Find An Obituary

A wonderful family reunion was held on June 4, 2018, when LaNeta Owen Stout, 82, joined her eternal sweetheart, Mel G. Stout; an infant son, Melvin Gary; her parents; and other loved ones on the other side of the veil. Rejoicing in her release and graduation from mortality, but mourning their own bereavement, are her surviving siblings, Richard (Linda) Owen, Gloria (Russell) Robison, Eileen (Ron, deceased) Andersen, and Verl (Margo) Owen; her children, David (Carolyn) Stout, Suellen (Bob) Weiler, Dan (Cynthia) Stout, Rebecca (Dan) Cluff, Ann (Dan) Davis, and Jennifer (Brad) Stinocher; 45 grandchildren, and more than 80 great-grandchildren.

Born August 12, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Orson C. and Ruth Carlson Owen, LaNeta graduated from Granite High School, married her childhood sweetheart in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then almost immediately sent him off and supported him in serving a two-year mission for the Church. In their 64 years of marriage, they reared their children, served in the LDS Church in various capacities in Salt Lake and Mesa, and served three Church missions together.

For many years, LaNeta composed a family newsletter to keep her widely-scattered posterity connected, always ending each edition with her signature exhortation: “Hold to the rod!” referring, of course, to the iron rod leading to the Tree of Life referenced in the Book of Mormon. Those who knew her appreciate her example in doing just that. Her growing posterity all rejoice in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the eternal covenants which “help us hold on and let go…[,]sweeten, preserve, sanctify, [and] redeem.” LaNeta is missed already. In the childhood words of a beloved grandson: “Grama, [we] love you higher than Heavenly Father’s head!”

A celebration of LaNeta’s life will be held Monday, June 11, 2018 at the LDS meetinghouse at 2334 E. Pueblo in Mesa at 10:00am, preceded by a family visitation at 9:00am. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

We are deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of our beloved daughter, sister, mother and friend, Brittany Brooks Molina-Nikolaus at the young age of 30 years old. She left behind her two beautiful daughters, Ryleigh (age 11) and Bryton (age 9). Brittany had a heart of gold and she loved her children, her family, her friends and our Savior, Jesus Christ very much. Throughout her life, she inspired many through her love of dance, gymnastics and acting. She was so, very talented and excelled at anything she put her mind to. We love you Brittany and you will be sorely missed.

Lela Rowley was born August 17, 1928, to Jesse Noah Rowley and Martha Haws Rowley.  A resident of Mesa for most of her life, she grew up in a house on Olive Drive as one of the youngest children of a very large family.

Lela was always the adventurous type, and liked softball, gymnastics, and outdoor activities—interests she pursued well into adulthood. She graduated from Mesa High School and went on to meet Lester “Weston” Carpenter, whom she married on February 19, 1948, in the Mesa temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Weston and Lela welcomed six children into their home:  Sue, Janice, Robert, Mark, Cathy and Russell. The family was active in their church, and Lela held many different callings through the years.  Perhaps the family remembers best that she served as Primary President and Relief Society President while they were growing up.

Lela was creative, and loved beauty wherever she found it.  That was evidenced in a well-kept yard brimming with flowers, in the home she took pride in, in the clothing she made for her family.  She was an excellent cook; her pies were especially sought after!  But her talents went beyond the domestic.  She was an accomplished and prolific artist whose paintings now grace the walls of many children and grandchildren.  She left a great legacy to her family:  precepts shown by example, children and grandchildren taught skills that enrich their lives, love expressed in word and deed.

Weston passed away in 1993, and on April 8, ­­­­1995, Lela married Hal V. Abegg.  Hal was Lela’s companion and helper for 15 years, until his own passing in 2010.  His children loved Lela, and continued to express their affection and support long after their father’s passing.

Lela lived in Scottsdale for the last year and a half with her son Russ, his wife Lynn, and their children.  Her entire family is grateful for Russ and Lynn’s loving care during the last part of her life.

Lela is survived by children Sue Lucas (Ray), their two children and 6 grandchildren; Janice Seever (Bart), their six children and 26 grandchildren; Robert Carpenter (Renee), and their three children and 9 grandchildren; Mark Carpenter; Cathy Thompson (Kelly), their three children and 8 grandchildren, and Russ Carpenter (Lynn) and their six children. Lela will be deeply missed, but she will live on in the minds, hearts, and lives of those who love her.

David (Dave) Alan, 70, of Mesa, AZ passed away on June 2, 2018 at 9:47am. He was born in Huntington, IN on September 26, 1947 to Don and Kathleen Hesting. Dave graduated from Huntington Catholic High School in 1965. He was the middle child of 7 siblings.

