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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

Norma” Tutu” Taliaferro was born in Paiea, Maui, Hawaii on Dec. 22, 1929.  She lived an adventurous life with a core value that centered around her heart for others.   She was a find a way make a way gal and her influence will remain forever in the lives that knew her.   She went to dance with the angels on Oct. 31, 2019 in her room at Brookedale East Mesa.  

Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of her children;  Michele Gay Shurance of Redding, CA; Renee Ruth Pierce, Gilbert AZ; Kathleen Mary Toogood, Sedona AZ; James Douglas Milano, Mesa, AZ; their spouses Jim Shurance, John Pierce, Randy Toogood, Carol Milano;  Her 15 grandchildren,  41 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandson;  her brother Bob Davis and his wife Julan Pekkain.

Service / Celebration of Life, November 16, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Central Christian Church Gilbert Campus – Student Center, 965 E. Germann Rd. in Gilbert

Phyllis Jones Curtis age 97, passed away peacefully November 3, 2019 at Citrus Manor Assisted Living Center in Mesa, AZ.  She was born in St. Johns, AZ, August 22, 1922 to Hyrum and Mary Patterson Jones.  She attended St. John’s schools, graduated Valedictorian of her high school class and worked as a social worker for a short time.  She later went to Gila Junior College (now Eastern Arizona College) in Thatcher, AZ where she served as Student Body Vice President and graduated with honors.  There she met her eternal companion, Dean A. Curtis and 4 years later married while he was serving in the US Air Corps in Lincoln, Nebraska during WWII.  They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.  While raising her family, she continued her educational pursuits and later graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.  She loved music and was an accomplished pianist and played the saxophone.  She filled a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her husband in the Canadian Winnipeg Mission. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Dean A. Curtis, grandson Jeremy Ronald Curtis and great grandson Stephen James Curtis, her parents, brother Lawrence, sisters Thelma, Helen, and Marguerite.  She is survived by her children Kenneth Dean Curtis, Janis Marie Gulledge, Ronald Cleve Curtis, Dr. Thomas J. Curtis and Deanna Lynn Cooley.  She has 38 grandchildren, 80 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. 

A visitation will be held Thursday 6-8 PM, November 14^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ and funeral service Saturday, November 16^th at the Church Street Chapel, located at 3610 W. Church Street, Thatcher, AZ at 11:00 AM with a visitation at 10:00 AM.

When Brian Smith passed away Sunday morning, October 27, 2019, at the Hospice Ryan House in Phoenix, Arizona, no one who knew him wondered if he had lived his life of 77 years to the fullest. Brian always went full throttle—whether it was in the courtroom, serving as an LDS missionary in Brazil or the Bronx, playing in a baseball game, finding himself on a white-water raft on the Salmon River, on a horse in the Tetons, in a speedboat, or in an airplane.  The story is told of Brian, when 5 years old, living on Berkley Lane in Scarsdale in a house that had a driveway which descended to a busy street.  One day, Brian got inside his parent’s 1948 Pontiac, pulled the brake off and rolled the car backwards until luckily, it hit a tree!

Brian was born to show-business parents, Eddie and Melba Smith, in Brooklyn, New York on April 14, 1942.  Starting as a boy in Scarsdale, New York both Brian and his younger brother, Edward, attended Edgewood Grammar School. It was here Brian’s 2nd run-in with a tree occurred with the active 7-year-old spending 3 months in the White Plains hospital after falling 35 feet to the ground, seriously fracturing his arm.

Brian graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1960 with both academic and athletic honors. Duke University was his next stop and in 1964 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History while being Duke’s  starting catcher on the baseball team for three years. Summers were spent on the island of Puerto Rico working in a record store while improving his Spanish.

For Brian, the summer after his college graduation proved to be the first of the three defining experiences of his life. While staying with relatives in northern Idaho and finding the best employment his History degree offered him was moving irrigation pipe, he decided to go to law school. With his father, Eddie Smith, dying 6 months prior and leaving his mother alone in Arizona, the University of Arizona in Tucson was Brian’s choice of law schools.

In 1966, the second life-changing experience occurred when at age 24, Brian served a mission for the LDS Church. He was sent to the Brazilian Mission and because of his age and education was given positions of leadership and responsibility. One humorous story told is that when Brian served as financial clerk of the mission, a Church auditor was sent to Brazil to investigate the large amount of surplus funds in the mission’s bank account. When the auditor sat down with the mission’s financial clerk—Elder Brian Smith from New York City—the mystery of the surplus funds was solved. Elder Smith had been taking the church’s monthly check to the black market in downtown Sao Paulo and trading the dollars at a high interest rate for Brazilian currency!  The shocked auditor praised Elder Smith on his enterprising ways but said it was best the LDS Church stay far away from Sao Paulo’s Black Market!

