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Richard Earl (Dick) Skousen, 9/3/35 – 4/28/19

Our beloved husband, father and grand-father passed away surrounded by his loving wife Wanda, their six children, and many other family members on April 28, 2019.  He was 83 years old. Dick was born on September 3, 1935 to Jess Earl and Amy May Skousen in Mesa, Arizona. He grew up in Mesa and graduated from Mesa High School in 1953.

After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sydney Australia, he enrolled at Brigham Young University and soon was married to his sweetheart, Wanda Louise Hall on September 3, 1959 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Dick went on to receive his Law Degree from the University of Arizona and was a successful attorney for many many years. 

Dick was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ in word and deed.  He loved serving in the Church and in the community and he and his wife Wanda served several full-time missions together for the Church.  His greatest joy and happiness in life was the gospel of Jesus Christ and his family. 

Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Wanda, his children: Richard (Kelli) Skousen, Mike (Lachelle) Skousen, Shawna (Chris) Baker, Jack Skousen, Kristen (David) Spuhler, and Amy (Nathan) Yetter, 37 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Ken Skousen. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Bill and Jackie. 

Our hearts are saddened as we think of the passing of this noble man. Yet, there is also great peace and comfort, received from the Holy Ghost, that his spirit is now in paradise with other family members and friends.

The visitation will be Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 6-8 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,  Hermosa Groves building 2549 North 32nd Street Mesa, Arizona 85213.  Funeral services are Friday, May 3 at 12 NOON, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the same building.  2549 North 32nd Street Mesa, Arizona 85213. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Alice M. Johnson, 79, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on April 29, 2019.  A Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM, with Funeral Services at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 4^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6942 E. Brown Road in Mesa.

Respect, honor, duty, love, and steadfastness are all characteristics of Kenneth Byrl Head. Kenneth was preceded in death by his ex-wife Christine Arreguin. He was a father, father-in-law, grandpa, great grandpa, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and friend. He was loved by many and he loved many.

Kenneth lived 40+ years on 70+ acres in Texas. He was very talented and enjoyed working with his hands. He built a house, workshop, chicken coops, and many structures on his land in Texas, where he loved living.

He was a man of few words, but when he talked you listened.  He enjoyed cooking his favorite recipes like homemade cornbread, meat loaf, barbeque, fudge, “never fail peanut butter”, and lots more. He enjoyed packaging food for you to take home.

He enjoyed sending cards for birthdays and putting a little something extra in the card for the great grandkids.

Once you got to know him you discovered his favorite word was ‘aaannn’.

Kenneth was born in Snyder, Texas August 25, 1933.  Kenneth was raised on a farm by his grandparents. Kenneth joined the marines, “Semper Fi”, after finishing the 8^th grade. He was a rifle marksman and he fought in the Korean War where he delivered artillery to the front line. He was stationed in San Diego where he met the love of his life Christine. They had three children, Santos, Kenneth and Kathleen. His grandkids are Lauren, Michael, Travis, Traci, Matthew, and Staci. His great grandkids are Ariah, Elias, Hazel, Gideon, Maddox, Ethan, and Connor.

He was abundantly blessed in his last years by Ken, Holly and their entire family. Kenneth lived his last years in Mesa, Arizona. Ken and Holly cared for him daily to have a happy and healthy life. Kenneth was always surrounded by God’s love through them.

If you are here today, THANK YOU! Kenneth touched your life in some way. It means a lot for you to be here to say farewell. He will be missed, but loved so much more!

1 Corinthians 15:42.Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever.

In lieu of flowers, contributions for Toys for Tots would be appreciated.

Duane Vis Krediet, 84, of Mesa Arizona, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Duane was born June 3, 1934 to Jacob and Margaret (Vis) Krediet.  He grew up on the family farm near Harrison, South Dakota.  Duane graduated from Corsica High School.  He later married Evelyn Janis (Dickson) a Registered Nurse and his high school sweetheart.

Duane and Jan began their life together in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Duane worked in Sales and Purchasing for John Morrell & Co. for a total of 33 years. 

Duane was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. The family were blessed to have had him in their lives.  He had a great love for music and could be heard tapping his fingers to a song.  He especially enjoyed singing tenor in the church choir.  

Jan and Duane shared a love for the outdoors.  They enjoyed camping, biking and traveling.  Many trips were spent with their children and grandchildren.  Every few years, they attended Krediet family reunions and kept in close contact with many cousins.

In 2004, Jan and Duane decided to move to AZ permanently.  They grew to love the southwest.  Duane was an avid Arizona sports fan.  He loved riding his bicycle.  Each morning he rode around the neighborhood.  He always had a friendly wave and would stop for a visit.  He was a faithful friend.

