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Richard Dale Gomez, 66, of Apache Junction passed away September 15, 2018. He was surrounded by his loving family and passed peacefully in his sleep. Richard was born to Jose Daniel Gomez and Dorothy Elaine Gomez of Fremont, Michigan on December 27, 1951.

Richard is survived by his Mother Dorothy, brothers Danny, Mark, and Scott, sisters Diane, Dorothy, and Angel, children Katie, Tammy, Ricky, Trevor and Dustin. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned in Arizona on September 22, 2018 in Mesa, AZ.  Richard will be laid to rest in Twin Lake, MI next year.

Michael Todd Pickett, 49, passed away surrounded by his family on September 17, 2018. Todd, as he was most commonly known, was born in Provo, UT to Mick and Willie Pickett on May 11, 1969. His younger years were spent in Idaho Falls, ID until the family moved to Mesa, AZ, where he attended high school at Mountain View High School, graduating in 1987.

At the age of nineteen Todd left to serve in Micronesia/Guam on an LDS mission. He had a great love for his mission, the people, and the culture. After serving a mission he pursued higher education at Ricks College where he met and courted his wife, Penni. They married in the Idaho Falls, ID temple and their journey together began.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah they moved to Mesa, AZ to pursue employment. There, three daughters were added to their family, Nichole, Kristine, and Zoe. Todd’s greatest efforts, love, and attention were given to his family. His hobbies were mostly whatever his daughters were pursuing as they grew up. On any given day he would be found at a swim meet, dance recital, golf tournament, softball game, or a myriad of other pursuits the girls were into. Todd was their biggest cheerleader and assisted his daughters in every way he could for them to be successful. His relationships with his wife and daughters would most likely be what he would say are his best and most rewarding accomplishments in life.

Todd worked in finance and accounting throughout his career and completed a Master’s degree in the field of accounting. He enjoyed camping, outdoors, shooting, Dutch oven cooking, and had a dream of one day being a part of a BBQ competition circuit when he retired.

He was a very attentive, loving husband who worked hard for his family. He was very devoted and was often coming up with sweet surprises to show his love for Penni. They celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary in June of this year.

Todd served in a variety of callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was always willing to serve and had a way about him that people very much enjoyed. His laugh, storytelling, and caring nature were some of his most favorited qualities. Friendship was always highly valued by Todd. He appreciated and was loyal to those that cared about him and his family.

Todd is survived by his wife, Penni (Hansen); daughters, Nichole Newton, Kristine Pickett, and Zoe Pickett; son-in-law, Gregory Newton; mother, Wilhelmina C. “Willie” Pickett; and sister, Shondelle Hales (Jason Hales). Preceding him in death is his father, Michael Terry “Mick” Pickett.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, September 28, 2018, preceded by a viewing from 8:30 to 9:30am. Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 18015 E San Tan Blvd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142. Interment will follow at San Tan Memorial Gardens. Bunkers University Chapel in Mesa, AZ are handling funeral arrangements. www.bunkerfuneral.com

Trisha Yvonne Baxter, born in Opa-Locka, Florida on August 13, 1962, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018, after an 11 year battle with cancer. She is survived by her parents, Leonard and Cathryne Dunn, brothers Brad, Stan, and Lloyd Dunn, and her children Logan Baxter, Austin Baxter, Ciara Taylor, and Cole Baxter and their families. Her posterity includes 7 grandchildren, with 4 unborn grandchildren due in the next few months. Trisha was well known for her sense of adventure and humor, never afraid to make light of her struggles. Despite years of treatments and failing health, she never complained about her circumstances and always made her family her top priority.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the Evergreen Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 700 S Evergreen Rd., Tempe, Arizona. Bunker Family Funeral Homes is handling funeral arrangements.

Ruby Rackley, age 88 passed away on September 16, 2018 in Tempe, AZ.  Ruby was born on December 19, 1929 to James and Ottie Mae Watson in Henryetta, OK. She was one of eighteen children. Ruby moved to Arizona in her teens where she met the love of her life, Earl Rackley. Together they had four children, Judy (Steve), Deborah, Danny, and Kenneth. They have eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Ruby retired from Motorola after 25 plus years. After retirement, Ruby was the Vice President and Treasurer at the Escalante Senior Center in Tempe. In her spare time, Ruby loved gardening, fishing, and spending time at her cabin. Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, her sweetheart Earl, her son-in-law Mike, and beloved son Kenneth. Services will be held at Mesa Cemetery on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Robert “Bud” Hoffman went to be with the Lord on September 15, 2018 in his home at the age of 85.

Bud is survived by his wife Chupim, seven children, ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Mildred Hoffman and his brother Stephen Hoffman.