It was when Brian returned to Arizona at the end of his mission in December of 1968 that the third life-defining event happened. Some friends stopped by to welcome him home and as they were leaving handed him a 3X5 white notecard with the contact information of a girl they thought he might want to meet. The name on the notecard was Jeanine Wright.  Their hunch was correct with Brian and Jeanine were marrying 6 months later in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple.

Returning to Tucson with his new bride, Brian completed law school and was admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 1971. With an affinity for tax law, Brian’s first job was working for the IRS in Dallas, Texas. It didn’t, however, take but a few hours for him to see this was not a good fit and so returned to Tucson after one day where he found other employment as a lawyer. It was also at this time the opportunity was extended for Brian to work as a part-time volunteer in Washington D.C. with Vice President Gerald Ford. But when the time commitment proved too great and Jimmy Carter won the presidency in 1976, Brian’s short-lived political career was over.

In 1977, with two children in tow and Jeanine pregnant with a third, the family moved to Yuma, Arizona where they would live for many years in the Hettema neighborhood. It was in Yuma Brian founded the BES Law Firm located at 301 S. 2^nd Avenue, specializing in serious injury and wrongful death litigation.

In 1993, to be closer to extended family and aging parents, Brian moved his family to Gilbert, Arizona and for the next five years flew his small airplane back and forth to his law office in Yuma.  Eventually selling his Yuma practice, he continued working for many years from his home office in Gilbert, often telling Jeanine: “I failed retirement!”

2006 arrived with Brian reluctantly agreeing to keep a promise made to Jeanine years earlier. They applied to serve a Senior Couple Mission for the LDS Church.  Initially told they would serve a Public Affairs mission in New York City; they were both shocked to receive the news they instead would serve a proselyting, Spanish-speaking mission to the South Bronx, in addition to overseeing the 40 missionary apartments in the NYNYNorth Mission!  If Jeanine wondered if Brian would back out now, she stopped worrying when he left the house and said he was going to Ace Hardware. “I’ve always wanted a reason to buy a tool belt!” was his explanation.

Once again, the Lord knew best with that Senior Mission to the Bronx transforming the couple.  In just a year after returning home to Arizona, they were back in the heart of the Bronx working at the Church’s Public Affairs office in Manhattan while Brian taught Business Law at Monroe College. In 2009, when Brian’s health failed in NYC, the couple moved to San Antonio, Texas to live near a daughter’s family. After a year, with Brian now healthy, the couple was called to serve as the Directors of the LDS Regional Employment Center in San Antonio for 13 months.

Back home in Gilbert in 2011, the couple served first in the Mesa and then the Gilbert LDS Temple while enjoying their growing family. Health problems again began entering Brian’s life but that didn’t stop him from celebrating his 75^th birthday in New York City watching a Yankees game with his children around him.  At home, early in the morning of October 23^rd, Brian collapsed from an aneurysm rupture. Barrow’s Neuroscience Hospital kept him on life support until his children could gather to say farewell to their Dad. Brian passed away under Hospice care the morning of October 27^th.

While the life of Brian Smith will forever be remembered as “full speed ahead” — What truly defined Brian Smith was his big heart. His genuine and unfailing concern, support and generosity to his family, friends and even strangers is what endeared him to us all. His abiding faith in God gave him strength and purpose throughout his life. He will be missed.

Brian is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeanine Wright Smith, sons Brian Carlos and George Kimball and daughters, Carley Joy Conder, Mandi Erin Reading and Emily Theresa Payne, 17 grandchildren and his brother, Edward.

Memorial services for Brian include a VISITATION, Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, from 6-8PM at Bunker’s, 3529 E. University Dr.  Mesa, AZ 85213. BURIAL on Sat., Nov. 16, 2019 at 9AM at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, 85201 and FUNERAL followed by a LUNCHEON at 11AM at 2549 N. 32^nd St., Mesa, AZ 85213. Flowers can be sent to Bunker’s University Chapel at 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213.

