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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.

Lynne Louise (Pezold) Lidel, a loving mother, dedicated wife and selfless friend, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2019 at the age of 42.  Lynne was born to Victor and Susan (Nicoll) Pezold on March 11, 1977 in Mesa, Arizona.  She has one sister Sheridia (Pezold) Massey and two brothers (Eric Pezold and Steven Pezold).  She grew up in Mesa and graduated from Mesa High School.  She married James Lidel on May 17, 2002 in Maui, Hawaii.  She and James were blessed with three children – Sydney, Jackson and Grant.  She cherished her family and found joy in being a mother.  She was preceded in death by her son Jackson and her mother Susan.  She is survived by her husband James, her daughter Sydney, her son Grant, her father Victor and her siblings. 

She is loved and will be greatly missed by her friends and family. 

A memorial service will be held at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23914 S Alma School Road, Sun Lakes, Arizona at 1 PM on Friday, September 20, 2019 followed by a reception with light refreshments.  The memorial service will be preceded by a visitation 6-8 PM on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona.

Tiffany Danley died surrounded by the love of family and friends after a long battle with a fatal illness.  Tiffany was born in Utica, NY and grew up in Salinas, CA.  Graduating from Salinas High School and then from San Jose State University.  Tiffany’s career was in event planning and she obtained and held the CMP and CSEP certifications.  Tiffany planned a number of events including the Papal visit to Monterey in 1981.

Tiffany is survived by her loving Husband Richard Danley, Brother Tom Norton (Paula), Children Leanne Joynes (Marty Schubitzke), Tara Chavez (Eric), and Tom Danley (Anna Colleran-Danley), Grandchildren,  Brock Chavez, Ryan Joynes, Madeline Joynes, Kyleigh White, Kylene Schubitzke, C. J. White, Brady Schubitzke, and Adelyn Danley and Great Grandchildren, Apolonia Chavez and Armani Sandoval White and her nieces.

Rulon “Rudy” Smithson Crum (82) passed away on September 10, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born August 7, 1937 in Duncan Arizona to Robert Ray and Ruth Annie Smithson Crum, where he lived on the farm until his family moved to Phoenix in 1943. In 1953 the family moved to Mesa Arizona and Rudy was recruited to play sports at and attend Gilbert High School where he graduated in 1956. He attended early morning seminary at Mesa High School, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Rosa Lee Schofield. They married in 1957. Together they had 6 wonderful children.

Rudy spent his career working for Mountain Bell Telephone in various capacities, and serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mesa. In 1990, Rudy retired from Mountain Bell and started a small company, AT&E (Arizona Telephone and Electronics) that he ran until 2004. That year, Rudy and Rosie left to serve an LDS Mission in Fresno California. They returned in 2006 and then served a second Mission in the Montevideo, Uruguay Mission from 2008-2009. His later years were filled with spending time with his 33 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

He is Lovingly survived by his dear wife Rosa Lee (Schofield) of 62 years, his children, Julie Crane (Richard), Janis Johnson (Todd), John Crum (Lori) who preceded him in death, William Crum (Kathy), Rulon Crum (Jennifer) and Fred Crum (Caroline).

Funeral services for Rudy will be held Saturday, September 21^st at 10:00 am at the LDS Church building located at 2835 E Des Moines St., Mesa 85213. Visitation will be Friday, September 20^th from 6-8 pm at the same church building on Des Moines St., Mesa.

Annette K. Uhrhan passed away on the morning of September 15, 2019, following complications as a result of brain surgery.

Annette was born June 17, 1943 to Neil W. Kooyman and Susanne L. Kooyman. She married Frank L. Uhrhan May 5, 1967 in the Salt Lake City Temple. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she served in many positions. She also served a mission alongside Frank at the Church’s Resource Employment Center and was also a Temple Ordinance Worker. Annette grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and attended South High School. She graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics and also earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Arizona State University.

Annette taught Elementary, Junior High and High School for well over 40 years. She also worked as a Home Economist for Mountain Fuel Supply and the Lion House. She was an excellent teacher who was loved by her students and colleagues alike.  

Annette is preceded in death by her parents, Neil and Susanne Kooyman. She is survived by her husband Frank, her daughters Natalie Wilcox (Mondie), Tennille Riedlinger (Patrick), and grandchildren Sabrina, Mariah, Tyler, Riley, and Bella. She is also survived by her sister Kae Curtis (Kay) and her brothers Bob Kooyman (Pam), David Kooyman (Joleene), Paul Kooyman (Raelynn) and foster brother Orville Stanley.

The viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201 on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 PM. The funeral will be Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Recker Ward Chapel – 5190 South Recker Road, Gilbert, AZ 85298. A viewing will take place prior to service at 10:00 AM. The burial will take place at the Mesa Arizona City Cemetery.   

Dennis Mitchell McCuan. 77, born Dec 7, 1942.  He was called home Sept 10, 2019. There to meet him were his parents Norma Bloom McCuan and Russell McCuan.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 42 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Lee McCuan and 5 children, which have given him a rich posterity of 51, grand, great-grand and great great grandchildren. As well as his sister Pamela Bettis her husband Larry and their four children.

