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Charles K. Luster, 93, passed away surrounded by family at his home in Mesa, Arizona on October 24, 2019.  Charles devoted 43 years of service working for the City of Mesa as City Engineer, Public Works Director, and City Manager.  He also served for many years in the Navy, advancing to the rank of Commander, and further spent much of his life in various leadership callings for his church, including serving as Bishop.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife Ellen Morris Luster, son Michael, brother Pat, sisters Mary and Beth, and his parents, Charles Walter and Chloe Curtis Luster.

Charles has three sons, Michael Luster (Roanna), Steven Luster (Becky), and Scott Luster (Margie).  A few years after Ellen’s death, Charles married Bertha Craig.

A viewing will be held at 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday November 1, 2019 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel Mortuary, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa.   Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday November 2, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mesa Mountain View Stake Center, located at 1550 N. Val Vista Drive in Mesa, Arizona, following a brief visitation at 9:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Charles to Child Crisis Arizona, one of his favorite organizations.

Freddy Flores Jerry, passed away October 25, 2019 in Guadalupe, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-964-8686.

Ronald Eugene Dodrill, 79, died Friday, October 25, 2019 at 0317 am at his home in Gilbert Arizona while in hospice care. He leaves behind his wife, Shirley (James) Dodrill; his children, Dennis (Ann) Dodrill, Denise Allen, Kenneth Dodrill, Richie (Shawna) Dodrill and six grandchildren; his step-children, William Wolk, Wayne (Amy) Wolk, Cindy (Rob) Rosenberg, Samantha (Ted) Johnson and Yolanda Wolk and 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother, Pauline (Jim) Spriegel; father, James Corbett Dodrill; his sister, Delores Martin and his stepson, Richie Wolk Jr.

Mr. Dodrill was born and raised in West Virginia and graduated from Dupont High School in Dupont City, West Virginia. He was a both a local and long-distance chemical truck driver for more than 55 years. Mr. Dodrill owned and operated Dodrill trucking and worked for a variety of other trucking companies throughout his lifetime. His hobbies included gardening and working outside. He was a fantastic hunter and a master fisherman. Mr. Dodrill was the kindest, most special Pop Pop and will be sorely missed by his entire family. His ready smile and wink will be a lasting memory for us all.

Mr. Dodrill will be laid to rest on Monday, November 4, 2019. The viewing will be held at 9:00 am at Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa AZ 85213. With burial services to follow at Mountain View Cemetery 7900 E. Main St. Mesa, Arizona at 10:00 am.

Gwendolyn Francis Pipkin Shelley

Gwen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 7^th, 1929. She passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter on October 19^th, 2019.

She was married to her sweetheart-William Ralph Shelley in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1950. The two of them were the parents of a son-Melvin Craig Shelley of Queen Creek and a daughter-Marlene Jolley of Mesa. She was the grandmother of Kristen, Shelley, Jamie, and Jennifer, great grandmother of 10 and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Gwen is preceded in death by her husband Ralph, two brothers- Richard and James and her parents- Horace Earl and Alta Pipkin.

 Marvin John Loar 81, died peacefully at home surrounded by family and loved ones October 20, 2019. Marvin was born in Farmington, NM on January 8, 1938. He married his sweetheart, Janice Christensen Loar on December 19, 1961 for time and all eternity in the Mesa, AZ Temple. He was loved and adored by all who knew him. He lived a life full of faith, sacrifice, service and love. He will be greatly missed. Marvin is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Janice Christensen Loar and his sons Shaun David Loar and Shannon Mark Loar. He is survived by five children. Sheldon Lee (Sherry) Loar, Sherwin Von (Tylene) Loar, Shane Merrill (Laura) Loar, Shalynn Kenneth (Allison) Loar, and Sherri Ann (Shane) Merkley. He is also survived by 22 adoring grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 25, 2019 from 7-9pm at the Bunker Funeral Home, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11am with visitation from 10-10:30am prior to services at the LDS church building, located at 41426 N. Barnes Parkway, Queen Creek, AZ 85140.  

