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Marilyn Sawyer Gilbert entered life eternal on Thursday, February 7, 2019 surrounded by her family.  She was greeted by her parents, Merlin and Virginia Sawyer and her brother, Norman Moody Sawyer and her sister, Yvonne Sawyer Walker who preceded her in death. Marilyn was born in Byron, Wyoming to Merlin and Virginia Sawyer.  She was the third born of 5 children. She is survived by her two sisters, NaWana and Marlene.  Marilyn enjoyed the outdoors and animals, spending time with her brother and three sisters on the M L ranch and 5 Springs near Lovell, Wyoming.  She was a telephone operator for Mountain Bell Telephone Company where she met her sweetheart husband, Loyd of 64 years.  They raised their family in New Mexico and Texas.  Marilyn and Loyd moved to Arizona at retirement to enjoy their family.  Marilyn tended many children over the years that she claimed as her own.  She also loved the Priests of the Fairview Ward.  She was a very talented cook, seamstress and homemaker. She was a cancer survivor and a support for many going through cancer treatment.  She enjoyed serving the Lord in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her favorite being early morning seminary teacher. Her legacy will be continued by her husband, Loyd and her children Gayle (Roy) Weatherston, Rosalyn, Les, and Lisa and 11 grandchildren and 16 great grand-children. She has two grandsons serving missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Jarom L. Kay in the Eugene Oregon Mission and Elder Joshua Gilbert in the Mexico City Mission.

To honor her memory, a viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Gilbert Arizona Williams Field Stake Center Temple View Building 3310 South Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona.  A visitation will be held at the church at 9 am prior to services at 10 a.m. Her final resting place will be the National Cemetery in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Elizabeth “Zibby” Christensen (17) of Mesa, Arizona passed away on February 1, 2019.  She was born on September 21, 2001 in Loveland, CO.  She is the daughter of Emily Whiting Christensen and James Victor Christensen.  She is the eldest of four fabulous sisters Lauren (15), Rebecca (12), and Susanna (9).

From early on Zibby’s family could tell she was a unique person, just like her name.  Zibby’s light could brighten any room she entered along with her cheerful countenance and infectious laughter.  She was a loving sister, a dedicated student, a fearless athlete, a captivating performer, and a precious daughter.

Zibby attended Mountain View High School where she was an honor student, member of the percussion team, and a talented track and cross-country runner.  She loved her friends and was a good friend.  Zibby loved the family’s dog “Tilly” and her pet rabbit “Bun Bun”.

Zibby is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She was a Laurel in her Church’s young women’s class. She enjoyed hanging out with her fellow Laurels, going to girl’s camp, making up silly dances, and having fun.

Zibby loved her Savior Jesus Christ and knows that he loves her.

Her life reflected her favorite quote “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”

Her little sister Susie explains, “Zibby was small in size but big in personality.  She loved everyone so much and everybody was Zibby’s friend.  I want to be as kind as Zibby.  She is such a good person to everyone she met.  All of her teachers and friends remembered her so well.  Some people remember her because she was in the play or she was friends with their kids.  There was no one who didn’t like Zibby!”

Zibby is survived by her parents Jimmy and Emily Christensen, her sisters Lauren, Becca, and Susie.  Her grandparents Bruce and Gail Whiting and James and Susan Christensen and many uncles, aunts, and cousins who love her dearly.

A viewing will be held Friday, February 8, 2019 from 7:00-9:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mesa Mountain View Stake Center located at 1550 N. Val Vista Drive Mesa, Arizona 85213.  Funeral services will be held Saturday February 9, 2019 at 12:30 pm preceded by visitation from 11:00 am-12:00 pm at the same location.  Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel.

Robert Stillion, 93, passed peacefully in his home of 65 years on January 30, 2019 and it was just 32 days after his wife, Rosemary, had passed on December 28, 2018. He is survived by his three sons, David, Daniel, and Douglas. He also had 13 grandchildren, Jennifer, Belinda, Alyson, Jeffrey, Whitney, Amber, Lucas, Aaron, Paul, Jayme, Christy, Keeley, and Elise; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Robert (Bob as most called him) began his life on the dairy farm where his day started at 4:30 each morning, until he joined the Navy in 1944. After a two-year stint serving as a “radar man” on an LSD during WWII, Bob met his beloved wife and married her in 1947, a day after her 18th birthday. He soon started working for Mountain Bell where he did construction, set poles, installed and repaired telephone lines (fell off once), and installed and repaired telephones and teletype equipment; he retired in 1982.

