Find An Obituary

Maria Teresa Victoria Guerrero Jaimes, born in Mesa, Arizona, November 24th, 1919.   Maria passed away on July 9th.  The daughter of Rosaura and P.W. Guerrero, founder of Rosarita Mexican Food, owner of Guerrero-Lindsey Sign Company and prominent civic leader. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother and wife.

Maria was the third born of six children, Adolpho Guerrero, Pedro E. Guerrero, Hermina Stechnij, Kathy Bradley and Fernando Guerrero. After a brief stint working as a secretary in the Governor’s office, she became book keeper for Guerrero-Lindsey Sign Company until she retired at the age of 81.

Fiercely independent, culturally proud, she was known for her intelligence, sharp wit and indelible sense of style. She loved to read, travel and write scathing letters-to-the-editor of local and national publications. She was never one to sit by and tolerate social injustice.

She was instrumental in the restoration and decoration of her great-grandfather’s home in Florence, Arizona; the Peter Collier Warner home, which is listed on the National Historic Register.  It was a great source of pride to her and her family.

Always game for a party with her large extended family and loyal friends, she enjoyed life to the fullest, spending time with her loved ones and dancing her way to what would have been her 100th birthday. 

Maria married Rodolfo Jaimes in 1954. She is survived by four children, Annette Jaimes, George Jaimes (wife, Chris), Annie Jaimes (Will Geovannello), Rudy Jaimes, seven grandchildren, Mark Danelowitz (wife, Stacy), David Danelowitz, Elena Jaimes, Alicia Jaimes, Aidan Jaimes, Peter Hatch and his wife Susannah Gibbs, Jesse Jaimes, and three great grandchildren, Brandon, Damien and Dominick. Her surviving siblings include, Hermina Stechnij and Fernando Guerrero. She is also survived by numerous beloved nephews and nieces. 

Services will be held at, Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation Funeral home, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona. 

Reception to follow at Gilbert community center, 130 N. Oak St.  Gilbert Arizona, 85233

James Richard Owensby was born on 29 March 1943 to Mariam and Harold Owensby in Paonia Colorado.  James enlisted in the air force on 24 December 1962 as an aircraft radio repairman.  After his time in the Armed Service, James held various jobs and professions from a Pottery distributor and seller from Mexico, several other salesman positions, to a professor at the Mesa Colorado University, and finally as a computer programmer and engineer for several businesses to include Chase Bank.

James was an avid outdoor enthusiast, shade tree mechanic, and a jack of all trades.  James was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, and earned several distinctions to include the Order of the Arrow, and counsel volunteer recognition. Anything James could do to support his children and help them grow, he did.

James is survived by four Children (Krissy, Selena, Dorinda, and Derrick) and five Grandchildren (Levi, Marilyn, Christopher, Ezreya and Chloe).

Donald Corley, 83 of Scottsdale was born in Wickenburg, Arizona, a 2^nd generation Arizonian. He passed away July 12, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Don graduated from Phoenix Tech in 1954, majoring in agriculture.  He and his brother Jerry were self-taught on the guitar and formed “Cactus Kids”. They were featured on the first TV station in Phoenix, channel 5, and entertained in many other venues. Don was more of an entertainer than a student. He also played the upright bass with “Traditional Bluegrass” a leading Arizona band as well as playing for square dances, and anywhere else music was needed.  During this time, he also worked for the Telephone Company, retiring in 1985 from a management position, with 31 years of service.

Later in life Don was president of Christian Cowboys Association and became an ordained minister, holding services at various livestock events. There was very little that Don couldn’t do.  He made musical instruments of all kinds, did leather tooling, was a silversmith, painted in oils, and did carpentry or anything that needed to be done.  What a guy!

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lula and Earl; brothers, Bob and Jerry; sister, Pauline Jones; and step-granddaughter Courtney Sierzchula.  Survivors include his wife, Ann; daughter, Kayelen Rolfe; son, Kevin; two grandsons, Brandon and Nathan; stepdaughter, Cindy Sierzchula; stepson, Phil Foster (La Juana), and step-grandchildren, Jeremy Kellum, Ashlee Belew, Tyler and Lauren Foster, and great- step-granddaughter, Lennon Belew.

