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Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, J. Lynn Shawcroft, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2019, after a brief illness. He was born to J. Howard and MarVelle Shawcroft on February 6, 1929, in La Jara Colorado. He was the oldest of four children, sister LaVonne, and brothers Dale and Wayne. He grew up on the family farm and cattle ranch and graduated from La Jara High School in 1947. Following high school, he received bachelors and masters degrees from Utah State University, Adams State College, and the University of Colorado. He was called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico from 1950 to 1952. On June 8, 1954, he and Dorothea Carol Thomas were married in the Salt Lake Temple, and they are the parents of six children, Diana, Karl, Marianne, Carolyn, Janet, and Paul. The majority of years raising his family were spent in Broomfield, Colorado, where he worked as an educator and administrator in the Boulder Valley School District. Following retirement, he and Dorothea moved to Mesa, Arizona, and soon after were called to serve as missionaries in Quito, Ecuador and Guatemala City, Guatemala. He also served as president of the Ecuador Guayaquil mission, and later as president of the Guayaquil, Ecuador temple.

The entirety of his life was spent serving others in whatever capacity he was called, with his sweetheart always serving faithfully by his side. “Papa,” as he is affectionately known by his family, was an expert gardener and grew the most beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. He was an avid fisherman in his younger years and loved spending his summers at the family cabin in the mountains of Colorado. He was a person of honesty and integrity and always did the right thing for the right reason. He was gentle and kind, and loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Dorothea, children Diana Palmer (Ron), Karl, Carolyn Rasmussen (Edward), Janet Rasmussen (Ward), and Paul, 17 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and one brother, R. Wayne Shawcroft. Graveside services will be held in Colorado at the Sanford Cemetery on October 9, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., where he will be interred. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Kimball Stake Center, 1266 S. 32nd Street, in Mesa, Arizona

Ruth Maxine Cooper Haws (97) passed away in Mesa, Arizona on September 29, 2019. She was born in the rural area between Gilbert and Mesa, Arizona on December 19, 1921, the daughter of John Henry and Gertrude Clevenger Cooper. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. She served in many callings in the Church. She spent most of her life in the Gilbert/Mesa, Arizona area and graduated from Gilbert High School. Subsequently, all her children also graduated from Gilbert High. Maxine (the name she went by) married Kato Devar Haws in 1942 shortly before he entered the Army Air Force. Kato served during World War II in Australia and various stateside bases. Maxine’s career was raising her 10 children and being involved in the lives of her large posterity. She grew up during the Great Depression, and then she and her husband raised a large family of 10 children. Being frugal and “making do” came naturally to her. She used her skills to make bread, cook pinto beans, make quilts, sew clothes, can food, etc. Creating oil paintings and crocheting were some of her hobbies. She was of a quiet, diligent temperament and was of service and an example to many.

After her husband retired, she and Kato served several missions for their church. They served for two years in the Dallas, Texas temple. While living at home, they served 5 years in the name extraction program, then at Deseret Industries as Rehabilitation Service Missionaries.  They served at the Mesa Regional Family History center and in the youth center of the Arizona Temple. They helped to make and bind tied quilts and other sewn items for the Church’s Humanitarian/Homecraft Program. She was an indexer for the FamilySearch website for many years. On the day she went to the hospital, she was indexing and had 5 indexing batches reserved. Altogether, she did 116,129 names in the indexing program.

She was preceded in death by her eternal companion Kato Devar Haws Sr in 2011 (married 68 years), her parents and 3 brothers (Alton, Elmer, and Howard Cooper) and one sister (Luveda Cooper Fincher), son-in-law Dave Caldwell, three grandchildren, and two stillborn great-grandchildren. She is survived by one sister Lois Allen. She is also survived by her 10 children: Kato Haws (Jenny), Brenda Hertzberg (Ray), Wallace Haws (Edith), Milton Haws (Sherri), Martha Caldwell (Dave), George Haws, Edwin Haws (Dana), Donna Dillon, Gordon Haws (Lyla) and Katherine Garrard. She loved her vast posterity of 10 children, 53 grandchildren, 125 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren (199 total). She will be missed by many.