Duane is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jan, 3 children, David (Sandy) Krediet, Mary (Stan) Triplett and Beth (Tom) McMillian and 6 grandchildren, Kyle, Cory, Craig, Katie, Emma and Julia.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents.

Phil Bergeron, known at the “Guru of Go Fast” lost his last big race to pancreatic cancer on April 15, 2019.  He was born in Hartford, Conn. in September of 1944.  His family moved to Lynwood, CA in 1959.  His mechanical genius led him to building and racing cars.  His need for speed led to building and racing flat bottom boats, winning and setting records.  He founded Bergeron Marine Engineering in the late 60’s in Lynwood, CA, later relocating to Mesa, AZ where he specialized in custom high performance boat equipment.  He was a leader in the industry.

He is survived by his sons: Phil (Kim) and Brian; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his siblings: Elaine, Donna & Wayne, and his turtle Franklin.  He is predeceased by his brothers: Richard & Howard.  The “Legend” will be missed by all.

Services will be on May 4^th, 2019 at 9:00 AM at the Living Word Bible Church, 3520 E. Brown Rd. in Mesa AZ 85213.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following:  The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research; Seed Grant Program: http://support.pancreatic.org/goto/philipwaynebergeron or to the Living Word Bible Church.

Our beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, Mark Dewey Killpack, died unexpectedly on the morning of April 19, 2019, at the much-too-young age of 60. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity and big-heartedness to all who knew him, and we are heartbroken that we did not have more time on this earth with him.

Mark was born in Logan, Utah, on December 2, 1958, the oldest of Louis and Juanita Killpack. Growing up in Tooele, Utah, he protected and lovingly teased his younger brothers and sister. He graduated in 1977 from Tooele High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and football. During his high school years served as both the regional seminary president and student body president. After serving an LDS mission in Anchorage, Alaska, he married his high school sweetheart, Bevany Ann Nelson, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 14, 1980.

After Mark graduated from the University of Utah, he and Bevany moved to Las Vegas, Nevada followed by Flower Mound, Texas. Mark established a successful career in business where he was widely known for his gregarious personality and generous nature. They eventually found their adopted home in sunny Mesa, Arizona, where they have lived for 24 years and raised their sons, Luke, Adam, and Ben. They never forgot their first home back to Utah, and they helped their sons maintain important relationships with all of the extended family.

Mark was immensely proud of his sons, becoming their biggest soccer, hockey, or fencing fan. He coached and traveled with them throughout the US for tournaments rarely missing any sporting event. Later he became their biggest fan in other ways as he watched them all finish college and enabled them to find their own paths. He truly beamed whenever he spoke about them.

He impacted the lives of many more youth as a soccer coach at Mesa Mt. View High School, making every effort to help students succeed both on and off the field. Mark touched many other lives through his church callings, but especially loved serving as a Sunday school teacher to the youth.

Mark is survived by his wife, Bevany Ann Killpack, and mother, Evelyn Juanita Killpack of Tooele, and preceded in death by his father, Louis A Killpack. He is also survived by his siblings Fred (Connie), Jeff (Kellie), and Lisa; his sons Luke (Jenna), Adam(Taylor), and Ben (Michelle); and his grandchildren, Eliza, Isaac, Mae, and Ruby.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, April 29^th, at 11am at the LDS Chapel, 2220 N Harris Dr. With a viewing from 10:00-10:45am prior to the service. Mark will be interred at Mesa Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way.

Our beautiful, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away April 23, 2019 at the age of 81. She was born April 8, 1938 to Reuben Eugene and Gertrude Perkins in Mesa, AZ. She grew up in Safford and Duncan and moved back to Mesa when she was 11 years old. Carole Jean graduated from Mesa High in 1956. She married her high school sweetheart, Buzz Bond, in the Mesa Arizona Temple on September 6, 1957. Together they raised three daughters and one son. She served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; including Primary President, in a Relief Society Presidency, and Stake YW Presidency.

Carole Jean was an extraordinary seamstress and used her talents to bless her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and beautify many homes.  She also spent many hours sewing for the LDS Humanitarian Services.  Family was always first for Carole Jean. Her greatest joy came from being a mother, a grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her days were filled cheering on grandchildren in all their activities. She had the gift of making each child feel special and loved and influenced their lives for good. Her world revolved around her family and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Carole Jean is survived by her husband of 61 years, Buzz, her children: Terri (Bill) Trowbridge, Sheryl (Orion) Goff, Shauna (Russ) Farr, and Wayne (Brandi) Bond, 24 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Keith and Melvin Perkins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Max Perkins, and her grandson, Tyler Trowbridge.

