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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.
Gloria Diane Pace Philp, age 82, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2019 after a 21 year battle with cancer and related illness. She was born December 17, 1936 to Heber J. and Oara Cluff Pace. She never liked the name Gloria; she preferred Diane. Diane was born and raised in Globe, Arizona and loved her hometown. Her family grew up with many fond memories there including enjoying the best Mexican food ever! Diane graduated from Globe High School in 1954 and went on to BYU where she received a degree in Secondary Education specializing in English. Immediately after graduation, Diane moved to Afton, Wyoming where she taught senior English for four years. She loved Star Valley and maintained the friendships she made there with faculty and students (continuing to grade their papers) the rest of her life. Diane left Star Valley and returned to Globe in 1961 where she met Larry Alfred Philp. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, on June 22nd of 1963. Diane was very active in her church and community. She served as the Relief Society President, Primary President, and beloved Gospel Doctrine teacher, among her many other callings. She was a born teacher, writer, and scriptorian. She knew Jesus Christ and His teachings. She never failed to live His gospel and testify of Him. Truly, she loved the Lord and spent her life in His service.
The impact she had on the world was large and far-reaching yet deeply personal and intimate. Many who knew her still have personal letters and cards she sent using precise grammar, impeccable spelling, with cute stickers and hand drawn smiley faces! She used her talent for writing to touch souls and change lives.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her older sister Pat Grover (Dick), younger sister Drusa Smith (David), younger brother John Pace (Maryann), her husband of 56 years Larry Philp, step-daughter Dana Philp of Tampa, FL. daughter Diana Weight (Ryan) of Buckeye, AZ. and son Michael Philp (JodiAnn) of Provo, UT. Diane also leaves her 3 grandchildren Pace Weight (15), Bailey Philp (12), and Madison Rae Philp (8), and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing and family greeting will be held on Friday, November 29th from
6:00-8:00 PM at the Sundance Ward Chapel at 22487 W. Sundance Parkway South, Buckeye, AZ. A funeral will be held at the Rose Lane Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 5033 N 38th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, on Saturday, November 30th at 10:00 AM. (a short viewing will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM.) Following the funeral, interment will be at the Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery at 23100 W. Broadway Rd. in Buckeye, Arizona at 1:00 PM. Bunker’s Garden Chapel handled the arrangements.
Roger W. Horton Jr., 83, passed away on November 20, 2019 at his home in Mesa, Arizona. Roger was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on July 10, 1936. He joined the US Airforce at 18 years old and retired after 23 years as a Senior Master Sergeant. He obtained a Degree from Arizona State University in Accounting and started his own accounting business, which he ran with his wife, Rita, for 20 years. Unable to sit still for very long, he went on to several other jobs just to keep himself busy. He retired for good at the age of 80 excited about spending his days doing what he loved – bowling. One of his proudest moments was being inducted into the Arizona Bowlers Hall of Fame in 2019.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents Blanch Zelck and Roger Walker Horton Sr., twin sister Ruth Kosiavelon, sister Lillian Howes, son Ron Horton and grandson Jason Brown.
Roger leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years Rita Horton, daughters; Shelly Phan, Tracy Whittenberger, Ida McCombs, Eva Rodriguez, Christina Mendez (and their spouses), son Randy Horton, 11 grandkids, and 8 great grandkids and many, many friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 29 @ 10:00am at Bunker Family Garden Chapel 33 N Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201
Malon Reed Echols, 95, died November 21, 2019, at his home in Mesa, Arizona. Malon was born on November 17, 1924, in Pima, Arizona. He was the fourth of eight children born to Venla Birdno and Robert Lee Echols. He attended Tucson High School before enlisting in the United States Army Air Corp in October 1942 and receiving his orders in February 1943. He trained as a pilot and was declared combat-ready when he was 19 years old. He was the youngest member of his flight crew by four years and was the commander of the aircraft. He was in the 389th Bombing Group, in the 566th Bomb Squadron. His crew called him Skipper and his B-24 aircraft was Lucky Lady. He successfully flew 18 missions against heavily defended targets throughout Hitler’s Europe. He also served two years in the Korean War.
