Norma Jean Mendis went home to be with her beloved husband Bernard Mendis on Sunday December 2,2018. She was born to John and Flossie Bryant on March 24, 1934.  Norma is survived by her 5 children Pamela Fay (Robert), Brian Mendis (Carol), Tamara Escoto (Edward), Kevin Mendis, Dwain Mendis (Cassandra), 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  Memorial services will be held on January 26,2019, at 11:00 am, Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213.  Followed by a lunch reception from 12:30-4:00 pm at Mesa Country Club, 600 West Fairway Drive, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Ronald Keith Arnson, 79, of Queen Creek, Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home on December 1, 2018.

Ronald was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was loved by many in his church and community, serving for many years in church leadership and on the Baltz school board. In 1965, he received a master’s degree in education and taught Spanish for more than thirty years. In addition to his career as a teacher, he was also an entrepreneur, owning two successful businesses. His greatest legacy is that of pure love and service, extended to his fellow man.

Ronald leaves behind his wife of fifty-five years, Andrea Nichole; four sons, Dean (Michelle), Derek (LaNeece), Derron (Jennifer), and Dane (Jenilee); and a daughter, Deborah (Travis). He also leaves two sisters, a brother, fifteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Services will be held as follows: A visitation will be held on Friday, December 7, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 22035 East Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142, with a second visitation from 8:30 to 9:30am. Burial will follow the service at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Norma June Kirby Hurt, our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend passed away in Mesa, Arizona on December 2, 2018. She was born in Sanford, Colorado on June 24, 1931 and was the fifth child of Leah Christine Block and Alma Leroy Kirby. She had two sisters, Helen Reed and Virginia Tuttle, along with two brothers, Allen and Fred Kirby.

Norma attended Sanford High School and later Brigham Young University. She was married to Milton Pace and had six children with him. She was then later married to Robert L. Hurt, the love of her life for 30 years. Norma was a devoted wife and mother. She stood as a righteous matriarch over her family and never faltered in her example. She had a tender heart for those in need; quietly befriended and served others. Norma had a smile and kind word for everyone she met. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many capacities in the Relief Society, MIA, and primary. She served many years in the Arizona Temple, and went on three missions with her husband Robert.

Norma had a great love for her family and her dear friends. She was blessed by her children, Jacqueline Polak, Milton Pace II, Janet Pace, Kathryn Pace, Glenn Pace, and Karen Beale; her step-children, Claudia Hoeppner and Robin Hurt (deceased); 16 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

To know Norma, is to love Norma.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Udall Ward, 15 West First Avenue, Mesa, Arizona. There will be a visitation one hour before the service, at 10:00am. Burial and a graveside service will be held in Sanford, Colorado on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 2:00pm.  Flowers can be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Sharon Elizabeth Elliott, 86, of Mesa, Arizona; Passed away on December 1, 2018.  Funeral services are pending.

Jess Vondele Williams entered into the Kingdom of God and was reunited with his beloved wife of 63 years, Dorothy Margarite, on November 29, 2018. He passed away peacefully surrounded by all of his children. Jess was born in Lubbock, Texas on May 21, 1934. He loved his job at El Paso Natural Gas Company where he retired after 45 years of dedicated service. He was also a member of the El Paso Masonic Lodge and the El Maida Shriners in El Paso, TX for many years.

Jess was a loving father and grandfather who provided well for his family. He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Denise (Tony); sons, Leslie Rex (Jeannie) and Russell “Rusty” Eric (Tami); six grandchildren, Tina Camile, Tonya Denise, Leah Ashley, Jesse Ryan, Melissa Robyn, and Steven Austin; and two great-grandchildren, Frank James Jr. and Jessey Lee.

