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Leonard Paul Mathews
August 4, 1928 - July 28, 2018

Leonard Paul Mathews was born to the union of Curtis and Elizabeth Mathews on August 4, 1928. Paul, as he was commonly known, grew up in Elizabeth, PA in a family of thirteen brothers and sisters. As a young adult Paul served in the United States Navy from December 27, 1945 to November 12, 1947. He received a commendation letter from the President of the United States, Harry Truman, for his service to this country.

On April 29, 1950, Paul and Lorraine (Dunbar) were united in holy matrimony, celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary this past April. Paul and Lorraine loved to bowl in their spare time.

Bro. Paul retired as a Process Control Manager at Diamond Shamrock. After retiring and moving to Phoenix, AZ, he united with Murph Community AME Church in 1988. This was the first church he had attended, and he served the Lord faithfully doing all that he could with his many talents. He served as a Trustee, Steward, Choir Member, and on the Finance Board. He was instrumental in helping the church acquire their first property at 4806 Indian School Rd. It was a house and Bro. Mathews helped convert it into a church with his excellent carpentry skills. He also helped them acquire the present location at 6702 N 67th Ave. and it continues to grow and flourish today.

In September 2006, Bro. and Sis. Mathews united with Holy Trinity Community AME Church in Mesa, AZ. He was elected a Trustee and appointed a Steward, joined the choir and served on the Finance Committee. He took great pride in having a very manicured lawn in the front of Holy Trinity. He helped partially enclose the patio and added doors to it. He kept a strict ledger of all church expenses and was a stickler for details.

Bro. Mathews was a great example of helping those who were destitute or unsaved. He had an evangelistic thrust wherever he went.

Paul is survived by his wife, Lorraine Mathews of Mesa, AZ; two sons, Gregory Mathews of Manchester, NJ and Mark Mathews of Rex, GA; four grandchildren, Karima Zachery of Union, NJ, Omar Mathews of NJ, Fatima Mathews of Houston, TX, and Lateefah Mathews of GA; sisters, Thelma Runnerstrom of Arlington Heights, IL, Viola Grinage of Palm Springs, FL, Ruth Saunders of Elizabeth, PA, and Winona Womack of Harrisburg, PA; as well as great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

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Dorothy Victoria Thompson
10/18/1938 - 07/26/2018

Dorothy (Dottie) Victoria Thompson was called home July 26, 2018 in Apache Junction at the age of 79.

Dottie is preceded in death by her parents Victor Polk Sr. and Dorothy Race; brothers, Victor Polk Jr. and Darryl Phillips and her children Gary (2), David Lewandowski (15) and Michael Thompson (52).

Dottie is survived by her loving husband Craig Alan Thompson of 45 years. They were married in Kelso Washington on August 9th, 1972.

Dottie is lovingly remember by her sister Dale Bochanski and brothers D. Randy Phillips, Donald G. Phillips Jr. and Gregory Polk; sons Dale (Keri) Lewandowski, Henry Thompson, Darryl (Robin) Thompson and daughter Tanya (Dennis) Muilenburg; as well as her beloved 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dottie was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 18th, 1938. She attended high school at Abington in Philadelphia, PA. She spent her life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.

She enjoyed hobbies such a ceramics, riding bikes, shopping and anything QVC. She was very passionate about cooking and baking with a cookbook collection to prove it. In 1997 her and Craig lived out their retirement dreams and traveled around the country visiting family, making many friends, and enjoying the beauty of the land.

Dottie was known for her beautiful penmanship, exchanging letters with friends and family near and far. She never missed celebrating a special occasion with her thoughtful handpicked cards. She was also a mom to many animals, each pet had a special place in her heart as a lifelong friend.

A graveside burial will be held at Kalama I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Kalama, WA, 98625 on Monday August 6th, 2018 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a homeless shelter of your choice. Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.bunkerfuneral.com

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Harold Joseph Johnson
08/07/1928 - 07/28/2018

Harold Johnson, known to friends as “Hal”, passed away on July 28, 2018, just ten days before his 90th birthday.

Hal was born on August 7, 1928.  He was the youngest of 6 children and the last of his family to depart from earth.  A native of Chandler, Hal attended Chandler High School.  After High School he enlisted in the US Navy and served two years before he was honorably discharged to help his ailing father with the family farm.