Malon was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership positions throughout his life including Bishop of the Tucson 5th Ward, Stake President of the Tucson Arizona Stake, and Patriarch in the Mesa, Arizona Lehi Stake. He received many awards and honors throughout his lifetime of service, one being the honorary Silver Beaver award from the Boy Scouts of America.
Malon retired after working 41 years for Mountain Bell (Century Link), serving as a director in Arizona.
Malon is survived by sons Garren (Susan, deceased), Richard (Sandy, deceased), Douglas (Susan), and Lewis (Kathy); daughters Jennifer (Lloyd) Fenn and Allyson (John) Morris, in addition to 32 grandchildren, 93 great-grandchildren (2 on the way), and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elna Nelson Echols.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 30 at 11:00 am, with a viewing at 10:00 am in the Lehi 1st Ward building, 830 E. Lehi Rd. Mesa, AZ 85203. A viewing will be held November 29 from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Funeral Home, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.
Evelyn Bott Austin, 71, passed away November 9, 2019 at Hospice of the Valley, Dobson House, Chandler after a short battle with cancer. She was born October 23, 1948 in Brigham City, Utah to Victor Wayne Bott and Mary Decker Bott. Evelyn grew up in Central and Northern California and graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University in International Relations. In 1978, Evelyn moved to Phoenix, Arizona and it was there that she met and married the love of her life, Walter Randolph Austin. They were married for 39 happy years.
Evelyn enjoyed photography, especially travel photography, music, painting, stained glass, genealogy, spending time with loved ones, especially Walt, and reading books by Latter-day Saints church authors. She was fortunate to be able to travel to all parts of the world as a young adult and always had intriguing stories to share. Evelyn served a volunteer mission with Walt working with family history vital documents and was an extremely talented writer and keeper of family history records. Evelyn was a fierce defender of those she loved and did not like jokes about others.
Evelyn is survived by her devoted husband, Walt; brother, Victor Wayne Bott; her sister-in-law, Mary Harden Bott; nieces Suzanne Bott Gittins and Cindy Bott Kelley, and their husbands and families; aunt, LeJeune Decker, cousins and many friends who will miss her dearly.
Viewing will be from 3:00-4:00 pm on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4525 E. Knox Rd, Phoenix, 85044; with the funeral service following at 4:00 pm. Burial will take place at Brigham City Cemetery on Saturday, November 30, 2019 in Brigham City Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take a friend to lunch, spend time with loved ones, be a blessing to someone else or donate to Hospice of the Valley https://www.hov.org/donate/
Patricia Ann (Pat) Pope passed away peacefully on November 19, 2019 at their home in Meza, Arizona at the age of 78.
A celebration of life for Pat will be held at the Apache Wells RV Resort in Mesa, AZ from 10 AM to noon on Thursday, November 21, 2019. A celebration of life will also be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Melcher, IA from 1 PM to 3 PM on Saturday, November 23, 2019.
Pat was born on May 18, 1941 to Charles (Chuck) and Rose (Miller) Kissinger on May 18, 1941 in Melcher, IA. She was raised in Melcher along with her brother John and graduated from Melcher High School in 1959, which was the last class to graduate before Melcher and Dallas schools were consolidated. Pat was married to James (Jim) Pope on April 10, 1959 in Knoxville, IA and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Jim & Pat made their home in Melcher and have spent winters in Mesa, AZ for the last 14 years.
Pat will be greatly missed by her husband Jim, her children Robert James (Deneen) Pope of Holly Springs NC, Dave (Jan) Pope, Grinnell, Iowa, Rick (Gail) Pope, Indianola, Iowa and Terri (Doug) Cook Jewell, Iowa. She will also be missed by her 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Pat was very proud of her kids, and very much enjoyed being a homemaker. She never missed any of her kids’ activities when they were growing up, and she continued to attend many of her grandkids activities as well. Pat enjoyed genealogy, dancing and listening to music. She was especially fond of Abba songs! Above all else, Pat enjoyed spending time with her family. She enjoyed the laughter and love that came from getting family together for holidays and specials events.
Pat is preceded in death by her parents Chuck and Rose, and her brother John Kissinger.
Memorials may be directed to MD Fire & Rescue.
