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John William Burbank, 57, passed away on June 25, 2018. He was born on March 4, 1961 in San Diego, California. John was the epitome of service and giving. His life was spent serving his family and friends and all of those he met. Because of John’s giving and Christlike demeanor, you could not help but be a better person just because you knew him.

John was an aircraft mechanic, but more importantly he was a husband, father and friend. John married Melodie Palmer and had five beautiful children: Vanessa (Andrew), Melissa (Devin), Rusty (Sonya), Hailee (Ammon) and Amber. He now has five beautiful grandchildren, Zoe, Carly, Jake, Wyatt and Gemma. Everything John did was for his family.

John was predeceased by his parents, Judy and Larry Burbank.

There will be a viewing at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201, on Friday, June 29, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00pm. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 11:00am at his church building, 1430 North Grand Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201, following his interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Laurence Wayne Fish, 90, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on June 14, 2018 in Phoenix, AZ. A native of Arizona, Laurence was born on August 23, 1927 in Phoenix to Harold Reidhead Fish and Ellen Fish (Hatch). Laurence served in the United States Army during World War II and earned the World War II Victory Medal. He will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held for Laurence at 10:00am on Friday, June 29, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Camelview Ward, 3920 North 44^th Place, Phoenix, Arizona 85018. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at 9:00am. Laurence will then be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

James “Jim” Nielson passed away peacefully on June 21, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 49. Jim is survived by his mother, Phyllis Garcia; brother, Lee Nielson; and sisters, Lori Cook and Jessica Vasquez.

Jim was born on June 3, 1969 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He enjoyed track and field, bowling, and competing in the Special Olympics. Jim also had a love for everything superheroes, Star Wars, and Mickey Mouse. He spent much of his time listening to old albums on his record player and was obsessed with movies, especially VHS tapes. Jim also enjoyed going to church every Sunday and spending time with his friends and family.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1852 N Stapley Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203, with a viewing prior to the service at 9:00am. There will also be a viewing on Thursday, June 28, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. If you would like to honor Jim’s love of superheroes or Star Wars, please join us on Thursday night by wearing a superhero or Star Wars themed T-shirt. Following services, Jim will be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Bless Phimmasone of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 15, 2018 at the age of 77.

Bless Phimmasone was born on May 20, 1941 in Laos.  She is survived by her three children Phouthone Phimmasone, Thavone Phimmasone, and Kesone Phimmasone.  She was adored by her two grandchildren (Kenneth and Katherine).

Bless spent most of her life in Ames, Iowa.  She retired from Ames School District.  After retirement, she did everything she wanted to do.  She had lived a full life.  She is great mother and grandmother.  She dedicated her whole life to her family.

Frank C. Luna, 95, passed away Friday, June 22, 2018, in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on April 2, 1923 in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

He is survived by his daughters; Rosa Adame, Sally Cobos (Rene), and Irma DiDomenico; his sons, Jerry (Dee), James (Lucy), and Gary (Veronica); 24 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Fidencia G. Luna, and his daughter, Zela Luna.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lazona Ward, 1345 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ. Services will be preceded by a visitation at 9:00am. Burial will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ.

Kennard “Dewey” Ray passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Saturday, June 23, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He passed away after suffering a major heart attack.

Dewey was raised on a family farm in Mesa, Arizona and graduated from Mesa High School in 1949. After completing high school, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern Western States Mission (Washington and Oregon) from 1951 to 1953. Dewey married Ina Scott in the LDS Mesa Temple in 1953 and was also drafted into the Korean War in April of that same year. He served for two years in Ft. Lewis, Washington and was honorably discharged in January of 1955.

Dewey graduated from Arizona State College at Tempe (Arizona State University) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education in 1958. He was a police officer for the City of Mesa for 13 years and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He also taught Criminal Justice classes at Mesa Community College and owned a landscaping business for many years. Dewey retired at the age of 65 from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as a facilities maintenance worker.