Cris Kay Matthews passed away in his sleep early in the morning of Sept. 30, 2019 at the age of 56. This is a tragic loss to his family and friends. Everyone who knew him will remember his playful tone and easy laugh that quickly gave way to a helping, giving nature. He never married and lived a quiet life of working at the family business. Being the oldest of eight children, born July 13, 1963, he was viewed as a mentor by all of his brothers and sisters. Spending time with them was his favorite thing to do, especially if it meant going camping or fishing. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving a mission in Bogota, Colombia. He graduated from ASU with a business degree. Cris is survived by his parents, Gary & Linda Matthews, and siblings Shelley(Robert) Fletcher, Janna Gerlak, Ellen(Rick) Jones, Neil Matthews, Blaine(Tiffany) Matthews, Nathan(Jenny) Matthews, and Daniel Matthews and 24 nieces and nephews. There will be a viewing for Cris at Bunkers Family Funeral Homes at 33 N. Centennial Way, Wednesday Oct. 9 from 6 – 8 pm. Services will be held at the Lynn Rae Ward Building, 1266 S. 32nd. St, at 10 am on Oct. 10, with more viewing at 9am.

Arlene Marie Rader passed away at Banner Baywood Hospital in Mesa, Arizona on September 30, 2019.  She was 76.  Arlene suffered health issues for many years, but she reached out to provide loving assistance to people in all walks of life.  She taught cooking, baking and sewing classes at her church; she provided in-home assistance to people too ill to provide for themselves.  In addition to these endeavors, she loved to cross stich, quilt, sew, knit and decorate her home.  In 1968 she married Robert W. Rader and lavished her love on him for 51 years until her death.  Their daughter Holly Marie Rader was born in 1969; later a second daughter was adopted.  Her name is Kandy.  She is also survived by a younger sister Joyce Franz and her family and a younger brother Everet Cleveland.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, with a visitation one hour prior to services on Friday, October 11^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6655 E. Preston in Mesa

Mckinley Straham III was born to Mckinley Straham JR and Martha Jordan on June 4, 1934 in Peno, Oklahoma. He moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico with his mom where he finished his schooling. He then went into the army for 3 years. He moved to California with his sister after serving in the army.

Vacationing in Carlsbad, New Mexico, he met Betty, and they united after many letter writings. They were together for 60 Years and have 4 children. He worked at the Veteran’s Administration hospital as a nursing assistant, and psychiatry for 34 years, where he retired.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Betty; Sisters: Renee (Thomas), Regina; Brother: Kenneth; Children: Barbara (Jeff), Michael, Darryl, McKinley IV; Grandchildren: Sam, Crystal, Seville, Dominique, Michael JR, Marcus, Mckele, Matthew, Darion; One Great Grandchild, Mckenna,; a loving adopted son Dennis; a true friend Joe Kelly; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services are Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

After 77 years of sharing the best of himself with all who knew him, Dr. Wayne G. Thorpe passed away on September 26, 2019, in Gilbert, Arizona. Wayne, or “Doc,” as he was affectionately known to all who had the pleasure of sitting in his dental chair, leaves us with tear-soaked eyes and memories of love and laughter.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00am on Friday, October 4, 2019, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 3307 S. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona. There will be two viewings for family and friends at the same chapel. The first, from 6:00 to 9:00pm, on Thursday, October 3, 2019, and the second from 8:30 to 9:45am prior to the funeral service on Friday. Interment will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Springville Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 S. 400 E, Springville, UT.

Wayne Thorpe was born on February 28, 1942, in Provo, Utah, the second child and first son of Blaine and Edna (Starr). His formative years were spent in Springville and Mapleton, Utah, among aunts, uncles, and cousins from both sides of his family, relationships he cherished throughout his life.

When he was in high school, his parents moved their family to Ames, Iowa, where Wayne developed several life-long friendships and graduated from Ames High School. It was there that Wayne learned to care for animals, a passion that inspired him to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

After high school, Wayne studied at Utah State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and, more important, met and married his beloved first wife, Loraine (Slade), with whom he would welcome into the world five sons and two daughters, one of whom was deceased at birth.

After both Wayne and Loraine graduated from college, they moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Loraine taught school to support Wayne as he attended dental school at the University of Illinois. Doc worked construction at night and during class breaks to help make ends meet for the young family. Upon earning his D.D.S. degree, Wayne completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Cook County Hospital. While in Chicago, Wayne and Loraine enjoyed living close to his parents and the family of his dear younger sister Eileen and her husband Jim.