Norbert J. Frederick, better known as Fred – Born April 9, 1941, was called home on November 18, 2019. There to greet him were his parents Anthony & Louise as well as his siblings Daniel & Elaine and grandson Alex. Left to carry on his traditions is his wife Patricia and their children (Cori, Cari, Daniel and Sarah), his grandchildren (Shayne, Kayla, Gabriel, Trenton, Daniel, Tierra, Shianne, Jared, Asher, Dane, and Ryland), along with his sister Evelyn and niece Pamela.
“The Fred” Of All Trades – a veteran, builder, farmer, mechanic and entrepreneur. Fred was known for his work ethics and his devotion towards his family. Although he worked most days from sun up to sun down, he also enjoyed many hobbies including; motorcycle riding, fishing, hunting, mining and playing golf. He is greatly admired and will never be forgotten.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2520 E. Old West HighwayFuneral services are Friday November 22, 2019, Viewing begins at 10:00 am, Service begins at 11:00 am at , Apache Junction, AZ. 85119. All are welcome to join the procession to the Mesa Cemetery at 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201 for a grave dedication immediately following the services.
Trevor Russel Riggs passed away on November 15, 2019. His services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 4460 East Holmes Avenue, Mesa, Arizona 85206 on November 23, 2019 at 10:00 AM.
Charles Thomas LeSueur was welcomed to the stage January 22, 1951 and made his final curtain call Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the age of 68. Charlie was a Mesa, Arizona native born from a long lineage of Pioneers to Mesa, Arizona. His rich family history began his love of the Superstition Legend that even a near death experience there could not keep him away. He devoted his life to his family, music, theater, and most notable his love of the silver screen.
Starting from a young age his adoration of westerns was surpassed by his flair for the dramatics that only a good horror film could inspire. Charlie started developing his craft at a young age, frightening his brother into the night. His brother Ben was noted that, “he never broke character, until his favorite television show came on”. From then it was known to all that he belonged center stage. His talents and interests were fostered by the encouragement and love of his mother. As he grew into a young man, he developed a special gift for music and continued to polish his talent throughout the rest of his life, even making it onto the music charts. His love for The Dave Clark Five, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and of course The Beatles were huge influences throughout his life. Charlie never missed an opportunity to share his trivia knowledge and let his children know that back in the sixties, The Dave Clark Five was just as big and at times bigger than The Beatles, much to the shock and disbelief his children faced at learning their musical heroes were ever below anyone else. He even shared his movie knowledge by informing them that in the movie “Hard Day’s Night” George Harrison said, “I wouldn’t be seen dead in them, they’re dead grotty,” in reference to the shirts the Dave Clark Five wore.
When it was time to set out into the world, Charlie made his way to Hollywood joining the improv troupe Off the Wall. Eventually he was contacted and asked to join the television show “Hotel Balderdash” in Salt Lake City, Utah where he played the infamous character Raymond. The show surpassed many expectations and Charlie was a beloved adversary. Children would line up around the block to see the villain they secretly loved. The show was a wonderful success and to the community it is well known that without a bad guy there can be no heroes.
It is in his time in Salt Lake City while doing a play, Charlie met his amazing and beautiful soulmate, Dawn Morris, and made her take the last name of LeSueur. They were gifted with seven beautiful children who they shared their love of music, theater, and of course the movies. Now not all of us children can say that we developed the same love of horror movies as Charlie, but he raised us kids to understand the intricacies involved in all the movies including what he called the “B-rated movies” (which tended to be his favorite ones). As a Dad, Charlie honed his special knack for making each child feel as though they were his favorite and always made sure he was there for all events big and small. He shared stories, knowledge, and above all else his sense of humor. Dinner time was always filled with laughter and one of his most favorite memories was of a full-on food fight initiated by him at the dinner table.
Charlie created amazing traditions of Sunday random drives that ended in beautiful adventures, memories, and understanding of history. He always had a deep love for Arizona and would get upset when his children would mention that the Salt River was dry and filled with brush. He would quickly enlighten them that before the valley became so populated and the water was not controlled as it is now, it used to flood annually and had a lot more water in it throughout the year.