Marilyn Macdonald Cottrell Haws

Marilyn Macdonald was born March 19, 1929, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Ralph A. and Frieda Zundel Macdonald, and passed away October 20, 2019, in Janesville, Wisconsin. She spent her early years in Phoenix, and held a lifelong love for her beloved home state. As the eldest child, she helped with younger siblings, and tried diligently to support her mother in the care of their home while dealing with her father ‘s extended absence during World War II, as he served in Hawaii. She described that time as one of great loneliness and apprehension, as the blackout in communications kept the family from receiving news of their father.  After the war, the family moved to Sacramento, California, at the beginning of Marilyn’s senior year in high school.  She graduated from McClatchy High. She recounted that she had been glad to move, as she was slated to be valedictorian of her class at Phoenix’s North High, and she had such a fear of public speaking, that moving from all she knew was a more desirable venture than offering that valedictory speech.  Her family then settled in Fresno. She attended BYU for one year, but was drawn back to Fresno where she met and married Lester Lee Cottrell in the Salt Lake Temple, in 1950. They divorced in the mid 1960s, and Marilyn then began the arduous endeavor of raising six children alone.  This began another period of loneliness and apprehension in her life. She established a home in Camarillo, California, until 1975, when she returned to the desert and began a career in dental assisting.  She had about given up the hope of ever finding love when she was set up on a blind date with recently widowed Lyman Haws. They married, and for nearly 22 years, made a home that was filled with their favorite activities and hobbies. They quilted together with Lyman doing the machine work, and Marilyn doing the finishing handwork. Nearly all the quilts were donated. Marilyn enjoyed sewing, knitting, singing, and doll making. The couple also belonged to a dinner group, and worked in the Mesa Temple. Their years together gave Marilyn a positive outlook and happy demeanor that had been so elusive before.  Some health concerns seemed to precipitate some memory problems that slowly escalated. With Lyman’s help, Marilyn got by, but following Lyman’s death in 2014, it was clear that she could no longer live on her own. In 2015, she moved to Milton, Wisconsin, to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She missed the desert; she hated the cold and snow, but marveled at the beautiful green that spring and summer in the Midwest reliably brought. Not having to water the lawn during summer always amazed her. Her dementia progressed and robbed her of her memory and abilities. In rare lucid moments, she was mortified by her limitations, and would ask for patience and forgiveness, which were gladly given. The utter horror and devastation of the disease finally triumphed over her frail body and she was freed from its ugly, but temporary grasp, in the early hours of an autumn Sunday morning. To think of her as whole again is her family’s greatest comfort.  Marilyn is survived by her two sisters, Susan Stewart, and Jane Balls, her six children, Jeff (Debbie), Dan (Shelley), Becky (Mike Clarke), Donna (Loran Allen), Tom (John Shimkus), and David (Marilee); 18 grandchildren, Chris, Cory, Devon Cottrell, Nathan Lenox, Jenn Wheeler, Heidi, Bryce, Davin, Wes Clarke, Craig, Matt, Tanner Allen, Whitney Hansen, Aimee Kerby, Britny Cottrell, Paige Schmitt, Zach, and Cydni Cottrell; and 40 great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers, Richard, Ralph Jr., and William, and great grandsons, Joshua Cottrell and Mason Allen.Many thanks to the dedicated nurses at Agrace Hospice and the caring staff at Oak Park Place in Janesville, Wisconsin. Their service was outstanding.  God be with you and us until we meet again.

Arlene Kay Valentine, 59, passed away on Oct.13, 2019 in Mesa, AZ. She was the daughter of Edwin and Sara Heiser. Arlene graduated from Mountain View High School in 1978. She participated in the choir, and with the swim team. She especially loved her seminary classes.

In 1980, she married her eternal sweetheart, Troy Lynn Valentine. Active in the LDS Church, she served in many callings of which her favorites were teaching early morning seminary to the students on the Papago reservation and teaching and directing at the Manti Family History Center as well as working at the Mesa Family history center. It gave her much happiness to help others find their ancestors. Her second love was reading. She loved to study the scriptures and was an excellent scriptorian. She also loved to crochet and can food, especially the home-grown foods from her garden and orchard. And she absolutely loved to dote on her nieces and nephews who all were such joy in her life.

