Find An Obituary
Recent Obituaries
Samuel Ira Shreve, 86, passed away on July 12, 2018, from complications after back surgery. He was surrounded by his loving family.
While there are no words that would do this great man justice, we as a family, are going to try to put into words some information about Sam, his life, and his accomplishments.
Sam was born in Farmington, Arkansas on July 27, 1931, to Samuel Henry Shreve and Gladys Anglin. Sam’s family moved to Arizona when he was about 5 years old. The family lived in Gilbert or surrounding areas for many years helping farmers in the area to grow crops. At a young age, Sam farmed a piece of land that a neighbor gave him where he raised many, many chickens. When he decided to enlist in the United States Air Force, he had 100 fryers that he sold to Bashas’ grocers.
The family gave him the nickname of “Bud”. His Gilbert High School friends knew him as “Ira” which is his middle name. The military of course used the first name of “Samuel”. He excelled in all high school sports and carried his love for baseball into the military where he was a pitcher at most of the bases where he and his family lived. In the Air Force, Sam specialized in the areas of Cryptology and Communications. He retired in 1972 after 21 years of service.
Sam married his high school sweetheart, Alene Farnsworth who unexpectedly passed away in 1973. Their two children are Michael Ira Shreve (Melissa), and Sue Ellen Angle (Chris).
Sam married Leona Flake Hayes in 1978 five years after the passing of her husband, Max Hayes. Her seven children instantly became his family as he did not believe in the term of “stepchildren” and he was an amazing father. All nine children are presently living – Sheri Russon (Tom), Linda Pomper (Ray), Jolaine Chatham (Bruce), Karen Johnston (Max), Eileen Hayes, Royd Hayes (Nicole) and Alan Hayes.
Sam’s second career as a Transportation Foreman was with the Gilbert School District. He built lasting friendships with many people that worked in the district and was endeared by all. After Sam and Leona both retired from Gilbert School District, they pursued travel for work, for pleasure, and for volunteer efforts. Some of these assignments were in Grenada, West Indies, Guyana, South America, Palestine West Bank and two extended months in Malawi, Africa with the Department of Health assisting in Humanitarian Efforts.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Leona, nine children and spouses, 32 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, his brother, Norman Shreve, and countless friends. Sam was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Services will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints / Emerald Bay Ward at 1483 N. Driftwood in Gilbert, AZ. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. Services will follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Mesa Cemetery with Military Honors. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Mortuary, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.
Kenneth Walser, age 93, passed away Friday afternoon, July 6, 2018, with his loving wife of 63 years, Susie Johnson Walser, at his side. The couple had relocated to Mesa, Arizona to be closer to their children three years ago. Prior to their move, they resided in Sanpete County, Utah for more than 30 years.
Kenneth was born in El Paso, Texas on April 14, 1925, preceding his twin sister by 4 minutes. He was the fourth child of Alma Walter Walser and Aseneth Skousen Walser. He had three older brothers and five younger sisters.
Kenneth spent his younger years in El Paso. He was active in the LDS Church and sports. At Stephen F. Austin High School, he won numerous awards for swimming and diving, as well as playing on the football team. He also participated in swimming, track, and football at the University of Texas Austin and swimming at the University of Denver.
Kenneth served the Army Air Force at the tail end of WWII and in the Air Force in Korea where he flew 51 B-26 missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Seven Clusters, and the Purple Heart. After his combat duty, Kenneth was among a number of Veteran USAF pilots selected to tour Air Force ROTC units. After leaving the Air Force, Kenneth spent most of the rest of his professional life as a commercial airline pilot.
Kenneth and Susie were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 2, 1956. They were blessed with five children, Jon Kenneth, David Kimball, Neal Johnson, Alice Renee Glidewell and Catherine Jane Kellner. They have lived in Utah, Washington, Alaska, California, Utah (again) and Arizona. As a father, Kenneth excelled. He was a wonderful example to his boys of how to conduct themselves and he was a loving protector and leader for his girls. Kenneth has faithfully served in many capacities in the LDS Church including Bishop, Missionary, High Councilor and Temple Sealer.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents and five of his eight siblings: Walter, Stansel, Aseneth Davis, Betty Olsen, and Lucille Brown. He is survived by his brother, Roy; sisters, Helen Wells and Melba Allan; his wife, Susie Johnson Walser; all five of his children; as well as 21 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ, on Friday, July 13, 2018 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held in Manti, Utah where Kenneth and Susie spent most of their retirement years. Those services will be Saturday, July 21, 10:00am, at the Manti Tabernacle, 90 S Main St, Manti, UT.
As a family we’d like to thank all of those who loved and served our husband, father, brother, and son. He was and is an example of kindness, integrity, and courage. We will miss him but look forward to seeing him again someday.