Dixie Kay Eyring Williams, born August 5, 1952 in Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019, in Longview, Washington. Dixie was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is remembered as a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandma, sister, and friend by everyone who’s lives she touched. Raised on a dairy farm in Chandler, Arizona, with her 9 siblings, she learned the value of hard work and the importance of family. In college, she met and married the love of her life, Dennis Williams, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage. Dixie loved music and shared her singing talents in several choirs, including the Northern Arizona Cow Belles. She became an accomplished pianist and organist. Dixie took up cross-stitch, and made commemorative cross-stiches for numerous friends and family members to celebrate hundreds of weddings and births. She was blessed with a heart designed for limitless giving, and she had a genuine love for all of God’s children. “We are all children of Heavenly Father,” she would remind others. Charity and unconditional love is her legacy. Dixie is preceded in death by her parents, Wendell and Verda Eyring; 3 siblings, Michael Eyring, Shirly Eyring, and Patricia “Pinky” Eyring; and daughter-in-law, Kara Cherry-Williams. She is survived by her husband, Dennis Williams; 3 children, Ryan Williams, Randa Jo Ward, and Rex (Erica) Williams, 11 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and 6 siblings.

Lloyd Wayne Conder, 78, died Friday, October 25, 2019, surrounded by loved ones following his long battle with cancer.

He leaves behind his wife of 14 years, Marilyn (Shumway, Prock) Conder; his daughters and their families, Steve Brown & Christine (Conder) Barbere and Bob & Karen (Conder) Belcher; his sons and their families, Michael & Carley Conder, Scott & Anna Conder, and John Conder; his ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his four brothers and their families; and many close friends. Lloyd loved his family and friends a great deal and enjoyed spending time with each of them. This year, he was able to hold his first of two adorable great-grandchildren.

Lloyd was born in Gunnison, Utah; and raised in California. He is the oldest son of Will and Erda (Hill) Conder.  He has four beloved younger brothers.

In his early years, Lloyd graduated from Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, CA. He served in the tank division of the Army and served as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the state of Texas.

Lloyd met his first wife, Bessie (Ashby) Conder (she passed away in 1995) at a stake dance and they were married in the Los Angeles temple in 1965.  Through the years, his success can be directly attributed to his strong work ethic, his natural kindness and sales aptitude.  He took pride in primarily working for himself and with business partners in ventures including owning multiple grocery stores and residential property rentals.  His favorite, and highly recommended labor of love, was as a temple worker in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mesa Arizona Temple and the Gilbert Arizona Temple.

A funeral service will be held November 9 at 10am at the LDS church building, 2252 W Mesquite St, Chandler, Arizona, 85224. His body will be interred in a family plot at the Mesa Cemetery.

William Heber Bakes (Bill), born July 25, 1922 in Pocatello, ID, died October 26, 2019 in Gilbert AZ at age 97. He was raised in Boise, the son of Warren H. Bakes and Oral Rich.  He graduated  Boise High School and attended college.  When WWII began, Bill enlisted and served in Patton’s Army as a forward observer and interpreter.  He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Ardennes, and was among the troops that liberated Dachau.

Bill earned his law degree from University of Idaho then married the former Evelyn Jewel Adamson in 1950. They have five children.  He practiced law in Idaho then later moved to California, finally settling in Fair Oaks.  After retiring he and Jewel traveled extensively.  Bill had an engaging sense of humor and was always the life of the party. He was a member of the LDS church.

Bill is survived by his wife Jewel, daughter-in-law Madeline, daughter Katherine Payne (Karl), sons Stephen Bakes (Margaret), Kenneth Bakes, Thomas Bakes (Bonnie), 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, a sister, Bernice Felt, and brothers Lowell and Robert Bakes.   Bill was preceded in death by his son W. Howard, daughter-in-law Diane, brothers Rich, Donald, and sister Betty-Jo O’Rouark.

J. Murphy Winfield was called back to his heavenly home after a courageous battle with cancer on October 31^st, 2019.

Murph’s life journey began on September 29^th, 1949 in San Francisco, California to Alta Marie and James Russell Winfield.  His childhood years and primary schooling were done in San Bernardino. Then later moved to Tempe, Arizona where he would sink his roots deep into the Tempe soil and become an Arizona State Sundevil through and through.

He finished his schooling at McClintock High School as the first graduating class in 1967, where he was involved in and very much loved his time in the a capella choir.

After high school he served the beautiful people of Mexico, when he was called to serve a two and a half-year mission in Mexico City.  He grew very fond of the Hispanic people and their culture and truly found joy serving them and the Lord.

After his mission he was introduced to the love of his life, Diane Urrea.  Later he took his sweetheart to the Mesa Arizona Temple where they were sealed on June 4^th, 1971.