Upon completion of his residency, Wayne and Loraine moved their growing family to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Wayne provided oral surgery services throughout Wyoming and Nebraska, and Loraine taught school. It was in Cheyenne where Doc began his decades-long commitment to two causes that became very important to him throughout his life. He joined the United States Air Force Reserves, eventually rising to the rank of Major, providing surgery to active-duty members at F.E. Warren Air Force Base and to veterans at the local Veterans Affairs Administration hospital. He held a deep reverence and love for those who served our country, and he inculcated that sentiment in his children. Wayne cherished the ordered liberty that was ensured by our constitutional system and he loved the United States of America.

The second cause to which Wayne began his lifelong dedication in Cheyenne was the Boy Scouts of America, an organization with which he was involved for the remainder of his life. He valued the Boy Scout principles and enjoyed the camaraderie he developed with his fellow Scouting leaders. Wayne believed deeply that it was better to build strong boys through the values of the Scouting program than to mend weak men.

After 10 years in Cheyenne, Wayne and Loraine moved their family to Higley, Arizona, which became their home for the remainder of their lives. In Arizona, Dr. Thorpe practiced oral surgery from his Mesa offices for 30 years, and provided his professional services at hospitals throughout the Phoenix metro area. Despite his disappointment at “only” becoming a dentist and not his once-dreamed vocation of veterinary medicine, Doc chose to live in rural Higley where he could raise animals, drive his tractor, and “farm.” The man sure could make dirt grow!

He also continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves, regularly performing surgeries at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. While other dentists spent their “hard-earned” days off on the golf course, Doc spent every Wednesday serving in the Mesa, Arizona, temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints –- which he did for 27 years!

While he prided himself on his “efficiency” in pulling teeth –- a “talent” not always appreciated by his patients — Wayne was, at his core, a healer. He dedicated his life to alleviating pain and suffering in others. Every night he would call each of his patients to personally monitor their recovery. He cared intensely for friends and loved ones as they endured health challenges and possessed tremendous compassion for those in need. The Thorpe family dining room table proved to be a suitable surgical center for countless neighbors and friends who needed urgent care. More importantly, Wayne and Loraine created a home where friends gathered to laugh and wounded souls found a welcome respite.

After his beloved Loraine passed away in March 2004, Wayne found hope, then friendship, then love anew when he met and married Jeanne Humphrey. They spent 15 joy-filled years together traveling the world, serving their church in the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and spending time with family and loved ones. Jeanne brought out qualities in Wayne that made him a better man, and even helped turn him into a genuine green thumb. She encouraged him to nourish his relationships with his siblings and children — a labor that will forever bless the Thorpe family.

Wayne believed in serving others. He was quick to apologize and to forgive. His was an unmentioned and quiet generosity born out of best efforts to emulate his Savior, Jesus Christ.

As dedicated as Wayne was to healing and helping others, whether physically through his talent as an oral surgeon or spiritually through his dedication to his church congregation and the Scouting program, no one was more dedicated to the healing power of a well-delivered joke. Wherever Doc was, you were sure to find others smiling.

Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved Loraine, as well as his parents, his dear grandson Kolten Thorpe, and his adored younger brother Allen.

Dr. Thorpe is survived by his devoted wife Jeanne; his sister Marilyn (Harris), and her husband Robert; his sister Eileen (Bayer), and her husband Jim; his brother Paul, and his wife Velda; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth; his wonderful daughter Katijean; his sons Gary, David, Mark, Thomas, and Michael; his daughters-in-law Roxanne (Gary), Marci (David), Kate (Mark) and Kathy (Thomas); his stepchildren Jeff Myers, and Julie Goss; and his adored 11 grandsons, eight granddaughters and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the University of Utah, University Hospital Foundation.

Helen Louise Jackson Spuhler, 83, passed away September 27, 2019 following an extended illness.                                                                                      

Helen was born July 20, 1936 in Logan, Utah, the daughter of Evelyn Poppleton Gunnel and Alma Orin Jackson.

Helen graduated from South Cache High School in 1954 and was offered a music scholarship to Utah State University.  Helen married Lynn Spuhler in 1955 in the Salt Lake City Temple.  A shortage of finances prevented both from attending the University, so Helen went to work for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator, where she worked until 1958.

