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Born on April 22, 1932 in Tucson, AZ, Eleanor Pyper Clark was a proud, 4^th generation Arizona native who loved her family and community. A direct descendant of George W. Sirrine, one of the “Founding Fathers of Mesa,” whose statute proudly stands in Pioneer Park, Mesa, Eleanor was an accomplished, classically trained pianist, and beauty queen, winning several pageants during her college years, as well as winning the talent portion and title of 1^st runner up for the Ms. Senior Arizona contest in her later years. Eleanor was able to take her stunning beauty, her never-ending love for knowledge and reading, her proficiency as a concert pianist, her love for and service to the community through culture and music, and her extraordinary patriotism, and find the time to raise 7 children, who will miss her energetic spirit that she shared throughout her life. In addition to her 7 children, Eleanor is survived by 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Eleanor Pyper Clark passed away peacefully on February 18, 2019, in Mesa, AZ.

Verla Bingham Hickman passed away on February 18, 2019, in Mesa, AZ.  Though we sorrow to be away from her for a season, we celebrate her life and her joyful reunion with her husband Winston, all her siblings, and her parents.

Verla Bingham Hickman was born on June 21, 1922—“the first day of summer, and the longest day of the year,” as she would later say—in Ogden, Utah, to her parents Norman Fife Bingham and Ellen Garner Bingham.  The youngest of six children, Verla lived briefly in Perry, UT, and View, ID, but spent most of her childhood and teenage years in Ogden, UT, where she thrived.  During her time at Weber State College in 1942, she went on a first date on Valentine’s Day with Winston Hickman (“Bud,” as friends and family called him), a young man she had known casually at Ogden High.  Soon she was wearing Winston’s Excelsior pin and never dated anyone else.  They married on May 8, 1943, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and then were sealed in the Logan Utah Temple on July 7, 1944.

Verla and Winston moved frequently during their first years of marriage while he served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, with stops in Chickasha, OK; Coffeyville, KS; Pueblo, CO; and Frederick, OK.  After Winston returned from the war, he and Verla moved to Salt Lake City, UT, so that Winston could complete his degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah. They then spent three years in Borger, TX, while Winston worked for Phillips Petroleum, but for most of their married years they lived in Idaho Falls, ID, where Bud worked at the National Reactor Testing Station and Verla focused on raising their children Larry, Craig, Deborah, and Mark.  At the end of her life, Verla would call “being a mother and raising four wonderful children” her “greatest accomplishment,” something evidenced by the countless hours she spent making their three different homes in Idaho Falls cozy and comfortable and filling her children’s and husband’s lives with happiness.  Verla also dedicated herself to fulfilling a variety of callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to serving in different capacities in the community.

Verla and Bud served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ to northern California, after which they relocated to Utah and spent much of their retirement in Springville, UT, and then in South Jordan, UT.  After Bud’s passing, Verla followed her beloved daughter Debbie to Arizona where Debbie lovingly cared for her during the final few years of her life.

Wherever she lived, Verla made friends, from her time playing kick-the-can as a child in Ogden to her years as a student body officer and pep club member at Ogden High and finally to the various different places she and Bud lived over their 72 years of marriage.  Even in Verla’s last years at the assisted living center where she and Bud lived, it was difficult to walk quickly with her down the facility’s hallways because of all of the people who would stop and want to visit with her.  Verla filled others with light and quickly expressed her love for her family and friends, often accompanied with hugs, tears, and usually a sweet treat or two.  In this manner, Verla exemplified one of her favorite scriptures: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men” (2 Nephi 31: 20).

Verla is survived by her four children, Larry, Craig, Deborah, and Mark, and thirteen grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Winston, the “star of her life.”  She will be buried next to Winston in the Ogden City Cemetery in Ogden, UT.

Funeral services will be held at the LDS Lorin Farr 6^th Ward Building, 770 15^th St., in Ogden on Saturday, February 23, at 1 p.m with a viewing at noon.

Robert “Bull” C. Richards jogged his way to heaven on February 18, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Diane Fox Richards, and his three amazing children and two “so-so” children, Raquel Richards, Shalauna (Brady) Barker, Micah (Denise) Richards, Brigham (Shalyse) Richards, and Kinsale (Jordan) Barker. He was Papa Bull to eight grandchildren that absolutely adored him. He is also survived by his siblings, Grant (Christie) Richards, Nancy (Steve) Holdaway, Mary Louise (Lonny) Arnell, and David (Kristine) Richards. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Lucile Richards, and his sister, Heidi Tripp.

“Bull” was raised on a dairy farm. With his father, he traveled to county fairs to show his All-American Dairy Cow, Trixie. He had fond memories of growing up and working on the farm.

Robert always excelled academically. He graduated from BYU and then received his M.D. degree from The University of Utah Medical School. He also earned an MBA degree from George Washington University.