Services directed by Pastor Chris Harper will be held Friday, July 19, 2019 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the Scottsdale Worship Center, 6508 E. Cactus, Scottsdale, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Scott Eugene Purdie, age 67, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on July 9, 2019. Scott was born on October 11, 1951 to loving parents Neil and Glenna Purdie in Salt Lake City, Utah. After graduating from  Highland High School in 1970, he went on to serve the Lord in the Texas South Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and then graduate from the University of Utah in Business Management in 1976. He married the love of his life, Debbie (Giles) Purdie, for time and all eternity on September 5, 1975 in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ. Scott focused his career in the office products industry, becoming a beloved sales manager for many companies by viewing his job as one of service to others. He approached all aspects of his life that same way— lifting everyone up and adding a little slice of sunshine to their day. Scott adored baseball, especially the Seattle Mariners and their magical 1995 playoff run. He even built a batting cage in his backyard for everyone to share in his favorite sport. He developed a passion for biking, key lime pie (the more tart, the better) and yard work. His silly sense of humor touched countless lives around the world. Scott is survived by his wife, Debbie, and three grown children: Jennifer, Chad and Justin. Anyone wishing to celebrate his life is welcome to attend services held at the Church of Jesus Christ, 6655 East Preston St. in Mesa, Arizona on July 20, 2019 at 10 a.m., with a viewing before at 9 a.m. 

Anna “Marie” Noble passed away on July 8^th, 2019 in Mesa, AZ at the age of 84 years. She was born in Lakeside, AZ on September 16^th, 1934 to Gilmore & Anna Jackson. She is the third child of eight children.

She married her sweetheart, Kenneth B. Noble on April 9^th 1953 in the Arizona Temple. They were sealed for Time and All Eternity. Their family consists of 9 children and 129 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The viewing will be held from 6-8 PM on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center located at 1050 S. Hobson Mesa AZ  85204. (Between Mesa Dr. & Horne, north of Southern).

The Burial Service will be held promptly at 8 AM in the City of Mesa Cemetery the following morning on Monday the 22^nd of July.

The funeral service will follow the burial at 10 AM, also at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center located at 1050 S. Hobson Mesa AZ  85204.

Marie led a beautiful life filled with Compassion, Music and Love. Her greatest devotion was to her Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and her Family.

With sorrow in our hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Lori Patricia Wheeler on July 10, 2019. Lori was born Lori Patricia Walker. She liked to say she was born a Walker but became a Wheeler. She was born in Phoenix, AZ on August 3, 1960 into a family of four. Parents John and Joyce, along with two brothers Mark and Tim.

Lori graduated from Sunnyslope High School and a few weeks later she married her husband Beniah Cutler Wheeler III. For the next 40 years they raised a family and lived many adventures together. Lori has now joined her father and two brothers.

Lori will be greatly missed by her husband Ben, her children and grandchildren. Son, Beniah Cutler Wheeler IV, his wife Mariann and their children, Beniah V and Lilyanna. Daughter, Ashley Nicole Valenzuela, her husband Paul and their children, Olivia, Emily and Madison. Son, Jeremy Duane Wheeler and daughter Danielle Patricia Hammon and her husband Addison, in addition to many other loved family members.

The visitation is Monday, July 15, 2019 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services are Tuesday July 16, 2019 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1550 North Val Vista Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213.

De Earl Wollenzien, 85, beloved husband of Leona Wollenzien for 48 years, died Sunday, June 30, in the respite care Unit of Springdale Village.  Born in Hot Springs, South Dakota, as there were no hospitals in Newcastle, WY at the time.  He grew up in Worland, WY and then in Laramie, WY where he attended the University of Wyoming.  He served in the US Army for 2 ¾ years with active service in the Continental US and Territory of Hawaii. 

His father, Frederick Earl Wollenzien, Mother Norma Lindberg, both deceased.  Sister June Blake (Paul) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, both deceased.  Nephew, David Blake (Peggy) of Texas.  Three sons, Wayne Earl Wollenzien (Angela) of Niles Michigan, Richard Cometto, Denver CO, deceased, Charles Cometto, Denver, CO.

He was employed by the state of Wyoming in various departments for 35 years.  Many years of service to Wyoming Jaycees in Laramie, WY; Local Treasurer, Board of Directors, and Local Executive Secretary and State Jaycee President, receiving the honor of Outstanding Young Men in 1965. 

De Earl was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; serving in the Mesa, AZ Temple for 17 years and the Gilbert, AZ Temple for two years with his wife Leona.

Burial in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Mesa, Arizona. 