During the next five years, while her husband was on an assignment with the United States Air Force, Helen would pick up college level classes whenever possible, working toward her college degree.  After settling in Mesa, Helen returned to school full time, graduating from Mesa Community College with an Association in Arts Degree.  Helen went on to attend Arizona State University graduation Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in elementary education in 1978.  While at Arizona State University Helen was initiated as a member of the Beta Pi chapter of Kappa Delta Pi.

Following graduation, Helen went to work for Mesa Public Schools teaching at Webster Elementary, where she would teach for the next 24 years before retiring in 2002.  After retirement she continued as a substitute teacher for several more years.

Helen showed an interest in each and every student, working with the student and parent to draw out the very best in each one.  She was loved by her students and greatly respected by her peers.

Helen was also an excellent piano teacher giving private piano lessons for a period of 20 plus years.  She delighted in showing off her student’s talents in the annual piano recitals she presented.  She was always eager to share her musical talent with others.

Helen was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in the Young Woman and Relief Society programs of the church.   She also served as ward organist of the Flint Ward during a ten year stay in Michigan.

Helen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Lynn, children: Karen Louise Spuhler Hubbard and David Lynn Spuhler (Kristen), grandchildren: Christopher Hubbard, Taylor Hubbard, Emma Spuhler Ballew (Marqus), and Maggie Spuhler, and siblings: Joy Brown, Marianne Lausmann, David Hendrick and Stephen Hendrick.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents and Sister Vivian.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, October 4, 2019 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.  Interment will be held at Providence City Cemetery in River Heights, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation –  https://www.bannerhealthfoundation.org/areas-to-support/banner-alzheimers-foundation

Wayne Nelson McBride, age 79, passed away on September 25, 2019 at his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was married to Linda Lue Mulleneaux for 57 years.

Wayne was born on September 21st, 1940 in Safford, Arizona to Herald & Fay McBride. Wayne was born and raised in Safford, Arizona. After graduating from Safford High School Wayne enlisted as an Airman with the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, and was honorably discharged in 1964.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University. He worked as an engineer for Air Research and Boeing.

In 1971, He graduated from the Arizona Department of Public Safety / Arizona Highway Patrol Academy Class # 17. Wayne was stationed in Salome, Arizona, Black Canyon City, Arizona, Tempe, Arizona and finished his career with AZDPS in Flagstaff, Arizona. He retired with the rank of Sergeant.

During his career he spent many years in the Aviation Division as a Paramedic / Officer / Sergeant. This was the highlight of his career and spoke highly of this prestigious assignment.

Later, he worked as a Probation Officer in Coconino County and Maricopa County. He also Worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections as an Internal Affairs / Criminal Investigator.

Wayne was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served as a Scout Leader, Stake Missionary, Bishopric Counselor and served a service mission with Linda.

He loved vacations on the West Coast in San Clemente with Linda, aviation, cars, metal working, auto-mechanics, RV travel, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his son Gregg (Joanna), son Mark (Shawna), daughter Lori Ray (Rocky), and daughter Stephanie Jacobson (Travis), Gary McBride (brother), Jeanette Mullenaux (sister), Kathleen Crockett (sister) and Robert McBride (brother), 17 Grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  Wayne has many friends and will be missed dearly.

Dana E. Williams, 35, a resident of Tempe, AZ, was abruptly ripped from this mortal realm and chosen to join the Gods up high.  He didn’t even get the chance to finish the 2019 football season.  How unfair!  Anyway, I hope they allowed this newb to watch the AZ Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks game.  This was a highly anticipated game for him.

Dana is survived by his two daughters, Daniella Madison Williams and Alyssa Jaiden Williams.  He is survived by his mother, Gloria Lesso, his siblings, Shaunene Williams (Nate), Edward Williams, Rubynelle Kelley (Anthony), Crystal Williams, Samuel Williams, two nephews, and four nieces.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandma, Ruby Isk Salkey, his step-grandpa, Walter Salkey, maternal grandpa, Wesley Lesso, Jr., his father, Charles Edward Gordon, and his beloved dogs, Furious and Brownie.

Dana graduated in the class of 2002 from Coolidge High School.  He grew up in Sacaton, skateboarding everywhere, day or night, with his “arthritis crew”.  His two daughters were his angels and they could do no wrong in his eyes.  Dana was quite the social butterfly.  With his charismatic and vibrant spirit, he easily made friends everywhere he went.

Wake services will be on Friday, October 4^th, from 6-10pm at District #4 Service Center.  All choirs are welcome.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 5^th, at the Lower Santan Cemetery starting at 7am.

