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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.

Roger Cyrille VanSteenkiste  was born June 3, 1927 in Tielt, Belgium to Marie Demeulenaere VanSteenkiste and Gerard VanSteenkiste.  Shortly after he was born his father, mother, and sister Margaret, immigrated to the USA through Ellis Island. A brick has been laid there in his honor. They settled in Detroit, Michigan, where his little sister Simone was born. Gerard found work and Marie became the first woman barber in Detroit. The back room of the barber shop was their home until they bought their first house in Grosse Pointe.

  Roger had a strong work ethic and he became a salesman at a young age, selling magazines. He was also an Altar Boy at age 7. He said he had a desire to become a priest, but meeting girls changed his mind. At the age of 14 he was accepted into the prestigious Henry Ford Trade School, where he graduated Valedictorian of his class. While completing his academic studies he was also schooled in the hands-on skills of a machinist, learning design, drafting and metallurgy. He continued his education at the Detroit School of Applied Science.  

  After graduation, Roger served  his country faithfully in the Navy. When he returned home from the service he went to work for Excello Corporation and traveled across the country.  On a business trip to New Orleans he met Marjorie Ann Conner. After six short months they were married, on  August 30,1952 in Nashville, Tennessee.

After 6 months in Europe with Excello, Roger was offered a position with Potlatch Paper Corporation in Los Angeles and the newlyweds made the decision to “Go to Hollywood”.  They lived in a small apartment on Laurel Avenue before moving to their first of two family homes in Downey, California, where each year Roger built fabulous Christmas displays and busloads of people came to see them.

While working for Potlatch, Roger became friends with the President of Mexico and he was very instrumental in getting milk added to elementary school lunch programs throughout Mexico.  Roger’s fame in the dairy industry grew and he was the most welcomed salesman wherever he went.

 In 1969 they made the move to Walnut Creek, California and he started his own business, Fas-Co Coders.  He invented dating equipment for the dairy industry and became a leader in that field, with many international customers and a satellite office in London, England.  His business contacts were worldwide and he made many overseas trips, making new friends everywhere.

 In 1994 he moved the company to Chandler, Arizona, where he continued to manufacture several new coding systems. The business was sold to a large company from France in 2003. He then started Fasco Enterprises to provide parts and service to customers still using his original equipment and that business remains in operation today.  Roger continued to work daily until he retired in 2008.

  Roger was an optimistic, intelligent and charismatic family man.  He enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and led his boys to several championships. As a fan of the Diamondbacks, he was a regular at games for several years. He was an avid fisherman and shared this love with his children and friends.  He was a Frank Sinatra fan, and in his youth won many talent contests with his fabulous singing voice.  He was always ready for a little song and dance. He loved traveling and seeing the world but it was his personal relationships that gave him the most joy.  His positive attitude allowed him to see the good in others and he always greeted people with a big smile.  He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and mentor.  His Christian faith was very important to him faithfully attending weekly Bible studies and saying his nightly prayers which he never missed.

  Roger fell asleep in Christ peacefully at home on May 18, 2018, at the age of 90. His earthly legacy lives on with his wife Marjorie of 65 years, son Greg VanSteenkiste(Joan), daughter Judy Reber(Mike), son David VanSteenkiste(Tracy), five grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and his sister Margaret Dubey. He was proceeded in death by his parents and younger sister Simone Erz. He will be deeply missed and we look forward to that day when we will be reunited.  I Thessalonians 4:13-18…Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

  A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held at the Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse on June 14th, with a reception from 5-6:30 followed by a memorial service.  

Elva Matthews Brown, affectionately known as “Grandma Brown” or “The Kissy Lady,” passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the age of 101. Elva was born September 7, 1916 to Henry Martin and Nellie Sonora Bryce Matthews in Glenbar, Arizona. She had five siblings, Helen Roxie Hostetter (Loren), Reta Barkley (Johnny), Hannah Louine Tate (Joffre), Henry Bryce Matthews (Doris), and Jeanette Starks (Delton).

Elva was the wife of Egbert “Bert” J. Brown. As residents of Mesa, AZ, they spent a lifetime serving the community and their church. While Bert served as the Mayor of Mesa (1958-1966) and on many boards and committees, Elva enjoyed supporting her husband by hosting dinner parties and luncheons and participating in the Lioness Club, the Music Guild, and serving in various community functions.

One of Elva’s fondest memories was the three years (1966-1969) she and Bert spent in Scotland where Bert served as a Mission President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved the missionaries they served with, and fondly called them her “boys.” She had continued to keep in touch with several of them throughout the years.

