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David B. Moore passed away on August 12, 2019. He was 85 years old and has lived a full and happy life. He died quietly and just slipped away to be with his son, his parents and family who went before him.

David was born to Earl and Rachel Mathews Moore on September 7, 1933 in Mansfield, Ohio. He had 5 older siblings: Helen Sponseller (Glen), Robert (Evelyn Baker), Grace Shoup (Dale), Phyllis Mowry (Clyde), and Nancy Bamberger (Robert) all who preceded him in death.

David married Eleanor JoAnn Agutter on August 11, 1960 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were married for 59 years. They have 5 children: Kelly, Mathew (Lori Bigler), Nancy Palmer (Darrel), Erin, Tracy (Jennifer Downey). Erin preceded him in death.

David loved his family, scouting, flying his airplane, and helping in any way he could. He served in the Navy from 1956 to 1958. David earned his degree in electrical engineering from Radio Electronic Television Schools in Detroit, Michigan in November 1955. He worked as an electronics installer most of his life. On March 28^th, 1959 he was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. David served in many callings in the church including missionary and bishop. The calling he loved the most was scout master. He always had a project to keep him busy. He had a talent for including his family and making each of us feel that our part of the project was important and critical to its success.  He will be greatly missed by those he loved and served.

David and JoAnn have been blessed with 15 grandchildren: Malcolm, Garrett, Angela, Nicholas, Emily, Kyle, Kelcee, Skyler, Jay Michael, Bryce, Miranda, Bonnie Jo, Samantha, Taylor, and Zarren and 9 great grandchildren: Waylon, Wesley, Wade, Lily Marie, Ella Rose, Zeppline, Halen, Charlotte, and Isaac.

The viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ on Wednesday, August 21^st from 6 to 8 pm. There will also be a viewing before the funeral from 9 to 10 am at the chapel. His funeral will be held Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 10:00 am in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 422 E University Mesa, AZ 85203. Graveside services will follow at the Mesa Cemetery.

Paul Russell Patmore was born unexpectedly 3 months early on June 21, 1980 in Dallas, TX.  And he died unexpectedly at his home in Mesa, AZ from a heroin overdose on August 3, 2019.  He fought so hard to survive in the NICU.  He must have survived with the mission someday to reach out to others who also suffered from the disease of addiction.  He saved many.  He inspired more. His friends have confirmed this. He was whip smart, wise beyond his short years, and the funniest human on the planet – and beyond??

From friends and family:

“The thing about Paulie, is he always fought for the underdog, because he was the underdog. He was the one person in the room whose attention and energy automatically went to the one person in the room that most people would have given up on. Because he always believed that everybody was worthy of love and connection and could make a comeback. Because Paulie always made a comeback. Again and again and again. In his world, nobody was disposable or insignificant. In his world everyone deserved some time and attention. In his world every person mattered. No matter what. And no matter where he went or what he did he always maintained his childlike awe, sage wisdom and ability to make the person standing in front of him feel like the most special person in the world. You could never be sad around Paulie because he could always help you find your smile and your gratitude. He had a light and a force within him that inspired and motivated people around him. Even when it couldn’t inspire and motivate him. He was one of the wittiest people I’ve ever known with the most dynamic mind and lens through which he saw the world. He was absolutely magnetic and had the most contagious laughter and smile. He had the biggest heart of anyone I know, and he shared it with everyone. Paulie was my friend. My family.  Some times weren’t always easy or beautiful, but they are beyond precious and priceless to me and I will cherish them for the rest of my life. There has never been, and will never be, someone as True Blue as our Paulie. Wherever you are my friend know that I love you. Forever. ♥️”

“I’ve never felt more important than when I was around Paul.  And I think that is true for most people who knew him.   Because the depth of his care and concern was stunning.  Paul had “it”.  It’s rare, and he had it.  I’ll miss it forever.  He had a genuine selflessness that was learned from family, but that was cultivated through his own life experience.”