Kathryn Charise Parsons, beloved daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother passed away on September 25, 2019, surrounded by loved ones in her Gilbert, AZ home, after a five-year battle with Colorectal Cancer. 

Charise was born on May 16, 1970 in Flagstaff, Arizona to Charles and JoAnn (Ervien) Parsons.  Charise lived life to the fullest, always keeping very busy and active.  She attended Mountain View High School where she participated in multiple sports and served her classmates as a member of the Student Government.  Charise graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business.  Career-oriented, she ambitiously worked from management to business ownership within the fundraising industry. 

Although her fight with cancer was long and difficult, Charise’s positive attitude and outlook on life inspired others who also fought the same battle. Constantly surrounded by friends and family, her love for life brightened the lives of all that knew her.  Charise’s love for being a mother and grandmother beamed through her devotion and dedication to her children and grandchildren. 

Charise was preceded in death by her father, Charles.  She was survived by her mother, JoAnn; children: Kennedy (Aaron) Luke, Jensyn, Shyan, Jordan, and Maddux, grandson, Camden; siblings: Tim, Greg (Suzette), Tiffany (Matt) Swann, Chantel (Clifton Fligger), and Taryn (Randy) Stock; life partner, Amy Benz, and the father of her children, Tom Green.

A Celebration of Life for Charise will be held on November 3, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Double Tree Event Center: 1800 S. Santan Village Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ 85295.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance fundraiser at fundraise.ccalliance.org.  Additionally, a Go Fund Me account has been established for her children at gofundme.com/f/love-for-charises-children.  We love you, Charise.  You will always be, “Our Sunshine.”

Risa Crockett, born on February 12^th, 1975, passed away on Thursday, September 26^th, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.  Risa led a full, happy life with friends and family, and she will be missed by all who knew her.  She loved to spend her free time cooking, cross-stitching and reading novels from every genre under the sun.  Risa spent many years teaching children in various church callings, and thoroughly enjoyed her time with the youth.

Risa is survived by her Mother, Sandra; Father, Robert; and siblings Kristina, Malynda, Todd and Scott Crockett

The funeral services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, October 2^nd, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel, 977 E. Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ, 85204. 

Alyce Marie Eich, 104, of Gilbert, Arizona; passed away on September 18, 2019.  She was born in Dwight, Illinois on August 3, 1915.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 AM, Friday, September 27, 2019 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Rd. in Mesa, Arizona

Our loving wife, mother and grandmother, Darlene May Lyman, 71, of Gilbert, died on Monday, September 23, 2019. Darlene was born on November 3, 1947 in Murray, Utah to Norma and Eugene Brown. She married Jim Lyman of Salt Lake City on August 21, 1964. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple.  Survivors include her son: Randy (Karen) Lyman of Gilbert; granddaughter: Jennifer (Josh) Scow of Gilbert; grandsons: Matthew Manning and Ethan Lyman; sisters: Pat Newbold of Mesa, Arizona and Marianna Schechter of Las Vegas, Nevada.  Visitation will be held Friday, September 27, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel.  Funeral service will be held Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 2265 S. Hawes, in Mesa, with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial will be held at Mesa City Cemetery.

Eileen Curnow peacefully passed away September 17,2019.  She was born in Victor Colorado and raised by several loving family members.  She worked in Denver where she met Vern her husband of 62 years.  She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in several church callings.  Eileen enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting.  She is preceded in death by Vernon Curnow (husband), Catherine Fall ( Mother), Benjamin Gaylor ( Father), Dorothy Fall (aunt), Sonny, Bill, Bob and Sis Dewar (siblings).  Survived by her children Rick (Joyce), Stan (Amy) and Verleen, Jean and Anna Marie (cousins), Several grand kids and great grand kids, and many nieces and nephews

Memorial services for Richard Gordon (Dickie) Leonard will be held Saturday, September 21, at 2:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church located at 10305 E. Southern Ave., Mesa 85208.  Dickie passed on September 18 and is survived by his wife, Sandy, and children, Troy, Tiffany, Kristen, Cammie, Tenille, Marla and Shelby with 26 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please help the family with funeral expenses: The Arch Angels/Dickie Leonard OR Venmo, handle Leonard-Memorial OR send cash, check, or computer on-line banking to Desert Financial Credit Union Routing #122187238 – account #10000424950402.