Find An Obituary

Viola F. Romney, “Grammy”, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2019 at the age of 95 in Mesa, Arizona.  Born in Safford, Arizona, on December 23, 1923.  She was the daughter of James Albert and Myrtle Foster.  She married Miles Haven Romney Sr. in 1943.  Together they raised a son, Miles Haven Romney Jr. and three daughters, Barbara Criswell, Beverly Crowther, and Kathleen Hoopes.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband Haven and son.  She is survived by her 3 daughters, 10 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great-grandchildren.  Nothing made her happier than spending time with her family.  She also spent many happy years serving in the Mesa Arizona temple with her husband.

Graveside services will be held in the Duncan, Arizona cemetery at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 27, 2019.  Services are being provided by Bunker’s Garden Chapel in Mesa.

William (Bill) James Gonzalez, 91, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2019 in Gilbert, Arizona.  Born January, 8, 1928 in El Paso, Texas, he is survived by his children Kathryn (Mike) McAfee and Kelle (Russell) Bingham, grandchildren Mikell (Scott) Jenkins, Summer (Desiderio) Garcia and Austin (Sydney) Bingham, nine great grandchildren, numerous extended family members along with his wife of 12 years Cheryl Carson Gonzalez, her children and grandchildren.  He loved his family and faith dearly and was admired by many.  He is preceded in death by his wife Peggy, son Russell, daughter Kristen and grandson Kyle.

Visitation will be Monday, April 29 from 6-8 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel in Mesa with services to be held, Tuesday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7361 South Constellation Way, Gilbert, AZ.  Burial will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.  In lieu of Flowers, remembrances may be made to Museum of Mormon Mexican History, 1501 North Canyon Road, Provo, Utah 84604 or the LDS Missionary Fund.

Linda Grace, 66, passed away on April 17, 2019 in Sun City, Arizona.  Linda was born to Vernon and Kittie Miller on September 5, 1952 in Shreveport, Louisiana.  She grew up in Houston and Deer Park, Texas. After high school she moved to Southern California where she worked in the grocery business for many years.

Linda met her future husband, Lowell “Dave” Grace in 1975. They were married in 1983 and had two children, Carla and Cody Grace.  The family eventually moved to Dickinson, Texas where they resided for 20 years.

Linda and Dave moved to Surprise, Arizona in 2008 to be near their grandchildren.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Miller; her stepfather, Paul Teel; and her sister, Paula Lemire.  Linda is survived by her husband, Dave Grace; daughter, Carla Grace; son, Cody Grace; her mother, Kittie Teel; son-in-law, Kenneth Pardue; daughter-in-law, Brittany Grace; 5 grandchildren and many other family and friends.

Linda and her warm personality, her love for her family, friends and animals will greatly be missed.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 25^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, April 26^th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa, Arizona.  Interment will follow at San Tan Gardens Memorial Cemetery, 22425 E. Cloud Dr. in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Joseph C. “Joe” Kintz, 93, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully at home on April 19, 2019, surrounded by family members.  Joe was born August 4, 1925 in Fort Wayne, IN to Frederick and Esther Kintz who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his sister Betty, stepfathers James Jacoy and Lawrence P. Hickey, and brother Vincent. In addition to his wife and children, Joe is survived by two sisters – Mary Mundt (Richard) and Jeannette Sallows (John), both of Fort Wayne, IN.   Following his 1943 graduation from Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne, IN, Joe joined the WWII fight in the Pacific as member of the United States Navy serving as a Seabee in the Phillipines and China.  Joe returned home in 1946 and on July 29, 1946 he married his childhood sweetheart, Jane (Hickey) who survives him.  Their union of 72 years produced 10 children Larry (Laurel) of Houston, TX, Fred (deceased), James (deceased), Kathleen Carr (Paul) of South Bend, IN, Patricia Bunton (Jerry) of Mesa, AZ , Christine “Tina”  Macias (deceased) (David), Mary Hanifin (John) of Mesa, AZ, John (Karla Jo) of Muenster, TX, Sharon of Phoenix, AZ and Janice Pagano (Gino) of Niles, MI, 16 grandchildren and 25 great-granchildren.

