Find An Obituary

            Gary Lee Gray was born November 18, 1952 in Artesia, California. He was the second child of Donald and Selma Gray. He has two sisters, Lynn Ann and Sandra. He was raised in Lompoc, California. He remembers, as a youngster, waiting eagerly for the mailman each morning. When he saw him approaching, a four-year-old Gary would start dancing – sure that the mailman would think he was so cool, and such a good dancer!

            Gary started kindergarten two months before he turned five. When he was in middle school he skipped a grade. One summer school teacher had a grading strategy that left a life-long impression on Gary. The teacher gave everyone 100 points – an A – at the beginning of the term. He said, “This A is for you to keep or lose; it’s up to you. Gary “kept” his A. In high school, Gary was in all Advanced Placement classes – although his mom remembers many late nights typing Gary’s paper for him that was due the next morning. (Thanks Mom!) During high school, he also participated in plays. He played the role of Vinnie in “The Odd Couple”. During one performance, someone tripped the power switch and the auditorium went dark. Gary saved the show, improvising in character about the situation. He also sang 1^st Tenor in Madrigals and was on the Water Polo team.

            After graduation, Gary attended the smallest of the 5 Federal Academies; The United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. He won the honor of receiving more demerits faster than anyone in many years, and it was agreed that he wasn’t cut out for Academy life. So, after only a few months away, he was headed back home to Lompoc.

            While at home, he met a good LDS girl and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He decided he wanted to try the Academy again, so he contacted his Congressman for an endorsement. With renewed commitment, he headed back to Long Island to start the following school year. He always blamed his first go-around at the Academy on his youthful immaturity. The girl who introduced the Church to Gary headed to Ricks’ College, now BYU-Idaho and very quickly found the love of her life.

            Fast forward a year and a half, Gary met Christianne Wendt (a Young Adults’ success story!). Since she was heading to BYU in a matter of weeks, he wanted a ring on her finger. On December 30, 1973, he called from California (while on Christmas break) and proposed over the phone. She said yes, then went to BYU for the semester, and Gary went to sea.

            He loved sailing – at the time, midshipmen were not allowed to be married so their engagement was a year and a half! Gary graduated in June of 1975 with a degree in Marine Transportation, on a Monday and he and Christianne were married in the Washington, D.C. Temple that following Friday on the 27^th.

            Almost immediately after graduating from the Academy, Gary and his bride moved back to his home state of California and took a job as manager of a McDonald’s, then moved onto Arby’s and Wendy’s as two precious girls, Shannon and Brianne joined the family in February of 1977 and then July of 1979. After Wendy’s he got a job at Martin-Marietta at Vandenberg AFB working on breathing air system for the first space shuttle. While working at Martin-Marietta he would hang out in the large computer room during downtime which fueled his interest in computers. Wanting to jump into the computer industry, Gary found a job with McDonnell- Douglas (McAuto) which relocated them to New Jersey; a huge plus since they would be closer to Christianne’s parents John and Claire Wendt on Long Island. While in New Jersey, they welcomed their first and only son, Casey in July of 1981. Gary was thriving in his new vocation and while at a computer show was offered a position at Digital Equipment Corp which moved them to Massachusetts and in May of 1984, Whitney came along. Another move back to California, this time with four kids in tow, in January of 1985 where he took a job as Director of Operations of a McDonald’s. Tess arrived in June of 1987 and not long after Caitlin made her debut in April of 1989. After McDonald’s, Gary got back into the computer field at a company in San Luis Obispo called Computer Land. He enjoyed being a shopkeeper so much that he gave it a go at owning and operating his own store which he named Software Source. And last but not least, Hannah was the last bundle of joy to arrive in March of 1992.

            While residing in California, he was active in his church membership holding multiple callings throughout the years. In Santa Maria, he was a counselor serving with Bishop John Rosenlof and later with Bishop Ed Teeples and worked as a Stake Executive Secretary for Clark McCune. He also served as a High Councilor under Stake Presidents, Nolan Phillips and Wyn R. Dewsnup. One of his favorite callings was teaching Gospel Doctrine. He was also called to be a Seminary teacher for four years allowing him to teach each course.

