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Cynthia Lynn Lees (nee King) left us for an eternity with God in Heaven on March 6, 2019. She passed away peacefully at home in Mesa, Arizona following years of gradual loss of mental and physical function from Huntington’s Disease. 

Cindy was born June 19, 1949 in Aurora, Illinois to Elmer E. (Edd/Eddie) King and Helen King (nee Sullivan) On August 1, 1970 she married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Andrew Lees, II.

They first lived in Wheeling, IL while she continued her training as a Dental Hygienist at Loyola University of IL Dental School while Bob served at Great Lakes Naval Base.

After earning her AA degree as a Dental Hygienist in 1971, they moved onto the Naval Base for their second year of marriage. There she worked in Waukegan IL as a dental hygienist to begin payback of her student loans.

From August 1972 through June 1974 they lived in Bolingbrook, IL. There, she continued as a dental hygienist at her all-time favorite practice in Darien, Illinois. Her earnings supported them both as Bob continued his education.

In July 1974 they moved to AZ where Cindy practiced her skills as a Dental Hygienist….again providing a steady income while Bob began his business.

She lived in Arizona nearly 45 years with her loving husband. During that time, she gave birth to, nurtured, and raised their four children. Which in turn made possible her six grandchildren and the seventh due this month.

Throughout this time, Cindy was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, cousin, and friend to all.  She never missed an event involving her children……and lived for escaping the heat of Phoenix in the forests of Alpine, AZ.  She never met a person she didn’t like! Her infectious smile will be forever with us. It was her invitation to all she met….to be a friend!

Cindy is survived by:

Her husband: Bob  

Her son: Andrew Lees & fiancé Rosemary

Her daughters: Amy (Lees) & Eric Horner, Sheila (Lees) & Tony Damiani, Karen (Lees) & Brennen Bawden

Her Grandchildren: Olivia, Owen, Maddox, and Lincoln Bawden; Scarlett Horner; Blair (and Roman…..due soon) Damiani

Her siblings: Greg King, and Debra (King) Waegner.

A Funeral Mass Service will commence Friday April 12, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church at 1551 E Dana Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204. 

Immediately following there will be a “Celebration of Life Reception ” Please check the following website for details:  https://cynthialeesmemorial.weebly.com 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in Cindy’s name to The Arizona Chapter of Huntington’s Disease Society of America: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E5596&id=9  

Jerry Allan Pfannenstiel, 82 passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at his house in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born March 4, 1937 in Ness City, Kansas to Linus and Veronica (Schlitter) Pfannenstiel.  He was a construction superintendent, building many churches and other commercial projects.  He also owned J & G Lumber and Ace Hardware in Hoisington, Kansas.  

He served in the Navy, four years active duty and four years reserves.

He was a member of Victory Lutheran Church, Mesa, Arizona.

He is survived by his wife Geralyn (Schneider) of 59 years, daughter JoRae Myers of Galva, Kansas, a son Jody and daughter-in-law Jan of Salina, Kansas, two grandaughters Tana and Heidi Myers, two brothers, Arnold and Vincent and four sisters, MaryAnn, Cathy, Inez and Serena.  He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Bernard, Linus Jr., Joseph, Frank and Mike.  

A memorial service with military honors will be at 2 pm on Sunday, March 10 at Sun Life Resort, Mesa, Arizona with Reverend Larry Kassebaum officiating.  

Memorials are suggested to Victory Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.

Mesa – James “Vic” Victor Smallwood passed away February 27, 2019 in Mesa, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 10, 1941, in La Grange, Georgia to Edgar and Elizabeth Smallwood.

Vic served in the US Navy for 25 years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal expert and retired as a LCDR. He heroically served several tours in Vietnam. After retiring from the Navy, he worked at Unidynamics and Pacific Scientific.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a loving father and grandfather he was dedicated to his family, church and community and was known and loved by many.

He is survived by his wife Virginia, 13 children, 55 grandchildren, 66 great grandchildren and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife Aldean, his parents, one sister and four brothers.

Gloria “Jean” Ray, 75, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2019 at her home in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to Richard and LaVon Ray on July 8, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jean taught for Mesa Public Schools for 40 years and has influenced the lives of many children. She loved her nieces and nephews and enjoyed being with them often. Her talents were many – from sewing, calligraphy, genealogy, crocheting, and mostly doll making.