Elva served faithfully in many capacities as a member of the Church and loved attending and serving in the Mesa Arizona Temple Presidency (1970-1975). One of her greatest loves was spending time in the cool pines of Pinetop, AZ and then Shumway, AZ, where she and Bert had a ranch. Elva spent a lot of time in the garden at the ranch.

Elva’s hobbies included, sewing, crafts, bowling (until she was 89), cooking, playing card games, and spending time with her family. She was also an avid Phoenix Suns basketball fan. She was one of the original ticket holders and never missed a game, whether in person or on television. She knew the names, stats, and personalities of each player and wasn’t afraid to tell them what they were doing wrong.

Spending time with family and friends meant everything to Elva. It was important for her to know everyone she met by name, which she did. She had an uncanny memory for people and for making everyone feel like they were her “most favorite.” She always offered a kiss as a greeting and all who knew her loved her. She had a witty sense of humor and was kind, loving, and full of grace. She will be greatly missed and remembered fondly for her legacy of love.

Elva was preceded in death by her husband, Egbert J. Brown; her only daughter, Elberta Brown Nielson (Lars); and her son, Wayne Brown (Kathye).

She is survived by two sons, Duaine J. Brown (Deborah) of Oklahoma and Henry E. Brown (Mimi) of Scottsdale, AZ. Her posterity includes 31 grandchildren, 101 great-grandchildren, and 60 great-great grandchildren.

Her family wishes to express gratitude to all those who lovingly cared for Elva over the past couple of years as she suffered the effects of age, especially Live Well Senior Care. She loved spending time with you.

Services for Grandma Brown will be at 10:00am on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the Lazona Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1345 E. University Dr, Mesa, AZ, with a visitation at 9:00am. A time to visit with the family will be held Friday, June 1, 2018, from 6:00-8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Leonard Gale Bryant died unexpectedly May 21, 2018, in Mesa, Arizona. Born August 18, 1939, in Green River, Wyoming, he grew up an adventurer, exploring caves for artifacts and floating the river on many self-made crafts. As a young man, he worked in the salt mines of the great Salt Lake. Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 on a “kiddie cruise.” He was stationed in Key West, Florida aboard the USS Penguin as the head electrician. After serving his country, Leonard moved to Alaska in 1959, where his parents homesteaded what is now the town of Houston. Leonard used his GI bill to learn to fly and was rated as a commercial pilot and worked as an instructor in a flight school. Flying was one of his great passions and later in life he owned a Piper Cub that he loved to explore in. 

He was introduced to his future bride of almost 55 years, Sigrid (Sigi) Strand, by Lee Pederson in Anchorage, Alaska. After marrying in September 1963, Leonard and Sigi drove the Alcan highway in a 1957 station wagon to San Jose, California for their honeymoon. They lived right on the San Andreas Fault Line for just under a year before returning to Alaska, ironically, after the 1964 earthquake. In 1965 Leonard went to work at Alaska Sales and Service as a mechanic. He worked his way up in the company, managing several departments before retiring after 38 years at Alaska Sales, ending his career as partner and dealer principal. Always an outside the box thinker he met the challenge of a changing market and grew the business. He enjoyed tremendous loyalty from the people who worked for him, many of whom still referred to him as “boss”  years after his retirement. 

Sigi and Leonard had four children: Todd, Erik, Anna, and Molly, all of whom he was extremely proud of. His two grandchildren, Adam and Kady, were the lights of his life. 

Leonard bragged about being a lifetime Girl Scout and supported scouting throughout his life. His faith was anchored in God and he was often a mentor to many not only in faith but in business and life. He loved to engage people in conversations, particularly at his dinner table, not only to challenge the person he was speaking to but also to challenge himself.

For a short period of time retirement meant fishing in Kachemak Bay at his beloved home in Seldovia, Alaska but he traded that for exploring Arizona and becoming a gentleman farmer and chicken wrangler in Mesa, Arizona. Though his clan is Scandinavian, Leonard himself was an Irishman but by no means less a warrior and he seldom retreated from any task. We are sure that the gates of Valhalla have opened for him!

Leonard is survived by his wife Sigi in Mesa, Arizona; son and daughter-in-law Todd and Patty and their children Adam and Kady, son Erik and daughters Anna in Anchorage and Molly and her friend David Thayer (who Leonard considered his son-in-law) in Mesa; sister: Jackie Newman in Ogden, Utah; brother-in-law Leif Strand (Edel) in Anchorage and numerous nieces and nephews who all count “Uncle Lenny” as their favorite Uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Basil and Mildred Bryant, brothers: Basil “Sonny” Bryant and Joe William Bryant and sister Barbara Jean Bryant.