            After twelve years in California, Gary and his family of nine, moved to Gilbert, Arizona. Shortly after moving in, Gary worked in the IT department at Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management. He then moved on to Novell and then Altiris as a networking consultant. While on the road, working for Altiris in Delaware, Gary suffered a heart-attack, pushing him into early retirement. After his recovery, he was just as interested in computers and gadgets as ever before and now he had the time to tinker and create.

The family grew as children were married and grandchildren were born. He was a doting Papa to his twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Family always came first. He loved his sweetheart Christianne and his children. Five weeks after being diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer Gary Gray passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 12, 2018.

Here are some of Gary’s favorite quotes:

“Everyone carries within themselves the world in which they must live.”

“When afraid or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.”

“If you wake up and find yourself dancing with a bear; DON’T STOP!”- Russian Proverb

“There is always hope.”

 

The Still Small Voice

            One evening, the young Gray family was having a discussion about the still small voice.

            Five-year-old Brianne reported very intuitively, “I know why it’s a still small voice…because Heavenly Father is so far away!”

            With that, Gary took Brianne’s sweet face in his hands – and whispered in her ear. “No sweetheart – Heavenly Father uses a still small voice because he is so CLOSE, He’d hurt our ears if He spoke any louder.”

 

You Didn’t Use ALL Your Strength

A father took his young son camping. As dad was pitching the tent, he sent his son to collect firewood.

            Nine-year-old Tommy went out bravely to complete his assigned task. He found some logs not far off, but they were too heavy for him to lift. Frustrated, he went to his dad and reported that the logs were too heavy. He couldn’t move them. Dad said, “Did you use ALL your strength?”

            Tommy went back, with new resolve, eager to please his dad. He pulled, grunted, tugged and pushed – all to no avail. He couldn’t move the log.

            Back to dad he went. Dad said, “I don’t think you used ALL your strength.” Tommy, not wanting to let down his dad went back again, but even after getting scrapes and scratches, he couldn’t get the log to budge. He was so tired and so sad at the fact he had failed his dad, and a bit angry because his dad had required such a difficult task of him. He reported back to dad that he had used all his strength but couldn’t do it.

            Dad put his arm around his boy and said, “Tommy, you didn’t use ALL your strength: you didn’t ask ME.”

            How often does our Father require seemingly impossible tasks of us – we need to use ALL our strength. We need to ask HIM for His help.

 

The Voyage

I am a sailor, you’re my first mate

We signed on together, we coupled our fate

We hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail

For the hearts treasure, together we set sail.

With no maps to guide us we steered our own course

We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force

We sat out the doldrums in patience, and hope

Working together, we learned how to cope.

Life is an ocean, love is a boat

In troubled waters, it keeps us afloat

When we started the voyage, there was just me and you

Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.

Together we’re in this relationship

We built it with care, to last the whole trip

Our true destinations not marked on any charts

We’re navigating for the shores of the heart.

Life is an ocean and love is a boat

In troubled waters, it keeps us afloat

When we started the voyage, there was just me and you

Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.

 

 

Edna Florence Bollinger, 94, of Tucson, Arizona; passed away on August 13, 2018.  A Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM with a Funeral Service at 12 Noon, Monday, August 20^th at Bunker’s University Chapel 3529 E. University Chapel in Mesa.

Dr. Richard Vernon Lee passed away peacefully at home in Mesa, Arizona on August 13, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Until the end, his friendliness, intellect and humor endeared him to everyone who knew him.