Joe was a hard worker with a natural ability to fix or repair anything. He spent the early years of his marriage to Jane working as an auto mechanic for Swanson Chevrolet in Fort Wayne. He spent weekends tuning up race cars for the owner of the dealership. An avid NASCAR and INDY Car fan, Joe really enjoyed his work as a mechanic, and passed on his skills and his love of racing to all of his children and grandchildren. There were many Memorial Day backyard bbq’s to watch and celebrate the Indianapolis 500, and from February to November, weekends would find Joe watching NASCAR races on television, with the occasional trip to see the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis. Joe was also an airplane aficionado and in 1958 he moved his growing family to South Bend, IN where he entered the airline industry as a Station Agent for North Central airlines which eventually was merged in to company that is today Delta Airlines.  He wore many hats during the next 30 years performing a range of duties that could be described as doing everything except flying the plane. Joe relocated the family once again to Phoenix, AZ in 1983, and retired from Delta in 1988 after a 30 year career. 

Family was always first for Joe, and he and Jane raised theirs with love, and a strong faith in God. Joe firmly believed in the power of prayer and God’s blessings. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in South Bend, IN and in Mesa, AZ. Joe’s children will remember many travel adventures with him and their family, and his signature line when things got a little frustrating , “Who has more fun than us?!”  The answer is – nobody.  His way of living was simple – work hard, laugh loud, forgive often and love always.  While we are sad to lose him here on earth, our hearts rejoice with the belief that God has called Joe, His good and faithful servant home to be with him in heaven.

We wish to thank all of the staff and medical personnel who took care of Joe as he made his journey home including Banner Gateway hospital, Encompass Rehab and especially the team from Hospice of the Valley.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Monday, April 29th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 30th at Holy Cross Catholic Church. 1244 S. Power Rd. in Mesa.

A memorial service will be held in Indiana at a later date.  

Mesa, Arizona – Harold Edward Keyser, 93 passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born on January 15, 1926 in Indianapolis Marion, Indiana.  He pursued a degree in drafting and worked for many years at Honeywell.  He was in the United States Air Force.  He was Married to Ada Lovetta (Betty) Maples (deceased) and they had 3 children, later they divorced, and he married Muriel DuMond Ray.  Muriel had 9 children which Harold considered his own.  He is preceded in death by his sweetheart of 50 years Muriel DuMond Ray and his son Steven James Keyser.   Harold is survived by his sister, Wilma Elizabeth  Keyser Clark, His children, Gordon Earl Ray married Christee Ray, Rodney Dean Ray married to Kelly Ray, Clifford Sims Ray married to Betty Ray, Marilyn Ray Porter married to Jeff Porter, Craig Norman Ray, Janice Ray Carlson married to Bo Carlson,  Harold Eugene Keyser married Sherri Keyser, Alan DuMond Ray married to Jodi Ray, Laura Jeanette Keyser Stowell married Darren Stowell, Brian Neil Ray married to Christine Ray and Susan (Susi) Ray.  He had 75 Grandkids and 196 Great Grandkids.  The viewing will be held Thursday, April 18, 2019 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, April 19, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alta Mesa Stake Center, 5350 E. McClellen Rd. Mesa, Arizona 85205.

Robert Dale Kelley, A loving Dad, Husband, Grandparent and Friend, passed away on Wednesday April 10, 2019 unexpectedly at Banner Gateway Hospital.

Robert was born on March 20,1944 in Buckeye Arizona, he was the youngest of two children.  He is survived by his sister Sandra, his two children Corbett and Salem, four grand children Brennan, Corey, Codey, Chloe and one beautiful great grandchild.

Robert also leaves behind his loving wife of 18years Mary, they celebrated this love on May 26, 2001.

Robert’s humor, laughter and entertaining spirit will be missed but not forgotten,  He will continue drumming on in the hearts of all us and sharing his laughter and talents with all those who we lost before him

We love you !!!!!