Bob and Rosemary bought their one and only home in 1954. This home would be the centerpiece for an incredible love story and 65 years of amazing memories for the Stillion family. Bob’s main hobby was his family. He loved to take the family on one or two week vacations a year to either the White Mountains (to camp and fish) or to Coronado in San Diego. One of the most memorable vacations was a trip to Yellowstone National Park in an old dodge station wagon.

Bob took the boys swimming in the Zion National Park as well as Grand Teton National Park, and hiked in Bryce Canyon. Between the boys, Mom, and Dad, they counted 104 bears while in Yellowstone. As the boys grew, they traveled to different areas to fish and hunt often. Great moments and memories for the Stillion boys!

Bob was a “hands on” father. He was coach for their baseball teams, drove them around to help with their paper routes when it was raining, and taught the three boys the skill of boxing. He started his day with jumping jacks and sit ups. He could be seen often doing pull ups on the pull bar that he installed in the boy’s bedroom doorway. He was known around the neighborhood for his huge biceps.

Bob loved his three beers a day. Rose was worried about him when he retired because he would religiously drink a beer as early as 11am, then around 2, and one more before dinner. He did this until he became too weak to drink an entire beer about two weeks ago.

His hobbies were his boys, and dogs. But Rosemary was his favorite hobby. They loved watching TV together, holding hands, humorously banter with each other….they also loved to get out on a Friday or Saturday night and dance. Many, many jokes have been made about their “love life” and much of them are based on truth. Bob was crazy about Rose in more ways than one. The song by Glen Campbell (Wichita Lineman) was a great description of Dad’s love for Rose as he was once an “Arizona Lineman”.

In his retirement years, Bob loved telling his boys (often more than once) and his grandkids about the days on the farm, his travels in the Navy, and had many, many stories about “Ma Bell” (Mountain Bell). Fond memories and great stories for us.

Bob was an honest, ethical, quiet, strong, and sweet man.….in ALL ways. He has left a legacy of caring, non-biased, and non-prejudice nature with his three sons and their families.

Rest in Peace and enjoy Rosemary again Dad.

Jeffrey Todd Edgeworth passed away on January 30, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 35. He was born in Mesa on May 4, 1983, to Lowell and Susanne Edgeworth, the fifth of five children. Jeffrey was a gentle giant, in stature and in heart. He played football at Mountain View High School and at Scottsdale Community College. Jeffrey also served from 2002-2004 in the Taejon, South Korea Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the people he served. He graduated from BYU Law School, Class of 2010. His great desire was to help and lift others, even through his personal grief. Jeff will be remembered for his infectious smile, bright mind and wit, strength, sense of humor, kindness, and goodness. To know him was to love him.

Jeffrey will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and especially by his parents, Lowell and Susanne; his four siblings, Edward L. Edgeworth (Kristin), Trevin C. Edgeworth (Margo), Brian D. Edgeworth, and Allison Chatham; his eight nieces and nephews; and his extended family.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, February 8, 2019 at the Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 925 North Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203. A visitation will be held one-hour prior to the funeral service, at 9:00am.

Bunker’s Garden Chapel is handling the arrangements. For more info, please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Joe Pico, known to friends as “Coach Pico,” quietly passed away in his home on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at the age of 84.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his dear wife, Shirley, of 63 years, and his children, Les (Rita), Jeff (Darleen), Brad (Christy), Julie (Joe), Robert (Farrine), and Lisa. Joe will also be fondly remembered by his 24 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Additionally, Joe is survived by LaReece Morris (sister-in-law), Delores Ramos (sister), and Rudy Ramos (brother-in-law). Joe was predeceased by his sister, Mendora Pico.