Dr. Lee was born on October 25, 1927 at his parents’ home in West Frankfort, Illinois. His father, Vernon Ralph Lee, and mother Margaret (nee Eubanks), raised him to be a hard worker who cherished music, adventure and the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Fada Ruth Titterton. He is survived by his loving wife Ruth (nee Burris), and three children, Nancy Lee, Rebecca Nosker, and Richard Lee. He has five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

From his boyhood paper route to his position advising Southern Illinois University on its new medical school, Dr. Lee met all challenges with discipline, resolve and optimism while treating every person he met with equal esteem. He worked hard and played hard. He hunted, fished and boated avidly. He took great pleasure in co-owning and flying an airplane. While practicing medicine in Illinois, Indiana, and Arizona as a Director of University Health Services and emergency room and sports medicine doctor, he also took sabbaticals to work as a medical missionary in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, and Niger.

If you were around Richard Lee for long, you knew him to be a great storyteller. From his hunting misadventures, to his harrowing voyage in an Army troop ship on the way to Okinawa in 1946, to flying strange and dangerous cargo with a friend, he could keep you laughing while on the edge of your seat. His loyal wife Ruth stuck with him through it all.

A visitation will be held at 9:00am with services at 9:45am on Monday, August 20, 2018 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in honor of Dr. Richard Lee to Banner Hospice at https://tinyurl.com/y84o53q5 or by mail to Banner Hospice, Banner Health Foundation, 2901 N. Central Avenue, Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ 85012. For more information, please see https://www.bannerhealthfoundation.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gifts. 

Darwin Brent Gunnell was a man among men, and when he passed on August 13, 2018, he was at home, surrounded by his children and grandchildren and his beloved wife, Laura. Brent was born in Tremonton, Utah, on September 9, 1940, to Jonathan Darwin Gunnell and Olive Christopherson. In January 1942, the Gunnell family moved to Mesa, Arizona, where Brent grew up with his younger brothers Lamoine, Steve, Doug, and Scott, and his sister, Kay. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1958 and attended Arizona State University where he participated in ROTC, before moving into the Gunnell family tire business to work full-time with his father and brothers.

Brent married the love of his life, Laura Haws Gilliland, on June 2, 1971, and together, they raised ten amazing children. They started their life together in a small house in southwest Mesa, at which time Brent was working at the Gunnell’s tire store on Main Street, and then managing a tire warehouse. In 1977, Brent and Laura built their dream house in what was then east Mesa, and that same house has become home not just to generations of the Gunnell family, but also to countless others in need of support and care. Brent and Laura opened their home and hearts to anyone who needed them, and from their example, their children learned great life lessons in compassion and service.

In 1978, Brent took a job as the Arizona Area Director for a tire chain and traveled all over the state setting up tire stores and assisting their owners and managers until 1988, when he began running his own two tire stores on Glendale and on Alma School. Brent was a savvy businessman, and in successfully managing his stores, employed hundreds of people in Mesa and interacted with countless business owners and community leaders. It was important to Brent that his children learn how to do honest and hard work, so from the time they were able, they worked at the tire stores busting tires, doing retail sales, learning mechanical skills, keeping books, and cleaning the store. They watched their dad deal with customer and employee conflicts and property ownership issues, handling himself honestly, with both power and grace, teaching by example the importance of integrity and dignity.

Brent’s best times were those he spent with Laura and the kids. He attended myriad gymnastics and track meets, cheerleading competitions, and baseball games, and every chance he could, he stole Laura away for some rest and relaxation…. and fun! He and Laura truly had the greatest love story ever told, putting each other first and loving each other fiercely. Brent put every extra bit of time and money into making memories for his family, as it was no small feat providing for and entertaining ten children. At one point, the family was cramming into a 1969 Hurst Oldsmobile 455, and it was quite the sight watching ten kids peeling out of that or any vehicle! However big or small the adventure, the Gunnell family came away closer and stronger, and they have remained so over the years as their numbers have grown. Brent and Laura’s ten children have all married, and they have 61 grandchildren. In the last ten years, 48 great-grandchildren have joined the clan.

