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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.

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 60^th 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.