Michael Thomas Hardwick, 39, passed away on July 7, 2018. He was born in Mesa, Arizona on December 29, 1978 and attended Mountain View High School. Michael was the third child of five children and was survived by his parents, Dan and Ann Hardwick; and siblings, Daniel Hardwick, Michele White, and Matthew Hardwick. His brother, Jason, preceded him in death a year and a half ago.
Michael served an LDS mission in Macon, Georgia for two years. He has a daughter named Maddison, who was the love of his life. He loved music, playing the guitar, and fishing. He also enjoyed cooking, loved quoting movie lines, and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, on Friday, July 13, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm and a graveside service at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201, on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 9:00am.
Sylvia Marie Bejarano, 33 years old, homemaker to 3 children; Samuel Rodriguez, Joshua Rodriguez, and Zariah Bejarano, died Thursday, July 5th, 2018. She is survived by 11 Sibilings; Angela, Andrew, Melissa, Simone, Salina, Jae’Lynn, Salvador Jr., Y’sara, Aaliyah, Salano, and Sossa, her parents; Salvador Bejarano and Winfred Pablo, and grandmother Deanna Bejarano.
Dr. Dean A. Curtis passed away July 9, 2018 at Citrus Manor Assisted Living in Mesa, AZ. He was 96 years old and born September 30, 1921 to parents Cleveland and Eunice Amanda Nelson Curtis in Thatcher, AZ. He served a full time mission for the LDS Church in the Northern States Mission and later in life he and his wife Phyllis, served another mission in Winnipeg Canada Mission. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp in WWII as a fighter pilot trainer. An educator by profession, he previously served as President of Eastern Arizona College from 1965 – 1976. He is survived by his wife of 73 years Phyllis Jones Curtis, sons Ken, Ron, Tom and daughters Janis Gulledge and Deanna Cooley, and brothers Phil and Kay. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Maurine and Clara as well as his brothers Carl, Bruce, Alden, Gary and grandson Jeremy Curtis and great grandson Stephen Curtis. Funeral services will be held at the Thatcher, AZ LDS Chapel located on Church Street, Saturday, July 14 at 10 AM with a viewing at 9 AM.
Carol Jean Call was born February 17, 1950 in Phoenix, Arizona, where she lived her entire life of 68 years. She passed away peacefully in her home, with her husband Gary and family surrounding her, on July 6, 2018.
Carol and her husband, Gary Call, were married and sealed for time and eternity in the Arizona Temple on July 19, 1968. Her entire life revolved around her six children, twenty grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The past 40 years of her life she demonstrated incredible fortitude and strength as she endured life-altering physical challenges with a smile! Grammy, as she was known by her family, shared her many talents of crafts and baking with all those around her. She was a loving and devoted wife, mom, and Grammy. She was always thinking of others and giving selfless service with a compassionate heart. Carol was an active and committed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities, including as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Temple in Arizona.
Carol is preceded in death by her father, Merril; son, Ron; grandson, Caleb; and great-granddaughter, Avaya. Her legacy will be carried on by her husband, Gary; their children, Rob (Ruth) Call, Wendy (John) Castle, Diana (Jordi) Ferre’, Gary (Sharon) Call, and Josh (Miriam) Call; as well as the rest of her posterity – including her mother, Merlene and her brothers, John and Bob.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 10:00am, preceded by a visitation at 9:00am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 800 W Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS Missionary Fund.
Marion Eileen Harris, 74 of Mesa was called back to her heavenly home on July 5, 2018. She is survived by her loving husband, Marvin, 4 children, Charles (Marilyn) of Iowa, Robert (Joanne) of Buckeye, Keith (Judith) of Mesa, and Kevin, of Albuquerque NM. She also left behind 9 step children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one niece.
She loved to travel and visit family and friend and participated in several of the activities offered at the mobile home park where she lived. Bingo was her passion. She was an experienced Bingo Caller at several mobile home parks in the East Valley.
Her parents, Edwin and Wolissa Layton proceeded her in death.
Bunker Family Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Services will be held at the LDS Chapel located at 2835 E. Des Moines in Mesa. (Lindsay and Des Moines) at 1:00 pm Saturday July 14, 2018.
Suzanne Armistead Daniels, 77, passed away June 26, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. Suzanne was born January 12, 1941 in Mesa to Lawrence T. and Frances Spain Armistead. She was a lifetime resident of Arizona.
Suzanne graduated from Mesa High School in 1959 and went on to Arizona State University to earn her Bachelor of the Arts degree in elementary education. Suzanne taught second grade at Edison Elementary School for 11 years. After marrying Leroy Daniels, Suzanne and her new husband moved to Taylor, AZ where they raised their two daughters. In 1995, the family moved to Tucson, AZ. Suzanne then returned to Mesa after Leroy’s death in 2016.
