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On Wednesday, March 27, 2019, Belva Leona FireThunder, loving mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 80. Belva (“Bee”) was born on August 18, 1938 in Pine Ridge, South Dakota to William and Cecila FireThunder. Bee was a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe and grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation, attending boarding school and capturing the “Lakota Princess” title her senior year.

Bee moved to Aurora, Colorado (where she once rode a buffalo) and then to Mesa, Arizona in 1967, where she was surrounded by dear friends and had her only son, Brad. As “Miss Bee” she was a part of Paul Shank’s Gracious Dining team that dominated the Scottsdale dining and entertainment scene in the 60’s and 70’s, working at the Safari Coffee Shop, Dining Room, French Quarter Lounge, and the (then) new Scottsdale Hilton. Later in life Bee continued to work with friends who became family at The Little Mesa Café. When she retired, she began volunteering with the Salvation Army at the Mesa Citadel. Bee was devoted to helping and received “volunteer of the year” recognition for her continued work.

Grandma Bee was a loving friend and inspiration for her granddaughters, Kateri and Rebecca. She never passed on an opportunity to spend time making crafts, playing games, or just being with them in any way she could. The joy they brought her was returned twofold to them.

Bee is preceded in death by her father, William; mother, Cecila; and brother, Rudolph. She is survived by her son, Brad; his wife, Kristine; granddaughters, Kateri and Rebecca; her nephew, Donny; his wife, Patti; and their children, Heather Bea, Cody, and Chris; nieces, Lisa, Connie, and Colleen; great-niece, Melissa Rose; and many other loving family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at the Salvation Army, 241 East 6^th Street Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Darrell passed away peacefully Monday at the age of 97. Born in Logan Utah, he grew up on a small farm in Blackfoot Idaho with his two sisters, the late Donna Johnson and Beth Jensen.  He served honorably with the Marines in the Pacific Theater in World War II, after which he married and started his family, while attending college on the GI Bill. After serving for one term in the Idaho State Legislature, Darrell became a school principal in Blackfoot.  Based on his prescient insight that the Santa Clara Valley in California was the “Jewel of the Pacific”, Darrell moved his family to Santa Clara in 1955.  He secured a teaching position at Los Altos High School, and supplemented his income as a plumber’s helper in the summers in order to support his large and growing family.  Darrell was always a hardworking, can-do, optimistic, and idealistic kind of guy.

Darrell’s lucky career break came around 1960, when he took a part-time position at a night school teaching real estate.  Darrell discovered that he had considerable talent selling real estate, and for the next fifteen years supplemented his income as a high school teacher working part-time as a real estate salesman or broker.  In the early 1970’s, Darrell retired from teaching, co-founded two companies, L&M Properties and L&M Property Management, and expanded upon his career in real estate with considerable success.

Darrell went through a profound life change in the early 1990’s when he returned to the religion of his youth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, relocated to Arizona, and met and married the new love of his life. Beloved husband of Carol Sue Lott, Darrell is also survived by his children, Roy (Cheryl) Lott, Carol (Steve) Kyriacou, George Lott, Jeanne Reeves, Bruce (Jennifer) Lott, Bonnie Lott, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and Carol’s children; Jeffery Jones, Billy Jones, David Jones, and Jacquilyn (Jeffry) Allen; Carol’s 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was admired and loved by all, and will be missed.  His services will be held at 10:00 am, April 2nd, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2424 N. Old Gilbert Road, Mesa, Arizona.

Eugene Wayne Young, 75, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Elmer Wilbur Young and Floy Ann Payne in Mesa, AZ on February 6, 1944. Wayne led a very happy, active life, filled with family and friends. Wayne was an avid hunter and loved to spend time in the woods. He loved scouting the Four Peaks area, riding around on his Polaris. Wayne loved fishing as well and was known to spend time tossing a line out anywhere the fish were plentiful. Wayne’s favorite times, though, were when he was spending time with his grandchildren.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ann Young; his grandchild, Tysen Mason; and great-grandchild Martyn Law. He is survived by his wife, Diane Young; his siblings, Nancy Young and Diana Smith; his children, Stephanie Martin, Robert Coker, and Allen Young; his step-children, Rustie Law and Stan Law; his step-mother, Donna Young; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be conducted on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 from 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 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at the same location, with a second visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9:00am.