There they began their family, loving and learning together, and dreaming of the beautiful life ahead of them.  His ambitions and goals led him to receive his undergraduate from Arizona State University, and then pursue his Master’s degree in International Business at Thunderbird International Business School.

All of his dedication, hard work and determination paid off when he started working for Chrysler International, that would begin their adventure of moving all over the U.S. and World.  A few of their stops were Michigan, England, and Puerto Rico.

Pursuing other avenues, Murph took on a new job with a company called James Benefit, a managed health care company.  This job took he and his family to Texas, Utah, and Arizona.  All the while the company changed names from James Benefit, to Alta Health Strategies and finally, First Health.

He finished off his career with Intermountain Health Care as the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. He gave 20 years of dedicated service to so many people he loved dearly, until his retirement in July of 2016.

Through all of these career changes and moves, he never lost sight of what was most important, his family and his faith.

He served diligently and faithfully in every capacity he was called to.  Some of which were, Branch President, multiple Bishoprics, Bishop, scouting, and High Council.  He genuinely and whole-heartedly loved everyone he served and each acquaintance became a dear and life long friend.

Family was everything to Murph, spending time with them was his main desire and goal in life.  His sweet wife Diane was his treasure, and he treated her that way until his very last day.  He enjoyed being outdoors, hiking and biking, boating at Lake Powell, taking his family to Newport Beach and Mexico.  And lets not forget the countless hours he spent watching and cheering on his favorite football team, the ASU Sundevils.  He has passed on his passions to his children and grandchildren who love him dearly.

He is leaving behind a huge hole in all of our hearts, but because of the knowledge we have in our Heavenly Father’s plan, we know he is still with us and we look forward to the day we will see him again.  He leaves behind his beloved wife Diane, his children Jesse (Tyese) Martin (Katie) Ben (Melanie) Rachel (Ryan.)  Grandchildren: Brennan, Ethan, Bo, Courtney, Taylor, Devon, Luke, Charlie, Kailey, Elle, Henry, Amelia, Jane, Kate, and Annie.

We would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Mayo clinic for their diligent effort and care of our Father and Husband.  Thank you for giving us more time with him.  And to Hospice of the Valley for their constant care, attention and love they so willingly gave.

We invite all those who would like to celebrate the life of J. Murphy Winfield to come join us at a viewing, Friday, November 8^th, 2019 from 6-8pm at the Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ.  85213.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 9^th, 2019 at 10:00am with a viewing beforehand at 9:00am at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2549 N 32^nd St., Mesa, AZ 85213.  A luncheon will follow this service for close family and friends.

Interment will take place November 12, 2019 at 1:00pm at the Citizens Cemetery, 1300 S San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

Please email us your fondest memories of Murphy Winfield to sixbuchanans@gmail.com so that we can put them in our keepsake book to treasure and read through the years ahead.   

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Murph’s honor to Hospice of the Valley or The American Cancer Society.

On October 28, 2019, at age 58, Ellen Kay Jaehnig received her heavenly crown of life after battling cancer and related illnesses. Ellen was born on May 21, 1961, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Ralph and Bernice Jaehnig. She became a child of God through baptism as an infant at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Two Rivers and attended elementary school at St. John’s. At age 12, Ellen moved with her family to Mesa, Arizona, where her parents started their event rental business, Tri-Rentals. Ellen finished her elementary school years at Pilgrim Lutheran School in Mesa. She was confirmed in her Christian faith as a youth at Pilgrim. In 1979, Ellen graduated from Mesa Mountain View High School. As an adult, Ellen spent many years working with the family rental business, ironing countless bags of napkins. She enjoyed her weekly shopping trips to Chandler Mall and loved all things pink, purple, and full of sparkle! She also loved her pink lemonade and just about any food with barbecue sauce.

Ellen was predeceased by her father, Ralph Jaehnig, as well as her grandparents and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her mother Bernice; her brother Chet (Barb) Jaehnig, Chandler, Arizona; her sister Jane (Jim) Lepich, Manitowoc, Wisconsin; and her brother Dan (Becky) Jaehnig, Phoenix, Arizona. Although she had no children of her own, she held dear her twelve nieces and nephews and their families as well as her many cousins. Ellen also found joy in her friendships with many from Pilgrim Church, members of her Jesus Cares group, friends from her Mesa neighborhood, people she met on her Chandler Mall trips, and, in the past few months, her caregivers at Emerald Glen and Banner Desert Hospital.