Hal was an instrument technician in oil refineries for much of his life.  He had the opportunity to travel and live in a number of places in the world including Saudi Arabia, Curacao, Alaska, California, Utah, and Texas.  He loved to travel and explore around where he lived.

Hal married Martha Louise Jewell on October 20, 1950 in Mesa, AZ.  They had 7 children and 20 grandchildren along with numerous great-grandchildren.  Hal was preceded in death by his wife, Martha and 2 children, Diane and David, who he now goes to join in Paradise. 

Over the past 20 years, Hal has been challenged by Alzheimer’s.  Even through the challenge he remained positive, happy and loved to sing.  His favorite tune was “It’s a Lovely Day” and he brought joy to all who heard him sing.  Hal is survived by his children Deborah, Dale, Dawn, Rebecca and Sean.

A Funeral Service in memory of Hal will be held at 10 am, on Saturday, August 4, at the LDS church – 633 S. Higley Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206.  A graveside service will also be held at 10 AM on Monday, August 6, in the Payson City Cemetery in Payson, UT.

 

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Duane Johnson Madsen
11/22/1942 - 07/26/2018

Duane Johnson Madsen, 75, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on July 26, 2018.  He was born on November 22, 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Duane is survived by his loving daughters: Marlene, Monica, Myla, Merissa, and Miranda; four siblings: Ethelyn, Mark, Lynn and Duana; 20 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  A Graveside service will be held at 9:30 AM, Thursday, August 2nd at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Elaine Willardson Farrar
02/27/1926 - 07/03/2018

In loving memory of Elaine W. Farrar, who passed away at the age of 92 in Gilbert, AZ.  She was a daughter, mother, grandmother, teacher, painter, sculptor, artist, author, and friend. Elaine was raised in Southern California where she attended Glendale High School, then the University of Berkely and Stanford University.  She moved to Scottsdale, AZ in 1957 with 5 children and  where she later received her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from Arizona State University.  In 1968, she and her children moved to Prescott where she was a member of the founding faculty at Yavapai College and retired many years later having been a beloved instructor, Art Department Chair, and an avid supporter of the Yavapai Art Club as well as Prescott Fine Arts.  After retirement she continued on as Graduate Mentor at Prescott College for several years. She inspired so many through her teaching, her artwork, her strengths and even her difficulties and challenges in life.

Elaine is preceded in death by her son, Stephen G and her daughter, Jan Leslie.  Her surviving family members include her sons Mark E., Gregory R. and Montgomery K. (Denise) and daughter Susan D. (Eric) and 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and numerous friends and loved ones.

In accordance with Elaine’s wishes there was a family graveside service at Greenwood Memory Lawn in Phoenix.  In honor of Elaine’s dedication to teaching and the encouragement of her students for the past 50 years, a scholarship benefitting art students will be set up in her name. For more information and to make a memorial donation please contact Edie Dillon at eadwellspring@yahoo.com

 

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Guan “Jerry” Quah
April 21, 1948 - July 23, 2018

Guan “Jerry” Quah passed away peacefully on July 23, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born on April 21, 1948 in Penang, Malaysia to parents Quah Lean Hock and Lim Guat Looi. He was the fourth child out of eight siblings. He attended Singapore Polytechnic and University of Strathclyde in Scotland before moving to Phoenix, Arizona with Motorola in 1979 to pursue his career as an engineer in the semiconductor industry.

Jerry married his wife, Elaine, in 1981 and had two daughters, Bee-Chin and Bee-Lian. His family was the most important thing to him; he always reminded his daughters that “family comes first” and clearly lived by that mantra. He was frequently traveling to visit his loved ones all around the world and made every effort to be present at each wedding, reunion, or milestone event for his many brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.

When he wasn’t working or visiting family, Jerry could be found on the golf course, working on his handicap, even in the Arizona summer heat. He also had fun cruising with friends, watching action movies, tending to his yard, or simply relaxing at home listening to his Oldies. Jerry often missed Malaysia and enjoyed reminiscing when he prepared or ate his favorite Malaysian foods.