A visitation for friends and family will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

In memory of Jess, donations may be made in his name to the Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014 https://hov.org/

Marilyn Campbell Allen, age 76, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2018 at home in Gilbert, Arizona. She was born in Provo, Utah on August 19, 1942 to Max and Berma Cox. Marilyn received her Associates Degree from Chabot Community College in Hayward, California. She will be fondly remembered by her family as a loving, supportive wife and mother. She always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family. Marilyn lived with passion for life. She didn’t know how to partially commit to anything. Anyone that knew her, knew to step aside and let her take the reins. She loved to sing and teach others to sing. She also loved to work with the youth, helping them unlock their musical abilities. She was always committed to helping youth find something inside that they didn’t even know they had. She was a master of the performing arts. Marilyn was tough as nails on the outside and soft as butter on the inside. She also was a collector of beautiful things. She enjoyed entertaining and sharing her china and antique glassware. Marilyn was an incredible lady! Oh the places we’ll go and the mountains we’ll move because of the example of our amazing mother.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 23 years, Dwayne Allen; her children, Casie Campbell, Kirsten Jacobson (Brian), Brent Campbell (Allison), David Campbell (Dara), and Scott Campbell; her grandchildren, Jeremy, Makenzie, Zachary, Nathan, Benjamin, Tyler, Samuel, Ashlynn, Isaiah, Benjamin, Brandon, Mia, Parker, Claire, and Cooper; and her sister, Carol Ann Driggs (Ken). In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Floyd Eugene Campbell; her brother, Robert McCausland; her sister, Francine Christensen; and her brothers, Ronald Max Cox and Robert Wayne Cox. All whom loved her dearly and will never forget her tenacity, wit, and undying love for them.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Islands Ward Building, 1150 West Elliot Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85233. Bishop Brad Bell will officiate, with a burial following the service at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 East Main Street Mesa, Arizona 85207. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, December 3, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Islands Ward Building. There will also be an hour visitation prior to the funeral services. 

Bunker’s Garden Chapel is handling the arrangements. (480) 964-8686

Guy Raymond Miller 1947-2018

Mesa, AZ. – Guy “Ray” Miller, 71, formerly of Lordstown, Ohio peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Friday, November 23, 2018 at Banner University Hospital in Phoenix, AZ.

He was born on October 24, 1947, in Warren, Ohio, the son of the late Carl and Geraldine Miller.

He was a graduate of Bristolville High School and spent much of his career as a member of the Teamsters for over 25 years.

Ray married Betty Byler of Parkman, Ohio in 1971 and together they raised two children in Lordstown and they later moved to Mesa, Arizona, to be with two of their grandchildren.

While residing in Lordstown, he was an active member of Bailey Road Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, trustee and Awana leader.  Upon his retirement in 2009, he and Betty moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church serving as a deacon.

Ray enjoyed wood working, remodeling and repair work for himself and others.  He was known for his sense of humor and kindness.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.  He most enjoyed his time with his grandchildren, watching them play sports, playing board games and taking them to the park.

Ray will be greatly missed by his loving wife Betty; son Jeffrey S. (Nancy) Miller of Mesa, AZ.; daughter Julie Miller-Hock of Charleston, SC., grandchildren Nicholas & Luke Miller, and Madison Hock, brothers; Carl A. Miller and Espy H. Miller.

A Memorial Service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Mesa, Arizona on December 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m., which will be followed up by a Celebration of Life service at Bailey Road Baptist Church at a time and date to be determined in early 2019.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/donate/ in Guy R. Miller’s name.

Joseph Flynn Bellows died November 27, 2018 from complications of cancer.  He was born in Payson, Utah on September 1, 1954, the fourth of 6 children.  His childhood and youth years were spent in Lake Shore and Spanish Fork, Utah.  Joe’s passing was preceded by his wife Sandra, parents Joseph Charles Bellows, Veryl (Liston) Bellows, and sister Rebecca Morgan. Joe is survived by his siblings, Michael Flynn Bellows (Laurie), Jeffrey Flynn Bellows (Marion), Marinan Barta, and Dianne Galligher.  He was proud of his many nieces and nephews and found great joy in their successes.

After graduating from Spanish Fork High School in 1972, he enlisted in the US Air Force serving as a logistics and transportation specialist at Luke AFB, Arizona, Osan AFB, South Korea, and March AFB, California.   After his honorable discharge in 1976, he moved to Mesa Arizona where he spent the remainder of his life.