Arlene is survived by her mother, Sara Klotz Heiser and her brother, Edwin William Heiser III (Barbara); son, David Valentine (Robin) and grandchildren Levi, Hannah, Andrew, Isaac and Noah; sister- in-law Delight Clark (Brian); brothers-in-laws, Cole Valentine (Denise); Logan Valentine (Patty); one great-grandson and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Funeral services are Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 20^th Ward, 848 N. Westwood, Mesa, AZ 85201. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Joseph P Fournier, 90 passed away peacefully on October 16, 2019.

His wife and son were by his side when he went home to be with his heavenly family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings.

Joe was born in Detroit, Michigan.  He graduated from Shrine of the Little Flower high school.  He joined the Army and served during the Korean war. He returned home at the end of his enlistment and began his 39 year career at General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan.

He retired and moved to Arizona in 1986.  He spent his retirement years playing softball and many rounds of golf.  He was very proud of his documented 5 hole in ones on various golf courses.

He also enjoyed traveling throughout the southwest part of the country and enjoyed many cruises – especially the one through the Panama Canal.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Elner.  His son Edward (Kathie) of Fort Myers, FL, Grandchildren Michelle Fournier; Edward II (Mary) of Michigan and his sister-in-law Helen Nelson. Also by his step-children, Skip, Nancy, Jeanne and Ron.

A funeral mass will be at All Saints Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on October 28, 2019.

Burial will be a private service at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your  choice.

Bohdie Charles Larson, 16, passed away October 12, 2019. A visitation will be held Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 9 to 10:45 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cooley Station Ward, 1010 South Recker Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85296. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM. Burial will be at the Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Chad Michael Galbasini, 39, passed away on October 9, 2019 in Scottsdale, AZ.  Chad was born on July 10, 1980 to Donald and Joan Galbasini in Mesa, AZ.    He grew up in Mesa and graduated from Mountain View High School.

Chad enjoyed life and had many interests.  He enjoyed skateboarding, snowboarding, the beach, working out, his many friends and his life’s work as a hair stylist.  All of this pales in comparison to the value he placed on being a father to Austin, Caden, Harper and Hudson.  They were his whole world and he loved them very much.  Chad will be greatly missed by all of his family.  He is survived by his mother, Joan; his sister, Jill and his brothers, Craig (JayeLyn) and Kevin (Jackie); his four children; and his 10 nieces and nephews.  Chad is preceded in death by his father, Don and his brother, Ryan.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 17^th from 6-8 pm at Bunker ‘s Garden Chapel, 33 S. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ  85201.  The funeral will be held on Friday, October 18^th at 10 am at the LDS chapel, 495 S. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, AZ  85234.

Cassandra Lynn Manuel, 41, born February 3, 1978 passed away October 13, 2019. She is survived by her daughter Avadean Miguel, nieces Leticia Martinez and Lynnell Manuel, Crystal Vest; nephew Brice Manuel Jr.; and her brother Relman Manuel Sr.  Services will be held at the Salt River Memorial Hall, October 18, 2019 from 6-10 PM. She will be laid to rest the the Lehi Cemetery October 19, 2019 at 7 AM. A light lunch will be held after services at Salt River Memorial Hall.

Afton “J” Carpenter (A.J.), age 97, completed his “Hour Upon the Stage” in this life and passed on to see his parents, Frank and Lucinda Carpenter and siblings, Bertha, Ora, Florence, Ivan, Floyd and grandson, Bennett, on October 9, 2019 in Gilbert, Az.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lorna, and children: Jack (LeAnn), Bruce (Lise), Lee Ann (Jim), Brynn (Gordon), Jetaun (Peter), Lisa (Ed), and his brother Reid.   He is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren.

A.J. was a World War II veteran and served in the South Pacific.  He was a member of the National Guard and was inducted into the Army September, 1940.  Soon after he transferred into the 158^th Infantry Band and served as a Bandsman in the many places he was stationed.

After his discharge he returned to his home in Thatcher, AZ and attended Gila College for two years and graduated from Brigham Young University.  He taught English, Journalism and Reading Improvement in various high schools for 11 years.  He then taught at Phoenix Junior College for the next 20 years.