Dave loved baseball. He coached in Indiana for 8 years and continued coaching for 10 years after moving to Arizona in 1982. He also played on a traveling team while living in Indiana and was the president of the Pony League Organization.

Dave was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. He was a temple ordinance worker for 17 years in the Mesa, AZ temple.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marilyn Weaver. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sheila Hesting; children, Kimberly Hesting, Kyle David Hesting, and Jeffrey Donald Hesting; three brothers, John Hesting of Gastonia, NC, Jerry, and Mark (Pam) Hesting of Huntington, IN; two sisters, Sharon Double (Lee) and Nancy Buzzard of Huntington, IN; brother-in-law, Ron (Diane) Earlywine of Show Low, AZ; and a sister-in-law, Donna Myers of Mesa, AZ.

Dave is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Lindsay Diaz, Billy Diaz, Markus Shepherd, Devyn Shepherd, and Kalli Shepherd; 1 great-grandson, Greyson Richards; and many special nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the LDS Mesa Salt River Stake Center, 6942 East Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona 85207, on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 10:00am. A visitation will be held the evening before the service on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Noreen Maryan passed away in Gilbert, Arizona on June 5, 2018. She will be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery on Friday, June 6, 2018 at 2:00 PM.

Dean Condie Jensen passed away June 3, 2018 at the Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 71, with his wife and children by his side. Born in Boise, ID, Dean was the third son of Weldon Tolman Jensen and Roma Condie. He graduated from Rancho High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, and served in the Northern Indian LDS mission based in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Dean married Margaret Jean Hoopes, of Thatcher, Arizona, in the LDS Mesa Temple in 1967. They are the parents of seven children – all raised in Mesa and all married: Aliesa (Craig), Greg (Tracy), Steven (Sally), Spencer (Alison), Sterling (Lindsay), Scott (Liza) and Burkley (Jenni).

Dean received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. As a general contractor in Arizona, Dean built residential homes in the 1970s, commercial buildings in the 1980s, a chain of 50s diners in the 1990s, and two Mexican restaurants in the early 2000s. Dean built all four of the permanent homes in which he and Jean raised their family: one in Las Vegas and three in Mesa.

Dean and Jean have centered their entire lives around family values and Christian service. Dean served as a bishop, mission president and in many other callings in the LDS Church. They have been blessed to acquire many friends in Arizona and around the world from their travels and missions. In 1988 Dean and Jean and their children were called by the LDS Church to serve for one year as work volunteers at the church-owned historical site of Adam-ondi-Ahman, in Missouri, where Dean’s assignments included the tree nursery. In 1991 Dean volunteered with the LDS Benson Institute, living with the family in Oaxaca, Mexico where the four youngest children attended Spanish-speaking schools for a year while Dean and Jean taught English. From 2003 to 2007 Dean and Jean served in the Indonesia Jakarta LDS mission – first as full-time missionaries and then as mission president. In the intervening nine years they have kept in close contact both with the hundreds of missionaries they trained and with whom they served, as well as with many of their Indonesian friends. For the past nine years, from 2009 through 2017, Dean served as a counselor in the Mesa Salt River LDS stake presidency. At the time of Dean’s passing he and Jean were preparing to serve another LDS mission, in Chile.

For nearly five decades Dean and Jean have been pillars in the East Valley community. Dean participated in local business and civic organizations, political campaigns and served for decades in many capacities in the Boy Scouts of America, earning its prestigious Silver Beaver award. His lifetime of selfless service included countless hours of doing manual labor, odd jobs and projects for his married children, and spending personal one-on-one time with his 28 grandchildren and one great-grandchild (born in 2018).

Dean lived life to the fullest with many interests and hobbies including participation in high school and college wrestling, Native American adoption programs, piloting planes, gardening, hiking, mountain biking, boating, skiing, birding, making pizzas, and building things – many things – from pinewood derby cars to campsite “furniture” to replicas of religious artifacts. The crown jewel of Dean’s craftsmanship was the family cabin he recently built (nearly single-handedly) on the Mogollon Rim, finishing it mere weeks before he passed away.

Besides his wife Jean and their seven married children, Dean is also survived by brothers Tom and Jon, and sisters Sally, Nancy and Kathy. He will be missed by his family and friends and the many lives he touched.