Jerry was focused, meticulous, and took his time to “do things the right way” in everything he did; from life-changing decisions to the next mahjong play. He was serious and strict when it came to certain things, but he also had a playful sense of humor and loved to joke around. He appreciated the simple joys in life and always put others’ happiness before his own. He was patient and kind and helped others without expecting anything in return. Jerry made the world a better place by how he lived his life and through sharing his philosophies and values with those around him.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; his daughter and son-in-law, Bee-Chin and Jeff Avery; his daughter, Bee-Lian; his sister, Rosy; and his brothers, Jeff, Seng, and Jimmy. He is predeceased by his parents, Lean Hock and Guat Looi; his sister, Lucy; and his brothers, John and Joe.

Private services will be held to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following charities in Jerry’s name: Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, 2145 W Elliot Rd, Chandler AZ 85224, American Liver Foundation: https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/donate-now/ , or Prevent Cancer Foundation: https://preventcancer.org/donate/tribute/

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Patsy Carlene Hineman
May 29, 1955 - July 22, 2018
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Ted William Hunsaker
February 17, 1949 - July 21, 2018
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Richard William Peters Jr.
September 14, 1935 - July 22, 2018

Richard William Peters, Jr., always lovingly referred to as “Pete,” made his way to peace on Sunday, July 22, 2018. He is now at home with our Heavenly Father at the age of 82 years.

Richard was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but after he met and wed the love of his life, Nancy Jane Horne Peters, he became an Arizonan for the remainder of his life. Richard proudly served the Chandler Police Department for 10 years as a K9 officer, reaching the rank of Detective. He then enjoyed 15 more years an independent long-haul 18-wheel truck driver, later retiring as a driver for Frito-Lay. Pete spent his retirement training volunteer dogs and also volunteering in local classrooms, reading to children.

Pete is survived by his children Shauna Leigh Peters Brock and Jon Jeffrey Peters; their spouses; his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father (of the same surname); mother, Ellen Claribel Bailey Peters; and his brother, Dale.

Pete enjoyed motorcycles and fast cars, reading, gardening, wood working, and being around fun people. He loved and always humored his family and friends; they loved him dearly.

Richard W. Peters Jr. will be inurned and then laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201, at his “Going Home” ceremony on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 8:30am.

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Kenneth “Kent” Eugene Cook
August 19, 1968 - Friday, July 20, 2018

Kenneth “Kent” Eugene Cook, 49, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018. Kent was born on August 19, 1968 in Mesa, Arizona to Ken and Kathleen (Whipple) Cook. He was a friend to all and a champion to those who needed a little extra care or encouragement. He was strong and courageous as he battled many health issues throughout his life. Kent loved camping and traveling with his family. He served an LDS mission in Montana, through which grew a deep love for the people he served and those he served with.

Kent was preceded in death by his brother, Brian Cook. He is survived by his wife, Kristen (Fuller) Cook; his parents, Ken and Kathleen; sisters, Kelli and Katy Cook; brothers, Eric (Ann), Blake (Leeanne), Nathan (Maryann), and Travis Cook; 12 nieces and nephews; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many, many friends. He will be missed by all of us.

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Ila Sylvonne Martin
April 30, 1916 - July 22, 2018

Ila Sylvonne Martin (Norstrud) was born April 30, 1916 in Forest City, Iowa. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, in the early morning hours of July 22, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 102.

Ila’s parents were Olei “Ole” C. Norstrud and Annie Estelle “Stella” Norstrud (Larsen). She was the oldest of four children. Her siblings were Iven, Clarence, and Ruth Norstrud. Ila married Harold Whitmore in Iowa and they had one son, Gary Roger Whitmore, now deceased. She later married Oakla “Oak” Homer Martin who had five children, Henrietta, Alvina, Lester, Florence, and Robert, from a former marriage. Ila and Oakla had two sons together, David Bruce Martin and Leslie Harvey Martin. Leslie Harvey Martin is now deceased.

Ila Martin was a farm wife in Iowa and Missouri. Ila, Oak, and David moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1954 and Ila’s first job in Arizona was packing citrus at the San Tan Citrus shed near Queen Creek, Arizona. She later worked for Jaques Cattell press, a subsidiary of Xerox, and was, among other titles, an editor for the Who’s Who series. She was listed as the Assistant Editor in the 13th edition of American Men and Women of Science and she retired from Xerox in 1977.

After her husband Oak passed away in 1975, she continued to spend her summers near Overgaard, Arizona and her winters in Mesa, Arizona.