Bud was born on October 3, 1932 in Havre, Montana to Fred and Mildred Hoffman. He married the love of his life, Chupim, after a twenty-year career as a Journalist Chief Petty Officer in the Navy.  After moving to Oxnard, California, Bud began working for the Oxnard Police department as a Crime Scene Investigator where he retired after 18 years of faithful service.

Bud was accomplished at photography and often used his talents for taking beautiful wedding pictures. He was a generous steward, loving father, and devoted husband. He was an active and dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Mesa and was a member of the Men’s Promise Keepers.

A memorial is scheduled for Saturday September 22, 2018 at 11am at Brown Road Baptist Church with a reception to follow at Bud and Chupim’s home.  Pastor Rob Perkins and Pastor George Self will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bud’s life.  The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Hospice at Home for their unwavering care and dedication.

Dorothy Louise (Fuller) Johnson passed away on Friday, September 14, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 90. Dorothy was born on April 9, 1928 in Ajo, Arizona, the daughter of William Ivan Fuller and Delilah Mae Overby. She was raised in a family of girls, having three sisters, and was raised in Arizona.

Dorothy married Walter Roy Johnson on October 28, 1946 in the Mesa, Arizona LDS temple, and they had three children of their own: Roy, Kerry, and Charlene (Lewis). Dorothy was very proud of finishing her Bachelor’s degree at ASU and working part time as a substitute teacher while raising her children. She worked alongside Walter while building their home in what is now the Mesa, Arizona area. After their children were all married, Dorothy and Walter did a lot of traveling to visit many sites in the United States, especially for Walter’s love of fishing and camping. Later in life, Dorothy insisted on a European cruise and the two then crossed the ocean to indulge in Dorothy’s love of history.

Dorothy was a generous woman, who was also hard working and liked to keep busy. Her grandchildren remember her knitting items for them when they were children as well. Dorothy also enjoyed nature, whether it be watching a flower in bloom, visiting a national monument (such as the Petrified Forest), or just watching the birds outside a window.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her mother and father; two sisters, Lorraine and Donna; and her daughter, Charlene. She is survived by her sons, Roy and Kerry; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 9:00am on Friday, September 21, 2018 in the southeast corner of the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Everett Leslie McDonald, 79, passed away September 10, 2018, surrounded by family at his home in the Goodyear Village of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona. Everett was born on February 22, 1939, in Upper Snaketown Village, AZ to William Sunday McDonald and Elsie Thomas McDonald.

Everett married Caroldean Allison on June 11, 1960 at Vah Ki Presbyterian Church. He and Caroldean had four children, Cheryl, Lynette, Duane, and Jeryln. In the 1960’s, Everett worked at Riggs Ranch and in the 1970’s and 1980’s he worked as a truck driver for Rain for Rent in Chandler, AZ. He was a mechanic all his life and enjoyed working on vehicles. He retired due to his health.

Everett liked to work on his word search puzzles. He also loved gardening and was proud of his fig tree (which is getting bigger and taller). His favorite channel was the GRIT channel. He loved all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren very much. They all called him “Bah Ba Ah,” meaning grandfather on the mother’s side.

Everett was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Geraldine Molina and Iris McDonald; son, Duane Everett McDonald; daughter, Jeryln Holmes; and wife, Caroldean McDonald.

He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Wells and her husband Lance Wells Sr., and Lynette McDonald; Jeryln’s husband, Stan Holmes; his grandchildren, Carrie McDonald and her significant other Luis Gutierrez, Tiffany Enos and her significant other Zach Redbird, Lance Wells Jr., Jesse Valencia, Justin Wells, and Andrea McDonald; great-grandchildren, Emma Enos, Nicholas Gutierrez, Adrian Gutierrez, Anahi Gutierrez, and Noah Gutierrez; sister, Dorene Gutierrez; brother, Harlan McDonald; and also by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Everett McDonald, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend of us all. He is already missed but forever in our hearts.

A wake service will be held on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at the Goodyear Village Christian Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 8:00am, also at the Goodyear Village Christian Church. Burial will be at the Snaketown Cemetery in Goodyear, AZ.

Mary Barbara Baird-Jones was born in New London, CT on Feb. 28, 1923 to Harry Albert Baird, Sr. and Barbara Duncan Cooke Baird. Mary passed away at age 95 on Aug. 9, 2018 in Chandler, AZ. She had one older brother, Harry A. Baird, Jr. She was close to both parents. Her father was passionate about cooking and especially eating. However, it may have been a tossup as to what came first, money and banking (and politics), or food. Needless to say Mary carried these traits throughout her life. Her mother on the other hand was active in the Girl Scouts as Director, and her church. With her mother’s encouragement Mary participated in ballet lessons, piano lessons, ice skating, bicycle riding to the beaches, and became a good swimmer. Mary was raised as an Episcopalian and a Republican. Most of these traits remain prevalent in her offspring.