Paul proclaimed recently, “This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my adult life!”  He was almost one year clean, had a job he loved helping others, was taking such good care of his health and relationships.  His future looked so bright.  Yet one poor decision ended it all.

Paul was a gentle and loving child, and that never changed.  He had an old soul – and loved senior citizens, as well as children and animals.  Everyone was drawn to him.  He will be missed by hundreds of friends in Arizona, as well as his family in Texas and Pennsylvania.

Paul was predeceased by his father, Charles W. Patmore, Jr., his grandparents Paul and Fran Hanson and Charles and June Patmore.  He is survived by his son, Isaac Deerwester of Philadelphia, Pa./Drexel University; his mother, Joan Hanson Patmore of Dallas, TX, his brothers Chuck Patmore of McKinney, TX and Doug Patmore of Fort Collins, Co; and his brother from another mother, Scotty Cowen of Phoenix.

The poem “Ascension” by Colleen Hitchcock was on his refrigerator door for the past 2 years.  Please look it up; we believe that he was at peace with his destiny.

We were all stunned by his death.  Paul always came back.   Yet an addict’s death should never be unexpected.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in Phoenix at Unexpected Art Gallery (ironic, to be sure) on Sunday, August 25, 2019.  We celebrate the artist, writer, philosopher and friend to the least of us.  A private inurnment will take place at the columbarium at First United Methodist Church, Richardson TX.

To support Paul’s legacy of restoring dignity and health to others with the disease of addiction, donations can be made to Sonoran Prevention Works.  3201 N. 16^th St., Ste.9, Phoenix, AZ 85016, spwaz.org.

Our beautiful and beloved wife, Mother and “Nanny”, Barbara June Payne Ipsen peacefully passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2019.  She was encircled by love with her husband and children around her.  She was born December 31, 1937, in Oakland, CA to E. Junius and Helen Dixon Payne.

Her treasures in life were her family and faith in Jesus Christ.  She married her husband, Robert, of 63 years in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  Her children: Robin (Mark) Harmon, Jannie (Greg) Brady, Bradley Payne (Suzanne) Ipsen, Dana (Jeff, deceased) Groscost.  She has 17 wonderful grandchildren and 31 precious great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Bette (Robert) Peterson and many cherished nieces, nephews and many special friends.

She lived a wonderful life of service and is a friend to all.  Her talents and creativity knew no bounds, she made everything beautiful. Her smile always sparkled as brightly as her perfectly adorned outfits.  She is one in a million!

She added meaning and bling to everything and loved anything to do with her children and grandchildren.  Making memories, starting and keeping traditions were a top priority.  Her deep relationship with each of them and her legacy will live on in their lives forever.

Mother delighted in every opportunity to serve in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved the Temple and faithfully served in the Mesa Arizona Temple for 24 plus years.  Everything in her life was centered around her Temple service.

She will be remembered for how she loved genuinely and generously.

Oh, how we will miss her…our lives will never be the same.  We rejoice in the glorious reunion taking place and know we will be together again.  To know her is to love her~and to feel her love for you.

A visitation will be Friday, August 16, 2019 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Her funeral services ill be Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11 AM with a visitation from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at the Citrus Heights Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2549 N. 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ.

Richard “Tack” Schumacher, 80 years old of Mesa, Arizona peacefully passed away August 11, 2019 with family by his side.  Tack was born to Gordon and Genevieve Schumacher on December 1, 1938 in Cadillac, Michigan.  While living in Tempe, Arizona he married Patty June on March 7, 1970 and had an instant family with five step children, Gary Waldeck, Roger Waldeck, Roland Waldeck, Vickie Basar and Greg Waldeck.

Prior to his marriage to Patty, Tack served in the Air Force in the Philippines and Vietnam.  Tack also served 18 years in the Army National Guard.  During Tack and Patty’s years together in Show Low, Tack served in the National Guard Transportation Unit at Desert Storm.

