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Myrna Lorraine Cross, 77, returned home Saturday, July 20, 2019, to be reunited with her parents John William and Estella Christina Hart, her brother Fred Hart, her former husbands Ronald C.M. Bugh and Thomas Gordon Binnie and the many others who passed before to welcome her.  Her occupation as a microbiologist was rewarding and satisfying.  She enjoyed isolating and identifying the organisms invading our bodies in the pursuit of finding cures.

She devoted herself to Terrell Lee Cross, the last 24 years in marriage, and her two stepchildren Kenneth and Jennifer Cross.  She forever loved, cherished and spent time with her son Robert Bugh.  Her many friends surrounded her in church, worship, bowling, water aerobics, ham radio activities and other outings.  She touched many lives with her steadfast and straightforward conversations.  She will be remembered fondly by her remaining friends and family until again reunited.

A memorial service will be held at 10am on Saturday, July 27, 2019.  The night before visitation will be 5-7pm at the same place, Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Litonia June (Powell) Columbia, age 79, passed away peacefully July 3, 2019, due to pneumonia.  She was born January 25, 1940 in Paducah, Kentucky to June Stanton and Edward Ray Powell, Sr.  She married Rosario Columbia in November 29, 1961.

She found it a pleasure working as an administrator for Tandem Computers, prior to retirement.  She loved the holidays, and chatting with her friends and family.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles, late night movies, Scrabble, card games, and her music including Elvis Presley, but most of all, always had time for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Litonia is survived by her husband Rosario Columbia, her daughter Candice Columbia, and her three sons, Mario and Kimberly Columbia, Joseph L. Columbia, and John R. Columbia.  She is also survived by her sisters, Sue Hester of Aurora, CO., Judy and John Funderburg of Centennial, CO., Patricia Graf of Cicero, IL.; and her nine grandchildren Michael (Cathi) Columbia, Ross Columbia, Anamarie Columbia, Hailey Columbia, Kimberly and Darius Williams, Anthony Columbia, Kaylee and Frank McWain, Julianna Columbia, Rosario Columbia; plus 12 great grandchildren, Preston, Mia, Sophiana, Giovanni, Zoey, Mason, Isabella, Eli, Paishance, Payton, Kaine, Quinn, and Keagan and Grady.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Edward Jr. and Randall Powell.

The funeral service will be held at 4:00pm on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. 85201, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 3:00pm.

Dennis H. Smith, born on February 4, 1943, was called home on July 16, 2019. His good humor and sweet personality, and also his love of the Dodgers, endeared him to everyone he met. Dennis worked for over 40 years for the Church Educational System of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His gospel knowledge was practically unparalleled, and he shared it willingly and frequently. The love he had for others, especially his family and his beloved wife, Sue, was extraordinary. He will be missed by Sue, daughter Kristin, son-in-law Chris, and all of his family- 4 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. They will always remember their “Papa”.

We are celebrating his life by having a visitation with the family (honoring his wishes to have a closed casket) Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. We will start Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 8 AM with a graveside service at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201. A Life Celebration will follow at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2228 East Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85213.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BYU Pathway Program in honor of his 40 years of service with the Church Education System (https://give.lds.org/byu-pathway).