Funeral services are to be held on Friday, July 13, 2018 at 11:00am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, AZ.
Ty Patrick Alexander Mullins
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we communicate the death of our beautiful son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin Ty Mullins, 21, on July 1st, 2018 at his home in Mesa, Arizona.
Ty was born April 14th, 1997 in Spokane, WA, 16 months younger than his sister and best friend, Hannah. The family relocated to Beaverton, OR, then to Concord, CA prior to settling in Gilbert, AZ in 2005. Ty attended Val Vista Lakes Elementary, Highland Jr and Sr High and EVIT Law Enforcement, graduating in 2016. After a short stint in the Navy, Ty moved to Tucson, AZ where he lived with his sister and her boyfriend, Alec, until moving to Mesa where he was working at Bass Pro Shops prior to beginning training as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher.
Ty had a huge heart and gave the biggest and best bear hugs. He was a truly caring and extremely intelligent young man. An avid reader, Ty was rarely not engrossed in a book although he could be persuaded to play games, watch movies and even occasionally help with yard work. He loved his dogs, Oreo, Lug, Midge and Ollie. Ty was engaging, amiable and so easy to be around that he was able to hide his internal struggles from those who loved him. He used his incredibly witty sense of humor to deflect attention and no one suspected his intent.
Ty is survived by his heartbroken mom and stepdad, Tanya and Dan Albright, Henderson, NV, dad Harry Mullins, Spokane, WA, sister Hannah Mullins, Mesa, AZ, maternal grandparents, Ted and Patrice Linde, Tacoma, WA/Mesa, AZ, paternal grandparents Moon Mullins, Airway Heights, WA and Ione Mullins, Coeur d’Alene, ID, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a huge extended family who will miss him so much. May he be at peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be given to the Ty Mullins’ Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. http://afsp.donordrive.com/campaign/TyMullinsMemorialFund
Lila Jarvis Rogers, 90, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully on Monday, July 2, 2018. Lila was born November 2, 1927 in St. Johns, Apache County, AZ to George Jarvis and Frances Burgess Jarvis. She was married to Waldo Rogers in 1947 and was a lifelong member of the LDS Church. Lila served faithfully in many callings; including, Primary President, Mutual President, and Nursery Leader.
Lila is survived by her seven daughters, Jackie (Craig) Christensen, Vicki (Court) Hilton, Georgia, Debbie (Ron) Van Dusen, Audrey (Vance) Thomas, Julie Patterson, and Susan (Jim) Seiferth. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Lila loved being a mother and grandmother. She is preceded in death by her husband, Waldo, and her siblings, Eldred Jarvis, Norma Crosby, Catherine Brimhall, and Thomas Jarvis.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 6, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services will be held the next day, Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11:00am at the LDS Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 N Harris Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203, with another visitation one hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201. The family wishes to thank Santé Hospice for their kindness and care.
Jimmy Earl Boydstrun passed away, June 30, 2018 in Mesa, AZ.
Patrick (Pat) Joseph Wirries (77) passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018 in Mesa, AZ. Pat was born on April 26, 1941 in Phoenix, AZ. Son to Anthony Ortiz Jr. and Rita M. (Wirries) Gularte. Lovingly cared for by Frank Gularte and Rita (Wirries) Gularte along with his grandparents William and Mary Mabel Wirries.
At 18 years of age, Pat joined the U.S. Air Force. A true patriot, he served our country for 25 years in various security positions including Chief of Security Police and security in aerospace engineering during The Cold War. He received multiple awards for his excellence in marksmanship.
After retiring from the Air Force, Pat moved back to his birthplace – the land he loved – Arizona. He loved the desert and its heat. He became a Private Investigator and again worked with the U.S. government in various training roles.
Pat enjoyed traveling around the world and fell in love with photography to keep mementos of the new friends he made and the exciting and beautiful places he visited. He always chose to go off the beaten path to explore and to experience the true culture. In addition to traveling and photography, he greatly enjoyed music, writing, and the company of family and good friends. He was quick to make friends – he possessed a quick wit and a generous soul.
Pat loved being with his family and taking them on great adventures. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children: Patricia Scott, Thomas Wirries (wife Leticia), Diane Wirries, and Dawn Dalton (husband Rustin) and their mother Ann (Whitten) Wirries; his grandchildren Craig, Andrew, Kristen, Emily, Katelyn, Austin Thomas, Austin James, Jacob, and Christopher; his great-grandchildren Everett, Ethen, Giovanni, Ezra, Romeo, Autumn, Phoenix, Kieran, Anna, Craig, and Viviana – with 2 more on the way.
Pat is also survived by many siblings including Michael Gularte (wife Susan), Toni Swanson, Rosemary Droszcz (husband Pat), Regina Gomez (husband Joe), and Therese Weycker (husband Mike), Millie Ortiz, and Terri Ortiz. His sister, Rita Jermyn preceded him and is embracing him in Heaven.