There will be a Celebration of life, being held on April 27, 2019 @ 2:00 pm, located at 4726 E. Hannibal St. Mesa Arizona 85205

Ben Helm, 40, passed away at home on April 11, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.  Ben was born to Richard and Donna Helm on July 7, 1978.  He grew up in Massachusetts and was raised with a large loving family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  During his school years, Ben played baseball and basketball and was a talented trumpet player.  For five years after high school graduation, Ben served in the U.S. Army based out of Fort Sill, Oklahoma. As part of his service, Ben was deployed overseas in both Korea and Kuwait. Over the last 15 years, Ben was a proud member of the food-service industry family in the greater Phoenix area.  Ben was a fan of the Red Sox and Patriots.  He was known for his gentle kindness and hearty laugh.

Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents Arnold and Dorothy Helm and Donald and Dorothy Campbell.  Ben is survived by his parents, his sisters, Mary Rio and Sharon Anderson, his nephew Owen Rio, who he loved dearly, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial gathering was held in Mesa on April 16, 2019 for his restaurant family.  Additional services to be scheduled in Massachusetts.

Johnny Wayne Griffith, 74, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born on Christmas Day, 1944 to Ray and Pauline Griffith in Phoenix, Arizona. Johnny led a happy life and was a friend to all he met. He lived most of his life in Arizona – Phoenix, Peoria, Willcox, Buckeye, and Mesa with a short stint in San Antonio, Texas.

Johnny worked in farming, plumbing, truck driving, construction security, janitorial, and several other trades over his lifetime. He was easygoing and likeable and enjoyed talking with people.

Johnny was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline; his father Ray; his brother Bobby Ray; his brother Ronny; and his sister Millie.  The mother of his children, Debra, also preceded him in death.

Johnny is survived by his children Jackie and Robert, his sister Barbara and her husband Roy Wilson, nephews and nieces: Randy Spencer and his wife Cheryl, Debe Jorgensen, Donna Glaser-Moulder, Keith Wilson, Brian Wilson, Ronny Griffith and Troy Griffith.

A viewing will be held Friday morning, April 19, 2019 from 9 to 10 am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Good Friday, April 19^th, 2019, at West Resthaven Park Cemetery 6450 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, Arizona, 85301.

Eloyce Fuller Hollingshead, 86, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2019. Eloyce was born to Elvin and Alberta Fuller on November 11, 1932 and was the oldest of 5 children. She grew up with her three sisters and one brother in Prescott and Mesa, Arizona. She served a stake mission and after she completed her mission married her eternal companion Melvin Day. They were sealed in the Mesa, Arizona temple on August 20, 1955.

After moving to Highland, Utah they began their family and had two beautiful daughters, but on October 22, 1957 Melvin was called home to his Father in Heaven. Following his death, she returned to Mesa where she worked as a licensed Cosmetologist and provided for her small family. On October 1,1961, she married Leo Hollingshead and four more daughters joined their family.

Throughout her life Eloyce served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and during those times she touched the lives of everyone that she came in contact with. Eloyce loved the temple of the Lord and the peace that she found there. She found great joy in helping others to gain their eternal exaltation.

After moving back to Arizona in 2013 she began her life as an ambassador at Brookdale Assisted Living. She loved to get to know everyone and never passed anyone she knew without saying hello.

Her daughters and grandchildren were her life. She spent the last years of her life making sure that her six daughters always received at least a weekly phone call. Visiting with her friends and talking to her siblings was also something that made her smile. She sent a birthday card to all of her immediate family members every year no matter how young or old with a sweet message inside. With 80 or more cards to get and send she was a busy lady and she loved every minute of it.

Eloyce is survived by her daughters, Denise (Kerry) Holyoak, Sherlene (Jamie) Inglish, Maria (Jim) Pehrson, Leona (Steven) Fisher, Beatrice (Doug) Fisher, Ida (Lynn) Ray, 25 grandchildren and 39 great Grandchildren, two sisters Sherrol (Vern) Horton, Yvonne (Dave) Folz, her brother Byde (Pam) Fuller and brother-in-law Virgil Wilkins.

She is preceded in death by her Parents, sister Elva Wilkins, husbands Melvin Day and Leo Hollingshead, and grandsons Tony Pehrson and Jonathan Ray.