Ila was predeceased by her husband, Oak Martin and all of her children, except their son, David Martin. She is survived by David Martin of Mesa, Arizona; many grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who reside in Iowa, Missouri, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

Services will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel in downtown Mesa, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00am. Graveside services will be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201, following the funeral service at 12:30pm.

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Lawrence (Larry) John Faas
02/11/1935 - 07/20/2018

Lawrence (Larry) John Faas, 83, returned to our Heavenly Father peacefully on July 20, 2018, holding the hand of his sweetheart and surrounded by family.

Larry was born February 11, 1935 in Great Falls, Montana.  As a child, he enjoyed spending summers with his grandparents at their ranch where he learned to love the outdoors.  After moving to Southern California, Larry worked in the family business at King-O-Lawn.

Larry met Carole at a volleyball game during high school in 1952.  They were married on July 2, 1954 and later sealed in the Los Angeles LDS temple.  In 1962, Larry and Carole moved to Phoenix, Arizona to open Arizona Lawn King and raise their family.  Through 64 years of marriage and as the parents of five children, they worked alongside each other as loving companions.

Larry enjoyed a lifetime of church service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, blessing countless lives through his inspired counsel and Christ-like example.  But what he loved most was being a husband, father and grandpa.  He was a kind and tender hearted man, a hard worker and an exceptional writer.

Larry is survived by his wife, Carole; five children: Lawrence (Patti), Linda Sherwood (Larry, deceased), David (Patricia), Mark (Tamera), Scott (Jenny); 21 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren; brothers Michael, Doug and Don; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Larry left a matchless legacy for his children and grandchildren.  He was a great example to all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a viewing at the Mesa Arizona Skyline Stake Center (10305 E. Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85209) from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, Friday, July 27, 2018.  Funeral services will follow at 10:00 am.  Interment will take place at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in Chandler (10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248).

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Larry Elmo Grohman
January 7, 1946 - July 21, 2018

Larry Elmo Grohman, 72, passed away on July 21, 2018 after a long illness. Larry was born on January 7, 1946 in Murray, Utah. He grew up in the Salt Lake City area, but spent much of his adult life in Mesa, Arizona.

Larry joined the United States Air Force in 1963 and served in Vietnam, flying supplies into the war zone and leaving with wounded and dead. After his service, Larry served a mission for the LDS church in the Northern Indian Mission headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. He married Mellonie (Greer) Grohman in 1971 and they loved and served together for 47 years.

Larry attended ASU, where he earned his teaching degree in 1974, and NAU, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 1991. He taught school, mostly in junior high, for many years in the Granite, Kyrene, and Scottsdale School Districts, and coached many basketball teams. Larry also served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served two missions with Mellonie as service missionaries.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Mellonie; his three children, Jeremy Paul (Victoria) Grohman, Alishia Grohman Sechez, and Dare Micah (Jessica) Grohman; his sister, Lorna Garfield Rogers; and 10 beautiful grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmo Earl Grohman and Vyrus Taylor Grohman, and his siblings, Joyce Holman, Bernell Garfield, Del Rey Garfield, and Don Garfield.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 9:30am in the Mesquite Building, 2252 W Mesquite, Chandler, AZ 85224, with a viewing preceding the service from 8:30am to 9:15am. A viewing will also be held the night before the service on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213. Interment with Air Force Honor Guard will follow the funeral services on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201.

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Thusnelda Friedgarde Marshall
01/31/1924 - 07/19/2018

Thusnelda Friedgarde (Judt) Marshall also known as Nelda Marshall, passed away Thursday, July 19th 2018 at 11:30pm at Lund Home Hospice Care Center. She was born January 31st, 1924 and lived to be 94 years of age. She lived in Mesa, Arizona with her family when she fell, and later passed away due to her frail state and injuries she sustained from this fall.

Born in a small village called Duval in Saskatchewan, Canada, Thusnelda Friedgarde (Judt) Marshall was born to her mother, Thusnelda (Diemer) Judt and her father, Johannes Judt, who was a Lutheran Minister. Nelda was the middle child being number five in her family of ten children. Her brothers were; Johannes,Theodore, Luther, and Adolph. Her sisters were; Gertrude, Magdaline, Hildagarde, Sally, and Louise. Her family had a long lineage of ministers, teachers, and registered nurses. She met Jack Willfred Marshall sometime around late 1956, and they fell in love. He was ready to marry her right away, but she insisted they give it at least six months to make sure that they were meant to be. About two months later, Nelda fell gravely ill. Jack cared for her until her health returned and she married him soon after on May 11th, 1957.