A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday, June 8, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m., at the Mesa Arizona Salt River Stake Center, 6942 E. Brown Rd., Mesa. A brief graveside service will be held immediately following the funeral. Interment will be at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street. Condolences may be sent to www.bunkerfuneral.com .

On June 3, 2018, Gary Kenneth Nielsen passed away from complications of frontotemporal dementia, surrounded by his family. Gary’s funeral services will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018, at the LDS Church building located at 1852 N. Stapley Dr., Mesa, Arizona 85203. The viewing will begin at 9:00 and services will begin at 10:00. All are welcome to attend. As this will be a celebration of life, please feel free to wear colors other than black.

Gary was born in Lander, Wyoming on October 19, 1953 to loving parents – Kenneth Orson Nielsen and Pauline “Joyce” Nissen Nielsen. When Gary spoke of his childhood, he’d often talk about hunting trips with his father and his mother’s amazing cooking. Gary was an athletic and ambitious boy who got good grades, led his high school basketball team to new heights, performed in the high school musical (and loved musicals thereafter) and obtained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. As a young adult, Gary served a two-year mission for the LDS Church in Sao Paulo Brazil.

At the University of Wyoming, Gary met and married the love of his life, Christal Delrae Ririe. They were sealed together in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 28, 1976 and would remain true to one another for over 40 years. Gary loved Christal very much. Even after decades of marriage, he still referred to her as his “girlfriend” and loved kissing the top of her head. Gary and Christal had three baby boys in Wyoming – David, Joshua, and Jeremy – before Gary graduated with honors and a degree in electrical engineering, after which the family of five moved to Tucson where Gary started his career at IBM working as a QC engineer. In Tucson, the Nielsen family added three more children to the mix – Rachel, Benjamin, and Andrew – before moving to Gilbert Arizona, where Gary and Christal raised their children to adulthood.

For the majority of his career, Gary enjoyed much success while working as a field engineer at Hewlett Packard, where he received many awards and travelled to faraway places like Tokyo and Hawaii. Later in life, Gary reinvented himself professionally, starting and running, with great pride, his own financial services company, Spyglass Financial Group.

Gary was an active and strong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints his entire life. He served his church in various capacities, including in bishoprics and as a High Priest Group Leader. He was also a very dedicated home teacher. Gary was truly a Christian in word and deed that did his best to raise his family to follow Jesus. Gary also loved the Boy Scouts of America and served faithfully in that organization his entire life, eventually obtaining the esteemed award of Silver Beaver and helping thousands of boys to become honorable men. Gary loved camping and hiking in the great outdoors. Some of the best and most carefree times he ever spent were out in the wild, hiking in places like the Grand Canyon and the New Mexico wilderness at the Philmont Scout Ranch, and acting as course director for Woodbadge.

Gary was a good father who supported his kids in whatever they did and attended every event/concert/game/graduation that was possible to attend. Gary’s children were his pride and joy, and he could talk an ear off about their accomplishments, big or small. But Gary loved being a grandfather more than anything else in life. His legacy of support and attending events continued to toddler dance recitals, sports games, and concerts. It was the greatest and most important role he’d ever play. And his grandchildren loved him even more.

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed too soon, but he left a profound mark on this world and in our hearts, where we will always keep and cherish his memory. Yes, Gary Kenneth Nielsen will be deeply missed by many, but we take true comfort in knowing that our loss is heaven’s gain and that Gary was a good and faithful servant who has earned his rightful place in his Father’s Kingdom.

Gary is survived by his wife (Christal Nielsen), by his children and their spouses, (David and Jenn Nielsen, Joshua and Juleen Nielsen, Jeremy and Barbara Nielsen, Rachel Nielsen, Benjamin and Krista Nielsen, Andrew and Carla Nielsen) by his sisters and their spouses (Debbie and Gary Anderson and Connie and Carlos Bassett), and, most importantly, by his grandchildren (Micah, Karlee, Jacob, Denver, Emma, Michael, Aaron, Kaylee, Anna, Sofia, Kylee, Taylor, Calin, Hailey, Madisyn, Rebecca, Emily, Olivia, Ethan, and Logan).

Final arrangements for Eldon Cox, 78, of Mesa, Arizona are being prepared by Bunker’s Garden Chapel in Mesa, Arizona. No public services will be provided.

Mr. Cox passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018, at a local hospital. He was born March 21, 1940 in Ada, OK to Eunice June Watts and Ervin Harlan Cox.