The visitation will be Sunday, April 28, 2019 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Monday, April 29 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Thayer Park Ward, 2835 E. Des Moines, Mesa, AZ 85213. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Eric Jay Shumway, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and veteran, passed away in his home on Saturday, April 20, 2019, of natural causes. He lived for 72 years – years filled with triumph and sadness, love and loneliness. He was known for his strength (and some might say bull-headedness), but he also had a great mind. He loved physics, geometry, and poetry. He was an inventor and a tinkerer.

Eric was born in the small town of Woodruff, Arizona, the 16th child of 18. As a youth, he continually practiced his basketball skills and eventually played basketball for Mesa Community College. In January of 1968, he went to Vietnam, flying a helicopter in the service of his country. After returning home, he met and married Karen Ann Leavitt. They were married for 25 years and had six children.

Eric believed in hard work and made a living as a construction worker and contractor. He took great pride in the quality of his foundations and brickwork. Even after losing his leg to diabetes, he continued to work around his house and often invented tools or hardware to help him in his efforts. Eric kept a garden throughout his life and was known for giving away tomatoes to the neighbors. He couldn’t hold a tune very well, but he was a marvelous whistler and often sang songs to his children when they were young. Eric was known for his frankness and offended more than a few people in his life with his outspokenness and candid manner, yet he also taught his children about the importance of being truthful and having integrity.

There is a visitation Friday, April 26 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services are Saturday, April 27 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ray 2^nd Ward, 17817 S. McQueen Road, Chandler, Arizona.

Donna “Lou” Mongar Greene was born on September 29, 1938 and passed away April 24, 2019. She was 80 years old.

Her parents, Gayl Raymond and Eva Bishop Mongar, lived in Osceola, Iowa with Eldon and Phyllis who welcomed Donna Lou to the family.  She was later joined by Lonnie and Richard.  Their family of seven grew up in Osceola, Iowa for seventeen years.

She was very active in high school and extremely proud of being a member the National Honor Society.  She was active in girl’s basketball from fifth grade on. In high school she was a high scorer and free throw champion.

She attended Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa on a basketball scholarship. Lou won a place on the college AAU woman’s basketball team which was ranked second in the nation.

Lou met her husband, Jim Greene in college. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Jim and Lou were married June 11, 1960. Lou taught fourth grade in Mt. Pleasant while Jim finished his degree.

Their first son was born in Mt. Pleasant and died 4 hours later. They named him Craig Arthur.

Jim and Lou both taught in Churdan, Iowa where Cindy was born.  They later moved to Grand Junction, Iowa where Barbie was born.  The family welcomed Debbie and John later to complete their family of six. The family lived in Grand Junction, Iowa for 29 years. They later relocated to Arizona where they started a sporting goods company called Greene’s Athletic Supply.  Lou ran the home-based office while Jim called on many different schools in Arizona.

Lou taught for 13 years in 4 different schools and 2 years as a teacher’s aide in a resource classroom.

Lou had many interests and hobbies.  She loved the Lord Jesus and spent 25 years in various bible studies.

She was interested in art studies and read widely about art history. She loved to play bridge and played in several different groups. She was a member of East Valley Friends and Neighbors. She was a member of Broadway Christian Church where Lou attended Bible Study.

Daughter Cindy (Bryan) Stoll reside in Becker, Minnesota. Jim and Lou have 3 children residing in Arizona. Barbie (Richard) Hammitt, Debbie (Patrick) Ryan, and John Greene. Grandchildren are Eric and Alex Stoll; Austin, Spencer, and Kendra Hammitt; and Kalina and Makani Ryan.

A highlight in the family’s life was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Palm Desert, California.  The family spent several days at a resort with their 4 children, spouses, and all 7 grandchildren.

Lou was preceded in death by her parents Gayl and Eva Mongar, two brothers, Eldon, and Lonnie Mongar, and brother in-law, Wayne Black, aunts, uncles, sister in laws, cousins, and their infant son.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Betty J.O. Allen, 89, passed peacefully away on Friday, April 19, 2019. She was born on September 12, 1929 to James Orland Shellington and Almeda Gertrude Scott. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission to the East Central States. She married George Wilden Allen on September 5, 1953 in the Mesa, AZ temple. Betty loved spending time with her family and friends, and she worked for years at Milano Music.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George, and is survived by her children Jeanette (Jim) Langford, Jim (Kathy) Allen, John (Alison) Allen, and Jennifer (Mark) Wagner, seventeen grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. A family graveside service will be held on Friday, April 26, 2019 at the Mesa City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian or Missionary fund in memory of Betty J.O. Allen.

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.