As his children grew Charlie began to receive the blessing of grandchildren, who he carried on the tradition of making them each know that to him they were the most important person in the world. As the grandchildren grew and developed personalities that matched their names, Papa dubbed each of them with a special nickname, song, or pronunciation of their name that was wrapped in his love and adoration. He spent his weekends asking his wife who was coming over, what dinner they could prepare for the kids, or what events they could attend to see their loved ones. Family get togethers were always amazing as they involved Dad usually on the couch with his eyes closed and him famously saying, “I’m just resting my eyes, just listening to everything you all are saying” (side note: he was asleep).
Charlie’s passion for theater led him to have a very successful career in advertising, community theater, as a teacher, and in radio. Winning many distinguishable awards, he eventually met with friends that helped him develop the career that made him never work a day in his life as he loved it so much. Meeting and making friends with his Hollywood heroes, he knew just as much if not more about the individuals he met. He had an amazing database of knowledge and wanted to share how wonderful his idols were with the world. Starting with the Festival of the West in the early nineties, Charlie learned all he could eventually establishing himself as a notable writer and earning himself the title of Arizona’s Film Historian. He loved meeting everyone he could and learning from them, encouraging them, and sharing with them the amazing world of the Classic Silver Screen.
My Dad would have never called himself a humble man, but his ability to lift people up, to express to others how amazing they are, and to take the time to find the best in everyone is a character trait that I am sure few people can attribute to themselves. Above all else, what many do not know which I feel honored that he shared with me is that his ultimate heroes were his Dad and his wife, Dawn. He was sad knowing that his father’s life was taken too soon, but he knew that his dad would give a person the shirt off his back, and that is what Charlie aspired to do as well. I believe he surpassed him by giving his socks too! His wife, he always said was the one who made him look good. Behind the man, behind his knowledge, behind his jovial character, he said she knew everything. When he would forget to do something, she helped him through it on a whim. She held everything together professionally and personally and at the same time was there through thick and thin. He would tell everyone all the time that she was his rock.
Charles was preceded in death by his father Ned, and his mother Wilma. He is survived by his wife Dawn and his seven children Jennifer, Jennette, Amber, Kira, Cami, Tyler, and Taylor and his siblings Ben, Lisa and their spouses Louisa and Anthony. He has nineteen beautiful grandchildren, Zachary, Emily, Alex, Marisa, Ryan, Garrett, Noah, Kayden, KD, Gavin, Ian, Nolin, Eric, Regan, Lily, Eli, Caleb, Deegin, and Henry. To Charlie the above blessings he felt honored happened because of his children’s spouses Rick, Marc, David, Tim, Mike, and Rachel.
Anyone who had the honor of brushing shoulders with Charlie knew that he was kind, loving, and genuinely cared about each person’s well-being. He wanted people to laugh and to have a good time. He wanted everyone to know that life was worth living and he portrayed this in a larger than life attitude. If there is anything to remember from his examples it is to spend today laughing and loving … it is what his family will continue to do in his honor!
If you would love and are able to share in the remembrance, please come and help honor the life of the man, the myth, and the legendary Charlie LeSueur.
Memorial Service Friday, November 22, 2019 6pm – 8pm Bunker Family Funeral Home 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201
Funeral Service November 23, 2019 10am The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 3440 S. Signal Butte Rd. Mesa, AZ 85212
Jane Rita (Hickey) Kintz, 93, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully at home on November 13, 2019, surrounded by family members. Jane, one of two surviving triplets, was born December 3, 1925 in Fort Wayne, IN to Lawrence and Lilly (Wessels) Hickey who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband Joseph, her stepmother Esther Huth Kintz Jacoy Hickey, and her 6 siblings Adelaide ”Tutti” Hickey, Rosemary Felger, Patricia Buckley, Bernadine “Bunny” Sproat, Lawrence “Bud” Hickey and her twin brother Joseph “Joe” Hickey. Jane grew up in Fort Wayne, IN and attended Central Catholic High School until the death of her mother when she took on the responsibility of caring for her family household. As a young woman she worked as a soda jerk at Powers Drug Store and also as a welder for Fruehauf Trailers. Following his return from World War II Jane married her best friend and childhood sweetheart, Joe on July 29, 1946. Their union of 72 years produced 10 children Larry (Laurel) of Houston, TX, Fred (deceased), James (deceased), Kathleen Carr (Paul) of South Bend, IN, Patricia Bunton (Jerry) of Mesa, AZ , Christine “Tina” Macias (deceased) (David), Mary Hanifin (John) of Mesa, AZ, John (Karla Jo) of Muenster, TX, Sharon of Phoenix, AZ and Janice Pagano (Gino) of Niles, MI, 16 grandchildren and 25 great-granchildren.