Tack and Patty loved bowling during their many years together in Tempe, Show Low and Mesa Arizona.  In August of 1975 Tack joined his wife Patty as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He remained faithful and served in the Church until his health diminished in his mid 70’s.  In Tack’s younger years he loved to snow ski.  He also loved panning for gold, CB and HAM radio communications.  He worked in many fields of construction throughout his life and was a journeyman electrician up until he was forced to retire in his 70’s.

Tack is preceded in death by his wife Patty and his sister Susan.  He is survived by his brother Jimmy Schumacher (Trudie) of Cadillac, Michigan and his five step children, most of who live in Wisconsin.

Richard will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona.

No services planned.

At 69 years old, Linda has lost her hard fought battle with cancer. Her life, memory and legacy is survived by her loving husband, Bob, her son, Blu, her daughter, Kathy and her three grandchildren, Taylor, Dylan and Parker (PJ). Linda has been an inspiration to everyone that knew her. Her love of nature, birds and all living things gave everyone around her a sense of peace and happiness. She was the most giving person and went out of her way to please her family and friends any chance she had. Linda was born in a small town in Illinois and after living in San Diego, Mammoth California and Boise, Idaho, she made her way to Arizona where she lived for the last 41 years, 36 of which were in Mesa, AZ. She loved golf and played in college years ago. She eventually became a PGA Professional and was among a small elite list of women that passed the actual PGA test. Finally, 12 years ago she married the love of her life, Bob Gray. She called him “Hunsie” and then the love story had begun. Linda and Bob had what everyone dreams of in a relationship, true unconditional love. They were inseparable and complimented each other in every single way. They both lit up any room when they were with each other and everyone felt it. There will be many heavy hearts as we say goodbye to an amazing Wife, Daughter, Mother and Grandmother. Her smile and laughter will carry on in the lives of everyone who knew her. Let her rest peacefully in Heaven with her mother, father, brother, Sammy and all her friends that passed before her. We now have a loving angel watching over us and reminding us of how beautiful life truly is.

Sally M. Curran passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2019. Left to celebrate all the wonderful memories are her adoring daughter, Margi, son-in-law, Tom and two grandsons she had recently reconnected with, Daniel and Michael. Brenda Laufer is also a treasured family friend. Those waiting to greet Mom in heaven include her husband, George; son, Ross; mother, Mimi; brother, Reilly, and many other family members and friends.

Mom was born in Sheridan, Wyoming and she was sassy, tough-as-they-come, and intensely private. Mom devoted herself to her family and she loved going to the casino with Dad. When Dad passed on, Margi and Tom would take her to Casino Arizona and she was one of the luckiest people to ever touch a quarter poker machine! Every Sunday Mom and Margi would head to one of the malls (Scottsdale Fashion Square, Chandler Mall were favorites) and would enjoy brunch, a Manhattan cocktail, and graduate-level shopping! Mom was an incredibly strong, funny, sarcastic (loved that!) woman and had many friends at the Legacy Retirement Residence, her home since 2012.

In the last few years mom survived throat cancer and other ailments. A thank you for the last three great years must be extended to Dr. Robert Laufer, Dr. Andy Collins, Dr. Loreto Sulit, and Dr. Mark Ono. They treated Mom with kindness, respect, and truly gave us the greatest gift of all – quality time together. Thanks also to the nurses and staff at Banner Baywood who gave Mom gentle care and supported us through those final hours. No services are planned per Mom’s wishes. As Mom often said, “we will all be together again or it wouldn’t be heaven. It’s not good-bye, just see ya’ later alligator.” Mama, love you to the moon and back; wait for us in the lobby of heaven.

Viola Fuller Hubbard, born January 11, 1926 in Thatcher, Arizona to Reuben Fuller Jr. and Ama Taylor Fuller, died August 7, 2019. Her loving memory lives on through her five children: Patricia Hubbard, Jacque Ganem, Douglas Hubbard, Robert Hubbard, and Cindy Huntbach; her 20 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.

