Find An Obituary

Shawn David Nichols, our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on January 11, 2019. Shawn will be forever remembered by his parents, David and Sandra, as well as his siblings, Tracie Haddock (Darren), Terra, Cassie Kreyling (Daniel), Justin (Kayli), Natalie Williams (Parker), Hannah Nielsen (Gary), and Dallin. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Porter, Mason, Lindsay, Spencer, and Tanner Haddock; Lacey and Payson Lee; Rylee, Lucie, Walker, and Owen Nichols; and Wesley and Hazel Williams.

The second of eight children, Shawn was born on November 8, 1974, in Mesa, Arizona. Starting at a young age, Shawn was an avid outdoorsman. He grew up going hunting, fishing, camping, boating, hiking, four-wheeling, and horse riding with his family and friends. He started playing the drums in 5th grade, which led to his participation in elementary, junior high, and high school band, summer band camp at NAU, and a rock band in his twenties. Shawn was also a Cub and Boy Scout, earning his Eagle Award in 1992. While in high school, he participated in marching band, seminary, and many outdoor social activities. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1993. Shawn then served a mission in Toronto, Canada, from 1994 to 1996. He received his BS in Fire Administration from Arizona State University in 2007.

Shawn spent the bulk of his working years in the behavioral health field, helping at-risk young men. But he also had a wide variety of other jobs, including bus driver, Uber and Lyft driver, ski patroller, boat inspector, ramp agent at Sky Harbor Airport, limousine driver, parking valet, and security guard.

Shawn was kind to everyone he met, and he was known to meet and befriend just about anyone. He was a delightful traveling companion and went on many trips with siblings and friends to different places in Arizona, the west, and other countries. He was always up for a new adventure. Shawn loved talking and storytelling with his family and friends. He loved to play pranks; his sense of humor was contagious. He had a knack for helping people feel at ease. Shawn’s openness to strangers and sincere interest in people from all walks of life is the legacy he leaves for his loved ones.

A funeral service in memory of Shawn will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 830 East Lehi Road, Mesa, Arizona 85203, with a viewing one hour prior to service, at 9:00am, at the same location. An additional viewing will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

David Edward Councilman passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of January 9, 2019 after suffering from the effects of a fall he took back in August. He was 74 years old.

Dave was born on September 30, 1944 in Everett, Washington to Claude Gerald and Marjorie Joyce Bailey Councilman. He was the youngest of three children. When Dave was six years old he sang in front of an audience for the first time with his Dad’s country western band – The Evergreen Valley Boys – and this was the beginning of Dave’s love for music and performing.  He received his first record player at the age of 12 and began collecting records as a hobby – especially ones from his favorite singer, Elvis Presley. During his senior year at Everett High School Dave took a drama class and went on to receive the Snohomish County Community Theater Scholarship. He performed in over 40 plays throughout his life.

Dave moved to California at the age of 19 to be close to his sister and her family. Among the many different jobs he had in his early years, a favorite was being the train conductor and train bandit at Knotts Berry Farm. Dave joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 19, 1966 after being introduced to the Gospel through theater friends. He married Jimmie Barnett in 1968 and their son, David Arthur, was born in 1970 but, that marriage ended in divorce. Dave then met Pamela Jeanne Hall at a singles ward family home evening activity.  After dating for six weeks, Dave and Pamela became engaged and were married on June 4, 1977. They have one daughter, Carrie Anne, born May 16, 1979.

Dave graduated from the school of broadcasting at Fullerton College and opened his own Mobile Discotheque Party Entertainment company called Rolling Disco. He took his collection of records around and DJ’d dances, parties, and weddings. He worked this job until his mental and physical health made it too much for him to continue. In 2009 Pam and Dave moved to Arizona to be closer to family, but his physical health continued to decline. He suffered a fall in August of 2018 and had been dealing with complications from a broken neck, as well as continual bouts of pneumonia and infection since. We feel at peace knowing that he is free from the suffering that has consumed the majority of his life.

David is preceded in death by both his parents; his sister, Claudia Joyce Herrick; his son, David Arthur Councilman; and his wife, Pam. He is survived by his daughter and son in law, Carrie and Tyler Allen; five grandchildren, Abigail (16), Andrew (14), Alexander (14), Benjamin (10), and Tanner (7); one brother, Gary (Diana) Councilman; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the LDS chapel on 8161 South Power Road, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the service at 12:00pm. Following the funeral service, the burial will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

The family is overwhelmed and grateful for all the love, prayers, and service that has been shown to them during this time.