Robert was loved for his generosity and kindness. He loved people and always wanted to help anyone in need. He enjoyed interacting with people and truly loved his patients.

We loved his fun, larger than life personality. His enthusiasm was contagious, especially his love of sports. He loved to play and watch a variety of sports. He was a devoted fan to his favorite teams. We all remember his love for Larry Bird and the Celtics.

Papa Bull was truly the world’s best grandpa. All of his grandchildren loved him beyond measure. He was available to them 24/7. They loved playing games with him and his competitiveness did not diminish when playing with them. They will never forget papa candy, hearts, blokus, and Brick Oven. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren.

Robert was a wonderful husband and father. He supported us in everything we did. He was always there for us. He would “patiently” help us with our math homework, was at every ball game and performance, and even coached all of our teams. He made life such a fun adventure for us. We love him and will miss him dearly. According to Robert’s wishes there will be no funeral service. A small family graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please attend a Utah Jazz game, but cheer loudly for the Celtics!

Jess Bernard Park Jr.,86, of Mesa, Az. passed away on February 17, 2019.  He was born October 16, 1932, in Albany, California to Jesse Bernard and Constance McAlaster Park.  He was the second of four children.  His family moved to Phoenix, Arizona when he was only a few months old.  Jess worked in sheet metal with his father and also became an accomplished boxer before joining the Navy in 1952.  He served for four years during the Korean War and traveled around the world by water.  When he returned home, he married his eternal sweetheart, Sharon Aston, on December 2, 1957.  They had one daughter, Diana Lynn.  Jess continued working in the sheet metal field until he lost the sight in his right eye due to an accident on the job.  After that, he went back to school and became a Real Estate Broker.  Jess enjoyed serving in leadership positions in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He was in two bishoprics and served twice on the High Council.  But one of his very favorite callings was that of Scoutmaster.  Jess and Sharon also served a mission for the church in Leeds, England.  They also enjoyed working in the Mesa, Arizona Temple.  Jess loved gardening, hunting, fly fishing, leatherwork, making hatbands out of rattlesnake skins, and adventures with his grandchildren.  He was an expert on reptiles, desert plants, and wildlife.  He is survived by his wife Sharon Aston Park, daughter, Diana Lynn Sherwood (Ted), 6 grandchildren and 61/2 great-grandchildren.  Services will be Saturday, February 23, 2019, at the Granite Reef ward building, 1430 N. Recker Rd., Mesa, Arizona, 85205.  There will be a viewing at 9:00, followed by services at 10:00.  Interment will take place at the Mesa Cemetery following the services.

Gary A. Enger, 88, of Watertown, SD, passed away surrounded by family on February 16, 2019 in Mesa, AZ. Services will be held at a later date in Watertown, SD.

Gerald “Gary” Alvin Enger was born February 6, 1931 to Alvin P. and Gladys A. (Rikke) Enger at Granite Falls, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls, Minnesota. After high school, Gary continued his education by attending St. Cloud Tech School in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

He served in the United States Navy from 1948 till 1950 when he was honorably discharged. Gary married Mattie Sietsema on July 16, 1949 in Kingsland, Georgia. The couple moved to Watertown, South Dakota in 1958. Gary was employed as a bricklayer by Schull Construction, Gray Construction, then formed Kraft and Enger Masonry. For the remainder of his working career, Gary was self-employed as a mason contractor. When the couple retired they purchased a winter residence in Arizona while continuing to spend summers traveling in their RV with their Winnebago Club, the Ringneck Winnies.

Gary enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, playing cards, gardening and traveling with Mattie.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, American Legion, Bricklayers Local #5 and the Winnebago Club. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Floyd, and a brother, Alden.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mattie of Watertown; his children, Sheila (Jim) Coleman of Mesa, AZ, Diane (Orville) Creighton of Grand Junction, CO, Vicki (Kevin) Neuheisel of Brandon, SD, Daniel (Julie) Enger of Bremerton, WA and Mary (Curt) Heimark of Tea, SD. He is survived by his sister, Mavis (Archie) Larson of Waconia, MN; 14 grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 202 2nd St SE, Watertown, SD 57201 or Bethlehem Lutheran, 2745 N 32nd St, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Elaine Rowley Baker, our sweet mother and grandmother, went home to our loving Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 9, 2019.  She was born to Edwin Jesse Rowley and Rosilla Allen Rowley (Tenney) on July 19, 1932 in Mesa, Arizona and lived her entire life in Mesa, as did her mother and grandmother.  She was the best of women who dedicated her life to being a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker, and to serving others.