Viola graduated from Thatcher High School in 1943.  She attended Arizona State College (now ASU) in Tempe from 1944-1946. She then married the love of her life, Keith W Hubbard, on January 25, 1946 in Thatcher, Arizona.

Viola played the trumpet and loved to listen and dance to big band music. Keith and Viola were members of The Debonairs—a local group that would meet quarterly, dressed in their finest, to dance to big band music. Viola also spent a lot of her time hiking. She and Keith hiked the Grand Canyon too many times to count, always prepared with her first-aid kit and canteen on her side.

Viola was always very athletic. She enjoyed every sport, but her favorites were softball and volleyball. She took sports very seriously and always gave 110% in every practice and game.

Together Viola and Keith served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They served from 1977-1980 in the Australia Brisbane Mission.

Viola was always the light in every room. She was the first to welcome any new face. Her spunky full-of-life personality made lasting friendships everywhere she went. Viola was known by many to have been the most gracious hostess. She loved opening her home and heart to her big family and anyone else who needed a place to call home.  She taught so many to love big and play hard. There are no words to fully express the gratitude we all hold in our hearts for the love she has given us.  We are at peace knowing that her 93 years here were lived to the fullest. Viola said goodbye to her loving husband, Keith, in 2002. After 17 years spent apart, we know they are reunited once again and are dancing their way through Heaven’s gates. We can never replace Viola, but a piece of her light shines on through each of us every day.

Funeral services are Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ahwatukee Groves Ward, 1050 W. Grove Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85283.

Patrice (Patty) Daniels – 68, peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, on August 4, 2019, with her family by her side. Born in Safford, Arizona, to Thomas and Maudeen Bowen, Patty enjoyed a beautiful childhood, where she was loved and excelled in school.

She was Head Majorette at Safford High School and also participated in the school choir. Patty met the love of her life, Alan Daniels, while in high school, whom she later married and enjoyed 48 wonderful years together. After high school, Patty attended Eastern Arizona College, and then transferred to Arizona State University, where she finished her master’s degree in Education. Patty taught for the Gilbert Public School District as a teacher for 30 years; a job she loved until retiring in 2009.

Patty loved socializing, enjoyed going to the gym, taking excellent care of her disabled son, and loved spending time with and spoiling her grandkids. What Patty was most proud of was her family.

Survivors include Alan (husband), her sons Chad, Brad (Lisa), daughter Holly, and grandkids -Kenadee, Ashton, Chaz, and Kash, brother Thomas Bowen (Carolyn), and sister-in-law Mary Bowen. Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Maudeen Bowen, and her brother Gary Bowen.

On Saturday, August 10, 2019, visitation will begin at 9 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1415 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204.  Funeral service will follow at 10 AM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Joel Dee Clements, 63 of Mesa, Arizona passed away on August 5, 2019, due to liver failure and pancreatic cancer.

Viewing is to be held August 9^th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Bunker Funeral home 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213

 He was born in Phoenix Arizona on August 10, 1955. He proudly served in the Air Force.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elias Georgeson Clements and Thelma Luila Russell Clements. His two sisters Delores and Lottie and his son Eric.

He is survived by his wife Donna (Edwards) Clements, two daughters Michelle (Clements) Schroff, and Angela (Clements) Chavez, Son-in-law Dustin Schroff and Epe Chavez. Stepson John Nichols and Betty Neyra, Stepdaughters Sheila Nichols and Danielle Nichols. Brothers Jack Parlaine Worthington and wife Faye, Theron Clements and wife Karen and Jay Clements. Sisters Raola Sunderland and husband Floyd, Walleta Sedig and Husband Ron Reese and Wanda Waddle and husband Wayne. Grandchildren, Houstin, Austin, Ashlyn, Preston, Madison & Gatlin Schroff. Alysa Clements, Madelyn Chavez, Rie Neyra and Andrea Nichols. Many Nieces and Nephews.

Joel will be deeply missed. The family wishes to thank those present in his life and let them know how much he truly cared for them.