Ronald Robert Soos, 81, of Boscobel, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 10, in Mesa, AZ.

At his request, no services will be held.

Ron was born June 1, 1937, in Chicago, IL, to Charles and Kay Soos.  He was raised in Illinois and graduated from Ela-Vernon High School in Lake Zurich.  He continued his education at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL and graduated with a degree in physical education. Ron then went on to the University of Indiana to obtain his masters in physical education.

He married Linda Marie Benjamin, July 30, 1961. Ron and Linda taught in Crystal Lake, IL until they moved to Boscobel, WI in 1972.  Ron was actively involved in many school and community activities while living and teaching in Boscobel. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting, traveling, and watching sports, esp. football. He was well known and loved throughout the community.  Ron will surely missed by all who knew him.

Ron was an incredibly loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.  He is survived by his wife, Linda Soos of 57 years, Boscobel, WI:  two sons; Kevin(Stacey) of La Crosse, WI, Mark(Amber) of Racine, WI :  two sisters; June Grgurich of Tuscon, AZ  and Sandi Rogas of Apache Junction, AZ: two  brothers; John of Mchenery, IL  and Chuck(Lee) of Phoenix, AZ ;  four  grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Wilbur “Miles” Jackson, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona on January 3, 2019, at the age of 78. Miles is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol; his son, Trey; his daughter, Jillian Jackson Lund; his grandchildren, Alaina, Logan, Cayden, and Caysen; and many extended family members.

An only child, Miles was born to Wilbur and Emma Frances (Miller) Jackson on February 3, 1940, in Hobbs, New Mexico. Miles was raised in North Hollywood, California and graduated from Hollywood High School. He went on to graduate from the University of Santa Barbara in 1963, with a degree in management. On April 27, 1968 he married Carol, and soon moved to Scottsdale, AZ in 1971 and raised two children.

Miles owned and operated the Knot House, an unfinished furniture store in Mesa, AZ, from 1977 to its closing in December 2007. He cultivated many life-long friendships with his customers, employees, and suppliers. Miles always had a kind word and made great memories for his employees. His personality was friendly and outgoing, and everyone waited for his jokes. It was hard not break out laughing when in Miles’ company.

His many friends benefited from his caring and kind ways. He was known for his kind and compassionate spirit and his great jokes. Many have said how he kept a calendar with all their family anniversaries and birthdays in it and always sent cards to them, which they appreciated so much.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Greenfield Chapel, 495 South Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85234. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

John Leroy Carroll, 82, passed away peacefully in his home on January 10, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.

John was born the second of three sons to Clifford and Alta Bonita Carroll on December 29, 1936, a historic day during a rare snowstorm in Mesa. He spent his childhood there until his mother passed away suddenly when he was in fourth grade. After that, his care was divided between his Aunt Florence (Nanny) and Uncle Red during the school year in Mesa, and Aunt Claudia (later married to Riley Ross) and Uncle Raymond during the summer in Texas. His experiences as a youth developed in him a marked determination and a conversion to Jesus Christ that stayed with him the rest of his life.

In 1959, John married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Jan LeBaron. He was so certain he would marry her that he sent her a wedding ring while still on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission. He and Jan were lucky to have celebrated nearly six decades together, their 60th anniversary being this February. Together they had eight children: Cathy Sones (Jon), Don Carroll (Sonia Wilhelm), Shelle Clouse (Russell), Wayne Carroll (Elizabeth Groscost), Wanda Carroll, Carri Matthews (Marshall), Lafe Carroll (LeAnn Starr), and Brian Carroll (Melinda Jones).

John’s greatest joy was his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, and grandpa- great. A man of strong faith, he dedicated his life to serving others and missionary work, including completing over thirteen years as a missionary in various capacities. In his professional life as an insurance agent, he was respected and admired in the community as someone with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. Personally, he was known for his knowledge of the gospel and the scriptures, and for giving freely of his time, energy, and means.

John loved the outdoors and shared that love with family and friends. Many can recall trips with him fishing or hunting, boating at Lake Powell, or horseback riding on desert trails. At the age of 69 he hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim. He loved to be moving, and paid little attention to seemingly small conveniences, like food or a place to sleep.

The last decade of John’s life was marked by a drastic decline in his health due to an aggressive form of Parkinson’s Disease. Despite his pain, he endured this great trial with a soft heart and a humble spirit, allowing those he loved and served most to, in turn, love and serve him in his need. It was a difficult but blessed journey and his family will forever be grateful for those challenging and tender moments.