Before meeting Jack, Nelda attended a nursing University for four years and eventually became a registered nurse at approximately 24 years of age. She would continue this job through her life until she was around 74, serving 50 years as a registered nurse caring for all kinds of people. Though born in Canada, she lived in many states across the U.S. starting in California, moving to Washington state, and then Arizona where she would eventually settle in Mesa with her family. She received Mother of the year in the state of California in 1971 for her outstanding abilities as a parent and community leader. She gave birth to her first daughter, Donna, on April 1st 1959. She would then go on to adopt her 2nd daughter, Sandy, and later, their son Bobby. She also became a foster parent, being a mother and safe person to confide in to all who knew her. Nelda had many hobbies, including but not limited to; knitting, sewing, and crocheting blankets, hats, as well as infant blankets, caps, and stuffed toys that she would donate entirely to the church. She often had trash bags filled to the brim with caps and blankets to be taken to Deseret Industries, as well as other donation centers. She enjoyed writing poems, fictional stories, non-fiction stories, journaling, reading and all types of writing and literature. She was also very talented in the art of calligraphy. Christmas was her favorite holiday, as it gave her an excuse to do more of her favorite things like cooking, baking, gift giving, decorating and all types of music. She played violin in her youth, and would later learn piano and how to sing. One of many skills that all of her family members would embrace and cherish. Something she enjoyed regularly was having Jack read to her, while she either knitted or sewed. She also loved gardening, roses being her favorite flower. Her favorite colors were pink and red, and in her home she always preferred red carpet. She converted to the Mormon religion around the time of her first grandchild’s birth, and would later be baptized in that year of 1998. Nelda is survived by her children Donna Marshall, CaSandra Smith, Robert Marshall, and her grandchild Lance Marshall. She also lives on in the memory of the 16 children she fostered, her two pets Honey and Sunny, and every single person who was touched by her light. She did nothing but love and care for those in her life and was a beautiful example of what every person should strive to be.

The Memorial will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Thursday, July 26th, 2018 at 11am. The church building is located at 1430 N. Recker Rd Mesa Arizona 85205. A private reception will held for the family after the memorial service. Arrangements are being taken care of by Bunker Family Funeral Homes University location, Lance Marshall and CaSandra Smith.

Flowers may be sent to Bunker Family University Chapel at 3529 E. University Dr Mesa Arizona 85213. Their phone number is (480)830-4501 for any questions or concerns. Any and all financial, or other donations must be made privately through the mail or in person to Lance Marshall. Feel free to call Lance with any questions at (623)703-7384.

Thank you to all who helped in the planning of the Memorial such as Bunker Family Funeral home, the Fairway Groves ward of the LDS Church, all friends, family, and those who helped care for her in her final days. She was an amazing woman who will forever be missed. She was irreplaceable, a woman who led her life in service to Christ and those around her. She was a perfect image of a model citizen, an amazing mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, wife and friend.

The Keys of Overcoming Death

I am love,

I am light.

Just as Christ had life in himself, so he has given me to have life in myself.

Within me is the power for life eternal.

Within me is the power to live forever.

No one can take my life from me, but I can lay down my life, if I choose, and have the power to take it up again, because I have the power to hold it forever! For I am love, I am light, and I am life.

-A Poem By Nelda Marshall, found in her notes the day after she passed. You will forever be missed and in our hearts. Rest In Peace.

 

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Steven Lee Webster
09/21/1959 - 07/19/2018

Steven Lee Webster passed away peacefully on July 19, 2018 at the age of 58. He was a warrior throughout six years of fighting a strong and fierce battle of renal cell carcinoma.  Steve was born on September 21, 1959 and grew up in Northfield, Vermont. His love for his Green Mountain State never faded even after he moved to the southwest in 1991.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years, Lorie;  and his children Michael (Erin) and Kali (Tyler), his grandchildren Annabel, Blaise, Sebastian, Wyatt, Beckett, and Layla; his brother, David (Donna); his parents by marriage Ernie and Janet DeMatties; his brothers and sister by marriage Tom (Corie), Ed (Irene), Karen (Joe), and Jim; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Nancy and Cleveland Webster and his grandson Jude.

