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Richard Lyman Finlinson, 90, passed away on January 15th, 2019 in South Jordan, Utah from causes incident to age. 

Richard was born August 30th, 1928 in Oak City, Utah to Leo and Lydia Lyman Finlinson and was the youngest of 8 children. He married LaVon Williams of Spanish Fork, Utah on March 17, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. They celebrated 63 years of marriage before LaVon’s passing in September 2015. 

Richard served as a missionary in the Netherlands Mission for 2 ½ years, afterward entering the Army and serving in Vienna, Austria for one year as a Medic.

After graduating from Brigham Young University, Richard began his career in Elementary Education, a few years in teaching and ultimately as an elementary principal for many years in the Mesa Public School District. Dick and LaVon lived in Oak City, UT; Paul, ID, where they homesteaded a farm; and Mesa, AZ since 1965, where they raised their family. When he retired in 1991, he took care of LaVon who became wheelchair bound with rheumatoid arthritis, until her death in 2015. 

Richard was a kind and loving father and husband. He was a hard worker and serving others was instinctive from a young age. He served the individual and went to every effort to make sure needs were well taken care of. He had a unique gift of making everyone feel valued and loved. He was consistently in contact with family in person and by telephone and his children considered him as “command central.”

Richard will forever be remembered by his daily journal writing for well over 40 years, 2-dollar bills in birthday and holiday cards to grandkids, growing the best Arizona oranges ever, and he and LaVon’s collection of beautiful paintings. He had a wonderful tenor voice and loved the old time Mormon hymns. Temple work and family history have been a life passion. 

Spending summers in their downtown Salt Lake condo, Richard loved talking to those visiting the downtown area, answering any questions, showing them around or on occasion, inviting them to their home for a bite to eat. He knew no stranger and had friends around the world. Missionary work was engrained into the lives of Richard and LaVon, bringing the gospel message to many, creating lifelong friendships and memories.

Richard was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Bishop in the Paul Idaho 2nd Ward and five years as a Scoutmaster in Arizona. At the age of 50, he was called by Elder Thomas S. Monson to serve as a Stake Patriarch in the Mesa East Stake and later in the Mesa Central Stake. This calling brought many choice experiences and opportunities to touch lives. 

Richard is survived by his children; Bruce (Laurel) Finlinson, Salt Lake City, UT; Diane (Tom) Miller, Mesa, AZ; Mark (Kimi) Finlinson, Salt Lake City, UT; Allen (Breta) Finlinson, Orem, UT; Gary (Aelly) Finlinson, Mesa, AZ; David (Thelma) Finlinson, South Jordan, UT; 33 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVon; daughter, Karen Savage; his parents and seven siblings, Maidie Arnold, Grant Lyman Finlinson, Virginia Moody, Clara Atkin, Leo Lyman Finlinson, Isobel Williams and Julia Bliss; and great-grandson, Keven John Stratton III. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 11 AM in the Federal Heights Ward, located at 1300 E Fairfax, SLC, Utah 84103. Viewings will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019, from 6-8 PM at 1462 E Federal Heights Drive, SLC, Utah, and Saturday at the church, 9:30-10:30 AM, prior to the service. Family prayer at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. 

Arrangements by City View Memoriam, Salt Lake City, Utah

Laura Leigh Bentley passed to the next life, at age 59, on Sunday, January 13, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.

The daughter of Wilbert Ray Bentley Sr. and Barbara Arita Black Merritt, Laura was born in San Jose, California on January 25, 1959. Preceded in death by her father and mother, Laura is survived by her siblings, Amy, Bill (Liane), April (Bart), Clifford (Dana), Bert (Kari), and Mary Beth (Danny). She is also survived by her step-siblings, Sharla Freeman, Udell Merritt, Karen Paavola, and Kathy Goettl.

Laura attended school at Edison Elementary, Mesa Junior High, and Mesa High School, graduating in 1977. She also attended BYU in Provo, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201, at 11:00am. A viewing will be held in the same location, beginning one hour prior to service at 10:00am.

Special thanks from the entire family to Cindy Richards for many years of loving care, attention, and assistance to Laura.

Rose Marie Hammond-Cottrell, a loving mother and friend, passed from this life on January 15, 2019 in Gilbert, Arizona. Rose, or Rose Marie as she preferred to be called, was born on June 22, 1938 to Lorenzo Johnson Bullen and Matilda Leona Johnson of Logan, Cache Valley, Utah.

Rose Marie was married to Milton William Hammond on February 15, 1961 in the Logan, Utah Temple. They were blessed with seven sons and one daughter. Rose Marie’s absolute favorite thing to do with her children and grandchildren was to cheer at their sporting events, attend their musical performances, and cook food together. She has touched many lives with her bread making skills and her talent and love of singing music. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in the Washington D.C. Temple, Mesa Arizona Temple, and in Nauvoo, Illinois.

In December of 2004, Milton passed away and ten years later Rose Marie married S. Mads Cottrell of Wyoming. She is survived by her eight children, Marion, Milton, John, Ruth, James, Adam, Aaron, and Andrew; four of five step-children, Nancy, Carrie, Connie, and Carl; 63 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will take place at 1:00pm on January 26, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 422 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203. A viewing will be held at 11:30am that same day, and the burial will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

John Edward Osborn, 71 passed-on peacefully, the way he would want, listening to music and laughing in the company of a good friend on January 14th 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Born to Jesse Edward and Annie Marie Osborn on July 27th 1947 in Mesa, John grew to love the gospel of Jesus Christ, this country, it’s constitution, and his friends and family dearly. He truly loved teaching, serving, and laughing with others. Never shy of sharing his enthusiasm, with a smile could light up a room, John touched the hearts of many. John is survived by his wife, Marilyn, 7 children and 14 grandchildren. The viewing will be held from 9:30-10:45 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 1718 N. Date, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral service start at 11. The burial dedication ceremony will then be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery at 1pm. 

Dewey, Elizabeth Halina, 71.

Born in Phoenix Arizona, October 20, 1947 – Passed away in Mesa Arizona, January 12, 2019.

“Beth”, as she was called, attended school in Tempe and Scottsdale, graduating from Scottsdale High School “Class of 65”.  She then attended beauty college, becoming a hair dresser and stylist. She  married the ‘love of her life’, Bob in 1975, and they have remained together for 40+ years. After Bobs retirement from the Army, Beth and Bob enjoyed camping and fishing, traveling in their RV, many times crisscrossing the United States to enjoy the scenery, historic monuments, and stopping to fish… they settled in Superior Arizona.

Beth and Bob raised 3 boys, Adam, Rob and Jason (Misty) Dewey. And are proud grandparents to 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Beth is also survived by her 2 brothers, Ted and Vince (Theresa) Eminowicz, and many nephews and nieces… She was preceded in death by her parents, Stefan and Irma, and her sister Stefanie.

Beth was a special person, kind and loving, a friend to anyone who needed a friend. She was loved by everyone who met her. The rock of the family, a ‘mother’ to those in the family who needed a ‘mother’… Beth was the glue that held the family together, hosting family gatherings at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. She remembered everyone’s birthday and made sure they felt “special”…        

A “Celebration of Life” service will be: Saturday January 26^th, 2019, from 2pm-4pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213

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.