Eldon attended a couple of local grade schools in Oklahoma before moving to California with his Mom and new stepfather. He graduated high school at Berkeley in 1958 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in History and Social Science from Berkeley College in 1961. He also earned a master’s degree in Business from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, AZ. On July 29, 2000 Ray married his long-time friend Earlene Haley in Nevada to whom he was still married at his death. He retired from Motorola, Inc in Mesa and the State of Arizona in Gilbert.

His mother (Eunice), stepfather (Darrell Bolich), aunt (Cleo) and uncle (Burness) precedes him in death and he leaves behind a wife (Earlene), a daughter and son (Clissy & Wes), a grandson (Antoine), a grandson & granddaughter (Todd & Melissa), and seven great grandchildren.

Frederick Clelle Frazier, 88, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Ozark County, Missouri on January 3, 1930 to Fred Ragland Frazier and Alortha Pearl Morrison. He married Geraldine Naylor on December 30, 1947 in Globe, Arizona.

Clelle is preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Naylor Frazier; sister, Burnelle Nichols; and great-granddaughter, Goldie Gardner.

He is survived by his children, LeElla (Michael) Gardner, Vicky (Jerry) Vaughn, and Fred (Mary Ann) Frazier; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many close friends.

Frazier was a long-time Arizona watermelon farmer and horseman. At the time of his passing he was still actively training race horses.

Funeral services for Clelle will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10:00am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will be available at 9:00am, prior to the services. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery located at 1212 North Center Street in Mesa, Arizona.

Raymond Nelson Larsen, 91, passed away May 26, 2018 at the Higley House Group Home in Gilbert, Arizona. Born on September 13, 1926 and raised in Brigham City, Utah, Raymond “Ray”was the youngest son of Merlin Russell Larsen and Judith Viola Nelson. He graduated from Box Elder High School in 1944, enlisted in the United States Navy that same year, and served in the Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII.

Ray married the love of his life Kirma Snow, also of Brigham City, in the LDS Logan Temple on July 2, 1947. They are the parents of seven children: David (Marge) of Hinckley, Utah, Michael (Annette) of Oregon City, Oregon, Judy (Stewart) Adams of Mesa, Arizona, Karen (Jack) Huish of Taylorsville, Utah, Gail (Mark) Snow of Gilbert, Arizona, Barbara (Neal) Jones of Mesa, Arizona, and Alan (Alina) of Tucson, Arizona.

Ray and Kirma lived in Brigham City and Salt Lake before moving to Garfield, Utah, a mining town owned by Kennecott Copper. Eventually the town shuttered its doors and Ray transplanted his family to Magna, Utah in 1956. Ray was employed at Kennecott Copper Corp. as an Industrial Relations Representative. While thus employed, and while providing for his family, he attended and graduated from the University of Utah in 1964. In 1968 he began work for Marathon Steel in Phoenix, Arizona and moved his family to Tempe followed by subsequent moves to Sahuarita and later Mesa, Arizona. Upheavals in the copper industry, and facing an uncertain future, Raymond started his own business, ‘Ray’s Roofing’ and he took great pride in his skills and his ability to provide for his family. Managing a ‘Motel 6’ in the Phoenix area provided an income in later years prior to retirement.

Ray and Kirma have centered their entire lives around church service and family values and have been very blessed to acquire so many friends throughout their lives. Ray loved to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and served in many leadership and teaching capacities. His and Kirma’s most difficult and challenging call came when they served an LDS mission to the West Indies. They worked tirelessly teaching the gospel, serving the poor, feeding the hungry, and learning how to live in a country of much poverty and hunger. Upon their return, they worked as temple and ordinance workers in their beloved Mesa Temple and performed much family genealogical work there.

Raymond always possessed a strong sensitivity towards the place of his birth. He loved Brigham City! The history, the people, the peach orchards, the panoramic views, but especially the majestic and rugged mountains to the east of the city where he spent much of his childhood.

Ray was an excellent carpenter and bricklayer and each of his homes reflected the benefits of his skills with room additions and modifications. In later years he enjoyed rebuilding old furniture and working in his shop. He also loved working in his orchard and many have benefitted from the fruits thereof.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; several siblings; a grandson, Kelly; and by his wife and beloved companion, Kirma, who passed away almost one year ago on June 28, 2017.

Besides his children, Ray is also survived by a sister, Barbara Baldauf, Taylorsville of Utah; sister-in-law, Roberta Larsen of Salt Lake City, Utah; brother-in-law, Hilton Mose of Houston, Texas; 25 grandchildren; and 48 great-grandchildren.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Ella and those caregivers at Higley House as well as to Dad’s Home Teaching companion and best friend, Marv Hollingsworth, who ministered right to the end. Thank you and God Bless.