Max Duane Scheel, 89 passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on July 10, 2019. He touched the lives of thousands as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great- great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
The son of Max and Gladys Benson Scheel, he was born on May 10, 1930 in Grand Island, Nebr. and was raised there with his three sisters Maxine and Donna (both deceased), and Beverly Nye Hindman.
As a child, he learned the value of hard work as he labored on the family farm. It was during his high school years that he developed an interest in music (played the drums in a dance band), football, and met his sweetheart Dolores Smith. They were married soon after graduation on August 1, 1948. They are the parents of 2 daughters, Cheryl (Kent Chapman), and Deborah (Randy Aagaard), and 1 son Max Douglas (Camille Bateman). After becoming active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, they were sealed as an eternal family in the Salt Lake Temple on August 5, 1955. It was at this time, they decided to move to Utah.
Max was a hardworking, entrepreneur, always looking for business opportunities. Even during his youth, he worked 2 or 3 jobs while going to school. His first business venture was a lumberyard and hardware store. From there he owned a cultured marble manufacturing and supply company, and a cabinet shop. At age 48, he decided to sell and retire, but was always looking for ways to invest, both with time and money.
Max was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He loved teaching the gospel, and serving others. Always a friend and very likable! He served tirelessly in various church callings, including Stake High Council, High Priest Group Leader, and Bishop twice, once in Hunter, Utah and then in Midway, Utah.
After some traveling and snow-birding in Arizona, He and his sweet wife Dolores were called to serve on four missions: 1) Kirtland, Ohio area, 2) Temple Square Public Relations Directors, 3) Missionary Department (over all church visitor centers and pageants), and 4) Back to Kirtland, Ohio. Max frequently told his family and friends serving their missions were the best years of their lives!
Max will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his sweet wife of 71 years, 3 children, 15 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 4 great- great grandchildren.
Services for Max will be Friday, July 26th, beginning with the Interment at Valley View Cemetery in West Valley, Utah. The Memorial Service will then commence at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah 84095.

Carter J. Poulsen, 67, passed away on July 16, 2019.  He was born to Owen and Ruth Poulsen in Lordsburg, New Mexico in 1952. He was the 7th of 10 children.  Carter lived a full and happy life and enjoyed many activities such as horseback riding, hunting, and camping, but above all, he loved serving others and spending every moment he could with family and loved ones. He woke up each day, committed to seeing the needs of others and acting on inspiration to help them.  Carter loved God, inspiring and caring for many along the way, serving as an LDS bishop and youth leader. He built a successful accounting firm; his clients will remember him for being caring and honest.  Later in life, he became fascinated with science and built a second career out of a hobby.  His legacy will continue on with his wife Barbara, his four children, and his 10 grandchildren.  He will not be forgotten by the many that love him. The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, July 23rd at the Gilbert AZ Stake Center, 777 East Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234.

Alana Marie Furlong, 21, passed away unexpectedly on June 27, 2019 in Phoenix, AZ. She was born September 2, 1997 in Middletown, CT to her parents Sheri-Lynn E. (Saban) and Duane J. Furlong Jr.. In Derry, NH, she graduated from South Range School in 2008 and Gilbert H. Hood Middle School in 2011. She attended Pinkerton Academy as a freshman.  Spending summers and part of middle school in Tolland, CT.  In 2012, she moved to Scottsdale, AZ and graduated from Primavera Online High School Class of 2015.

Growing up, she loved watching sports of all kinds;  Bruins, Patriots & Red Sox. She played travel soccer with the Derry Eagles Soccer Club and, later, ran with Tolland Eagles Cross Country team.

Alana was a caring young woman with a giving spirit. Determined and sometimes stubborn, we saw her take on the challenges of becoming an adult.  Those who loved her, comforted her through her struggles and cheered with her successes.

She was a social butterfly, always making new friends and would talk to anyone with her ‘gift of gab’.  She had an infectious smile and loved being goofy and silly.  She enjoyed going to the water park, the ocean, bowling, concerts, movies and sporting events. She was happiest when she was out with friends or spending time with family.

Alana was loved, is greatly missed and will always be cherished.

Alana is survived by her stepmother and father, Heather (Goodwin) and Duane J. Furlong Jr., sister Lorelei Furlong and step brothers Matthew and Andrew Poulin of Scottsdale, AZ;  her mother and stepfather, Sheri-Lynn (Saban) and Kevin R. Sullivan and brother Ryan Sullivan of Derry, NH; grandparents, Susan and Duane J. Furlong Sr. of West Gardiner, ME, Cressy Goodwin of Tolland, CT, Linda and Dennis M. Sullivan of Bellingham, MA, , and; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.  She was predeceased by grandparents Anne and Fredrick L. Saban and Jeanne P. Goodwin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Saturday  July 27^th 2019 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4027 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ, 85253

In honor of her affection for animals, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, 2500 S 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009
www.licensepet.com.

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.