Dewey was best known as a loving husband and father. A few months before his passing, he celebrated his 65^th wedding anniversary to Ina Scott Ray. Dewey and his wife, Ina, had eleven children; Ina “Lynn” (1954-2015), Dewey, Scott, Dianne, Donald, Michelle, Annette, Steven, Amy Jo, Rebecca, and David. Dewey is also survived by 41 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

Dewey was an avid basketball player, enjoyed gardening, and loved to play card games and board games with his family.

A visitation for Dewey will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at 2228 E Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213. There will also be a graveside service at the City of Mesa Cemetery located at 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201 at 9:00am on June 28, 2018. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Maxine Christy 80, beloved wife for 62 years of Norman Christy of Mesa, Arizona passed away Friday, June 15, 2018.

Maxine was born September 5, 1937 in Wheeler, Texas to Opal and James Polk. She had two siblings, Lois (Polk) Gossett and Bob Polk. After graduating high school in Dalhart, Texas she married and raised three children. She attended a technical training school to learn secretarial skills and bookkeeping as a young adult. Later in life she returned to school and earned her AA in Technology from New Mexico State University in Las Cruses, New Mexico. Maxine loved to learn.

She loved playing games with her friends and family and enjoyed making jewelry.  She was also an accomplished seamstress.  She sewed and created items from material often without patterns.  She loved arts and crafts and painted well. She also loved working on her genealogy.

Maxine is survived by her husband Norman Christy, son Jack Christy and his wife Becky, daughter Deborah (Christy) Tinsley, daughter-in-law Lynn Christy, step-son John Johnson and wife Christine.   She is also survived by her loving sister, Lois (Polk) Gossett. She was blessed with nine wonderful Grandchildren (Ernest Tinsley III, Christopher Tinsley, Trina (Tinsley) Peterson, Morgan Christy, Norm Christy III, Bonny (Christy) Ford, Kim (Christy) Davalos, Jack P. Christy II, Ashley (Christy) Pitkin and their spouses. She also has 18 Great Grandchildren with two more Great Grandchildren on the way, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Maxine is predeceased by her parents Opal and James Polk, her brother Bob Polk, and her son Norman E. Christy II.

A grave site service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, June 28^th, 10am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.   23029 N. Cave Creek Rd.  Phoenix, AZ 85024.

Dana J. Lucenta, 30 of Mesa, Arizona (formerly of Natick, MA) passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 unexpectedly of natural causes. Dana is survived by his loving parents Nicholas & Cheryle (LeBlanc) Lucenta, his brother Brian and sister Allison “Allie” Lucenta, all of Natick MA; his grandmother Joan LeBlanc of Natick MA; his aunt Barbara Leehan of Waltham MA; his uncles: Alan Lucenta and his partner Patricia Longbottom of Newton MA, James Lucenta and his wife Deborah of Newton MA, Col. William Lucenta USMC Retired and his wife Judy of Virginia, Guy LeBlanc of Marlboro MA and Wayne LeBlanc and his wife Sue Crones of Maryland; his great grandfather Richard Thurston, great aunt Carol Zachor and great uncle Stephen Thurston all of New Hampshire; many cousins; and his beloved family dog, Tulsa. Dana was born on March 24, 1988 in Newton, MA. He attended Natick High School and graduated from Proctor Academy. Following high school, Dana moved to Arizona, where he attended and graduated from Arizona State University. Dana worked as a quality review specialist at DriveTime. Dana loved playing ice hockey, golfing, and softball. He enjoyed time spent with his family especially at their beach home in Plymouth, MA. Dana met lifelong friends during many different stages of life, in Natick, on the ’88 Boston Jr. Eagles, at Proctor Academy, and in Arizona. His love of dogs led him to becoming a frequent dog sitter for friends. Dana was a avid Boston sports fan. Dana was predeceased by his grandparents: John F. LeBlanc, George Lucenta and Elizabeth “Betty” (Vitale) Lucenta and his uncles: Frederick “Freddie” Leehan and John A. LeBlanc.