Mary was studious and industrious graduating from Westerly High School in 1941, and then The Forsyth School of Dental Hygienists in 1942.

Later she married George L. Jones in Westerly, RI on Dec. 9, 1944. George was in the US Navy which took them to Miami and Key West, FL in 1946 where daughter Barbara Ann was born. Not long in Florida the young family was returned to North Kingstown and Quonset Point NAS, RI. This is where their second and last child was born in 1948, son George Edward (aka, Bud).

George retired in 1962 as Chief Petty Officer at Point Mugu, CA. The family moved from Rhode Island to Florida to California to Washington state and back to California for Navy retirement. Mary was primarily a homemaker during these years, although she pursued her career as a Dental Hygienist at times. Mary lived a long and rewarding life. She saw her son’s tour in the Army, both children’s college graduations, both children’s weddings and families.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brother. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Ann Stafford and her husband Robert of Tempe, Arizona, son, George E. Jones and wife Pam of Columbus, Montana, grandson Scott Lloyd and wife, Tanya of Lockhart, TX, grandson Robert Lloyd and wife, Sally of Stephenville, TX, grandson David Lloyd and wife, Erin of Godley, TX, and seven great-grandchildren. Per Mary’s request cremation has been completed, and there will be a small celebration of life at a later date.

Enrique A. Zuniga Angulo Gonzalez, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 7, 2018. Enrique was born in Mexico on October 8, 1940. He leaves behind a loving family that has a belief that through the atonement of Jesus Christ families can be together forever.

Enrique is one of the older children in his family and leaves behind a wonderful legacy. He loved the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement very much and was extremely proud of every one of his children for their service in the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement. Enrique was full of life and he will be sorely missed. His wife of 50 years is comforted at this time by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she and Enrique love with all their hearts. Enrique’s family looks forward to the day that they will be able to see him again.

He is survived by his wife, Margarita Zuniga; his children, Gabriel E. Zuniga-Martinez, Oscar A. Zuniga, Juan E. Zuniga, Cesar O. Zuniga, and Clara J. Zuniga de Bedoy; as well as 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 10:00am in the same location.

Rusty Floyd Pitney, 39, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2018 at home in Mesa, after a long battle with cystic fibrosis. He was born January 15, 1979 in Mesa, Arizona. A sixth generation Arizonan, he loved the state and loved hiking, fishing and hunting throughout it.

Rusty served a 2 year mission to Salt Lake City South, (Spanish speaking) where he fell in love with the Latino people and culture. He started work at the University of Phoenix as a finance counselor and worked his way to Director of Strategic Integration. While there, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance. He later studied at the University of Arizona in the Masters of Information Systems program. He was driven to accomplish great things. He enjoyed reading (especially history) genealogy, gardening, and most importantly, spending time with his family.

Rusty is preceded by his father Floyd Pitney Jr.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy Jane (Haynes), his son, Jack Fitzgerald, and by his mother, Becky Ann Pitney, his grandmother, Doreen Richey, his brothers Nathan, Jonathan and Blaine Pitney, and his sisters Heather Payne, Ginger Connor and Kelsey Pitney. He was beloved by his family and friends, and his presence in their lives will be deeply missed. A viewing will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2018. Funeral services are Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 9 a.m. at the LDS chapel on 10036 E. Brown Rd, Mesa, 85207, with visitation from 8-8:45 am that morning. Rusty will be buried in St. Johns, AZ later that evening. Memorial donations for Jack’s college fund can be made at any Chase Bank.

John Kay Sorenson Sr., age 81, born July 25, 1937, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 7, 2018. He leaves behind a loving family that has a belief that through the atonement of Jesus Christ families can be together forever.

John is the youngest brother of the Lehi Sorenson boys and he leaves behind a wonderful legacy. He was full of life and he will be sorely missed. His wife of 60 years is comforted at this time by her children and grandchildren, whom she and John love with all their hearts. John’s family looks forward to the day that they will be able to see him again.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannine Hogle Sorenson; his children, Jon Sorenson Jr., Saralyn Rex (David), Sue-Ann Willis (Greg), and Sheri-Jo Trimmer; as well as 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11:00am, with a viewing at 10:00am, at the LDS Hermosa Vista Stake Center located at 2701 East Lehi Road, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Solomon, Richard Crandall “Dick,” 85, a fourth generation Arizona native, passed away on September 5, 2018, at Banner Baywood Medical Center, with family at his bedside. Born on December 8, 1932 in Mesa, AZ to Richard Jennings and Leona Crandall Solomon, Dick was the eldest of four children. He attended Mesa Public Schools, graduating in 1951. His favorite activity was scouting, where in he achieved the rank of Eagle. As an adult, Dick served many years in the Boy Scout program.