Those we love don’t go away.  They walk beside us every day.

Rodney Carl Bowers passed away July 6, 2019 at the age of 71.  Services will be held Friday, July 12, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 925 N Harris, Mesa, AZ, followed by interment at Mountain View Cemetery. Rodney will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor, joy in music, and as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Rodney was born on July 29, 1947 to Carl Stanley and Thelma Elizabeth Bowers in Long Beach, CA.  His family moved to Arizona in 1952 and he remained there for the rest of his life, save two years in England for his mission in 1966. He attended school in Eager, AZ and graduated from Round Valley High School in 1965.  Though Rodney remained in Arizona, he always kept a bit of the beach in his heart and loved to listen to The Beach Boys.

In 1969 he met his wife Sandra Bowers and they married the following October, in 1970, at the Mesa, AZ Temple.  Together they raised four children and would have been married 50 years this October. In his life he worked many years in construction and truck driving and it was his joy to provide for his family.  Rodney was a lifelong member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. He was a self-taught musician; playing piano, guitar and harmonica.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Carl Randall “Randy” Bowers; and siblings William Robert Bowers and Claudia Rose Bowers.  He is survived by his wife, Sandra Bowers; his children, Christopher Bowers, Stephanie Bowers and Sharreldine Bowers; his sister, Jeanette Wiltbank; six grandchildren and one great-grandson. 

Pallbearers will be Christopher Bowers, Hunter Bowers, Colin Bowers, Michael Bowers, Douglas Bigelow, and John Bigelow.

Arturo Contreras, born on February 2, 1965, was called home on Monday, July 1, 2019. There to meet him were his mother, family and close friends he kept in his heart who also passed. He left behind to carry on his traditions are his wife, Patricia Corona, and to carry on his legacy his children: Phillip Contreras, Stephanie Contreras and Eduardo Corona.

Born in El Paso, Texas and grew up in Fabens, he traveled to Arizona at the age of 18, and studied into his career as an electrician and kept occupied passionately and until his last day at the age of 54.

Known for his hard-working and giving nature, he also spent his time watching games of his favorite football team, The Raiders and an avid memorabilia collector of them as well.

Funeral services are 11 AM on Friday July 12, 2019, preceded by a Rosary at 10 AM, and visitation at 9 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to his memorial fund benefiting AFSP-Arizona Chapter: https://afsp.donordrive.com/campaign/Arturo-Contreras-Memorial-Fund

Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away after a valiant battle against lung cancer on July 6, 2019. She was 74 years old. Evelyn was born on July 20, 1944 to Alton B  Moody and Ruth Leah Isbell in Annapolis, MD. Evelyn was the middle of five children and loved to climb trees and go adventuring. As a child she was known as a “tomboy.” She was also an avid reader throughout her life. She grew up in Camp Springs, MD, graduating from Surrattsville High School in 1962.

She attended Brigham Young University where she met the love of her life, Lawrence Morris Winward. They were married on September 2, 1967. She and Larry had 51 wonderful years together. They have set an example of a loving and caring marriage.

In the last decade, Evelyn and Larry were able to travel to Italy several times. Evelyn loved all things Italian—the food, the language, and the people. She and Larry taught themselves Italian and would study Il Libro Di Mormon (Italian Book of Mormon) together each night.

Evelyn always had an interest in family history and for many years was quite active in indexing handwritten genealogical records and converting them to digital format. She was an expert in this arena, and many came to her for help and advice when faced with difficult situations. Her enthusiasm for this important task was contagious, and she shared her passion with some of her grandchildren and even held competitions with them to see who could index the most records in a given time.

Evelyn was beautiful inside and out. She was warm and gracious, and anyone who interacted with her was made to feel important and loved. She had an uncanny gift for remembering names and events that were important to others. She loved corny jokes, especially puns. She loved her family fiercely but loved her Savior and Heavenly Father even more. She had a tender heart and was often touched by things of a spiritual nature, including music.

Evelyn is survived by husband, Larry; children, Michelle (Steve) Johnson, Jenny (Tosh) Black, and Paul (Christine Wilcox) Winward; and 12 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Peter Lawrence Winward.

A viewing will be held Friday, July 12^th, 6-8 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213. The funeral will be held Saturday, July 13^th, 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1852 N. Stapley Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203. Prior to the funeral there will be a viewing from 10:00-10:45 a.m.