Herbert Steffen Hamilton, 64, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2019 after a valiant, two year battle with an extremely rare cancer. He was born on February 23, 1955 to Harry Stancliff Hamilton and Norma Jean Steffy in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Herb married the “love of his life” Janell Sorensen, on May 27, 1981. He led a happy, active life filled with family, friends, and many activities, such as church, fishing, camping, building things, and remodeling or fixing anything! He had a steadfast and enduring testimony of our Savior’s love, and he served faithfully. He also served in the Canada Toronto Mission from 1975-1977, after which he continued sharing the gospel with others. He had an amazing knowledge and deep understanding of the gospel, and loved to talk about it!

Herb loved spending time with his family; seeing all of his children together was his favorite. He also adored his grandchildren, and loved being a grandpa. He would sacrifice anything for his family, and always worked hard to provide for them. He will be dearly missed by many, and leaves us all a legacy of love and countless cherished memories.

Herb will be especially missed by Janell, his loving wife of 38 years; his six children, Lindsay (Matthew) Palmer, Becky (Taylor) Yost, Brittney Hamilton, Heston Hamilton, Cody Hamilton, and Joshua Hamilton; and 11 grandchildren, Brooklyn, Blake, Gavin, Preston, Hayden, Maddie, Taylyn, Dalton, Zach, Lexi, and Ashton. He is also survived by his mother, Norma Hamilton; sister, Debbie Martin; brother, David (Candy) Hamilton; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Harry Hamilton.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Harris Park Ward, 2220 North Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service, at 9:00am. Bunker’s Garden Chapel will be handling the arrangements. Herb was cherished by his family, and he will be missed by all who were blessed to know him; he will never be forgotten.

Jamin Vaun Mikesell, our beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, returned home on March 20, 2019. Jamin was born on November 18, 1991 in Salt Lake City, Utah to parents Annie Stauber and Michael Mikesell.

Jamin graduated from Riverton High School in 2010, served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Argentina Bahia Blanca Mission (2011-2013), then received his Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Sales from Weber State University in 2017. He married the love of his life, Jayna Bell, on November 13, 2015 in the Ogden Utah Temple.

Jamin will be remembered for his love of water sports, disco skating, dancing, and making people laugh. Jamin lit up any room in a matter of seconds with his charming smile and engaging sense of humor. He was loved by all who met him and had a deep desire to help anyone in need. He craved salt water in his hair and loved to attend, analyze, and think about all sports.

Above all, this fun-loving soul cared about spending time with family and friends. Jamin is survived by his wife, Jayna Mikesell; his parents, Annie and Patrick Stauber, and Michael and Jenni Mikesell; his twin brother, Kyler Mikesell; sister, Kelsee Mikesell; step-siblings, Derrick, Travis, Spencer, Lauren, and Kasidy; in-laws, David and Christie Bell; and countless friends and relatives who will miss him dearly.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. An additional viewing will also be held at 10:00am on Friday, March 29, 2019, prior to the funeral service to be held at 11:00am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Boulder Creek Stake Center, 3025 South Hawes Road, Mesa, Arizona 85212.

William “Bill” Albert Thomasson was born on November 24, 1928 in Douglas, Arizona and passed away on March 20, 2019 in Gilbert, Arizona. He was the youngest of four children born to Samuel Lewis Thomasson and Wonnie Elois Weeks Thomasson. Bill attended Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ where he earned a Master of Education degree and met Pearl Jeanette Salmons, whom he married on August 13, 1949. Bill and Jeanette were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 3, 1951. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on February 19, 1953. Bill was married to Jeanette for 52 years, until her passing in 2001. He is survived by his six children, Steve (Glenda), Susan (Richard) Turley, Stan (Karen), Shirley (Steven) Bowles, Sam (LaWana), and Sara (Carl) Krueger; 24 grandchildren; and over 30 great-grandchildren.

Bill was a hard worker. To support his growing family, he worked for Salt River Valley Water User’s Association (now known as Salt River Project), AirResearch (now known as Honeywell), and he worked as a school teacher in Pima, AZ, Yuma, AZ, and Fredonia, AZ early in his teaching career. Bill ultimately settled in Phoenix, AZ and was an industrial arts teacher at North High School in Phoenix, and the Area Vocational Center at Phoenix Union High School. He was creative and could fabricate, machine, or repair just about anything. To supplement his teacher’s salary he taught drivers education, did stonework and worked construction, worked for the Forest Service, and even drove an ice cream truck.

Bill was involved heavily in his church and served as Scout Master, Young Men’s President, Financial Clerk, and was even in a branch presidency on the Piute Indian Reservation. He also served at the LDS Family History Center for over 10 years and in the Mesa Temple for over 20 years.

Bill was a devoted father who was kind, yet firm in his convictions, and he taught his children the value of work, family, and their relationship with God. He was selfless, and there was no end to the sacrifices he would make for his children or their education. He is loved and will be dearly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Elliot Ward, 234 North Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85234, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9:00am.