Dick was a hard worker, starting while still in elementary school as a newspaper carrier. As a teen, he worked several delivery jobs, as well as farm-related jobs. Dick attended Arizona State College, graduating in May 1959, with distinction from Arizona State University (the first graduating class after ASC became ASU) with a BA in Education (majoring in biology). He left his college education briefly for a call to serve as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Southern States from October 1953 to September 1955.

Upon his return to Arizona, he resumed his education and courting of Phyllis Christine Nordin, the love of his life. They were married in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple on June 1, 1956.  Having simultaneously completed an ROTC program and his Bachelor’s degree, Dick was commissioned a 2^nd Lt. in the US Army Medical Service. Entering active duty in July 1959, he served in several posts in the US and Germany, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars. His military career ended after 16 years in November 1974, having attained the rank of Major.

In May 1975, Dick earned his Master of Public Administration degree. After separation from the military, Dick was employed in a series of temporary jobs during the next five years before he began working for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol division, for 23 years, retiring in December 2002.

As a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dick served in many different positions. He and Phyllis served as Church Service Missionaries at the Bishops’ Storehouse and as Temple Ordinance Workers. Dick maintained a life-long commitment to promoting, supporting, and defending three great causes; God, Family, and Country.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Phyllis. He is survived by his five sons, Richard (Ruth Ann), Robert (Caroline), David (Ruth), Daniel, and Daron; 17 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren (with 4 more on the way). He is also survived by his brother, Stephen, and sisters, Ethel Lynn Sandler and Sharon James.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 10:00am at the LDS Chapel, 422 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Rosalind “Roz” Mathilda Cope, of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Tucson, AZ, Brentwood, PA, and Mt. Lebanon PA, passed away September 5, 2018 at age 78 after a brief, but aggressive skirmish with cancer.  

A graduate of Duquesne University, she earned both her Undergraduate Degree and Master’s Degree in Early Elementary Education and Special Education.  Rosalind taught in the Pittsburgh Public Schools for 25 years, and later worked for another 10 years with Tucson Unified School District after becoming disillusioned with the relative quiet of retirement in Arizona.

Rosalind was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. and Rose Reich and was reared at the height of the “children should be seen and not heard” era.  Both Rosalind and her younger brother were thought to be deaf mutes for the better part of their childhood.  Roz is survived by her beloved husband, best friend and great love, Mr. Edmund Cope, of Mesa, AZ; and by her loving daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Anderson of Mountain View, CA; by three rambunctious, but adoring grandsons, John, Lars, and Edward “Buzz” Anderson; her loving brother Edward “Buzz” Reich of Peters Township, PA. and one ill-behaved, but potentially trainable Australian Cattle Dog, Sophia Cope.  

Our Roz was an inspired shopper, a skill carefully honed over the course of six decades and passed along to her only child (who quickly surpassed her Mother’s storied abilities).  She was also a superb storyteller who frequently regaled throngs of listeners with her many tales of life, loss, love, and adventure.  In addition to her notable social skills, she was also able to cover up to 24 bingo cards at once during the peak of her Bingo Years and took great pride in receiving the Tucson Bingo Bugle’s coveted ‘Star Winner of the Month Award’.  Roz lived her life with flair, generosity, and a grateful heart.

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will be held Saturday, October 6, 2018 at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 514 S Mountain Rd, Mesa, AZ 85208.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Rosalind M Cope Memorial Funds at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT, http://bit.ly/RozCopeBFAS or The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, MT http://bit.ly/RozCopeWolf

Barbara came to earth as a Christmas bundle on December 25, 1944. She was born to Clyde and Velma Cox, the fourth of five children (three brothers and one sister) in Loris, South Carolina. Barbara was married to Don on November 19, 1970 and they were sealed for all time and all eternity on January 14, 1972 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Barbara had three sons and one daughter. It is hard to say whether Barbara was a collector or a hoarder. She had a collection of colorful dresses and accessories that could stock a store. Barbara set her place in history by being a medical wonder. During her life, she endured 60 major surgeries. In 1991, following one if those surgeries, a medical mistake cost her the vast majority of her bowels and she suffered the results of Short Bowel Syndrome for the remainder of her life. At that time, the doctors gave her five years to live but she was fighter.  She continued her fight for another 27 years. Due to those surgeries, various infections and SBS, Barbara suffered ill health and pain throughout her life. She finally lost the battle on the morning of September 2, 2018. She passed away peacefully in her sleep during the early morning hours.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, sister and grandson, Ryan. She was survived by her loving husband Don, brother Randy, children Jim, Marilyn, David, Donald II (Dewey), 19 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Memorial Services for Barbara will be held, Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Taylor Park Ward building, 825 South 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona at 12:00 Noon.