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“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

Almeda Spencer, 88, passed away on January 20, 2019 at home in Mesa, Arizona with her husband, Henry Jack Spencer, by her side.

Her funeral services will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel in downtown Mesa this Monday, January 28, 2019 at 11:00am.

Mrs. Spencer was born in Rochester, Michigan on July 22, 1930. Almeda moved to Arizona in 1979 with her husband Jack. She enjoyed spending time with family, loved reading the bible, and doing custodial work.

Almeda is preceded in death by her parents.

It is with great sadness that the family of Claire Lane Juriansz announces her passing on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at the age of 46.

Claire will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Chloe Juriansz; her partner, Kent Swanson; her parents, Carol and Charles Lane; her sister, Juliet Lane Rubini; and her brother, Christopher Lane. She will also be fondly remembered by her step-children, Jade Juriansz Hicks, Jetta Juriansz, and Lia Juriansz; and her ex-husband, Lloyd Juriansz.

Claire was bright, beautiful, and loving. She loved her dogs and the world is a poorer place due to her loss. She enriched and enhanced the lives of those who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Memorial donations in memory of Claire can be made to the Arizona Animal Welfare League at https://aawl.org/content/tribute-and-memorial-gifts.

William (Bill) Edward Stotz, Jr. 70 passed away on January 23, 2019 in Avondale Arizona.  He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to William and Rose Stotz who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 36 years Janet Ann, Children:  James (Siu) Caddell, Janice (Tom) Kiser, Mindy and Wayne Stotz.,   Grandchildren: Chirstopher , Abigail, Kenneth, and Tyler, and One great-grandson.  Bill retired after 27 years in the Military starting out as a Marine for 13 years and then joining the Army.  During his life he enjoyed racing, working on his monster truck, BIG BERTHA.  He would laugh when I had to use a ladder to get in the truck.  During his off time being an Army recruiter He was a police office for Holden Missouri.

  He loved to repair, do bodywork and paint vehicles once he retired.  He would spend most weekends watching all sports on the TV.  There will be no funeral services, this is what he wanted.  He will be missed by his family, never forgotten and always loved.  We will be together again.  In lieu of flowers donations to Banner Hospice are suggested.

Lois LaRue Woods, at age 73, passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday, January
22, 2019 in Mesa, AZ.
LaRue, as she was called growing up, was born in Safford, AZ to Earl K. Roseberry and Thelma
Boswell Roseberry. One of their 13 children and also was a twin.
She enjoyed traveling and road trips, camping and the outdoors, watching her favorite cooking
shows, baseball and football games, comedy movies, shopping, and spending time with her
family especially her grandchildren.
She gave us all so much love and support even in her hardest times, and loved without
judgement. Her generous heart will felt by us forever.
LaRue is preceded in death by her loving high school sweetheart Steve M. Woods, 10 of her
siblings and her parents. She is survived by her her brother Jerry (Pat) Roseberry and Joann
Emerson. Her 3 children Lisa (Todd) Humphreys, Shane M. Woods, Misty (Eric) Stone her 7
grandchildren Rachel, Monta, Jacob, Riley, Dusty, Brooke and TyRus.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by all.

Lee Ann Watkins, 63, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on January 23, 2019 in Mesa.  She was born on May 29, 1955 in Joseph City, Arizona.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 -7:00 PM, Sunday, January 27^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.  Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 28^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1266 S. 32^nd Street in Mesa.

Marie Wiseman, 64, of Maricopa, passed away on January 4, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. Marie was born in Prince Edward Island, Canada to John and Louise Barrett on October 10, 1954. The family later migrated to Massachusetts where Marie developed her fondness for animals and their welfare.

At the age of 18, Marie made her way to Arizona where she became rooted in the Sonoran Desert, unwilling to leave its warmth and stark beauty. Marie worked locally for many years, but her most gratifying job was with the non-profit Arizona Humane Society where she served as a board member and helped provide a second chance to homeless, sick, and injured animals. Marie consistently worked to assist and provide better treatment for all creatures. Given what she accomplished over the years, it seems animals couldn’t have found a truer, or more devoted, friend. Marie loved to spend time outdoors with her animals where she enjoyed a myriad of colorful sunsets at her home on the fringe of the city before she married the love of her life, Ron Wiseman, in 1997.

Marie is survived by her son, Aric; daughter-in-law, Elena; and her four siblings, Helen, Margaret, Carole, and Vincent. The family will celebrate Marie’s life and legacy with a Celebration of Life on January 26, 2019 at 3:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

In lieu of gifts, please send donations addressed to Arizona Humane Society in care of Marie Wiseman, 1521 West Dobbins Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85041. Condolences may be expressed at https://bunkerfuneral.com.