Dana’s family would like to welcome friends to attend a reception in Memory of Dana from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 26th at Arizona Grand, The Vista Room, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85044.

On June 20th, 2018, Ruth Ann (Dyas) Ahrendt passed away into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ; peacefully in her sleep. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 3, 1939 to Arthur and Frances (Cox) Dyas. She had a passion for serving her community and loved her work with Maricopa County Animal Care. Ruth is survived by her two sons, Paul and David. She is loved and missed by all that knew her. Please join the family for her Memorial Service, Tuesday, 6/26/18 at 2:00 PM. Services will be held at her church, King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2085 E. Southern Ave, Tempe, Arizona 85282.

LyNelle Wright Jackson, 78, passed away June 19, 2018. She was born in Chandler, Arizona to William G. (deceased) and Virginia Pickens Wright (also deceased) August 3, 1939.

LyNelle and Glenn Jackson were married in Mesa, Arizona on June 4, 1955 and were later sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They raised three children together; Debra (Charles Sherman), Terrie (Robert Heywood), and Fred (Richard DiNorcia). LyNelle was fondly known as “Grandma” to all of the neighborhood children. They all loved her and she loved all of them too!

LyNelle worked for many years at Wright’s Market in the Meat Department alongside her husband, Glenn, her father, Bill Wright, and her brother, Billy Wright. She had four siblings: Susan (Robert Woolsey), Marilyn (Lynn Whiting), William L. (Deceased), and Ginger (Anthony Allen).

LyNelle was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was regularly attending the Aspen Ward. She bore fervent testimony of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice, which she often expressed and lovingly taught to her children and grandchildren. She had five grandchildren: Zachary Blair (Audrey), Garrett Blair (Coco), Chelsea Blair, Kaylee Sherman, and Kara Sherman. She also had one great-grandchild, Liam Blair, of which she was so proud.

Services will be held Monday, June 25, 2018 at 10:00am, with a viewing at 9:00am, at the Aspen Ward building, 1249 South 48th Street, Mesa, Arizona 85206.

Beverly Jean (Claxton) Lewis, 81, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away peacefully on Monday, June 18, 2018 at her home, with family by her side. Beverly was born on September 21, 1936 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After spending most of her childhood in the Midwest, she moved to Arizona with her parents when she was in high school. While there she met her husband-to-be, Tom Claxton. Tom and Beverly married before Beverly graduated high school, but she did continue her education and graduated after they were married.

Beverly and Tom went on to have four children, Vickie Lynn, Michael Ray, Sandra Jo, and Thomas Walter Claxton II. The span of ages between her children was only five years, leaving her to be one very busy mom! Beverly took a job in the school cafeteria to stay close to her children. Having been the oldest child in her family, Beverly was instilled with a natural pattern of maternal instincts in her and she cared deeply for her children. Beverly is survived by her four children, as well as 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She has loved all of them as her own.

Beverly joined the LDS church in 1971 and has been a faithful member; committed to the Lord ever since. She spent part of her work life serving in the Mesa LDS Temple. She also worked for several years at a school for children with hearing impairments and even learned sufficient ASL.

Beverly will be missed greatly by those who knew her as a sister, mom, grandma, mema, and little grandma.

Services for Beverly will be held at the LDS Cooley Ward building, 1100 N Cooper Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233. The visitation will begin at 9:00am, followed by the service at 10:00am, on June 23, 2018. All visitors are welcome. Beverly will then be laid to rest at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248.

Jeffrey Jerome Brown entered into this life on October 6, 1958 to Wallace and Gloster Brown in Norwalk, CT. Jeff was one of ten brothers and sisters; Dorothy Mayberry, Barbara Brown, Curtis Brown, Lillian Brown, Sarita Dupuis, Jennifer Smith, and (half-sister) Myrtle Amado. Jeffrey was proceeded in death by his loving parents, Wallace and Gloster Brown; sister, Bernice Mayberry; and brothers, Wallace Brown Jr. and Marvin Brown; brother-in-law, Barry Smith; as well as a niece, R’wanda North and nephew, Kevin Mayberry.