Lynn Ray Mullenaux, a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and servant to his fellow man, returned home to our Heavenly Father, on Friday, June 28, 2019. The son of Wesley and Lillian Petersen Mullenaux, he was born on July 20, 1940, in Thatcher, AZ and raised in Mesa, AZ., along with his siblings, Clarene, Martha, Jean, Donna, Kent (all now deceased) and Larry Mullenaux. He attended and graduated from Mesa High School.

An outstanding athlete, Lynn played football for Eastern Arizona College and then on scholarship at Brigham Young University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He taught high school and coached football at St. Johns High School and later in life, coached track at Round Valley High School. In between, he was president of Mullenaux Concrete and a partner in W. R. Skousen Contractor, Inc. and lived in his beloved Lehi, AZ. He lived one of his dreams for a few years as a rancher on the desert outside Apache Junction. He also became accomplished as a carpenter. He made life-long friends all along the way who shared his joy for fishing, hunting, and playing cards.

Lynn Mullenaux loved people and loved to serve them. He was never ‘too busy” to go to help family, a friend or stranger in need. He could fix and repair about anything. He was a devoted friend who could be trusted implicitly. These skills and life choices served him well as a devoted husband, brother, father, loving grandfather, friend, and missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He, along with his wife of 60 years, Sherrie Ruth Skousen Mullenaux, served in 2 missions: the Jackson, Mississippi and Nauvoo, Illinois. He also served tirelessly in various church callings, including Bishop’s counselor, Young Men’s President and High Council.

Lynn and Sherrie have 7 children, Robert Wayde (deceased), Michele Rae Farr, Devin Keith, Melisha Ruth Brown (deceased), Mark Niels (deceased), Daniel Lynn and Misty Kay Kelly; 26 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.  He will be missed greatly.

Services for Lynn will be Saturday, July 13^th, beginning with the Interment, at 9:00 a.m. in Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St, Mesa, AZ  85207. The Memorial Service will then commence at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ on 2265 S. Hawes Rd., Mesa, AZ  85208.  

Gary A. Walton, 67, of Gilbert, AZ passed away June 30, 2019.  He was born to Vern and Zula Belle Walton in Casa Grande, AZ on November 10, 1951.  Gary’s life was spent in service to his family, friends, community, and church.  For thirty years he worked as a Captain/Paramedic with the City of Mesa Fire Department.  Gary was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served faithfully in various leadership and teaching capacities but his first love was teaching the youth.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cowboy poetry, singing, gardening, hunting, and road trips with friends.  Gary’s quick wit, ready smile and willingness to help will be missed by all who knew him.  He is survived by his wife Frances, children Neil Walton (Megan), Chad Walton (Kristin), Becky Thruston (Artie), Lisa Thruston (Austin), Christopher Walton, Clara Goodman (Van), twelve grandchildren, his siblings Chuck Walton (Pam), Judy Clawson (Gary), Diane Ball (John), Scott Walton (Carrie), and Grant Walton (Laura) & Glenna Walton.  He also leaves many nieces and nephews and cousins.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Zula Walton, his brother Vern (Bud) Walton, Jr., and sister-in-law, Joan Walton.  There is a visitation Friday, July 12, 2019 from 6pm to 8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.  Funeral services are Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 11am, preceded by a visitation at 10am, located at 4629 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert, AZ. 

Rockford Ray Riggs Jr. (Ray) passed away at 86 peacefully in his home on July 3, 2019.

Ray was first born on six brothers, parents of Rockford Ray Riggs and Julia Anna Riggs on March 29, 1933 in St. Johns, Arizona.

Ray graduated from West High in Phoenix, Arizona and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army and he reported to Fort Ord in California.  When he came home from boot camp he met our beautiful Burnetta Sue Wahlin.  They both were smitten with each other, had a short courtship and were married in Phoenix, Arizona on November 11, 1954.

Ray was deployed to Wiesbaden Germany shortly after their honeymoon and Sue joined him in Germany a few months later.  Ray served in Germany approximately 1 – ½ years, during which time Rockford Ray Riggs III was born.  It was shortly after that Ray was honorably discharged April of 1956 and the family returned back to Arizona.

A year later Ray, Sue and Rocky were off to Utah, where Ray attended 1 semester at Brigham Young University until hunting season started and that was the end of that.

They came back to Phoenix, Arizona where Julianne was born May 31, 1959.