Jane devoted her life to caring for her family. She created a home life that was warm, caring and full of love. If there was a home on the block where people loved to congregate it was hers. Jane was an excellent cook and always made enough food to be shared with friends who accompanied her children home from school. She was organized and had a routine that helped her manage her large family so that she was always able to spend time working as a room mother for one or more of her children, assisting with school activities and participating in the Rosary Altar Society. Jane loved to sing and her home was filled with music. Jane played piano and guitar and encouraged her children to become involved in music. At one time one third of the choir at her church was composed of Jane and members of her family. She loved all music but was particularly fond of country and western music, which she listened to as she completed her daily work around her house. Jane was also an expert seamstress which was evidenced by the beautiful wedding and bridesmaids dresses she sewed for the weddings of several of her children. Jane also had a love of gardening that was cultivated as a youth where she spent time on her aunt’s farm outside of Fort Wayne. She shared that with her children, planting a garden every summer that bore a variety of delicious vegetables.
The beauty of Jane’s life can be found in the way that she lived. Her marriage to Joe was founded on love and trust and a strong faith in God. When her children were troubled or facing difficulties she advised them to send up a prayer and put it in God’s hands. Jane believed in and taught her children to live by the golden rule – to treat others the way that you want to be treated. She championed and supported each of her children as individuals and celebrated their closeness as a family group. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren and cherished every moment she was able to spend with them. Most fun and memorable were holidays and birthdays when the entire family was able to celebrate together. Jane was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in South Bend, IN and in Mesa, AZ. Jane was beloved not just by her family but by all who came into contact with her. There were many instances as her children were growing up that cousins tried to stowaway in the car to come and be at Aunt Jane’s house. While we are sad to lose Jane here on earth, our hearts rejoice with the belief that God has called her home to join Him in heaven.
We wish to thank all of the staff and medical personnel who took care of Jane as she made her journey home especially the members of Team G from Hospice of the Valley.
A memorial service will be held in Indiana at a later date.
Sheridan May Smith, 21, was called home on November 12, 2019. She was born to Gary and Tera Smith in Omaha, Nebraska on March 24, 1998. Sheridan enjoyed photography, caring for animals and spending time with her family; especially her nieces and nephews, Tayson, Trenton, Aislynn, Aubriella, Ellie, Travis, Lexi, Brock, Crew, Aria, Beck, Grayson and Dayne. Sheridan has joined her niece Stella who preceded her in death. She is survived by her siblings Starr (Jeremy) Bridwell, Skyler (Kari) Smith, Sabrina (Brad) Mortensen, Sierra Harpole and Sterling Smith.
The funeral services will be Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 19730 E. Ocotillo, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 at 10 AM with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9 AM. The interment will occur directly following the services at San Tan Memorial Gardens, 22425 E. Cloud Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
Flowers may be sent to Bunker Funeral Home, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201
Lorri Gaye Wells, age 55, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. She was born March 6, 1964 in Phoenix, Arizona. The middle sister, she was the funny one, her goofy persona hiding a well of profound insight. Always quick with a come-back or a sage remark, she seemed to have brought knowledge from another world. As a child she was fearless and trusting. She wasn’t afraid to be tossed in the air or to ride the scariest roller coaster. She never knew a stranger and was outgoing and kind. To her family she was loyal and protective. As a toddler, she defended her older sister when she chased away the neighborhood bullies with her Corn-Popper push toy. She was an excellent student who loved learning and graduated early from high school with honors. Her reading interests were diverse, from books about strife in Beirut or economic systems of Japan to Jane Austen. She loved music, played the piano and had a deeply expressive singing voice. Andrea Bocelli and Chris Isaak were two of her favorite music artists. She endured great hardship with utmost grace. She was a beautiful soul and will be missed.