Pat also has many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and great friends to whom we are extremely grateful for their love and support during our time of grieving.
Pat will be greatly missed by many.
The Blessing of
St. Francis of Assisi
The Lord bless you
and keep you.
May He show His face
to you and have mercy.
May He turn His countenance
to you and give you peace.
The Lord bless you!
Graveside services with military honors are on Friday, July 6th at 1 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ.
Sylvia “Gayle” Garner, 81, of Mesa, Arizona was called home to her Savior on the evening of June 29, 2018. A lifetime native of Arizona, Gayle was born August 30, 1936 to parents Everett and Laura Nelson. She was the big sister of five children. On January 15, 1955, Gayle married Thomas Franklin Garner Jr. who was her constant companion and the man she “played house” with for over 63 years. She is preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband, Tom; their children, Jeff Garner (Sheree), Craig Garner, Todd Garner, and Shelley Webb (Brent); as well as 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Gayle had a lifetime love of music and dance. She was an avid reader with a passion for mystery novels and was fanatic about UofA basketball. She enjoyed shopping for antiques, dolls, jewelry, and gifts for her grandkids. Gayle’s proudest accomplishments were her forever family and her eternal sweetheart, Tom. She left a legacy of service, and a testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a loving mother, a patient wife, and an adoring grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a sister, a friend, a neighbor, and a disciple of the Lord. To her family, Gayle was a “restorer of paths to dwell in.”
A viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, on Thursday, July 5, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. A celebration of her life will be held Friday, July 6, 2018, with a viewing at 10:00am and a funeral at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 616 S Extension Rd, Mesa, AZ. Dedication of the grave and interment will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ, at 1:30pm. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Romeo and Emblem Hospice for their service and compassionate care.
Leona “Beth” (Barney) Martinsen passed away on June 24, 2018. It was a quiet Sunday afternoon and she left us peacefully and with faith. She knew where she was going.
Beth was born to Benjamin and Leona Mose Barney on April 28, 1926 in Lewisville, Idaho. She grew up working with her brothers on their family farm and remembers the bitter cold of riding a horse to school in the Idaho winters; her fingers numb on the saddle horn. But oh, how she loved the summers! At the age of five, Beth decided to attend the LDS church and would walk herself to Primary each week. She loved church and had a feeling this was the right thing to do. This determined faith would guide many choices she made throughout her life.
Beth fell in love with Don W Martinsen and on October 10, 1945 in Dillon, Montana they were married. Don was on military leave, only having a few precious days before he had to report back to service. The couple decided to make the drive to Montana to marry, since Idaho required a three-day waiting period for a marriage license and Montana had no such requirements. Both moms and Aunt Beula accompanied them so they could attend this happy ceremony. In their excitement to be married, Don and Beth didn’t anticipate the awkward, several-hour-drive back to Idaho with a car full of moms and Aunt Beula and they, now newlyweds, wanting to be alone. Beth, with a chuckle, said it was a quiet, tense drive.
The same faith that guided her down an Idaho path to Primary lead both Don and Beth to be sealed for time and all eternity on February 13, 1957 in the Idaho Falls temple. They raised their six children with this same faith—Zay Don (Beth) Martinsen, Rick Lee (Julie Heap, Amy) Martinsen, Peggy Beth Barnett, Jerry Ben (Mindy) Martinsen, J Norman (Debbie) Martinsen, and Treva Leona (Pat) Hughes. They were blessed with twenty-six grandchildren, over fifty great-grandchildren and, to Beth’s delight, a few great-great-grandchildren. Don and Beth showed their posterity what it was to be in love and to have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Their service included family history and genealogy work, temple work, and many church callings. They thrived doing this service together.
Beth’s faith saw her through the loss of her beloved Don, helping her keep an eye focused on the eternities. When her body became too frail to be physically useful, she did the one thing she could do—share her testimony with those around her. True to her nature, she did this with a peace that drew others close. You left Beth’s bedside feeling lifted and loved. So, it was no surprise that she would leave us on a quiet Sunday afternoon, as peacefully as a young girl walking an Idaho path to Primary, because she knew where she was going and who would be waiting there for her.
Services for Beth will be held at the LDS chapel on the N/E corner of Lehi and Horne, 830 East Lehi Road, Mesa, AZ, 85203 on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 10:30am, with a viewing and visitation beginning at 9:30am. Following the services, the graveside will be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery.
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.
Use our search function to find a specific obituary, or contact us if you’d like to have your loved one’s obituary hosted on our site.

Let us help you honor their legacy.
Celebrate your loved one’s life however you see fit. At Bunker, we’re committed to helping you. With decades of experience serving families like yours, we can guide you in the right direction to set up a fitting tribute to the special person you have lost.