Joe was born in El Paso, Texas in 1934. He was primarily raised in Los Angeles, California. Joe served in the armed forces (Korean War Conflict), graduated from ASU, and received his Master’s Degree from ASU. Joe was also a letterman on the Sun Devil Football Team. In the early 60’s Joe was awarded the “Cecil Abono Outstanding Captain Award” back to back (1962 and 1963). This award has never been given back to back since this occasion. Joe was recognized for his outstanding offensive line play and team leadership skills.

Joe taught Psychology, Physical Education, Drivers Education, and coached football and wrestling for many years (Prescott Unified School District, Mesa Unified School District, and Gilbert Unified School District). He had a profound impact on many youths. After his coaching stint was complete, Joe entered high school district administration. He became a successful Athletic Director for many years. Because of his integrity and dedication to his work, he was admired and loved by many.

Joe also served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There he worked with youth groups and assisted in many fundraisers for the youth organization. All the way until his dying days, one could find Joe in the service of his fellow men.

All are welcome to attend a viewing on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 10:00am at the Stake Center located at 2228 East Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

Brent Justin Pugmire, 64, after bravely fighting a long battle with pancreatic cancer passed away peacefully in his home on January 25^th, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.

He was born to Glenn and June Pugmire in Murray, Utah on February 4^th, 1954. Brent led a very happy life filled with family and friends. Brent grew up with several siblings, Don Pugmire, Robyn Stone, Mark Pugmire, Julee Brady and Marcee Alston. He was faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Brent was renowned for his gentle soul and constant smile.

In 1980 he married the love of his life, Terri A. Pugmire, and they were lucky to have celebrated over 38 years together. During that time they had many wonderful adventures.

Brent is survived by his wife, Terri A. Pugmire. Brent and Terri enjoyed a long relationship based on mutual support and a deep love for each other. Brent adored their children, Justin B. Pugmire, Brittany A. Pugmire and their 5 grandchildren: Noah, Jazlynn, Malaki, Elijah and Connor. His goodness and gentle kindness will live on in their lives.

Brent loved talking about his Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints mission in Ireland and being surrounded by his grandchildren. One of his most current adventures was a sibling trip to Sweden where he was able to see landmarks from his family history.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5350 E McLellan Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9:00am.

Mom left strict instructions about her obituary. She requested that we not use the term ‘passed away.’ She was adamant that we not be presumptuous and assume that she has ‘met her Maker.’ We were also instructed not to be maudlin, so we’ll say simply this: Patricia Dyer Stocking died on January 25, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.

She was born in Minnesota in 1929, and married George while attending Iowa State University. Together they built a life founded on faith, surrounded by family, and forged a marriage that endured for sixty-seven years.

Patricia was a talented artist, a relentless homemaker, and a video poker enthusiast who managed to finagle opening her Christmas presents early every year. She was a skilled seamstress and knitter, an enthusiastic gardener, and a voracious reader who encouraged her children to bring books to the dinner table whenever she was reading a book she didn’t want to put down.

Patricia is preceded in death by her loving husband George; her parents, Winthrop and Bessie; her siblings Jane, Laddie, Mary, and Edith; and her beloved son, Patrick. 

She is survived by her children, Barbara; George and his wife Mary; Mary and her husband Martin Haub; Elizabeth and her husband Craig Evans; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  

A Mass celebrating Patricia’s life will be held Friday, February 8^th, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Rd, Mesa, AZ. Reception will follow.

Patricia’s life was rooted strongly in her faith and compassion for those in need. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Little Sisters of the Poor or St. Vincent de Paul Society, organizations she and George supported for many years. It would not be inappropriate to celebrate her memory with a pan of popcorn and a good book.

Martha Lynn “Marti” Slade, beloved wife, mother and friend, passed Thursday, January 24, 2019 and has taken on her new “adventure” into the eternities. She was born June 26, 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona to Richard and Lorraine Moffat and was the third child of 7 children. 

Her family lived in Scottsdale where she attended Kiva Elementary School through her childhood years. In 1967 the family moved to Mesa and lived in a large home with a recreational “barn” out back at 2601 E. Brown Road. That location became a hub of fun activities and social events throughout their lives. Marti attended Kino Jr. High through 1968 and then Westwood High School, graduating in 1971. Marti was actively involved in school musicals, choirs and club activities.