He was employed by Arizona West Contracting Construction Company.  All of his life he enjoyed working with his hands and building things.  His work with AW allowed this gift to flourish and he worked in all phases of the construction process.  He was a master carpenter and a job superintendent for many years.  He loved creating and continued to work until his diagnosis.

The company specialized in the building of commercial structures and churches.  He often spoke of the privilege of working on projects inside the Mesa Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   In the latter years of his life, he embraced the faith of his childhood and served in numerous responsibilities in the priesthood and auxiliaries of his church.

Joe had an endearing and robust personality.  He loved to tell jokes and the mischief in his eyes, as he shared these stories, drew us in and always solicited laughter before he reached the punch line. His sometimes-gruff exterior was one of his most endearing traits. He was rarely reserved when offering unsolicited input but his oversized heart and short memory made him easy to love.

The time between diagnosis and his passing was short.  We will miss him but we were greatly blessed by the time he had and that he could share with us his faith in Heavenly Father’s love and his expressed willingness to submit to His will.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 9:00am with services to follow at 10:00 am.  It will be held at the L.D.S. Chapel located at 925 N. Harris in Mesa.

Please view the video tribute at: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/B93692NPXY665BHL

Darvil Lavern West from North Pole, Alaska passed away peacefully in Gilbert, Arizona on November 25, 2018. Ever the outdoorsman, Darvil loved to hunt, fish, or just take off on his snowmobile or airboat; anything adventurous, he wanted in on it. He worked hard and played hard. Darvil worked on the Alaskan Pipeline and the ice roads; any job that didn’t restrict him to a desk in an office, he gladly took on. He lived life on his own terms, always.

Darvil is predeceased by his father, Norman L. West. He is survived by his mother, Evelyn West; sisters, Norma King and Janis Wilkins; brothers, Royce, Wade, and Nolan West; children, Sundee Burney, Tiffani Kinghorn-Clayton, Ryan West, and Jason West; 10 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Voyager Ward, 1005 North Voyager Drive, Gilbert, Arizona. A viewing will be held prior to the services at 10:00am. Burial will be at the Lakeside Cemetery, 1265 Larson Road, Lakeside, Arizona 85929, on Friday November 30, 2018 at 12:00pm.

Edmund “Devin” Vest, age 41, passed away on November 19, 2018. Edmund was born in Phoenix, Arizona on December 16, 1976 to Edmund and (belated) Maricanna Vest.

Services will be held at Xalychidom Piipaash Nyvaash, 3660 North Horne Road, Mesa, Arizona 85203, on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 6:00pm. There will be a traditional cremation ceremony at 4:00am on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at Lehi Cemetery, 926 East Thomas Road, Mesa, Arizona 85203.

A celebration of Life

You are invited to join us in celebrating the life of James Charles Knibbs who passed away Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Banner Desert Medical Center.

Where:  LDS Church 700 S. Evergreen Rd, Tempe, AZ

When: November 28, 2018

Get together: 4:00 pm in the relief society room

Services: 5:00 pm in the chapel

Sincerely,

The James Knibbs Family

Simon Jerome “SJ” Angel, Jr. was reunited with his beloved wife, Betty Ann, on November 17, 2018. He was born in Coal County, Oklahoma. SJ retired from the Miami, Arizona copper mines after 30-plus years of dedicated service.

He is survived by his son, Larry (Kathleen); granddaughters, Kelly Angel and Kaycee Angel-Archer (Eric); and 3 great-granddaughters, McKinley Ann, Lincoln Marie, and Pierce Stella.

Private services and interment were held at the Globe Cemetery.

In memory of SJ, donations may be made to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital in the name of the Angel-Archer family.

Ula Mae Jones, 87, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 16, 2018. She is survived by three children, Dick Jones (Linda), Pam Butler, and Debbie Vest (Mark); along with 11 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandma that has a testimony of Christ and loved her family dearly. She will be reunited with her husband of 69 years, Richard E Jones and her son, David Curtis Jones. She will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2252 West Mesquite Road, Chandler, Arizona 85224, at 11:00am. A visitation will begin one hour prior to services, at 10:00am.

Rita Anne Anaya, 36, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on November 18, 2018.  A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 PM with a funeral service at 4:00 PM, Saturday, November 24^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.