Jean is survived by her brothers, Ken and Elton, and her sisters, Rivon and Dorothy. Her brother, David, preceded her in death.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the Cooley Park Meetinghouse, 3345 East McLellan Road, Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, at 9:00am. Jean will be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Perpetual Education Fund or the Missionary Fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which Jean was a faithful, life-time member. https://ident.lds.org/sso/UI/Login?service=credentials

Our loving mother, Candace Ann Clemans, passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Mom was a kind hearted and devoted mother and friend. She opened her heart and home to many and made sure that anyone who walked in the front door knew they were welcomed and they were safe. Mom showed her love through action. She may have had sharp opinions at times but, she was selfless and would go above and beyond for anyone. She was an adopted mother and grandmother to many of our friends growing up.

Mom was an X-Ray Technician at Banner Desert for 25 years. She was a respected mentor to coworkers and students. In her retirement years, Mom enjoyed gardening and working on small household projects (including remodeling her kitchen). She also enjoyed traveling to the beach, visiting family, and spending time with her fur babies at the dog park.

Candi was born on September 25, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John and Carol Kernan. She is preceded in death by her father, John P. Kernan, and sister, Mary Sue Kernan. Candi is survived by her mother, Carol Kernan of Mesa, AZ; brother, Michael Kernan of Kanab, UT; her four children, Jennifer Phaneuf (Jim) of Chippewa Falls, WI, Karen Clemans of Anchorage, AK, Andy Clemans (Cassandra) of Bend, OR, and Sarah Clemans (Josh) of Mesa, AZ. She was very proud of and loved her ten grandchildren, five nephews, and numerous extended family members very much.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Maricopa County Animal Control, where Mom and Sarah rescued Wilson, Gus, Olive, and Jack.

Loretta Kay (Flake) Kanavel passed away peacefully on March 4, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.  Loretta was born to Rolf and Jean Flake in Mesa, Arizona on June 4, 1956.  She lived in Arizona nearly all of her 62 years, and spent most of her formative years in Gilbert.  On April 25, 1992 she married the love of her life, Patrick Kanavel, and they made their home in Mesa.  Loretta was full of life and had an infectious laugh and a ready smile for friends and acquaintances old and new. 

Loretta spent several years working at Gordon Darby as office manager.  More recently, she worked for more than 5 years as teacher’s aide at Crismon Elementary.  She loved her work at the school and the dear friends she made while there, and considered her greatest life’s work to be her family.        

Loretta is survived by her husband, Patrick, and son, Jonah, and stepdaughters Jamie Kanavel and Carrie Kanavel-Hyde, and three grandchildren.  She is also survived by parents, Rolf and Jean Flake, of Gilbert and siblings LaDawn Halbison, Kent (Lori) Flake, Reed (Amy) Flake, Kirk (Lori) Flake, and Kristen (Carl) Bloomfield.  She is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, David Halbison.   

Memorial services are Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 220 E. Cullumber Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234.  The memorial service will be preceded by a visitation from 10:00 -10:50 a.m.  Flowers may be sent to the church building at 220 E. Cullumber Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234 for arrival between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, or a donation to Hospice of the Valley is suggested in lieu of flowers.   

Linda Leigh Oliver, born August 10th, 1947, left this world into the next on Sunday, March 3, 2019. There to meet her were her parents Richard and Detta Oliver and son Jordan Gauthier. Left to carry on are her devoted husband Rudy Seliskar, daughter Julie (Gauthier) Reymond, Sean Reymond and granddaughters Sydney and Camryn Reymond. After teaching for 32 years in Montreal, Canada, she contributed her incredible talents as a behavior health specialist and passionate teacher in the Mesa community. Known for her compassion and dedication to others, she will be missed by all. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 PM, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa on Friday, March 15, 2019. In lieu of flowers a donation may be sent to the MPN Research Foundation (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Network). Visit www.bunkerfuneral.com for further information.

On Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Hunter Johnson Jr, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away. Hunter was born October 17, 1924 in Fort Worth, TX. His family moved to Salinas, CA when he was a child, where his father started a lettuce packing business.