A funeral service for Ellen will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am. The officiating pastor will be Rev. James Winterstein. The service will be followed by lunch at the church. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be given in Ellen’s name to Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School, 3257 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona 85213.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2 NIV)

Scott M Jefferies passed away at home in Queen Creek, Arizona on October 26, 2019, with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Scott is survived by his loving wife Deanne; children Mike & Carrie Jefferies, Dave & Becki Jefferies, Joseph Jefferies & Marc St Pierre, Sam & Jennie Jefferies, Paul & Tara Jefferies, Rebecca & Ty Woods, and Anna & Jason Jensen; grandchildren Andrew & Heather, Audrey, Abbey, Ashley, Chad & Alison, Noah, Zach, Sariah, Hailey, Porter, Brock, Clayton, Sadie, Mack, Jack, Audrey, Elliot, and Connor; and siblings Bill & Paula Jefferies, Mike & Merrilyn Jefferies, Joanne & Mitch Curtis and Jeanne & Gaylen Spear.  He was welcomed to Heaven by his parents Marvin and Blanche.

Scott was born on December 29, 1949 and grew up in Nyssa, Oregon.  He played saxophone in the band, competed in track and was on the football and basketball teams at Nyssa High School, from which he graduated in 1968.  He served the people of Italy as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1969 to 1971.  He returned home and married his eternal sweetheart Deanne Hansen of nearby Parma, Idaho in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 1, 1971.  He attended undergraduate studies and law school at Brigham Young University, graduating in 1979.  After working as a police officer and an attorney in private practice, he joined the Army to serve his country as a JAG attorney.  This took him to Virginia, Fort Lewis, Washington, and eventually Yuma, Arizona.  He continued to serve in the government as an attorney with the Border Patrol, and in 1995, he landed his dream job as an Immigration Judge in Florence, Arizona, a position he held for 17 years.

Family was very important to Scott, and road trips back home to Oregon were common.  Everyone enjoyed hearing him recount funny life stories at annual family reunions.  Scott supported and attended countless sporting events, ballet performances, plays and concerts that his talented children and grandchildren were a part of.  After retirement, he had the opportunity of being “Coach Grandpa” for the Benjamin Franklin High School football team where his son Dave coaches and grandson Zach plays.

Scott loved the Lord, and serving in his church was a defining part of his life.  He served as a Bishop in Mesa and Florence, Arizona and as a Branch President in Forli, Italy while on a senior mission with Deanne.  They were also able to visit all 81 operating LDS temples in the United States over the past 48 years.  Just two months ago they visited and served in the recently completed Rome Italy temple.

Mortuary support through Bunker Family Funeral Home, Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, https://bunkerfuneral.com

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 2^nd at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 19730 E Ocotillo Road in Queen Creek, Arizona.  A viewing will precede the service from 12:00-12:45 pm.

Graveside services will be held at 3:30 pm, Saturday, November 9^th at the Lower Boise Cemetery in Parma, Idaho.

Jimmie JL Foster, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 17^th, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona.  He was born to John Elliot Foster and Lillian May Robinson in Amherst, Texas in 1933.  Jim led a very happy, active life filled with faith, family, friends and many activities, such as: serving his church, volunteering at the temple, playing and refereeing basketball and volleyball and dancing the jitterbug.

In 1964, Jim married the love of his life, Patsy Lue, at the Mesa Arizona Temple.  They lived out adventures across the country, relocating several times as Jim’s aeronautical engineering career flourished.  He developed the B52 wing launch system for the Sky Bolt Missile project for the Airforce and then went into the private sector.  There he was an innovator and lead engineer in the development and implementation of many of the autopilot and auto landing systems used in commercial and government planes over the past 50 years as they progressed from analog to digital and then to GPS based systems.  Through these efforts he likely helped save the lives of countless airline passengers around the world.  He was declared Engineer of the year by Rockwell International Inc when he worked for them.

Jim and Patsy celebrated over 40 years together before Patsy passed away in 2003.  Along the way, they raised their seven children, Gary Foster, Brian Foster, Sheryl Andrew, Allen Foster, David Foster, Diane Stephens and Kevin Foster.  All seven children succeed him and look to carry out his traditions.  His legacy will also continue through his 22 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Known for his playful sense of humor, unparalleled work ethic, practical disposition and faith-based principals, he will be missed by all.  Jim was a man of many talents, as he demonstrated that he could fix anything.  He is an inspiration to all that survive him.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 2^nd 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2955 E. Frye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85048, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00 am.  Flowers may be sent to Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.