He was a gentle man who loved his family and was a great example to others.  His great joy was in the success and happiness of his family.  He was a faithful servant in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Val Vista 9^th Ward, 1150 E. Guadalupe Rd. in Gilbert, AZ, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.  There will also be a visitation Friday evening, October 18 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Judith Ann King, 75, of Leon, Iowa died in a tragic auto accident on October 5, 2019 near Groom, TX. Her son, Brian Alan King, also died in the accident.

Judy was born in Decatur County, Iowa on November 19, 1943 to Ennis Gene Scott and Ruby Maverine (Ordway) Scott. She was the oldest of five children and grew up on her family farm in Southern Iowa. She attended a one room schoolhouse near her farm and graduated from Leon High School in 1961. She moved to Des Moines after high school and married Clifford Junior King. She worked as a Secretary for Bob Brown Chevrolet and in 1984 Judy moved to Omaha, NE to further her career and worked as a bookkeeper, until she retired and went back home to Iowa to take care of her parents.

In May of 2019, she had finally decided she was ready to move to Arizona to be close to her Son and Daughter and their families and unfortunately the accident occurred while they were traveling to Arizona.

Judy was a selfless person in everything she did. She was always willing to do whatever was necessary to make sure her family was taken care of. We referred to her as “Sarge”, she was the strength, toughness and glue that held our family together.

She cherished her time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. She also had many other favorite things to do, such as going to the beach (she did not like the water), but she could sit for hours on the sand listening to the waves come in. She also loved to gamble, playing Roulette, in Las Vegas or betting on the horse and dog races in Iowa and Nebraska. She enjoyed decorating at Christmas time, mowing and taking care of her yard and she loved her Starbucks – Venti Mocha Frappuccino with no whip and add a shot or two, please.

Judy is survived by her daughter Tammy (Jeff) Lee of Queen Creek, AZ, her daughter-in-law Amanda King, her granddaughters Stephanee (Jeremy) Zettler of Clarksville, TN, Stacee Carlos (Joe Florez) of Queen Creek, Shellee Carlos of Gilbert, AZ and Alyssa King of Salt Lake City, UT.

Her grandson Bradley (Adriana Vasquez) King of Queen Creek and her great grandchildren Taylor and Lucas (Stephanee & Jeremy), Madison (Stacee & Joe), Sophia, Adalina and Zoey (Brad & Adriana). Her two brothers Loren Scott and Lyle (Janice) Scott and her sister-in-law Stephanie Scott. And many nieces and nephews. And her Honorary son Kelly Hager.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Gene and Ruby Scott, her brother Lowell Dean Scott and her sister Sandra May Scott.

Dorothy R. Frederick, 90, passed away early on Friday morning, October 11, 2019, in Scottsdale, Arizona.  She was born on April 23, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio to Frederick and Lucadia Novak.  A child of The Depression, she and her older sister Lucille grew up as self-reliant, hardworking women who knew how to stretch a dollar and provide generously without complaining.

She married Melvin Edward (Bud) Frederick on July 4, 1953, and enjoyed 47 years of marriage until Bud’s passing in March 2000.  She is survived by her daughter, Susan L. Widmer (Patrick) of North Reading, Massachusetts, Stephen M. Frederick (Bethany) of Medford, Massachusetts, and three granddaughters, Sandra Widmer, Jennifer Frederick, and Elizabeth Frederick.  Her son Paul preceded her in death in August 2002.

Dorothy enjoyed a fulfilling life as a homemaker, secretary, and active participant in her church, while raising her family in Lexington, Massachusetts before retiring to Arizona in 1988.

Dorothy enjoyed many hobbies, including gardening, knitting, and various types of artwork.  She was a skillful seamstress, and an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the piano throughout her life.  She enjoyed volunteering her time, serving as a leader in Camp Fire Girls and Cub Scouts, and as the Director of the Board of Christ Lutheran Nursery School in Belmont, run by her church in Massachusetts.  She also enjoyed the outdoors, camping and skiing with her family for many years.  She was a generous supporter of many non-profit organizations in an effort to share with those less fortunate.  For decades she supported the work of Knit for Kids, a nationwide program begun by Guideposts magazine in 1996 and now administered by World Vision, knitting over 150 sweaters for children in need around the globe.