Hunter enlisted in the US Air Force, became a pilot, and was stationed in Germany. There, he met the love of his life, a Norwegian girl that worked with the Red Cross by the name of Bjorg Stromnis. Hunter and Bjorg were married on July 6, 1946 in Kitzingen, Germany. They moved back to the States and lived in Salinas, CA, where Hunter was a Ranch Superintendent until 1956. He and Bjorg then moved to Buena Park, CA, then to University of California Davis, next to University of Southern California, and finally landing in University of California at Riverside, all in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Agriculture, working with plants and vegetables in the research department. This work took Hunter to local growers in the Southern California area to work with better watering methods and how to deal with pests and changing weather conditions.

Retiring in 1987 and moving to Sun Lakes Country Club as one of its founders, Hunter was very involved with golf and even helped out a little with management of the course. He was also involved with the community gardens in the area. Hunter always had a true love for growing things. His last five years was spent in Mesa, AZ with family.

Hunter leaves behind 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

As a veteran, Hunter’s interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/. We will miss him.

Sara Sylvia Hastings Bagley passed away on Mar. 1^st in Mesa, AZ.  Born 1937 in Hurricane, UT, Sylvia attended BYU and worked many jobs.  She enjoyed a 15- year career in the USDA personnel division until her retirement.  Sylvia loved reading, solving crosswords, watching a Disney movie and eating her favorite treat – popcorn!  She had a special bond with her kitty cat.  Her favorite activity was visiting with family and grandchildren.  Everyone will remember Sylvia as a kind, patient, listener who loved to laugh.  She is survived by her husband, Dale; children: Rob, Ron and Cammie; 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Premier Hospice. A Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Thurs, Mar. 7^th at Bunker’s University Chapel. Funeral Service will be at 11 AM, Fri, Mar. 8^th, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2339 S. Crismon Rd in Mesa.  For further information visit www.bunkerfuneral.com

On Saturday, March 2, 2019, LaRetta (Mitchell) Monge, loving wife and mother of three children, passed away at the age of 63.

La was born on January 22, 1956 in Orange County, California to James Arthur Clayton Mitchell “Mitch” and her mother, Sue. She attended Wilson High school in Long Beach, California and after moving she graduated from Westminster High school in 1974.

She dabbled in all sorts of different jobs throughout the years, but the job she really loved was being a mortgage loan officer.

She was married three times and enjoyed joking that she treated each husband the same and gave each one child.

On August 4, 1990, she married Joseph G Monge in their home in Riverside, California. They spent 34 years together. They were truly soulmates.

LaRetta is preceded in death by her father, “Mitch” and brother Kris as well as two ex-husbands.

She is survived by loving family who are grateful that she is free and out of pain; her loving husband Joe, her mother Sue, daughter Katherine “Katie” (Loeffler) Fritzsche, her husband Dave, as well as sons David M Jackson, his wife Jennifer, and Joseph C “Joey” Monge, his wife Alyssa. 12 Grandchildren ranging in ages from 3-27; Ashley, Jessica, Katlyn, Victoria, Bradley, Alexis, Guy, Brianna, Anighus, Regina (Mouse), Andrew and Acton. Five Great-grandchildren; Brooklynn, Alice, Finnley, Eleanor and Dustin.

Scott Gerald Stonebraker passed away February 28th at home with family due to complications from cancer. 

He is survived by his two sons, Kaden and Griffin; his mother, Linda; father, Jerry; his sister, Shelly Green; brother in law, Dan; niece and nephew, Joey and Hailey, Jill Stonebraker along with Gracie, his dog. 

Born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan he transplanted to the Valley as an ASU Student graduating in 1999. He stayed to teach at different schools around the valley; most recently BASIS of Mesa. 

Mr. Stonebraker was a beloved teacher who impacted the lives of thousands of students throughout his twenty-year career as an educator. A lifelong Redwings fan who loved to ice skate. A man with a booming voice who prompted all to follow his motto to ‘Never Settle’, Scott was an accomplished black belt in Taekwondo as well a nationally recognized coach in the National Forensics League. Through all his accomplishments, his sons were his most cherished. All who know Scott will remember him for his devotion to them. His loss will leave a hole in many lives, but the faith that Scott so happily celebrated reminds us of God’s plan. 

His life will be celebrated March 9th 10 AM at Mission Community Church, 4450 E Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the education fund for Scott’s children. Mail to Edward Jones 6877 S Kings Rand Road, Gold Caynon, Arizona 85118. Please designate to the children of Scott Stonebraker.