Ernest Nelson Noel was called home Thursday, March 21, 2019 in Mesa, AZ.    Preceding him in death were his daughters Teri “TT” and Brenda, their mother Anita “Joyce”, and his brothers Earl, Carl, and Ray.  Left to carry on his traditions are his children Andrea (Robert) Self of Mesa, AZ and Chris (Sarah) Hecht of Tucson, AZ; their mother Pamela Ludwiczak; Grandchildren “BJ”Jack, Raenette (Devon), Travis, Katie, Hailey, Robert, Jameson, Megan, and Jackson; Great Grandchildren Antonio, Nevaeh, Felicity, Gabbi, and Mia.

Ernest was born to Dochia (Sheatz) and Carl Noel on August 24, 1938 in Sheridan, Indiana.  His younger years were spent on the family farm in Indiana raising dairy cows.  He loved the farming life and growing up with his brothers, especially Ray who he expressed many adventures with. When Ernest was old enough, he joined the Military (Navy) and served in Vietnam on the U.S.S. Midway.  He always expressed his love of military life, and how he would go back in a heartbeat.  Following his military career Ernest had a few other jobs while residing in California and later moving to Arizona.  He was a sheet metal worker, truck driver, pet shop owner, Animal Control Officer, and Sergeant at the Arizona Fort Grant and Safford Prisons. 

Ernest was known by many as a jokester. Always trying to get a playful smile out of everyone, especially the kids.  He would always say, “Come here, I wanna poke you in the nose,” and to the health aids he met along the way he would always tell them be good and, “If you can’t be good come back and see me.”  Ernest also had a passion for giving to others.  Though he was a jokester, he had a loving side as well, a true heart of gold for those he loved.  He loved watching classic westerns, especially John Wayne and fishing any waters he came to.  These are just some of the things we will miss about Ernest, but we will carry his jokester antics with us while finding comfort in knowing he is with the family he so dearly loved. Until we meet again…See you later alligator, after while crocodile.

Don Stockdale, born April 13, 1943, in Salt Lake, UT, moved to Arizona at the age of 10. He was called home Sunday, March 17, 2019. There to meet him were his parents Roy C. and Dorothy Stockdale and his son Michael Matteson. He is survived by his wife Gennie; children Dean Stockdale, Max Matteson, Lori Stockdale, and Tammy Albright; brother Duane Stockdale; and sister Peggy Ross.  He was a proud grandfather of 25 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Funeral services are Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa.  For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Arthur “Lee” Le Roy Dearinger was called home on March 18, 2019 at 92 years of age. He was born on December 16, 1926 to John and Edna Dearinger. Lee was the oldest of ten children. He served a tour in the Navy, married Kerstin Schelin, and had one daughter, Ann. His wife passed away suddenly in 1969. Lee and his daughter moved to Mesa, Arizona, which became their home. Lee then met Lillian Theler and they were married for 37 years.

Lee was an auto mechanic for most of his life. He loved sports, especially golf. He also loved his neighbors and Ward members. He has five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, as well as sharing Lillian’s large posterity. He will be missed.

There will be a funeral service for Lee on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 10:00am, with a visitation beginning at 9:00am, at the Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 North Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203. Services are being facilitated by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Hugh White Lawson passed away Friday, March 15, 2019,  one week shy of celebrating his 98th birthday.  He resided in Mesa, AZ since 2013.  He was born March 22, 1921 in Tabiona, Utah but was raised in Rocklin, California.  His parents are Minerva Alice White Lawson and Eugene Edward Lawson and has 7 brothers and 2 sisters, all have preceded him in death except Ben who resides in Rocklin, California.  As a boy his favorite past times were swimming and baseball. 

He served as a radar operator in the Navy during  WWll.  After being discharged at the end of the war he worked in the ice plant for Southern Pacific Railroad until retirement.

On October 27, 1962, he married Zelda Pearl Mortensen Swan in Reno, Nevada. They resided in Loomis, CA until after his retirement.  From there, they lived in a variety of places in Utah, Nevada and finally in Arizona.  She passed away July 9, 2017 after 54 years of marriage.  They loved dancing and going out to eat.  He was an avid hunter, and loved gardening.   He  rode a bicycle until he was 96 years old.    He is survived by a daughter, Mary Joan Walton (Max), 4 grandchildren, Justine Powell (Chris), Ginger Walton, Melanie Blancas, and Brett Walton, 16 great grandchildren, and 11 great great grandchildren. He also has lots of nieces and nephews. 

Hugh is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Graveside services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024) on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 10:00 AM.

We all love you and you will be greatly missed!