Barbara Fernanda Greer passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children on July 31, 2019. She was born on November 18, 1929 in Colonia Juárez Chihuahua Mexico, but grew up in Mesa, Arizona, graduated from Mesa High School and spent much of her adult life in Scottsdale. She attended Arizona State University where she earned a BA and MA in education. While attending ASU, she met Menlo, fell in love and they were married in the Mesa AZ Temple in 1950. They loved and served together for 64 years until Menlo’s passing in 2015. The family and extended family have looked up to this great matriarch and her incredible example of love, faith and service. She taught elementary school in the Scottsdale School District for more than three decades. Barbara has remained an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as an ordinance worker at the Mesa Arizona Temple for over 25 years as well as serving two church missions with Menlo. She is preceded in death by her parents Ernest Carlyle Turley and Bertha Fernanda Turley; sister Tenna Abney Heap; son-in-law Larry Grohman; and great granddaughter Kamber Larsen. She is survived by her brother, Carl (Sue) Turley; her four children: Mellonie Grohman, Teri (Richard) Larsen, Leonard (Julie) Greer, and Benjamin (Allison) Greer; 19 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Her funeral and celebration of life will be held on August 10, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 495 South Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234. A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. prior to the services.

Mary Ellen Barnard, 81, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully on August 1, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. She was born to L.J. and Grace Stewart in Pickens County, South Carolina in 1938. Mary lead a very happy, active life filled with family, friends and creative activities such as: sewing, knitting and spending time with her family. In addition to her family, Mary spent over 50 years as a Dental Assistant.

In 1957, Mary married Douglas P. Barnard and they were lucky to have celebrated over 62 years together, raising their two children Russell D. Barnard (Jeannie) of Flagstaff, Arizona and Christine M. Dinges (Thomas) of Louisville, Colorado.

Mary loved her two children and her five grandchildren, Aaron Barnard, Matt Barnard (Sara), Evan Barnard, Taylor Dinges, Grayson Dinges and one great grandchild, Rook Barnard.

In addition to her family above, Mary is survived by her three siblings, brother Harold Stewart (Melba), and sister’s Linda Creekmur (Jimmy) and Louise Thomas (John). All of whom she was very close and shared a special bond with.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9:00am.

Desiree Ruth Leblanc-Todora, age 39 passed away on July 29th, 2019, just four hours after she wed the love of her life, Jason Todora.

Desiree was born in Eden, Vermont and grew up in Newport, Vermont. She graduated from North Country High School and Johnson State College. Desiree had two master degrees in education and spent her adult life tutoring and mentoring students. She especially had a passion to work with children who had special needs. She, as a life long learner was always involved in courses and training. She loved to learn. Desiree used her passion in her personal life adopting three children with special needs with their father Timothy Truett.

Desiree was a very special person sharing her many talents. She was an inspiration to many with her warm smile, contagious laugh, knowledge, and being positive. She truly was an earth angel.

Desiree passed after a courageous and graceful four year battle with ovarian cancer. She was an inspiration to the many who followed her through her transparent and honest journey.

Desiree leaves behind her husband, Jason Todora, her 5 children, Dakota (Kat), Abbey, Jamie, Justin & Olivia Truett, her three step children, Tony, Grace, and Rocco Todora. She also leaves her mother, Judith Boucher and her partner Duane Spaulding, her sister Melissa Bouchard and partner Dale Glass, her brother William LeBlanc, her special Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob, several aunts and uncles, cousins and many friends and her close friends Evanna, Amy, Justine & Wendy.

She was predeceased by her father, Arthur LeBlanc, her Aunt Bernadette Lopresti, her special Uncle Butch Boucher and his wife Linda, a special cousin Ernie Gratton and several other family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

There will also be a celebration of her life in Newport, Vermont. Details will follow as arrangements are made. For on line condolences please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Desiree’s name to : The Singletons 20235 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite 104-503, Phoenix, AZ 85024 or at www.thesingletonaz.org

Mary Florence Rugg, 97, passed away peacefully in the presence of her son and his wife, on July 19, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Mary was a special person to many people.  She loved her family and her church and was always ready with a smile and warm greeting to those she encountered.