Our family’s deepest appreciation and love goes out to the amazing staff and residents at Brookdale Assisted Living, Lund Home (Hospice of the Valley), her Brimhall ward family and the many doctors and nurses who cared for and loved our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. As her family, we will be forever grateful for her loving example and will miss her until we see her again.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 22. 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel on 1249 So. 48^th Street, Mesa, 85206. A viewing will take place on Monday April 22, 2019 prior to the service from 9:00-9:45. The service will begin at 10:00 am and internment will be directly following at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Wilma Winterton LeSueur passed away in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 92. She was born in Charleston, Utah to loving parents, Fred Winterton and Sheila Carlile Winterton. She had a happy childhood on their farm. At the age of 12 years, after the death of her father, the family moved to Mesa, Arizona. She spent her remaining years in Arizona, but kept her close family ties in Utah.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Ned A. LeSueur; sister, Velda W. Carlson of Heber City, Utah; brother, Neil Winterton of West Jordan, Utah; and brother, Boyd Winterton of Salt Lake City, Utah.

She is survived by her sons, Charles (Dawn) and Ben (Louisa); daughter, Lisa McNutt (Anthony); 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Her family included many loving nieces and nephews.

Wilma loved family reunions, trips and excursions with her family, dinners with her “Fun Bunch” and many travels with her friends. A special joy in her life was working with the Young Women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were so special to her. She kept a close bond with her school friends through the years.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Elmwood Ward, 925 North Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203. A visitation for friends and family will be held prior to the funeral service, from 9:00 to 10:3oam.

Former Mesa Mayor, Wayne C. Pomeroy passed away on April 11, 2019 in Mesa, AZ. Wayne was the third child born to Francis Kimball Pomeroy and Eunice Gaylord Shurtleff on March 13, 1923, in Mesa.  He was married to the love of his life Cecil Henrie at the Williams Air Force Base Chapel on December 21, 1944.  They were married for 73 years. They were later sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple in March of 1994.  Wayne is preceded in death by his wife Cecil, his son-in-law Harvey Wood and his grandson Clint Fluhr. Wayne and Cecil have four daughters, Cassandra Wood, Wendy (Phil) Hildebrand, Michel (Chris) Fluhr and Lisa (Brett) Bargery, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Wayne graduated from Mesa High School in 1941 and then went on to serve his country during WWII as a tail gunner in a B-24 bomber.  He was wounded in action on June 16, 1944 while on his eleventh mission. He earned the Purple Heart and the Silver Star, the nations third highest award for valor.

After the war ended, Wayne attended BYU, in Provo, Utah graduating in 1949 then went on to pursue his Master’s Degree at New York University where he graduated in 1950.  After graduation, Wayne and Cecil returned to Mesa where he began his career in the retail clothing business, establishing Pomeroy’s Mens Store in 1951, still in operation today after 68 years.

Wayne loved the City of Mesa and served in many leadership positions, including the Mesa City Council, and then as the 31^st Mayor from 1976-80, during our Nation’s Bi-Centennial Year.  During his tenure as Mayor, Mesa was named the All-American City.  Wayne was Mesa’s Man of the Year in 1986. He was a member of Mesa Hohokams, Mesa Southside Sheriff’s Posse and served on many boards including United Bank, and Mesa Downtown Redevelopment. He served as the first president of the Mesa Downtown Merchants Association and was past president of the Mesa Public Safety Foundation.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 17 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Wayne’s funeral will be held Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 11 AM, with a viewing at 10 AM and at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa 5^th Ward, 1718 N. Date, Mesa AZ.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower St, Phoenix, 85014; Save the Family Foundation, 125 E University Dr, Mesa 85201; A New Leaf, 868 E University Drive, Mesa 85203.

Vesta Floy (Hall) Grampp died peacefully at her home from natural causes on Monday, April 8, 2019. She was born June 15, 1916 in Purcell, KS, the daughter of Luella Adams Hall and Albert Allen Hall. She met the love of her life while working at the FBI in Washington. They quickly fell in love and eloped to Baltimore, MD. They were later sealed in the Logan Temple in Logan, UT. They raised their 4 children in Arlington, VA and later moved to Scottsdale in 1982 where Vesta remained in their home until her death. Ed and Vesta served two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in England and New Zealand. Her beloved husband died July 2, 2005. Vesta is survived by 3 of her children; Brent Price, Ed Grampp Jr, and Carter A. Grampp. She was preceded in death by her daughter Leslie Grampp Lee. She had 22 grandchildren, (two deceased), 54 great-grandchildren, (one deceased), and 3 great- great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Funeral services are Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the LDS Chaparral Ward, 6840 E. Gold Dust Ave., Scottsdale, AZ.