John C. Harrison, Jr. passed away unexpectedly in his home at the age of 54 on January 4, 2019 in Glendale, AZ. He was born on September 29, 1964 at Ft. Huachuca Army Base, where his father was stationed. He was the fourth of five children in the family. He is preceded in death by his mother, Eugenia; father, John; and niece, Andrea. He is survived by his sisters, Donna, Barbara, Carol, and Leslie.

John was raised by his mother in Sierra Vista, AZ where he attended Buena High School and graduated in 1983. He spent the majority of his adult life working as a Parole Officer in the Arizona Department of Corrections.

John was known as Uncle Quack by all of his nieces and nephews, along with Jack and Jackie by his family members and friends. He will be fondly remembered for his quirky personality and love for cooking.

Services will be held at 11:00am on March 16, 2019 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in John’s name be made to the National Ataxia Foundation https://app.mobilecause.com/form/YDYQJg?vid=cr46. A condition he suffered from.

James Anthony Regna, age 68, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday,  January 15, 2019.

James was a dedicated,  loving husband,  father,  and grandfather, and was always there for his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor,  a giving soul, and determined work ethic. 

James spent his childhood in Wilkes Barre, PA, and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. 

He joined the Army National Guard,  and his unit received a commendation from Pennsylvania’s governor for their work assisting the people of Louisiana during devastating floods. 

James married Elizabeth (Liz) Rickwalder in 1979 and he, Liz, and his stepson,  Bernie, moved to Mesa, Arizona to be near family and enjoy the desert. After many years at Border States Electrical, he retired and spent his days enjoying his hobbies,  including listening to music,  watching NASCAR, supporting the NRA, buying and selling guns,  and watching Sylvester Stallone movies,  the Phillies,  and the Eagles. 

James was preceded in death by his wife,  Elizabeth,  and his parents, Irene and Elzo Regna. He is survived by his stepson,  Bernie Smalley,  daughter-in-law, Karen Criswell-Smalley, granddaughter,  Kaitlynn Criswell, and his brother, Thomas Regna. 

Services for family and friends will be held Friday,  January 25, 2019 at 10:00 AM.

Tracy Blais (Tsui-Hsien Shih) at age 77, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 22, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born in Taichung, Taiwan, and moved to Arizona in 1975 with her husband. Tracy was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend, as well as a devoted Christian. She enjoyed decorating, meeting people, and ministering to others. Tracy is survived by her husband Raymond, son Hang Yi Wang (Albert), daughters Jowen Ko and Teresa Shin. Her legacy will continue through her seven grandchildren Jonathan, Joy and Amy Wang, Benjamin and Elliot Ko, Aiden and Sophie, and her two great-grandchildren. 

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 29th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.  Funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM, Wednesday, January 30th with viewing 1 hour prior at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona.

Thomas “Papa Tom” Joseph Parent age 66, passed away on Saturday, January 19 in his home in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by his wife and children. A man whose smile and positivity was always so infectious to those around him, he succumbed to a short fight with an aggressive cancer that spread too far before it could even be diagnosed. Tom was born to Milton and Jean Ann (Walsh) Parent on September 19, 1952 in Lima, OH, the second of fourteen children. The Parent family moved to Arizona in July 1963 just before he was eleven years old. He graduated from McClintock High School as part of the class of 1970. Tom embraced Arizona as his adopted home and was an avid supporter of the local professional sports teams and the Sun Devils. Tom married Helen Evans on September 10, 1980. Together they raised six children who adored them both. Although they did divorce in 1992 they remained good friends and it opened the door for him to find his eternal companion, Bethany Oakes, whom he married on November 26, 1997. With their families added together they had 12 children, 36 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Family was the most important thing in this life to Tom and he often sacrificed for them. Tom was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and loved serving where and whenever he could, especially in the temple. His faith gave him great strength through his trials and especially at the end of his life. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Bob, Joseph, Linda, Mary, Bill and Eddie; son, Joshua; and grandsons Jordan and Parker. He is survived by his wife, Beth; children John (Kristel) Overman, Ian (Kim) Overman, Carly (Brett) Brewer, Katherine (Michael Heien) Parent, Megan (Matthew Reddick) Parent, Benjamin Parent, Jaica Rowley, Alyssa Stewart, Micah Stewart, Corri (Chad) Day and Kynna Stewart; 34 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. There will be a viewing for Tom on Thursday January 24^th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Bunker Family Funeral Home University Chapel at 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ, 85213. Funeral services will be Friday, January 25^th at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 4640 East Holmes Avenue, Mesa, AZ, 85206.