Mary was born to Edward W. Norman and Clara Eisenhower on August 26, 1921 in Cando, North Dakota and was the youngest of brothers Hershel, Harry and Buren and sister Viola. Mary moved to Indianapolis where she attended Arsenal Technical High School, graduating in 1939, and Butler University for two years.  She married Gene P. Wood in 1941 and gave birth to their only son, Steven, in 1943.

Mary, Gene  and Steve moved to a new home in Indianapolis in 1946, where they helped create the Covenant Presbyterian church in their neighborhood.  Mary worked in a local lady’s clothes store, helping customers and wrapping gifts beautifully and precisely. She also served as a Den Mother for Steve’s Cub Scout pack.  In 1957, Mary and Gene made a courageous move to California to start a new life with better opportunities for their son.  Mary began a career that year as an executive assistant in the Cajon Valley School District, where she worked until she moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1976, following Gene’s death from lung cancer, in 1975. Mary began a career at Arizona State University in the Department of Education but spent most of her professional time as an executive assistant in the Administration Department of the Memorial Union; she retired from ASU in 1986.

When first arriving in Arizona Mary joined the Grace United Methodist Church in Mesa.  While there, Reverend Wilkes introduced Mary to Fred Rugg, a widower.  Fred and Mary were married in the church on November 18, 1978 and were together until Fred passed away in February of 1992.

Mary was a skilled and enthusiastic Mahjong player and spent many enjoyable hours socializing with friends in her apartment complexes and at the First Presbyterian Church in Mesa where she attended for as long as she was able.  Mary is survived by her son, Steven and daughter-in-law Barbara; granddaughter Tishin Donkersley and grandson-in-law Jason Donkersley; great grandchildren Mason and Rochelle Donkersley; sister Shirley Rigor; niece Beverly Fiedler and nephew Larry Clark.

Mary was interred at the Greenwood Mortuary Mausoleum in San Diego, California, next to Gene on August 2, 2019 in the presence of her son and his wife, Barbara.

Beloved husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa, Ted Hulett, left this mortal plane of existence to be with his Heavenly Father on July 17, 2019 at his home.  He was born in Rantoul, IL on September 11, 1927.  While in high school he was active in football and track.  He was honored for over 35 years in scouting and many years of service at the Mesa Braille Library.  He was involved in the United Methodist Churches in Rantoul and Champaign, IL and Velda Rose United Methodists Church in Mesa, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C.I. and Agatha Hulett, and brother, Harold.  He is survived by wife, Imogene, and daughters, Kathi (Bradley) and Patricia Hulett; also brothers, Roger (Beverly) and John (Doris), 5 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Honoring Ted’s wishes there will be not be a memorial service, but those wishing to make a memorial gift may give to the charity of their choice. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and those he touched throughout his lengthy life.

Carol Workman Crane, 85, was reunited with her eternal companion, W. Dayton Crane, July 21, 2019.  Carol was born in Provo, Utah, to John Cornelius and Florence Atella (Cook) Workman.

Carol was raised at a time where there were many sacrifices being made as it was the tail end of the depression and her father was sick and unable to work.  The example by her mother to make ends meet and be able to feed and care for 9 children made an everlasting impact on her posterity.  As a young girl, Carol needed to work to pay for piano lessons, which became a lifetime joy for her.  She was a seamstress and made most of her children’s clothing, formals, costumes, and wedding dresses.  It was important to her to have a delicious, balanced, and colorful meal at dinnertime and to sit down as a family to enjoy it. She was an avid reader and kept up on all the current events.  When her husband had his own business, she was a great support by helping him with the rental properties. During the time her husband battled brain cancer, she remained faithful to her beliefs and even became a faithful fan of the Arizona D-backs.