At a young age, Jeffrey accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and attended church regularly with his mother and father until their passing. Jeffrey continued to praise God and served the Lord until he was unable to continue.

Jeffrey attended Norwalk High School in Norwalk, CT. Jeffrey’s years on this earth were well-lived because of his love of life and music – from moving his feet to soul stirring gospel and country music or bopping his head to hip hop — he loved music and dancing. Jeffrey loved to skate and bowl with the bowling team, using his own bowling ball. Jeffrey loved to eat; and loved visiting his favorite food places like Taco Bell and Jack In The Box. Those he loved felt special when he called them his “favorites” or “homies.” The simplest conversation and each and every moment with him was sure to bring a smile to your face. Jeffrey was called to rest on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, to be absent from the body and present with the Lord (Corinthians 5:8).

As we celebrate Jeffrey’s life, we remember the impact he made on his family and friends: Sister-in-law, Joyce Brown; brothers-in-law, Edward Bradford and Ronald Dupuis; 130 nieces and nephews; many cousins; and a host of friends. Jeffrey will be deeply missed as he continues on his journey to his eternal home.

Michael L. Bensinger, 54 has passed away on  June 18, 2018. He was a very dedicated man to his work and family. He worked at KSAZ FOX 10 as a Senior Producer. The family that was left behind was his wife Debra Bensinger, 3 step – children  Eva, Joseph and wife Lissa, and Jeannette, and 11 step – grandchildren. He also has his an older sister Kathy and husband Bob Alven, 1 niece,  2 nephews, 1 great nephew and several in-laws . One of his most favorite things to do was rooting for the Miami Dolphins during football season. He was and is still loved by all.

Robert Glenn Kempton, 75, passed away Friday, June 15, 2018 at his home in Gilbert, AZ, surrounded by his family. Robert was born in Solomonville, AZ and moved with his family to Tempe, AZ in 1950 where he graduated from Tempe High School. He later served an LDS mission in Virginia and North Carolina. Robert began dating his sweetheart Barbara Ellingson in 1964 and they later married in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1965. Robert and Barbara raised their 8 children in Tempe. Robert’s greatest joy was his eternal family. He loved spending time with his family and will be remembered lovingly as “Papa” to his sweet grandchildren.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and developed a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice, of which he freely expressed and lovingly taught to his children and grandchildren.

Robert was a respected attorney and member of the community, serving on the Tempe Union High School Governing Board and the Board of Directors for Salt River Project for many years.

Robert is survived by his “angel-wife,” Barbara, of 53 years; children, Richard, Scott, DeeAnn, Brad, David, Lori, Michael, and Lisa; 33 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Martin Kempton; and sister, Shirley Snedigar.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 6-8pm, followed by services on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 10am. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to the service at 9am. All services will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1010 S Recker Rd, Gilbert, AZ.

Leonard Anthony DeFusco, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, AZ in mid-June 2018. He was born in March 1961 in Washington, DC to Filomena D’Elia and Dr. Leonard DeFusco.

Len was a hard worker when it came to his professional career. He was an experienced handyman and jack of all trades. He was proud to manage building maintenance teams at Arizona Country Club and Mark Taylor Apartments, among his various other jobs.

In his free time, Len loved to fish, hunt, read, and work out. He loved dogs and the New York Yankees. He made many friendships over the years, however, he would probably say that the best thing he ever did was father his children: Ryan Coast, Teresa Banas, and Leonard DeFusco III. He loved deeply and often and wasn’t afraid to show it.

Len is survived by his parents; siblings, Mark DeFusco, Laura Couty, Andy DeFusco, and Deanna Walker; children; grandchildren, Sofia Loree Banas and Raymond Anthony Banas; and a multitude of extended family and friends. His light will be truly missed.

Donations in memory of Len DeFusco, Jr. can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital under his name or at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/ldefusco.