Funeral services will be held June 9, 2018 at the Cameron Ranch Ward, 3572 East Guadalupe Road, at 10:00am. Friends and family may call from 9:00-9:45am. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Condolences may be sent from https://bunkerfuneral.com/obituaries/raymond-nelson-larsen/

Howard, known by nickname, “Pete”, 81, departed from us on Tuesday, May 22 at 10:01 PM.  His emphysema had advanced quickly and his heart just stopped.  He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio; lived in Dayton, Springboro, Lebanon, Ohio and moved to Arizona in 2000.

He was always a hard worker, and did not sit still for long.  After closing and retiring 12-31-1993 from his and Ginger’s (wife) electronics business, he continued to work part time jobs at various Golf Courses and lastly at Security in Sun Lakes.

He loved life and people.  He was always happy with lots of laughs and no complaints.  People loved him for his outgoing, upbeat lovable personality, caring ways, kindness, and sense of humor.

He loved cars, flowers, rings, watches, shopping, and lottery tickets hoping for a win.  In his early years he enjoyed golf with his friends.

He had (41) beautiful years with surviving wife, Ginger, who he always treated like a queen.  They had many fun and memorable trips to various destinations.  She was the “joy of his life”. He was her “baby doll”, and “Love of Her Life”.  A dynamic team doing everything together.

He is also survived by four children: Ken (Judy), Pam (David), Donna, Phil (Kathy), Grandchildren; Great Grandchildren; two Brothers: Don (Margaret), Alvin (Pat); many nephews, and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents: Alvin George and Donna Jean (Thompson) ; sons: Michael and James.

Per his request, there is no service.  His ashes are placed at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix, Arizona in a beautiful above ground marble structure.   Upon Ginger’s passing, her ashes will be placed by his, so they can be together for eternity.

Our very special “Pete” will be missed by everyone, but all the beautiful memories will be in our hearts forever.  Am sure he is entertaining the angels and God in Heaven looking down and watching over us with his great smile.

Arrangements made by Bunker’s University Chapel.

Andrew “Andy” George Hartle, 73, of Mesa, AZ passed away on May 23, 2018. He was born on September 26, 1944 in Minneapolis, MN to Dr. George G. and Alice L. (Mitchell) Hartle. Andy graduated from Benilde High School, attended St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1965, where he served almost 9 years.

Andy loved woodworking and was an excellent craftsman. He also loved hot rods and drag racing and was an avid cyclist. Andy loved biking so much that he biked in 40 of the 50 United States. In 2013, he moved to Mesa, AZ so that he’d be able to bike year-round.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers, David, Joseph and Philip.

He is survived by his children, Michael of Fort Wayne, IN, Patrick (Claire) of Bartlett, IL, and Kris (Scott Kennedy) of Gresham, OR; his former wife, Trisha Hartle of Richfield, MN; 2 brothers, James (Jan) of Crystal, MN and Edward of Minneapolis, MN; three sisters, Cathy (Doug Larsen) of Little Falls, MN, Jeanne of White Bear Lake, MN, and Mary Alice of Mesa, AZ; and his sisters-in-law, Jean and Carol Hartle. Andy is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Colin (Samantha), Anthony, Marcus, Jack, Simon, Abigail, and Elizabeth; 3 great-grandchildren, Blake, Emersyn, and Naomi; and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Andy’s life will be on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at Gill Brother’s Funeral Home, 5801 S Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. His Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, July 19, 2018, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 6730 Nicollet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423, at 10:30am. There will be a visitation one hour before the Funeral Mass and there will be a luncheon held in the church reception hall following the service. Interment will then follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 2:00pm. Memorials can be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church Endowment Fund.

It is with sadness that the family of Anna “Ann” Guthrie West, age 71, announce her passing on May 29, 2018, after an illness. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 51 years, Royce West; her children, Marsha (Ernie) McCullar, Jeana (Tom) Bautista, Erica (Joseph) Gledhill, Allen (Stacy), and Trisha (Cliff) Hall; her 19 grandchildren; her father, Glenn Guthrie; her siblings, Cathie (Dennis) Vance, Marlene (Bob) Elliott, Steve, Dale (Joellen), and Wayne (Kathy).

A viewing will be held Sunday, June 3, 2018 from 6:00-8:00pm at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. There will be a memorial service held on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 11:00am at the LDS Gilbert Greenfield Stake Center, 2740 S Lindsay Rd, Gilbert, AZ. The interment will take place at the City of Mesa Cemetery.