One of her favorite things to do was sing and play the piano. She had a distinctive and powerful voice and became well known for her singing ability and presence wherever she was, throughout her life. After high school she attended Brigham Young University, Provo and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. She utilized that skill throughout her rest of her adult life in many venues. 

Among her several talents was that of quilting. She became a master quilter and has many on display in the home, like a virtual gallery. She was also a “super-prepper” and loved to do home canning and preserves, dutifully following the counsel and directive of the L.D.S. church leaders to be prepared for many types of emergency contingencies.

Her greatest skill was talking. She was far and away a great conversationalist and could talk on the phone, or in person, for hours at a time – literally. In truth, she would rather talk than eat, but in fairness she was a good listener, too. Many a friend, male or female, could attest to this. Marti was very much a people person and was a beacon of light wherever she went.

In 1994 she met and married Fred Slade in the Mesa, Arizona Temple and was a faithful and stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She is survived by her husband, Fred, son, Scott (21), step-sons, Mark (Kathy) Slade, Eric (Kierra) Slade and Jeff Slade, 4 step-grandsons and 1 step-granddaughter. She is preceded in death by her father, Richard (in 1995) but survived by her mother, Lorraine (94), sister, Chris (Kent) Rhodes, brother, Parker (Peg) Moffat, sister, MerryAnn (Steve) Prince, brother, Craig (Diana) Moffat, brother, Roger (Christine) Moffat and sister, Mindy (Eldon) Thomas.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 2nd, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the Mesa North Stake Center of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 933 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona 85203. General visitation and viewing will be Feb. 1st, 2019 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Bunker Mortuary Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. Prior to the funeral the family visitation and prayer will be at the same location as the funeral at 9 a.m. Internment will be at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Arrangements by Bunker Mortuary, Mesa, Arizona

“Betty Jo Taylor, 86, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2019 in Gilbert, AZ surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 16, 1932 in Virden, New Mexico and also lived in California, Utah, and Arizona.

Betty Jo is preceded in death by James E. Taylor, Sr. and Robert L. Chappel. She is survived by her brothers Charles “Chuck” Tippets and Calvin “Bud” Tippets, five children Jim (Desi), Grant (Sharon), Mark (Nancy), Ron, and Tami (Dane); her seventeen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends.

Services will be held at the LDS Chapel, 1455 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203 on Sat. Feb 2, 2019 with a family gathering at 10AM and services at 11AM.

Internment will be at Victor Valley Memorial Park, 15609 Eleventh St., Victorville, CA 92395 where she will be laid to rest with her first husband, James E. Taylor, Sr.”

Born in Salt Lake City on May 2, 1938.  His family lived in Lake Point at the time in a small house his father had built.  Dare and his family moved to Hayden, Arizona in July of 1942.  It was in Hayden that he met the love of his life, Glenda Sue Hill.  They were High School sweethearts who celebrated 60 years of marriage on November 30th, 2018.  They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, AZ. Temple on November 30th, 1959.  In Dare’s own words he states that  “It was a very special time for us.  When I came out of the Temple I knew that everything about the Church was true and that Glenda and I were as one for all Eternity and that my family would be the single most important thing I would ever have.”

In July of 1965 Dare and Glenda moved to the east side of Tucson, AZ   They lived in Tucson until 1988, when they relocated  to  Mesa AZ.  While in Tucson Dare was very involved the scouting program.  He was awarded the Silver Beaver award which is one of the highest achievements in Scouting. He also won an award for being one of the top 50 troops in the USA.  He was influential in many young men’s lives.

Dare is survived by his loving wife Glenda and together they  happily raised 11 children.   Leslie Dare (Stacey), Janet Clark (Scott), Byron Ray (Kathi), Sherri Lynn, Robert Whitney (Angelina), Caren Louise, Shannon Crapse (Joshua),Tami Lynette, Latricia Lorraine, Travon H. Griffith.  Dare was preceded in death by his son Bradley Dean, and daughters Carol Ann, and LaNae.  Dare has been blessed with 25 Grand Children and 27 Great Grand Children.