Lorri is survived by her mother, Lynn Wiley, and father, Larry Wells; sisters, Kelli McDill (Robert)and Lisa Wells; nephews, Beau (Karly)and Ryan McDill, niece, Allison McDill along with many other loved ones especially the love of her life, her dearest friend and companion, Alan Stater. The family chooses to celebrate Lorri’s life in a private manner, but thanks those who loved her for their condolences.
Thomas William Olmstead, age 83, passed away on November 7, 2019, at his home in Tempe, AZ. He was born on January 9, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest son to Robert Paul Olmstead and Helen Louise Holzheimer. He attended Catholic schools in Cleveland until his family moved to Monrovia, California during his early high school years. He graduated from Monrovia High School in 1954. Tom served in the United States Army from 1958-1960 and was a very proud veteran.
In 1972 Tom moved to Phoenix, where he and some friends from high school started Concrete Coring Company. Forty-seven years later it is one of the largest cutting companies in the state. He loved his job and the people that he met. He was still happily working there up until his death.
In 1998 Tom was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in February 2000 his family was sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple for time and all eternity. He served in a variety of callings, but his very favorite was teaching the young children in Primary. He loved their innocence. Throughout the years he never lost sight of what was most important – his family and his faith. He was a kind, gentle, humble man and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Robert George Olmstead, Richard Thomas Olmstead, Richard David Olmstead, and Louise Marie Agos.
He is survived by his wife, Cassandra; his children, Robert (Holly Jordan) Olmstead, (Jerod) Kameron Bybee, Sean Olmstead, Christopher Olmstead; and one brother, James Paul Olmstead. He is also survived by his grandchildren, John Thomas (Tamzon Baysinger) Olmstead, Jeffrey (Caitlin Schow) Olmstead, (Emmanuel) Emilee Caro del Castillo, Justin (Emma Young) Olmstead, Jeremy (Kayla Harris) Olmstead, Jacob Olmstead, Olivia Olmstead, Elizabeth Bybee, Brandon Bybee, and Matthew Bybee; as well as 7 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Saturday, November 23, 2019, at 10:00 AM at the LDS Stake Center at 1111 E. Knox Road in Tempe, AZ 85284. There will be no viewing prior to the services, and a private burial will be held at a later date. Bunker’s Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
Gale J Brimhall of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on November 9, 2019 at the age of 82. He and his twin were born the youngest of 13 children on August 14, 1937 to Logan and Mary Brimhall in Taylor, Arizona. Gale married Alycesun Dee Shepherd on January 2, 1960 in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Gale and Aly were blessed with 5 children; Jayne, Stacy, Steven, Jared and MariAlice. Gale’s beloved wife, Alycesun was stricken with cancer and died May 17, 1979. Gale later married Sherie Howell who deceased Sept. 6, 2019. Gale was also privileged to be a father to foster child Christina Arthur and two step-children, Toni and Eddy VanGelderen.
Of Gale, it can be said, “They just don’t make them like they used to.” He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a grandfather. Gale labored with his might, mind and strength his entire life to be a devout follower of Jesus Christ.
As a lifelong student and teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ he consistently would study the doctrine, with a special love and passion for following the Prophets, Seers and Revelators. Every one of his posterity has been influenced by his testimony of the living prophets and finding lasting joy in keeping covenants.
Aside from Gale’s spiritual strength, he was powerfully strong physically. Anyone who worked with him or who compared his or her hands to his giant hands would understand. He was about doing and progressing.
Gale is survived by his eldest daughter Jayne (Clare) Brimhall and husband, David Clare of Salem, Utah; his son, Stacy Brimhall and wife, Parshelle of Gilbert, Arizona; his son, Steven Brimhall and wife, Wendy of Pinedale, Arizona; his son, Jared Brimhall and wife, Dawn of Gilbert, Arizona; and his daughter Marialice (Calhoun) Brimhall and husband, Craig Calhoun of McKinney, Texas; 32 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Gale will be buried next to his wife Aly at the Mesa Cemetery in Mesa, AZ.
Funeral Services are as follows:
Viewing:
Friday 11/15/19
6-8:00pm
Bunker Family Funerals
33 N Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
Funeral Services:
Saturday 11/16/19
Family Viewing – 10:00am
Service – 11:00am
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
2233 S. Wade Dr.
Gilbert, AZ 85295
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