Brent and Laura have spent most of their time in “retirement” enjoying yet more baseball games, track meets, choir and band concerts, and recitals. They have loved traveling to see their kids and grandkids who live outside of Mesa, and every grandchild and great-grandchild looks forward to their visits, knowing that for those few hours or days, their grandpa and grandma are all theirs. Brent knew all of their names, and they knew him as Grandpa or Papa, with one family of little great-grands calling Brent and Laura “Sweet Gramma and Sweet Grandpa,” for indeed, Brent was the most gentle and kindest of grandpas. His family and all who knew him remember him for his easy-going temperament, his wisdom, and his humor. He could be called on at any hour and for any reason, and he would do anything he could to help. In his last few days, he was surrounded by family and friends, and though he was very ill and tired, he remained alert as he happily entertained visitors. Brent made everyone feel welcomed and loved, as was his way until he went to sleep for the last time after talking to and laughing with a grandson serving a mission in Africa.

Brent was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a great love of Christ and the Gospel. He happily served in many positions in the church, with his favorite being a temple-worker with Laura. In life, Brent asked for no more than what he himself gave and exemplified, and in the wake of his passing, those of his family who remain know that they will strive to be kind, honest, and loving, as he was.

Brent is survived by his wife, Laura Haws Gunnell; children Michelle (Brian) Solomon, Jim (Jennifer) Gilliland, Brent (JeNeale) Gunnell, Beverly (James) Bluth, Corey (Amelia) Gilliland, Kimberly (Todd) Connolly, Alison (Bob) Saltzmann, Julie (Denis) Asay, Penny (Brian) Blue-Case, and Anna (Doug) Bradford; siblings Lamoine (Susan) Gunnell, Steve (Rhonda) Gunnell, Doug (Ellen) Gunnell, Kay (Mark) Bradshaw, and Scott (Racheal) Gunnell; 60 grandchildren with 17 spouses; 48 great-grandchildren. Brent was preceded in death by his parents, Darwin and Olive; grandson Harris Gilliland; grandson-in-law Jay Hardwick; great-granddaughter Brooklyn Mansfield; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Services for Brent will be held at 10:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 933 E. Brown Rd., Mesa. There will be a viewing on Friday, August 17th from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa. There will also be a viewing from 9:00-9:45 AM on Saturday, August 18th at the Brown Rd. church prior to the funeral service which begins at 10:00 AM. Interment at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 Center St., will be immediately following the service.

On Friday, August 10, 2018 at 6:44 AM, David Lewis Groll passed away at the age of 63.  David was born April 2, 1955 in Mesa, Arizona to Carl and Rosa Groll.  David started his career as a reserved firefighter from 1983 to 1988 with Rural Metro, and then pursued his career as an engineer firefighter until 2015 when he retired.    In his spare time David also drove school buses for Gilbert Public Schools for the last 6 years.

David was preceded in death by his father Carl; his mother Rosa; and a brother Doug.  He is survived by his 3 children, Becky, JoAnne, David Carl and 6 step-children; 5 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandson; 1 brother Danny Groll; 1 sister Sharon Willis; and 3 nephews.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM with Funeral Services at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Christ’s Church of The Valley, 5835 W. Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226.

No flowers are requested, however; in his memory we are asking for plant donations.   In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in care of Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Estella Wylene (Sorenson) Holt was born June 21, 1924 in Lehi, Arizona.  She passed away on Monday, August 6th, 2018 at the age of 94.

Stella’s parents were Joseph Alexander Sorenson and Laura Maude (Ellsworth) Sorenson, her siblings were Lorraine, Margaret, Melba, Janet and one brother Joseph.

Stella married Heber Holt on March 5, 1942.  They had six children Judy (Charlie) Cowen, Chere (Norman) Keys, Becki (Jack) Thompson, Cindy(Frank) Castro, Kim (Ron) Watson and Michael (Jane) Holt.  She has 29 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and 15 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Heber Holt, and father Joseph Alexander and her mother Laura Maude, her sisters Lorraine Phelps, Margaret Lane, Melba Prater and her brother Joseph Sorenson.  Her son Michael Holt, grandsons Jacob Thompson, Joshua Castro and Alex Aguero.

A graveside service will be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa Az. 85201 at 9:00 AM on Friday August 10, 2018.