Funeral services will be held  Saturday, February 2, At 10:00 a.m at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 925 N. Harris in Mesa, AZ 85203

Sharon Allred Taylor passed away peacefully on January 28th, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Sharon was born on June 22, 1955 to Allen and Sarah Allred. Sharon was their only daughter and her father’s “Sunshine”.  She was a proud mother to her two sons Tracy Brunson and Troy Brunson and an even prouder grandmother to her 6 grandchildren, Caroline, Hunter, Abigail, Kasie, Kenneth, and Owen.  She loved to sing in the church choir, conduct the music for the congregation, go camping and enjoying God’s creations, she loved a good party and seeing friends and family, cooking, especially tamales, and the sound of her grandchildren’s voices and laughter.  She will be greatly missed by her family and sweet companion, Gary Taylor, who she met and fell in love with in 1978 in Safford, Arizona.  Sharon is proceeded in death by her parents Allen and Sarah, step-mother Doris, and younger brother Cecil Dean. She is survived by her sons Tracy and Troy, her six grandchildren, and three brothers Allen Allred (Cheryl), Buford Allred (Cindy), and Terry Allred (Patsy). Funeral services are Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 10 AM preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1054 W. 2nd Place, Mesa. There will also be a visitation the evening before from 6 -8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa.

Anita Torres Tapia, 75, joined her husband, Gabino Tapia in eternal rest, on January 13, 2019, in her home in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by family.

Mrs. Tapia leaves sons, Albert Gabino Tapia, Pablo Francisco Tapia, daughters, Cynthia  Mudrenko Weiskopf, and Jeanette Rhae Guanajuato, as well as, (10) grandchildren and (10) great grandchildren.

A memorial service in remembrance of Anita will be held on Sunday, February 3rd, 2019 at Fellowship Hall at Journey Church of Katy, 541 Pin Oak Road, Katy, Texas 77494, from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Evelyn Marie Row passed away peacefully at age 93 of natural causes at Emerald Groves Assisted Living where she had spent the last seven years of her life.  She taught in Mesa Public Schools at multiple elementary sties for 39 years, retiring in 1989.

Evelyn was born in 1925 in Globe, Arizona to Arthur ‘Tubby’ Upton and Violet Upton.  She was predeceased by her two sisters Violet Lou Patterson and Pauline Shelby.

Her first husband, Dick Griffin, was killed in a plane crash in Nickerson, Kansas in 1949, leaving Evelyn with her 18-month old first child, a son, Richard A. Griffin.

An avid ASU fan, Evelyn graduated from the university, with honors, in 1951 with a degree in education.  She always loved learning and instilled that love to her many students, as well as her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In Evelyn’s younger years, her and her husband, Don Row, were active in the First Baptist Church of Mesa.  She taught Bible School for many years; also participated in women’s seminars, and other church activities.  Evelyn also was a stepmother to Don’s son, Bob Row, and mother to Steven Row, Sr. who passed away in 2004.

She is survived by her son, Richard A. Griffin (Denise), step son, Bob Row (Jane) and grandson, Steven Row, Jr. (Amanda).  Evelyn will also be missed by her 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Bunker Family Garden Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Evelyn’s name to the Mesa Schools Foundation.

Address 63 E. Main Street/Mesa AZ/85201.

Alice Jatuan Rinehart Prescott, 86, of Mesa, AZ died January 22, 2019. She was born January 8, 1933 in Archer City, TX to Wallace and Bertha Rinehart. She also lived in Spokane, WA for 30 years.

Alice is survived by her children David (Marj) Prescott Jr., Jatuan (Stephen) Miller, Russell (Donna) Prescott, Nancy (Dorne) Ellsworth, (Herbert) Monterroso, Nicole (Gary) Dusbabek; her 22 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and numerous other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband David Prescott (in 2011), and her daughter Janell Monterroso (in 2014).

She will be remembered by her children and grandchildren as a woman who gave unconditional love and service, and for her unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

Services will be held at the LDS Chapel, 5620 E. Adobe, Mesa AZ 85205 on Sat. Feb 2, 2019 with a viewing at 10AM and services at 11AM. Interment will be in the Springville, UT Evergreen Cemetery on Sat, Feb 16, 2019