam session was “I remember the year that Clayton Delaney Died” by Tom T. Hall. His Martin guitar now sits on a stand beside his son’s bed. He was a great father and loved his two kids and his grandchildren and left them a great legacy. He talked with his daughter and son every week. He would call and say “hello, it’s just your Dad. I was calling to tell you I love you, hope everything goes good and smooth for you today”. Bill is survived by his daughter Lorrie (Brian) Hunt and his son Anthony (Laura) Jeffers and their mother Mary Ann Jeffers. He is preceded by his parents, Ellery Jeffers and Eva Mae Keeton.

Bill was a Grand Old Warrior. Just before he passed away, Bill was able to see his first great grandson and took a four generations photo of firstborn Jeffers boys. It was a real treat for him. Bill was one of a kind. He was the genuine article.  He was a country boy through and through and boy could he survive. He was born in Oneida, Tennessee on August 26, 1939. He was raised by immediate and extended family in both Tennessee and Cincinnati, Ohio.  He loved to hunt and fish. He graduated from high school in 1960 and enlisted in the Army. He traveled all over the world and spent a great deal of time in Europe. He focused his time and energy in intelligence warfare and electronics. He could fix and repair anything. He retired from Ft. Stewart Georgia in 1981. Bill was extremely well read. He loved to learn, read and study.

A memorial service will be held on December 13, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the National Military Cemetery at 23029 North Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ 85024. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2233 South Wade Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295 following the service.

Bill was true missionary, so in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Missionary Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Temple Street Salt Lake City, UT 84150. Attn: General Missionary Fund. Please include your return address with your donation. For full online obituary, see www.bunkerfuneral.com

Steve Ketchum was born in Los Angeles on November 24^th, 1963 and later became big brother to Scott and Lisa. His parents, Barbara and Sidney, cheered him on through many adventures and endeavors in life from scouts to baseball to college and becoming a father himself.

In 1993, while living in Kansas City, he met his wife Miyuki and they were lucky to have celebrated over 26 years with one another. Together, they enjoyed creating memories with their kids and grandkids, giving them hands-down the best vacations ever!

Steve excelled in college earning a degree in Civil Engineering, which took him from Idaho to Missouri and eventually to a permanent home in Arizona. He retired from the City of Mesa after 19 years of hard work and dedication!

Steve was a loving father to his six children and a wonderful grandfather to six grandchildren. One of his major dad goals was to become Clark Griswold, which his kids can attest he certainly provided the Griswold Experience!

Steve shared his passion for music, movies, and hobbies with all those around him. When he wasn’t making jokes and quoting lines with his family and friends, he was enjoying one of his many hobbies. He played multiple sports, enjoyed ski trips, playing cards with his family, read many books, enjoyed time with his dogs, jamming on the drums, amateur karaoke & dancer, and was a highly respected trivia master!

Although, not a gourmet chef, a case could be made for his world famous carrot cake and lasagna.

Steve is survived by his wife, Miyuki, his mother, Barbara, his children, Alicia, Nathan, Alex, Hide, Dannae and Xyonane, as well as his grandchildren and many special friends.

Steve returned home to his father, Sidney, sister, Lisa, Brother Scott, and beloved pets on November 28^th, 2019.  He will be forever remembered and treasured for the thoughtful, funny and loving man that he was.  Party on, Steve!

A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday December 4^th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201.

“WOODY”

Luke Martin Seota (73 yrs. old)

Is survived by his Sister Marie, Companion/aka “wife” of 50 yrs. Jeani, his children Hope, Martin, Hannes, Jacki, Heidi, 15 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren.

Woody was very proud of his life’s accomplishments he was a Founder of the AZ. Covey Wildlife Rescue, an Auto Mechanic and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Wake Services will be held on Wednesday 12/4/2019, 4pm-10pm, at the Salt River Memorial Hall 9849 E. Earl Dr. Scottsdale, Az. 85256. Burial of Ashes/Urn will be on Saturday 12/7/2019, 10:00am at St. Francis Mission Cemetery 3090 N. Longmore Rd. Scottsdale, Az. 85256.

There will be potluck meals served after the Wake and Urn Burial services.

Harry Jean Buckmister, son of Frank Nelson Buckmister and Jessie Gould Reed Buckmister passed away peacefully on November 23, 2019 at the age of 95. Harry was born in Mankato, Minnesota on September 6, 1924 and married the love of his life Matilda Ball on December 30, 1943.

Harry served his country in the US Navy from 1943-1945 and ultimately became a flight deck plane director on the USS Petrof Bay, which was an Escort Carrier during WWII. He was part of America’s greatest generation.
In 1953, Harry and Matilda packed up their three children and everything they owned at the time and headed to Mesa, AZ with no place to call home or a job. Two additional children were born in Mesa.

Upon arrival in Mesa Harry immediately got a job with Leppla Moving to provide for his family. He then went on to work for the United States Postal Service and then ultimately the Mesa Fire Department where he earned the rank of Captain. Harry worked for the Fire Department for 25 years (1955-1980) and retired in 1980. He was the oldest living retired firefighter for the City of Mesa. Harry cherished and faithfully served as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Dad’s hands and heart were continually serving and helping others, however his greatest service, love and dedication was to his family. Our fondest family memories were spending time together in Lakeside, AZ and Rocky Point, Mexico.

Harry is preceded in death by his eternal companion of 63 years, Matilda Ball Buckmister, son Paul Jean Buckmister and grandson Brett Courtland Buckmister. He is survived by son, Douglas Kent Buckmister (Cathie), son, Kevin Ray Buckmister (Laura), daughter, Amy Woodward (Mark) and son, Karl John Buckmister (Sharon) and his grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild. We Love You Dad/Grandpa

No Services, family graveside only.

Our sister Janet Fuller, 86, has passed the bonds of this life and returned to be with her God, Savior and loved ones after a brief illness. She was born to Orin C and Faun Ellsworth Fuller and has three siblings, Ann Johnson (Ernest) deceased, Dena Spain (Andrew) and Donald O. (Kay). She attended and graduated from Mesa High School when Mesa was still a small town with only one high school.

Janet was a life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served where she was called. Her family, nieces and nephews and their families were always a focal point in her life. She loved to serve and help others when she could and most of all loved her friends with whom she could visit and spend time.

To all who knew and loved Janet thank you for your love, kindnesses and the blessing you have been in her life. You were truly special to her and greatly loved by her. We remember her kindly for all the good she has done and the blessings we have received because of her.

Ralph Louis Nasch, age 98, passed away on November 23, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Ralph was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. He served in the USAF during World War II as a B-17 bomber pilot and in the Korean War as a B-29 bomber pilot. He eventually became an instructor pilot and completed a 20 year stint as an Air Intelligence Officer, retiring as a Lt. Col.

He is predeceased by his wife Marie and infant daughter Christina Marie in Japan. He is survived by 4 children, Craig (Delyte), Gary (Terri), Johanna (Curt), and Glenn. He has 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.