Ray started working a successful real-estate Company with his father, Rockford Ray Riggs, he gave it a try, but soon realized office life wasn’t for him.  That’s when he started working and enjoying construction and was a superintendent and heavy equipment operator as he loved the outdoors.

Ray led a happy, active life filled with family, friends and activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, watching western movies, and loved watching and supporting his kids and grandchildren in all their different sporting events.

Ray served a Stake Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints along with many other church callings such as Sunday School superintendent etc.  He enjoyed coaching basketball and baseball and through that he helped many young men fulfill their own missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ray will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  He is survived by Burnetta Sue of 65 years, children Rockford Ray Riggs III and Julianne Jarvis, 11 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1483 N. Driftwood, Gilbert, Arizona on Friday, July 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., viewing for family and friends will start at 10:00 a.m

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Kim, a loving mother, sister, and friend to all whose lives she touched, on June 30, 2019.

Kim Suzanne McKay Bishop, 61, was born on June 11, 1958 in Casa Grande, Arizona. She was raised in the town of Picacho, Arizona, where she enjoyed riding horses and helping out at the family restaurant. She graduated from Santa Cruz Valley Union High School in 1976.

During her life, she owned and operated a clothing consignment shop in Casa Grande, worked in the restaurant business, and was a licensed massage therapist. She is known to have regularly said to her daughter, “Why are you tired? At your age, I was working three jobs!”

Kim, a master at finding a good deal, enjoyed going to yard sales and thrift stores to “pop some tags.” She also loved to cook and would offer any visitors a taste of her world famous crock-pot beans.

Kim was a devoted and thoughtful mother of three who made sure that her children received every educational opportunity. She was supportive of her kids’ endeavors and never missed a marching band, theater, or singing performance.

She will be sorely missed and survived by her children Kiley Bishop, Bryce Bishop, and Blayze Bishop, as well as her three sisters Karen McKay, Brenda McKay McKee, and Cheryl McKay Coxon. She was preceded in death by her mother Colleen Tidwell McKay and father Bill Cash McKay.

A celebration of Kim’s life will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201 on Saturday, July 20, 2019 beginning at 11:00am. A reception will follow at Greenfield Glen Community Center, 1021 South Greenfield Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206.

Mark Lee Carpenter was born March 30, 1956 in Mesa, Arizona, the fourth of six children of Weston and Lela Carpenter. He grew up in Mesa, attending schools there and graduating from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in advertising.

As a child, Mark was friendly, cheerful, and enterprising. In grade school at Holmes Elementary, he sold Daffy Pop suckers to his classmates.  He managed to earn quite a tidy sum for himself before school officials put a stop to his booming business. They seemed to think   the other children should be spending their lunch money on “real” food.

Some of Mark’s other youthful interests included playing the clarinet, bike-riding, and doing impressive unicycle stunts with his brother and a favorite cousin. As he went into his young adult years, sports cars and dating replaced other occupations.

His penchant for speed led Mark to pursue snow skiing and professional mountain biking. He won numerous awards and trophies in the latter category, making friends with other athletes along the way. He designed, built, and landscaped a luxurious custom home in north Mesa, where he lived for several years. He also owned and managed CBK, a manufacturing company, for quite some time.

Several years ago, family members began noticing a decline in Mark’s health and mental acuity. He was eventually diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s. For the last two years, Mark has resided with nephew Scott Lucas and his wife Stacey, along with their children Ethan and McKenzie.  After going through two divorces and living alone for a while, Mark was finally an integral part of a family situation. It was something he’d always longed for.

The Weston Carpenter family expresses deepest gratitude to Scott and Stacey for the untiring care and love given to Mark in his final years. He passed away quietly on the morning of Saturday, June 29, surrounded by loved ones. He is finally free of the suffering he endured for so long!

Mark will be greatly missed, but his kindness, humor, and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew him best. He is survived by his five siblings:  Sue Lucas (and Ray) of Payson, Utah; Janice Seever (and Bart) of Queen Creek, AZ; Robert Carpenter (and Renee) of Roy, Utah; Cathy Thompson (and Kelly) of Gilbert, AZ; and Russ Carpenter (and Lynn) of Scottsdale, AZ. As “the cool uncle,” Mark also leaves behind a large number of adoring nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held this Saturday, July 6, at 10 a.m. at the Bunker Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. It will be preceded by a family visiting hour from nine to 10:00. There will be no viewing.