Elaine was content to spend most of her time in her home with her family and considered it a blessing to be a stay-at-home mom.  She loved sewing, quilting, baking, music, and taking photos.  She made many quilts and won blue ribbons on them in the county and state fairs.  She sewed most of the dresses her girls wore and also a few shirts for her husband and boys.  She was also famous for her pies (especially apple), the Boston cream candy she would make at Christmas time, and her bread and rolls.  She was a meticulous housekeeper who believed in work and keeping things clean and neat.  She loved watching things grow, especially her flowers, and always harvested and made good use of her citrus and pecans.  Elaine also loved to sing, had a wonderful alto voice, and was in several choirs and singing groups over the years, including the Relief Society Singing Mothers.  She especially enjoyed singing with her daughters when she had the chance.

Elaine was a faithful servant of the Lord all of her life.  She was an honest person and an example to all as a member of the 7^th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She served as a Primary president, counselor, and teacher, Young Women president and advisor, and Relief Society president, counselor, visiting teacher, homemaking leader, and quilting chairman.  Primary was her favorite.

In 1950, Elaine married her sweetheart, William Elmer (Bill) Baker and they were lucky to have celebrated nearly 60 years together.  They dearly loved and enjoyed each other.  They were blessed with six children:  Melinda (Monte) Turner, Randy (Patsy) Baker, Curt (Coleen) Baker, Tom (Ginny) Baker, Nancy (Kumen) Adams, and Aaron (Ruth) Baker.  At the time of her death Elaine and Bill’s posterity included 25 grandchildren and 64 great-grandchildren. We can only imagine the joyful reunion she had with our dad, Bill.  We are thankful for the knowledge that families can be together forever and that we are sealed to them for eternity and will see them again someday.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; a great-grandaughter, Liliana Hodnett;  her parents, Edwin Jesse Rowley and Rose Tenney; her brother Duane Rowley (Gwen); and her two sisters, Lois Shepherd (Max) and Joanne Adair (Bill).

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 977 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona, 85204, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9:00 a.m.  A visitation will also be held on Friday evening, February 15, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the same location.  Interment will be in the Mesa Cemetery.

Kerri Cristine Windhorn, 48, unexpectedly passed away on January 24, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona, following an auto accident. She was born in Seattle, Washington on June 26, 1970 to Douglas Marshall and Phyllis Ann (Friend) Windhorn.

As a child, Kerri played soccer and became an accomplished swimmer and reader and enjoyed being with other children. She was a loving, caring person who, in turn, was loved by many people. She lived in the present, neither caring for the past nor concerned about the future, and enjoyed life and living that way.

Kerri grew up on Capitol Hill in Seattle and graduated from Garfield High School in 1988. After graduation, she moved to Mesa to be with her mother, who had relocated there in 1986. When her mother passed away, Kerri moved in and partnered with Delvin Keith Butler, of Mesa, who eventually became her fiancée. Her new adopted family included Delvin’s parents and siblings, and their children.

Always smiling, Kerri’s happiness was contagious, infecting everyone who met her. She continued to enjoy children, especially Delvin’s nieces. Kerri’s favorite day was Sunday, when she could spend all day with the family, swimming and talking and laughing with the family poolside. She enjoyed talking about the important things in life and playing tag with the kids in the pool.

For 18 years, Kerri was a caregiver with Elder Care Geriatric Services, much sought-after for her kindness and compassion.

Kerri is missed by her father, her beloved Delvin, and everyone who knew her. She always supported Delvin in his business with loyalty and encouragement.

Kerri was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis of Mesa (2000), and sister, Julie Reneé Windhorn of Fairfax County, Virginia (2008). She is survived by her father, Douglas of Kirkland, Washington; fiancé, Delvin of Mesa; uncles, Danny Lee Friend of Nebraska, LeRoy Windhorn of Burien, Washington, and Darrell Windhorn of Kent, Washington; aunts, Lorelei Windhorn of Kent, Washington and Vera Friend of Mesa; and several nieces and nephews.

Barbara Ann Gold Weight passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and sister on February 12, 2019 at the age of 87.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Barbara is survived by her youngest sister Lettie Foote-Starkey and by her 6 children: Bryan Weight (Gaylene) of Gilbert AZ, Sheldon Weight of Gilbert AZ, LeAnn Goettel (Marc) of Altadena CA, Sterling Weight of Phoenix AZ, Wendy Erickson (Fred) of Provo UT, and Joni Bauer (Cal) of Idaho Falls ID. Her biggest claim to fame was her large posterity of 58 grandchildren and 74 great grandchildren who were the love of her life. She married S. Leon Weight on October 13, 1952 and they were married for 42 years. Barbara married Keith Russell in 1998 and they enjoyed twelve years together before his death in 2011.
 
Barbara led a colorful life in her fashion and personality, and was never seen without a full set of jewelry to match every outfit. Her generosity and kind nature to family and friends made her home a gathering place where all could feel her love and strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She shared that testimony by serving faithfully in many church callings. Barbara was always befriending and fellowshipping others and held a weekly family home evening group for 35 years.
 