 

Richard Louis Jensen passed away peacefully on August 6, 2018 at the age of 75. He was born in Afton, Wyoming to Norman Louis Jensen and Dorothy Frances Flygare Jensen.  Following high school, Richard served in the United States Air Force and later graduated from Brigham Young University.  Richard married Ann Marie Woods, and they are the parents of four children: Deann, Andrew, Jonathan and Scott, and the grandparents of 14 grandchildren who all adore their devoted “Papa.”  Richard loved his family, his co-workers and his many friends and associates. Viewings will be held Friday, August 10 from 6-8pm and Saturday August 11 at 9am, followed by a funeral service at 10am. The viewings and funeral service will be held at the LDS chapel located at 2549 N 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85213 Additional information: www.bunkerfuneral.com                  

 

Monica Moncerratt Salas, de 44 años, falleció en Mesa, Arizona el 3 de Agosto de 2018. Nació el 29 de Septiembre de 1973 en Deming, New Mexico, hija de José Arturo y Lidia Imelda (Valera) Lom. Monica era una esposa maravillosa y una madre dedicada. Su personalidad está muy bien impresa en sus dos hijas, Angelina y Daniella.

Además de ser esposa y madre, la pasión de Mónica era restaurar muebles antiguos y diseñar parquets de madera personalizados. De hecho, ella y su esposo, Alfredo, establecieron su propio negocio en 1998 haciendo exactamente eso. Monica también fue a la escuela para Diseño de Interiores y fue muy talentosa en su talento.

Mónica tenía un gran corazón y siempre pensó en el bienestar de su hermana y su hermano. Ella los amaba a ellos y a sus hijos cariñosamente. También le encantaba el lugar en el que creció, Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, y lo pensó a menudo.

Para Mónica era importante pasar mucho tiempo con sus hijas. Le encantaba hacer manualidades con ellas y enseñarles a dibujar, hornear, vestir, escribir, deletrear y mucho más. Su canción favorita fue “Be Still My Soul”.

A Monica le sobrevive su esposo, Alfredo G. Salas; hijas, Angelina Andrea Salas y Daniella Jacqueline Salas; hermano, Gustavo Arturo Lom; padres; y muchos otros miembros de la familia y amigos que ella amaba profundamente. Le precedieron en la muerte su hija, Paulina Andrea Salas y su hermana, Imelda Ubdulia Lom. Monica ahora se reencuentra con Imelda, a quien extraña profundamente después de su muerte.

Se realizará un servicio conmemorativo en honor de Mónica el sábado, 11 de Agosto de 2018 a las 12:00pm. En La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días – Valencia Ward, 3344 E McDowell Rd, Mesa, AZ.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Monica Moncerratt Salas, 44, passed away in Mesa, Arizona on August 3, 2018. She was born on September 29, 1973 in Deming, New Mexico to Jose Arturo and Lidia Imelda (Valera) Lom. Monica was a wonderful wife and a dedicated mother. Her personality is very well imprinted in both of her daughters, Angelina and Daniella.

Aside from being a wife and mother, Monica’s passion was restoring antique furniture as well as designing custom wood floor parquets. In fact, she and her husband, Alfredo, established their own business in 1998 doing just that. Monica also went to school for Interior Design and was very gifted in her talent.

Monica had a huge heart and always thought about the well-being of her sister and brother. She loved them and their children dearly. She also loved the place in which she grew up, Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, and thought of it often.

It was important to Monica to spend a lot of time with her daughters. She loved making crafts with them and teaching them how to draw, bake, dress, write, spell, and much more. Her favorite song was “Be Still My Soul.”

Monica is survived by her husband, Alfredo G. Salas; daughters, Angelina Andrea Salas and Daniella Jacqueline Salas; brother, Gustavo Arturo Lom; parents; and many other family members and friends that she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Paulina Andrea Salas and her sister, Imelda Ubdulia Lom. Monica is now reunited with Imelda, whom she missed deeply after her passing.

A memorial service will be held in Monica’s honor on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 12:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Valencia Ward, 3344 E McDowell Rd, Mesa, AZ.