Roger Dee Frazier, 70, of Mesa, AZ passed away at 7:00 PM on Friday, April 5, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 2:00PM at Central Christian Church in Mesa, AZ.  A memorial service will be held at a later date, in Dove Creek, CO.  Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation in Mesa, AZ.

Surviving Roger is his wife of 44 years, Sandra Frazier of Mesa, AZ.  Three daughters, Denise Randolph, Tennille (Nate) Akaelue, and Brooke Frazier (Betty Weaver) all of Mesa, AZ.  Four grandchildren, Nicholas Randolph of Denver, CO and Gideon, Natalie, and Kaden Akaleue of Mesa, AZ.  Two brothers, Robert and Sonny Frazier of  Dove Creek, CO.  Brothers-in-law Bill (Cheri) Hodson of Mesa, AZ, Ed (Leola) Hodson of Dove Creek, CO.  Sister-in-law Jacque (Robert) Thompson of Fruita, CO and a host of sweet nieces and nephews.

Roger was born in Telluride, CO to Ellie and Nettie Frazier on July 30, 1948.  He attended Dolores County High School in Dove Creek, CO.  He married Sandra Hodson on August 2, 1975 in Dove Creek.  He worked in mining and construction, and as Dove Creek’s Town Marshall for many years, prior to moving to Mesa.  He then worked as a security officer for Boeing until his retirement.  He was a veteran of the Korean War and proudly served in the Air Force.

He loved the Arizona Diamondbacks, Denver Broncos, and enjoyed hunting and watching wildlife.

Charles Edward Hyatt (Chuck) passed away on March 16, 2019 after 80 wonderful years on this Earth. Chuck lived a full life, retired from a successful career at Boeing, enjoyed an active social agenda with his close friends at Mesa Regal RV park and will be missed lovingly by his daughter, Cindy, son-in law, Jaime and four grandchildren, who also reside in Mesa.  He enjoyed an adventurous childhood in Union Gap, Washington, where he is remembered by his sister, Anna, and her loving family (Uncle Chuck holds a special place in the heart of his great-niece Isabella, who regarded him as a father-figure).  His memory also lives on with family in Burlington, Ontario, where he will join his beloved wife Annie, son Steve, and other family in their final resting place.  A celebration of life was held on March 20^th at Bunker Family Chapel where many loved ones shared their stories of our sweet Chuck.  He was always there to lend a hand, share a moment, or make you laugh.  May we always remember his boundless curiosity, thirst for life, fabulous wit, and giant heart.

Lanny Lee Royer, 78, of Massillon, OH, passed away on 7 Apr 2019 at Mercy Gilbert Hospital in Gilbert, AZ.  He was a resident of Gilbert, AZ and a previous resident of Thousand Oaks, CA.

Lanny was born 19 Aug 1940, to Clarence Royer and Thelma Warnock.  He graduated Dalton Highschool in Massillon and went on to graduate Arizona State University with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice.  Lanny served his country honorably with the U.S. Army overseas in Germany.  He continued to serve as a Scottsdale Police Officer (Sergeant) for 11 years before starting a career with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Forearms (ATF).  Lanny retired from ATF after 21 years of loyal service.  Lanny continued to service his community through many different programs to include ministry work involving Stevens Ministry and other church programs.

Most importantly, Lanny was a highly devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and every other positive image imaginable. He will be missed by all his family, friends and the many other lives he touched.  

Lanny is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy Royer, his children Lara, Zachary and Suzanna, his grandchildren, Nathan, Emma, Madison, Jadyn and Luke, his in-laws, Alexa, Chad and Dave and other extended family.  

There will be a memorial service at his residence in Gilbert, AZ on 20 Apr 2019.  

Since Lanny was a very generous man, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s (Phoenix), the Shriners Hospitals for Children (Phoenix) or Wounded Warrior Project on his behalf.