Steven loved to play with his grandchildren, travel, and fix things. He always wanted to learn how things worked and often tinkered with electronics. He was a quiet gentleman, who cared about others, and had strong belief and trust in the Lord.

Celebration of Life Memorial:  Monday, July 23 4:00 to 6:00pm Church of Latter Day Saints 3700 S Cooper Road, Chandler AZ. Our family friend Kevin McGinnis officiating (Open house come and go with prayer and memories around 4:30)

Requiem Mass: Friday, July 27 11am St Raphael Catholic Church, Poultney VT. Burial following at DeMatties Cemetery.

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Alma B. Judd
January 1, 1934 - July 18, 2018

Dr. Alma B. Judd, born January 1, 1934, passed away on July 18, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. Dr. Judd, a trained dentist who practiced in Mesa for thirty years, was born and raised in Fredonia, AZ by Warren Dart Judd and Olive Brooksby Judd.

Alma attended Arizona State College for a year before serving a mission in Australia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During that year he met Alice Shumway from Woodruff, AZ. After his return from his mission, he and Alice resumed their courting and fell in love. They were married in the Mesa, AZ temple for time and all eternity on December 28, 1957. While attending ASU, Alma and Alice began their family which eventually numbered 10 children.

Following graduation from ASU, Alma moved his family to Oregon to attend dental school. Alma received his DMD degree and served in the Arizona Public Health Service to make good on his commitments. In 1968 he moved Alice and their six children to Mesa and purchased a home in the Lehi neighborhood. He and Dr. John Crandall set up their dental practice across the street from Westwood High School in Mesa where many patients came to know and appreciate his generosity and compassion. He later relocated his dental practice to Brown Road near Mountain View High School. When recently asked why he decided to become a dentist Alma replied, “I wanted to help people.” This exemplifies how he lived his life: “in the service of others and in the service of God.” (Mosiah 2:17)

Four more children were born to Alma and Alice in Mesa. After a prolonged illness Alma’s beloved Alice died in 1997. In 1999 Alma met and fell in love with Connie Patten who had 7 children of her own. They were married on June 24, 1999 in the Mesa, AZ temple.

Alma’s life was focused on his family, church service, and scouting. He served as Bishop, Stake Patriarch, Scoutmaster for troop 357, and held many other church callings. He and Connie served as senior missionaries in Sacramento, CA, and for many years in the Mesa Temple as ordinance workers. He was the recipient of Scouting’s highest honor, the Silver Beaver award.

Alma is survived by his devoted wife, Connie of Gilbert, AZ; three brothers, Keith (Carol) of Fredonia, AZ, Tharon (Cathy) of Orem, UT, and Lawrence (Jan) of Yamhill, OR; ten children, Tami Prince (Spencer) of Kaysville, UT, Sara Dodd (Layne) of Mesa, AZ, Derek (Brenda) of San Tan Valley, AZ, Ardell (Lorelei) of Loveland, CO, Jared (Patricia) of Camas, WA, Jeni Judd of Gilbert, AZ, Justen (Joyce) of Mesa, AZ, Jonathan (Mindy) of Gilbert, AZ, Jeremy (Micah) of Mount Juliette, TN, and Alisa Ray (Danny) of Mesa, AZ. Alma’s surviving step-children include: Melissa Wusich (Daren) of Chandler, AZ, Kristen (Greg) Suman of Washington, UT, Aaron Patten (Latona) of Chandler, AZ, Jeremy Patten (Larne) of Gilbert, AZ, Caralee Thomas (Mike) of Gilbert, AZ, Morgan Finn (Ryan) of Mesa, AZ, and Brittany Hibbing (Ben) of Mesa, AZ. Within this blended family Alma is also survived by 74 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Services for Alma will include the following:

Viewing- Friday, July 27, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Graveside Service/Interment- Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 9:00am at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Memorial Service- Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00am at the Lehi Stake Center, 1430 N Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the humanitarian aid fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at: https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services

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Arizona Obituaries And Obituary Archive

At Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation, we cherish each unique life, considering it special and sacred. Our obituary archive allows you to explore the obituaries of those we’ve had the privilege to care for, and gives you the chance to share thoughts, messages, or stories with their families.

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