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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.

 Raymond D. Strong, 94, passed away February 24, 2019 in Gilbert, Arizona.  A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2017, at 11:00 AM in the LDS Higley Grove Ward building, 234 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona.

  Born on August 5, 1924 in Ashton, Idaho, to Hannah and Alfred Strong, he and his wife, Ruth Gunnell Strong, celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary this year.

  Mr. Strong was a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot serving in Japan and Korea and flight commander.

  He graduated from Arizona State University with master’s degree in Education and taught school in Mesa, Arizona for 20 years.

  An active member of the LDS Church, he served as a Bishop, Mesa Temple worker, and full time church mission with his wife in Tennessee.

  Mr. Strong is survived by his wife and children Mrs. Pat Wilder, Michael Strong, Greg Strong, and Mrs. Karen Udall; 19 grandchildren, 66 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

  Viewing prior to the services at 9:00 AM and services at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 2, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 234 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, Arizona 85234

Dallas Renee Nelson was born on February 22, 2019 and passed away on February 23, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.  A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 1^st at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main Street in Mesa.

Cora E. Rozinska, 85, passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2019 in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Mrs. Rozinska was born on May 12, 1933 to Amado and Prudencia Sandoval as the second of three children. She married Kenneth Rozinska on August 1, 1953, and they settled in Salida, Colorado. They have three children.

Cora was a stay-at-home Mom, who worked part time. She enjoyed waiting tables. She moved to Apache Junction, Arizona in 1970 and became a cosmetologist, while continuing to wait tables. She enjoyed time with her family and friends.

Cora was preceded in death by her parents, Amado and Prudencia Sandoval; her brother, Noverto Sandoval; and her husband, Kenneth Rozinska.

Her survivors include her children, Robert Rozinska, Keitha Rozinska, and Denise Bailey; sister, Lillian Valdez; grandchildren, Kandi (Kenneth) Nelson, Christopher (Coley) Harty, Nicole (Kevin) Gray, and Ryan (Amm) Bailey; great-grandchildren, Kyle and Konner Nelson, Ayla and Syrus Gray, Warren and Quentin Harty, and Ethan and Eileen Bailey; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held at 11:00am on March 5, 2019, followed by a memorial service at 11:30am at St. George’s Roman Catholic Parish, 300 East 16th Avenue, Apache Junction, Arizona 85119.

After the service Mrs. Rozinska will be interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, joining her husband Kenneth.

Moana Urry, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 24, 2019 after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.

Moana was born on August 25, 1960 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Keith and Pearl Scoville. She grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and she always cherished her Canadian heritage. After graduation, she left Canada to attend BYU Hawaii and to work at the Polynesian Cultural Center. A year later, she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to study Interior Design at LDS Business College. It was there that she met the love of her life, John.

Moana and John were married on October 1, 1981 in the Salt Lake Temple. John’s career as a commercial airline pilot took their young family to Arizona, which would become their home for the next thirty-three years. Together, they are the parents of six wonderful children: Allison (Vaughn) Fish, Brian (Rachelle), Adam, Eric (Rachel), Steven (Trisha), and Jefferson.

Moana’s greatest joy was found in her roles as a wife and mother. She dedicated many hours to her children’s education through time spent volunteering in their schools. She served as chauffeur and cheerleader for countless sporting events. Moana was also a night owl, and her children could always count on her to be up waiting for them when they returned home from their social activities. These were cherished moments; she was always at the crossroads in their lives. Her children felt her immense love for them, and they were constantly blessed with her abundant wisdom.

She loved to cook and entertain, and all were welcome in her home. Moana will be remembered by her children’s’ friends for her delicious milkshakes and big heart. She possessed an exceptional talent for photography, and many have been blessed with her beautiful photographs. She and John shared a love for travel and they were blessed to spend a considerable amount of time seeing their family and visiting many extraordinary places around the world. Her nine grandchildren brought her exquisite joy. She took extra care to provide special gifts and meaningful memories for each one of them. They felt her love for them and would light up in her presence.

Moana was also a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had an incredible and lasting impact on children, youth, and adults through her kind and loving service as a Primary President, ward and stake Young Women’s President, and Relief Society President. She spent her life in the quiet service of others. She loved to study the scriptures, and they were often found open on the kitchen table along with reference guides, journals, and marking pens. She treasured her testimony. It radiated from her and influenced all she did. She had a deep and abiding love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, and you couldn’t help but feel of His love in her presence.

When she was first diagnosed with cancer, Moana chose to be optimistic. For her, that was the only option. She endured this trial with immeasurable grace, patience, and unwavering faith. She focused on the continuing simple joys, silver linings, tender mercies, and was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Moana is survived by her husband, John; her children, Allison (Vaughn) Fish, Brian (Rachelle), Eric (Rachel), Steven (Trisha), and Jefferson; her grandchildren, Kyson, Lily Moana, Andi, Tate, Kesler, Beckett, and Emery; her mother, Pearl Ofgren Scoville; her siblings, Mark (Madeleine), Garry (Heidi), Lani (Rakaipaka) Puriri, Paul, and Robert; her sisters-in-law, Linda Samuels and Lisa Martin, and her brother-in-law, Russ Urry.

She was preceded in death by her father, Keith Scoville; father-in-law, Herbert Urry; mother-in-law, Joy Urry; brother-in-law, Doug Samuels; sister-in-law, Jennifer Urry; son, Adam; and grandchildren, Tyler and Tatum.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Tempe Stake Center, 2707 South College Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201, and from 10:00 to 10:30am on Saturday morning prior to the services. Interment will be at Paradise Memorial Gardens, 9300 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260.