Dennis was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho and has lived in Arizona for 45. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to Chile, South America and graduated from BYU. Dennis is a Vietnam Army Veteran. He retired from the Creighton School District. Dennis’s love for traveling took him to all 50 states. Dennis was an avid reader with a love for history.

A memorial service will be held to honor Dennis Thursday, September 19th at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,  3920 N 44^thPlace, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

Dean Edward Sloan passed away peacefully at home in Mesa, Friday morning, Sep 13, 2019. He was born February 17, 1930 in Williamston, Michigan and raised on the farm. He served in the United States Air force from 1951 to 1955 and later graduated from the University of Arizona in civil engineering. He made a career with the City of Mesa for over 30 years, serving as the City Engineer and Public Works Director. He was named in the top 10 public works directors in the US.

Dean and Floyce then served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints in Grenada, West Indies.  They retired to Eagar Arizona and lived there 24 years before returning to Mesa. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Floyce Sloan, his daughter Lisa (Steve) Lindberg, daughter Erin (Roger) Hatch, son, Bill (Terry) Sloan, 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ, on Thursday September 19, 2019 from 6 until 8 PM. The funeral will be held in Springerville, AZ on Saturday September 21, 2019 at 10 AM at the Springerville Ward building, 150 N Aldrice Burk Dr, Springerville Az 85938 and interred in the Eagar Cemetery.

Joeli Noel Ganem, born July 13, 2017, passed away September 11, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The visitation is Friday, September 20, 2019 from 6-8 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ahwatukee Ward, 4525 E. Knox Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85044. Funeral services are Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 10 AM.

Alan Ramsdell came into this world on September 11, 1938 in Boston, Massachusetts in the midst of the last unnamed hurricane.  He left this world peacefully on September 9, 2019 with his wife of 57 years by his side holding his hand.  His life has been rich with family and an untold number of friends. 

Alan graduated from Brookline High School, Brookline, Mass., attended Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia, Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ and received his Masters’ Degree from Arizona State University.

In 1960 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Ord near Monterey, California.  While there he met the love of his life, Mary Jo.  They were married in June 1962.  In 1964, after being discharged from the Army, they moved to Mesa, AZ where Alan began his career as a social worker for the State of Arizona, first in Child Protective Services for 20 years and then as the supervisor of all the buildings and vehicles in the county of Maricopa.  He retired in 1991.

In the early 1970’s Alan and others were instrumental in helping the city of Mesa establish a Salvation Army citadel.  He became a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and has remained on the Board until his death.

Alan was an active member of the Rotary Club until his recent health prevented him of attending and enjoyed the fellowship of his fellow members.

Alan was also very active in the Caledonian Society of Arizona where he enjoyed the fellowship of fellow Scots and celebrated their Scottish heritage.  He served as President of that organization and helped establish the annual Scottish Highland Games in Phoenix.  He always wore his Clan Gordon kilt with pride.

Alan leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Jo, a special niece Margaret Lucey of Newbury-port, Massachusetts and her husband Fred, a wonderful sister-in-law Penny Ramsdell of Baton Rouge, LA, very special friends Francis and CarolAnne Venturelli of Sacramento, CA, Steve and Gail Wylie of Mesa, AZ and many, many other friends.

Norma Louise Valentine, a resident of Legacy Retirement Community of Mesa, AZ, passed away on September 6, 2019. She was born June 10, 1921 in Tionesta, PA and was preceded in death by her husband Debs Valentine. She is survived by her four children, David Valentine (Lorraine), Diane Walker (Robert), Debra Harris (Robin), and Daniel Valentine (Danielle). Norma has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She spent her life in service to her family; cooking delicious meals and sewing clothing. Norma was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities therein. Services will be Friday, September 13, 2019 at 9:30 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Martha Marie Baker passed away early Sunday morning (September 8, 2019) at her home in San Tan Valley, Arizona, due to complications associated with heart disease.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, William Edward Baker, Jr. (MGySgt, USMC retired), her mother and father and her elder sister. She is survived by her three sons, Mark S. Baker of San Tan Valley, Arizona, Rodney A. Baker of Gilbert, Arizona, and Glenn E. Baker of Lincoln, California, and her sister, Peggy Green of Carson City, Nevada. Additionally, she is survived by two grandsons and four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Martha was born in Los Angeles, California on December 8, 1936 to Mr. Oca Glenn Allison and Mrs. Mildred Evelyn (McAlister) Allison, the youngest of three daughters. Her sisters were Winona Evelyn Allison (Newberry), and Peggy Ann Allison (Green). She grew up in the Southern California area, graduating Baldwin Park High School, class of 1954.

Occupationally, she has worked as a data entry operator for various employers, starting at a time when “punch cards” were used. She ultimately retired in 1990 from the city of Sacramento, California Crime Analysis Unit of the Police Department.

Martha loved arts and crafts as she expressed herself in painting and stained-glass art. She was a great conversationalist, especially during Bible study and other Christian related subjects. She was kind, compassionate, and loving to all her family and to all she came in contact with. She used to carry extra groceries in the trunk of her car just in case someone might need them, especially the homeless street people.

Martha held to her faith in a sacred manner. Regardless of life’s circumstances, even through the worst of times, she remained loyal to her faith in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. According to Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus once told his followers, “Ye are the light of the world”. She was a shining example as the love of Jesus was evident in her life.

She is greatly loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services are Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation from 9 – 10:45 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.