There will be a service in Mesa at Bethlehem Lutheran on Thursday, May 31^st, 2018. Leonard will be cremated in Mesa and interred in Anchorage in Summer 2018, after which his family will spread some of his ashes at one of Leonard’s favorite spots in Kachemak Bay.

Please send your condolences to Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. In lieu of gifts please consider a donation to your local Boy or Girl Scout Council or Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ.

Ludene Dees Carling, age 85, peacefully left this earth to return home to her Father in Heaven, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, May 20, 2018. She was born on April 17, 1933 in Mesa, Arizona to Rozeal Preston Dees and Zina Adell Harper Dees.

Ludene was a native of Mesa and graduated from Mesa High School in 1951. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities within the church, namely, Stake and Ward Relief Society and Primary. Ludene wrote beautiful poetry, was an amazing artist, a fantastic cook, and the best mom, grandma, and great-grandma anyone could ever have.

Our sweet mother is survived and will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 64 years, Chad J. Carling and their five children, Chad Gary (Lynette), Gayle Workman (Mark), DeeAnn Garner (Lee), Sherri Stradling (Darton), and Randy Dale Carling. She is also survived by her 16 beautiful grandchildren; 31 precious great-grandchildren; her little brother, Leslie Rice (Louise); and many other family members and friends.

Ludene was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Darwin Dees, Varis Dees (Christine), and Naris Dees (Lillian); and her three sisters, Arthella Berg (Antone), Naydell Ball (David), and Joanna Leavitt (Laurel).

Funeral services for Ludene will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Maricopa Stake Center, 613 N. Stewart, Mesa, Arizona 85201, at 11:00am, with a viewing one hour prior to the services in the Relief Society room.

We wish to thank all of her wonderful, caring nurses that she was honored to have take care of her in her last few months on Earth. Namely, the 4^th floor neuro nurses at Banner Desert Hospital. They were the best.

Mary S. Cordon, 95, of Chandler, Arizona passed away on May 17, 2018.

Mary is survived by her four children, Janice Burnham, Craig Cordon, Denise Cooke, and David Cordon; 21 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Forrest Cordon.

Mary was born on February 3, 1923 in Lyman, Idaho to Hugh and Amelia Sharp, grew up in Rexburg, Idaho, and graduated from Ricks College. She married Forrest Cordon in the Salt Lake Temple in 1944. Eventually they settled in Shelley, Idaho, where they lived, worked, and raised their four children. Always hard-working, Mary was simultaneously teaching elementary school, taking courses at BYU to complete her bachelor’s degree, and raising a family. Her children remember her kindness, love, and selflessness.

The entire family went on the adventure of a lifetime when Forrest served a teaching mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Tongan Islands. It was a significant and memorable experience that touched the entire family for years to come. A lifelong church member, Mary particularly enjoyed working with the children in Primary. She deeply loved children and was blessed to be surrounded by them throughout her life.

A funeral service will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 2:00pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary’s life.

Mary Marshall Brown, 93, a long-time resident of Tucson, Arizona, passed away quietly on May 16, 2018, in Tempe, Arizona while under hospice care.

Mary was born in Portland, Oregon, on November 25, 1924, the daughter of Charles Roy Marshall and Veva Dunlap Marshall. She was a graduate of Grant High School and attended Oregon State University. Before her marriage she worked for Bell Telephone as a phone operator in the era of manual switchboards and had often relayed her interesting experiences. In 1951, she married Stuart Graeme Brown and the couple raised four children together. In 1959, the family moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she resided until her recent illness. Mary was a longtime, active member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Tucson. She was also a member of P.E.O. in Oregon and Arizona for many years.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Stuart and her daughter, Allison Sandusky. She is survived by her children, Charles Stuart, Christopher Marshall, and Lindsay Jane Brown; as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary was known for her quick wit, sense of humor and loyal friendship. She loved gardening and enjoyed flower arranging and was an active member of the neighborhood garden club. Her love of music and memory for lyrics never failed her, even to the end. She will be missed.

Hunter Bryson Bennett was born on April 21, 2006 to Bryson and Emily Bennett in Provo, Utah. Hunter was diagnosed with Lissencephaly at 4 months old and was predicted to only live 2 to 5 years. During his first years Hunter was a traveler. He visited Southern Utah, Idaho, Las Vegas, San Diego, Orlando, Spain, Italy, and France. Hunter received his first feeding tube at 18 months old, and at the age of two he received his first wheelchair and his first sister, Eleyna.

