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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.

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.