All who know Dorothy will remember her for her unwavering faith, happy smile, positive outlook, and gratitude for the blessings in her life.  She will also be remembered for her devotion to playing the game of Hot Dice, and her ability to keep score until the very end!

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9:00 am.

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Betty J. Brown, went to her heavenly home on October 9, 2019.  She was surrounded by family at her home in Chandler, Arizona.

Betty, daughter, and her husband, Curtis Brown, moved from Carthage, Tennessee to Phoenix, Arizona in November of 1962.  She worked at the Chili Pepper, Duncan Donuts, then went to work for Air Research in 1966, which changed to Allied Signal, then to Garrett/Honeywell, where she retired after 30 years.  She relocated to Texas for a short time, then moved back home to Arizona. Betty will long be remembered for her generosity, her smile that brightened a room, her sense of humor, and her love of cooking and baking (especially the rum balls).  Betty enjoyed all holidays and decorating her home accordingly, particularly during the Christmas season.

She loved her travels to Alaska, Tennessee, Texas, and Arkansas visiting family and friends. She was a member of various clubs, and occasionally enjoyed a good game of poker, the casinos, and lottery tickets.  Her all-time favorite activities included the social events, dances, and parties at the local community center.

Betty, one of twelve children, was born to Ruben B. and Ina M. Hunt on August 12, 1934 in Carthage, Tennessee.  She is preceded in death by her parents, five bothers: Hugh, Robert, J.D., Franklin, and Arnold, and two sisters: Reba Nell, and Martha.  She is survived by her daughter Teresa Lee and husband Brian; granddaughters Melissa McCumby (Scott), and Kristen Salley, her great-grandchildren and her pride and joy – David, Landen, Barrett, Merrick, and Kierran – all live in Alaska.  Her remaining siblings reside in Tennessee: Charlie Hunt of Hogan’s Creek, Junior Hunt and wife Juanita of Lebanon, Eula Key of Benton, Arkansas, and Katie Lea of Lebanon.

Betty loved animals, especially cats, so in lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter, give a senior pet a loving home, or foster an animal until it can be adopted.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Solara Community Center ballroom, November 9, 2019 from 6pm to 8pm. Please do not wear black – fill the room with blues, greens, pinks, and reds – her favorite colors.

Delma Jolley Shreeve passed away on October 8, 2019 at her home in Mesa, AZ comforted by her loving son Daniel Shreeve and his wife Susan.  She had finished a busy day being visited by her family and friends.  Delma was born on August 10, 1922 in St. Johns, Arizona the first child of Lionel and Edith Jolley.

She married the love of her life, Nello C. Shreeve on November 26, 1938 and they enjoyed a long and loving marriage until Nello’s passing on February 8, 1995.  The first 45 years of their life together was spent in St. Johns and Holbrook, Arizona where they were involved in a number of different businesses that they owned and successfully operated, including: Service Electric, The Spudnut Shop, Fay’s Smart Shop, the Tonto Motel and other ventures.  During the World War II years Delma moved around the country to try and be close to Nello who was in the US Navy.  In 1969 they moved to Mesa, AZ but continued to operate the Motel and maintained a home in Holbrook until 1984.

Delma was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings over the years. One of her favorite callings was a two- year mission at the Mesa Genealogy Library.  She enjoyed square dancing, playing cards and spoiling all of her many grandchildren.  She has been an inspiration to her family and was loved by all.  She will be greatly missed.

Delma is survived by her sons Clinton (Candy) of Gilbert, Curtis (Shawna) of Queen Creek, and Daniel (Susan) of Mesa, 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren with another on the way and 3 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Nello, two daughters Nina Fay Olsen and Shirlene Shreeve, her siblings Orvil Jolley, Frank Jolley and Myrna Ashcraft, one granddaughter Nicole Lucyann “Nikki” and two great-granddaughters Cora Fay Shreeve and Violet Olsen.

Services were held in Mesa on October 15, 2019 and she was laid to rest at the Mesa Cemetery.