Carol was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities including Relief Society President, of the Ward and Stake, and as a temple worker in the Mesa Arizona temple.  It gave her great pleasure to have choir practice in her home every Sunday for many years.  She also enjoyed being a member of Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and was proud of her pioneer heritage.

Carol is survived by one sister (Wilma Gardner) and her 7 children: Julie Harris (Greg), Richard D. Crane (Julie), Jeanette Taylor (Jeff), Lisa Compton (Ron), Susan Bartlett (Jeff), Carrie Saunders (Kent), and Christy Glover (Bryan) as well as 28 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren with more on the way.  She is preceded in death by her husband, W. Dayton Crane, and a great grandson, Lincoln Glover.

Services will be held Saturday August 3, 2019 at the LDS chapel located at 1455 N. Harris, Mesa, Arizona at 10am.  There will be a time to visit with the family on Friday, August 2, from 6-8pm at Bunkers Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way.

Ruth Elaine Whitmyer, a longtime resident of Billings, Montana, passed away in Mesa, Arizona on July 20, 2019.  She was 90 years old.

Ruth was born to James and Clara Card on November 18, 1928 in Ryegate, Montana.  She is survived by her sister, Marjorie Hemphill, her son, Larry Whitmyer, and his wife, Estelle, her two daughters, Sandy Hansen and Judy Reynolds, and Judy’s husband, Richard. 

She also leaves five grandchildren: Bobbi Jo, Larry Wayne, Max, Carlene, and Brandon, and five great grandchildren, Max, Jerry, Kimber, Reina, and Tucker; and she will always be fondly remembered by a host of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and long-time friends.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Carl Whitmyer, her parents James and Clara Card, her sisters Emma Cox and Gladys Bakker, and her brother Keith Card.

Ruth married Carl Whitmyer on May 8, 1948.  They began their life together in a converted boxcar on the property of her husband’s parents, this creative and unique solution to housing affordability was just one of many examples of the couple’s ability to turn potential problems into victories.  While there, Ruth gave birth to her first child.  Ruth was married to Carl for 53 years until his death in 2002.  They were charter members and Past Matron and Patron of the Moss Agate Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and Ruth was also active in Job’s Daughters, the Girl Scouts and the Grace United Methodist Church in Billings. 

While employed as a telephone operator at Mountain Bell in Billings, Ruth, together with her fellow female employees at Mountain Bell, started a group called The Club for the purpose of socializing together with all of their kids.  The Club met for food and fellowship every month for 60 years, and Ruth was its longest surviving member.

In 1965, Ruth and Carl went into the plumbing business, establishing Carl’s Plumbing and Heating in Billings, Montana.  As the bookkeeper for the business, Ruth was always on top of all the financial details, and made it her responsibility to keep everything and everyone organized and busy.  These traits were evident in all aspects of her life.  Her younger sister, Marge, lovingly referred to her as “The Trail Boss.”  Everyone involved with the wedding of her youngest daughter, Judy, fondly remembers how Ruth assigned them tasks, with times allotted for their completion, and how she took great joy in checking off the tasks when they were completed.

Ruth loved life and her family.  Caring and confident, she loved to cook, socialize, look after others and play any card game, particularly pinochle.  Every day was important to her and all of her days were filled with activity.  She loved having lots of friends and family around, and everyone was always welcome, either at her home in Billings, her trailer at Mesa Regal RV Park, or at the family cabin in Absarokee, Montana.  Always a leader, Ruth created many fun family traditions.  At the cabin, for example, Ruth initiated, and then enthusiastically and hilariously administered a family tradition in which all newcomers who were physically capable were required (or at least strongly encouraged) to “float the creek in Grandpa’s overalls,” which she made sure were always hung, at the ready, in the cabin’s creek-side tool shed. 

Ruth’s uniquely amazing life will be remembered and celebrated in a private family ceremony at her beloved cabin on July 31, 2019.  Memorial contributions in the name of Ruth Whitmyer may be made to: Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ  85014