John was preceded in death by his daughter, Wanda; his great-grandson, Mason; his parents, Clifford and Alta Bonita; his step-mother, Edith Baker; Aunt Florence and Aunt Claudia; and his older brother, Clifford Jr. Left to carry on his legacy are his wife, Jan; seven children; forty grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren (with three more on the way); and his brother, Fred (Carole).

Please join us to celebrate and remember John’s life and his testimony of Jesus Christ. We will hold a viewing on Friday, January 18, 2019, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. The funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the Kimball Stake Center, 1266 South 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85204, with the visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Humanitarian Fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Susie Johnson Walser, died January 10, 2019, in Mesa, Arizona, where she had lived for just over three years.

Susie was born on September 11, 1932, in Lovell, Wyoming, to Samuel Alonzo Johnson and Susannah Hopkin Johnson. She had two older brothers, Marvin and Delbert (Bud); one older sister, Myrna Smith; and a younger brother, Fred. She spent her earlier years in Lovell, until the family moved to Roundup, Montana. Susie learned to work hard helping her family at home, on the ranch, and in their store. Before she graduated high school, they had moved back to Lovell, then to Billings, MT, and then to a ranch community north of Billings.

Susie attended and graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, with a degree in Elementary Education. While attending college she was a member of the BYU Acapella Choir, sharing her beautiful voice in many venues, including two trips to Europe. She was often asked to solo for special occasions and loved music her entire life. After graduation she taught 1^st grade in Bakersfield, California, then in Salt Lake City, UT. In later years she taught 5^th and 6^th grade in Gunnison, UT.

Susie met and fell in love with Kenneth Walser and they were married for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 2, 1955. They were blessed with five children, Jon Kenneth, David Kimball, Neal Johnson, Alice Renee Glidewell, and Catherine Jane Kellner. They have lived in Utah, Alaska, Washington, California, and Arizona. Susie is preceded in death by her sweetheart, Kenneth; her parents; and her older brothers, Marvin and Bud.

A viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held in Manti, UT, where Susie and Kenneth spent most of their retirement years. The service will be at 11:00am on Saturday, January 19, 2019, with a short viewing from 9:30 to 10:30am, at the Manti Tabernacle, 90 S Main St, Manti, UT 84642.

As a family we wish to express our gratitude for the many individuals who have loved and cared for Susie during her lifetime, and particularly in her later years. She was a strong, independent woman who supported her husband and raised her children in righteousness. She is the best example of love and kindness towards others. She will be missed, but we know she is ours forever. “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

On January 9, 2019 a legend was taken from this earth. Randy LaMar Walker was born on August 18, 1952 in Payson, Utah to RaNae and LaMar Walker. Randy moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1965. He attended Kino Jr. High and graduated from Westwood High School in 1970. This is where he met the love of his life, Cheryl Leslie. They were married in the Mesa Temple in 1972. They spent 45 years creating a beautiful life together filled with travel, memories, and laughter.

Randy was a man of many talents, whether it was through music or photography, he loved to share his abilities with others. He was employed at Milano Music and worked there for over 40 years. During that time, he opened his own business, AVM Technologies, where he specialized in photography and took pictures for hundreds of people in the valley. Randy was an incredible drummer, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Randy is survived by his mother, RaNae Etherington; stepfather, Jack Etherington; children, Jennifer Walker, Stacey (Chad) Ence, Scott Walker, Jill (Jason) Wright, and Troy Walker; and grandchildren, Colton, Mackenzie, Cannon, Cade, Kylee Ence, Nixon, Hudson, Stella, Eloise Wright, and Layla Walker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl; granddaughter, Madison Ence; and father, LaMar Walker.

Lillian Grace McLellan Taylor of Mesa, AZ passed away on January 3, 2019. She was born in Mesa, AZ on August 13, 1930. She was the fourth of five children; she had four brothers. She was raised in Lehi, AZ and attended Mesa High School, where she graduated in 1949. Lillian married Robert W. Taylor (Bob) in the Mesa Arizona Temple on January 13, 1949. They moved into their home in Mesa, AZ in November of 1950 and lived there the rest of their lives.

Lillian was a wonderful example of service throughout her life. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in Primary, Relief Society, and mutual. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed!

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Taylor; her parents, Harvey L. McLellan and Nellie A. Miles; her brothers, Lester, Ike, Lloyd, and Clyde McLellan; and son-in-law, John F. Jayne. She is survived by her children, Linda (Tim) Green, Rob Taylor, Vicki Jayne, and Tammy (Kyle) Kleinman; 11 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Solomon Ward building, 977 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204. The interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201, on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 10:30am. The funeral service will then follow at 3:00pm at the Solomon Ward building.