As a family we would like to express our love to each of you for being part of our Mother’s life. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 15th, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bunker Funeral Home 33 North Centennial Way Mesa AZ 85201. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 16th, at 1430 N. Recker Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205 at 1 p.m., with a viewing one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary or Humanitarian Fund.

Doris Lamar Jenkins Walker of Mesa passed away peacefully on February 9, 2019 surrounded by her family at the age of 86.  Loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She is survived by her husband Theodore “Ted” Delbert Walker, married for 61 years, her son Steven J Walker (Leslie Karamesines) of Niceville Florida, Alan J Walker (Katherine Lorenz) of Mesa AZ, Dahn J Walker (Renee Davi) of Monterey CA, and Jayne Keck (Christopher Keck) of Gilbert AZ and 11 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren.

Ted and Doris first met while working for the Latter Day Saint Church Office Building in Salt Lake City in 1953. After selection to serve as a missionary at the end of the Korean War, Ted served in the New England Mission, then returned home to date and marry his sweetheart.

Doris raised her four children with love and patience. In 1966, she and Ted moved east to Champaign, Illinois where she supported her husband as he earned his Master’s Degree. Next, they relocated to West Lafayette, Indiana where Ted joined the faculty at Purdue University. Doris was always a hard worker and began to earn additional income for her family by typing dissertations and thesis papers for Graduate Students. For many, she became their mom away from home. Her speed, accuracy and knowledge earned her an excellent reputation among students.

Ted successfully began a book publishing company and together they became self-employed entrepreneurs. Ted authored many text books with his expertise as a Landscape Architect and they grew the business to support the family allowing Ted to retire from the faculty of Purdue while pursuing the business. Doris was a valuable partner and assisted him daily with the distribution and order fulfillment of the books. They were pioneers with computers being introduced to their business in the late 1970’s. This allowed Doris to transfer her skills used previously to word processing.

They moved back west to Mesa, Arizona in 1982 to escape the cold Indiana winters, and be closer to family. Doris enjoyed a renewed friendship with her sister Vada, who lived in Mesa also. Doris and Vada spent hours on the phone daily and enjoyed being so close. Doris and Ted continued to work together at home with the business.

Doris was soon called to serve at the genealogical data center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Between 1983 and 1994 she extracted names for over one million individuals during her genealogy service. Many more names were transcribed as the service was transferred to home computers.

In 1988, they sold their business to a large New York publishing company allowing Ted and Doris to start their retirement. During retirement, they continued their work with the church and for several years she regularly helped take care of some of their young grandchildren. Their grandchildren loved being with them during the day and considered going to Grandma’s house like summer camp. Doris spent hours playing games and teaching them all she could. She baked the best cookies and passed this skill on to some, while others were content just to eat her famous cookies. She enjoyed spending time with her husband and loved him deeply. They could often be found spending time together, exercising, or gathering with their family.

Her life will be memorialized on February 15, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 925 N Harris Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203, interment will follow at The City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201 Flowers can be sent to the 925 N Harris Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203.

After bravely battling multiple myeloma for over three years, Diane Marie Arrieta-Brooks passed away peacefully in the company of her family and friends on February 9, 2019 at the age of 43.

Diane was born on January 26, 1976 and was raised in New Jersey. She attended John F. Kennedy Memorial High School and duCret School of Art. As a natural observer of patterns, structures, and shapes, she was recently pursuing studies in architectural design in the state of Arizona, her last place of residence.

Diane was a talented artist with a creative eye for design and a love for textiles. Whether she was playing with oils, pastels, pencils, tiles, swatches, or a computer, no matter the instrument at hand, she created authentic pieces distinctly crafted by her own colorful imagination. She approached motherhood much in the same artistically playful manner, and enjoyed creating original Halloween costumes for her son, Theo, and even custom designed the blue prints to build him his own personal wood cabin in their backyard.

Diane enjoyed camping in the great outdoors, and the crackling flames and scent of a wood fire at night, under a sky blanketed in stars. In both the kitchen and in her circle of friends, she generously added spice to life—her condiment shelf was always stocked, and her warm laughter and straight shooter commentary let everyone in the room know, now there’s a party getting started. Diane also loved animals and her home was always a place where pets were family.

Diane is survived by her husband, Christopher E. Brooks; son, Theodore J. Brooks; parents-in-law, Edward and Christine Brooks; sister-in-law, Stephanie Kohnke (Matt); and cousins, Janet M. Abbott (Todd), Michele L. Carpenter (Brent), and Dana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frankie and Karen Arrieta.

A private memorial service will take place in Queen Creek, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of Diane Arrieta-Brooks to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: https://themmrf.org/