If you would like to share memories of Moana that we can give to her family, kindly send them to: memoriesofmoana@gmail.com

Jon Arlin Ashment, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2019 at the age of 77.  He was born March 29, 1941 in Spearfish, South Dakota.  He was the first of four children born to Arvil and Linda Ashment.

Jon previously married Joan Elizabeth Mortensen on 19 February 1964 – 1974 in Salt Lake City.  They have 3 children.

As a child he grew up in Laramie, Wyoming.  Graduated from University High in 1959.

He joined the United States Army National Guard in 1959 and received Basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and was part of the 1022^nd as a member of the Honor Guard at Fort Lewis, Washington during the Berlin Crisis.  The Honor Guard was an integral part of several parades in which the 1022^nd Engineer Battalion participated.

During the reign of “Century21” in Seattle, Washington, Ashment participated with the Honor Guard in the impressive ceremony that helped to get “Wyoming Day” started.

He was a successful businessman with Gulf Oil Corp. in Las Vegas and Phoenix.  General manager of Yellow and Checker Cab Companies in Las Vegas, he helped to convert gas to propane in cabs.

He then moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he met his wife of the last 25 years, sealed together in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She had 6 children.  They moved to Mesa, Arizona 12 years ago.

He is survived by his wife: Patricia Ashment; Sons: Ronald G. Miller (Maureen) of Parker, Idaho; Paul L. Miller (Kim) of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Darren I Miller (Lori) of Portland, Oregon; Ricky Ashment of Las Vegas, Nevada; Jimmy Ashment (Celeste) of Farr West, Utah; Daughters: Julie Ashment Knoll (Jeff) of West Point, Nebraska; Shiela DeRize (Bruce) of Victor, Idaho; Nancy Pivik (Carl) of Ucon, Idaho; Corrine Creviston (Tim) of Scottsdale, Arizona;  Two Brothers: Arvil Ashment (Bev) of Basin, Wyoming, Ed Ashment (Nancy) of Basin, Wyoming; Sister: Dee Applegate (Lynn) of Orem Utah;  26 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren, 1 on the way; 2 dogs that think they are our grandchildren also.

Services will be held on February 28^th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2835 E. Des Moines, Mesa, Arizona 85213.  Viewing from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Service at 11:00 AM, Military Honors to follow.

Graveside Service to be held at the Teton-Newdale Cemetery, West 3^rd South, Sugar City, Idaho at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 6^th.   Family and Friends luncheon will be from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, March 6^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, West Main Street, Parker, Idaho 83445.

Beverly Kay Thornton, 72, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on February 21, 2019.  She was born February 28, 1946 in Omaha, Nebraska.  A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, February 26^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 2529 E. University Drive in Mesa.  Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 27^th at South East Bible Church, 710 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, Arizona.

Glendon R Blau, son of Herman and Teresa Mae Richardson Blau, returned to his heavenly home on February 21, 2019, to be reunited with his sweetheart, Twila Ray Rogers, after nearly 4 and ½ years. Their son, Larry, preceded him in death and was also waiting to greet him in heaven. Glendon is survived by their children, Debra Blau, Brenda (Eddie) Nevitt, Marsha (Bret) Niedens, Kerwin (Heidi-Ann Maas) Blau, and Darel Blau; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is deeply loved and will be missed by many.

Glendon grew up and went to school in Mesa, AZ, and worked with his dad and brothers serving the community with their H Blau and Sons Plumbing company. He was brilliant at figuring out ways to fix things. He later worked at Desert Samaritan Hospital as their mechanical foreman, where they would say, “If Glendon Blau can’t fix it…..throw it away!”

Glendon served honorably in the Argentine Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held various church callings throughout his life, and loved to be a temple worker, first in the Mesa Temple and later at the Gilbert Temple. He loved the gospel, his family, and the Savior. He truly followed the Savior’s counsel to “Love one another.”

Glendon learned early in life on the farm to be a hard worker, and that work ethic continued throughout his life. He enjoyed working in his garden, mainly growing vegetables to give to friends and neighbors. He was a lifelong scouter and encouraged many young men to earn the rank of Eagle. Music was an especially important part of Glendon’s life. He learned to play the trumpet, guitar, and harmonica, and loved singing around the piano with his family or in the church choir. He was a loving, kind man whose constant advice to all was “Keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart.” He will always be in our hearts!

Services will be held in the Chandler East Stake Center, located on Greenfield Road about 2 and ½ miles south of the Gilbert Temple (21320 South Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85298). There will be a viewing on Friday, March 1, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. There will be a second viewing at 9:00am on Saturday, March 2, 2019, followed by the funeral service at 10:00am. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Dolpha Coleman, 84, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Dolpha loved her children and grandchildren and was an avid supporter of their endeavors. A talented musician and performer, she enjoyed organizing and participating in musical and dramatic productions. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved the Savior. Some of her favorite activities were singing, shopping, gardening, and playing games with family and friends.

Dolpha was preceded in death by her husband Ed, four sisters, and one brother. She is survived by one brother, Anthony Farr; seven children, Ed (Merla) Coleman, Toni (Randy) Pearson, Sydney (Brett) Applegate, Daren (Colleen) Coleman, Kelland Coleman, Kristen (Dave) Perez, and Candace (Thomas Jacob) Coleman; 26 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren, which number is subject to change any day.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Grandview 2^nd Ward, 925 North Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203, with a visitation beginning two hours prior to the service at 9:00am.