Yoland Porter McInelly, 76, was reunited with her sweetheart Dave, surrounded by her children, on January 5, 2019, in Mesa, AZ.  She was born on March 13, 1942 in Richfield, Utah, the last child to Roland and Mina Haws Porter.  She married Dave C. McInelly, April 11, 1960 in Escalante, Utah.  The marriage was solemnized December 4, 1965 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  He preceded her in death July 11, 2010.

Yoland had a great sense of humor and was extremely talented with cooking, sewing, crocheting, cake decorating, crafting and painting.  She was always easy to visit with and a true friend to many.  She was proud of her heritage, and had a strong testimony in the restored Gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Yoland is survived by her sons: David Shane, Derrick (Elizabeth), Jarrod; daughters: Jody (Kay) Brooks, Andrea (Dale) Rogers, Krystal (Chad) Porter, Amy (Denver) Wilkins; 27 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren who will cherish their memories of her.  Also survived by her brother, Bob Porter.

She is preceded in death by her parents; three older brothers and three older sisters.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 10, 2019, at 10 a.m. in the LDS Chapel located on the corner of Horne & Lehi Road in Mesa, with a viewing at 9:00 a.m.  Interment will be Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Escalante Cemetery.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.  Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com.

Guste E. Blad of Hector, MN, was welcomed into heaven on Sunday, January 6, 2019, at the age of 76.  He breathed his last in Mesa, AZ, while hearing the promise of John 14:1-3.  A visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at Palmyra Covenant Church.  The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, at Palmyra, with interment to follow at the church cemetery.

Guste was born March 15, 1942, the eldest of Ruth (Carlson) and Moody Blad’s two children and was expected to work his father’s fields from a young age.  His vibrant personality and friendliness earned him top honors as a Funk’s G salesman which he began at age 15.  Guste graduated a proud Bulldog, “in the upper half of the lower third of his class,” from Hector High School before working as a farm machinery salesman for Johnson Hardware Company.

Guste married Adell Pederson on Aug. 31, 1968, and they raised three children on the century-old Blad Farm.  As husband and dad, he believed providing for his family was a primary responsibility that he took very seriously.  In addition to actively farming and having joint ownership of Hector Ag Supply for several years, Guste was a successful machinery jockey at both B&L Equipment and Guste Blad Equipment, which resulted in friendships throughout the Midwest.  Guste was often heard sharing, “I love what I do.  I have never worked a day in my life.”   

The old country song “I’ve Been Everywhere” best describes Guste’s love of the open road and the many miles he travelled for auctions and farm machinery purchases. He lived out loud and was known for his generosity, kind heart, quick wit and having the nicest head of hair in Renville County.  Guste’s passion for buying, collecting and selling antiques and collectables resulted in special friendships in the toy show and antique worlds.   

Celebrating his Redeemer through song and deed was evident throughout Guste’s life.  He was a lifelong member of Palmyra Covenant Church where he will be fondly remembered for robustly singing congregational hymns as well as solos and duets.  He served in many leadership positions at his church and “walked the talk” in serving his Savior.

Guste is survived by his his wife of 50 years, Adell, and their three children and six grandchildren:

Sally Blad (Dan Belgum): Jacob and Erik

Stephanie (Mel Kath): Will, Everett and Benjamin

Nathan (Geri Fierst Smedstad): Megan

He is also survived by brother Paul (Kathy McLaughlin) and their two children/families.  

Many were touched by Guste.  He will remain in our hearts through the legacy he leaves behind.  

Norma Slade Simmons passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, January 1, 2019. She was born on May 1, 1927 in Heber City, Utah to Bill and Chloe Slade. She married Lionel George Simmons on August 27, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. He passed away in 2002. She leaves behind her sons, Gary Simmons (NaDene) and Dwayne Simmons (Bonnie); one daughter, Carolyn Whetten; 18 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lionel; grandsons, Stephen and Blake Simmons, and Jason Whetten; and her brothers, Elbert, Curtis, and Harold Slade.

Norma was known and loved for her service to others. For 30 years she and her husband, Lionel, did foster care for LDS Social Services, caring for babies until they were placed in their adoptive homes.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family would like to thank her daughter, Carolyn, for the loving care she has given for the past two years. They would also like to thank the caregivers from Sage Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1911 North 24^th Street, Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 1:00pm. A visitation will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. There will also be a short visitation in the Relief Society Room one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.