Hunter lived in Orem, Utah until he was two and then moved to Provo, Utah. Hunter’s dad equipped the Provo house to work with his wheelchair. Both the Orem and Provo houses had beautiful yards with trees and gardens. Hunter spent a lot of his summers outside.

Hunter’s brother Rockwell soon joined the family and they then moved, for a short time, to Lehi, Utah. His sister Bria made her entrance to the family at the Lehi house. When Hunter was six years old, his dad had a crazy idea to move to Queen Creek, Arizona. Dad packed the moving truck and headed out. Hunter followed with his mom and new baby sister. It was the ride of his life. The landing in Arizona was a little rough but the Bennett’s soon adjusted to the sunny weather. A month after they moved, Hunter went on an epic boy’s trip with Dad back up to Utah to get a new feeding tube and wheelchair. The ride home, with Hunter stretched out across the back seat of the truck, was one neither Hunter nor his dad would ever forget. Hunter settled in to life with no winters; he really enjoyed the sun and warmth of Arizona.

Hunter’s youngest brother, Wesley, joined the party when Hunter was nine. His parents decided to buy a 45-year-old house on some land in Gilbert, Arizona and remodel it to accommodate the growing family, and mainly, the growing of Hunter. Hunter moved into the house right after his 11^th birthday. He had a new room, new shower, no steps, and many features he and his parents enjoyed.

Hunter liked very similar activities throughout his life. He loved going to the movies, especially every year for his birthday. He saw more PG-13 movies with his dad by age four than any other child. He particularly enjoyed watching gunfights and car chases. Hunter loved to be held. Even at age 12 his favorite spot was on somebody’s lap who was big enough to hold him.

At age 7, Hunter got a wheelchair van and a motorhome in the same month. The growing family could then fit in one vehicle, and his buff Mom no longer had to lift the wheelchair into the back of the van. He loved his motorhome. Not many seven-year-olds’ can claim they got a motorhome as a present, but it was Hunter’s favorite toy. Every summer he was able, he took the motorhome to the beach in California and his family was able to tag along with him. It was a big sleepover with all of his siblings and he loved it. The ride was as exciting as the destination.

Hunter also loved to visit Disneyland and he went several times throughout his life. His siblings called him their Fast Pass because they could skip the lines with a brother in a wheelchair. Hunter was a little hesitant on the Cars ride, with Dad trying to support him from the next seat on the fast turns, but he did not want to let his siblings down and make them wait in the 2-hour line. Sometimes you have to take one for the team on family vacations, Hunter was not excluded in that.

Hunter got a new wheelchair van at age nine, one that had better air conditioning. He loved the van and he spent many hours in it back and forth from doctors. His dad felt he was exempt from the traffic laws, so Hunter laid across the back seat that folded into a bed on most of the return trips from the hospital. It was nice to relax with the shades down and the A/C blowing right on you after those long appointment days.

Hunter was able to attend some school and had many great teachers and therapists, but the majority of the care for Hunter occurred in his home. His parents did all of the care for the first half of his life but needed some extra hands as he and the family grew. Hunter’s spirit attracted such sweet caregivers into his home, including Emily, Celeste, Samantha, Cassidy, Savannah, Kelsi, and Candin. Most 12-year-old boys are a little awkward around cute 19-year-old single girls, but Hunter was very mature for his age. He was the envy of every young man at the singles ward and was known as quite the ladies man! Hunter required 24-hour attention and these girls served him and the family with great care and tenderness. His mom was always close, and if she wasn’t, the nanny cam was…. Hunter also had nurses during the night that helped out for the last few years of his life. Dawn, Robin, Danny, Margie, and Judy, from Thrive, served Hunter with exceptional care to keep him as cozy and comfortable as possible while his tired parents slept. For a few years in Utah, Hunter did equestrian therapy and loved riding his horse with his therapist Laura.

Hunter loved seeing his extended family at reunions in Idaho, Utah, and California. He went camping, boating, snowmobiling and experienced life the best he was able. His favorite moments, however, were at home, sitting in his favorite position on the floor or couch and listening to the chaos of 5 siblings full of love and life all around him. Hunter was able to meet his new sister, Gemma, 6 months ago. She brought the family to an even 3 boys and 3 girls. Hunter was always a big part of the family and was the best big brother. He was always available to snuggle if anyone was sad. If you were worried or anxious about anything in life he had a calming sense that made it all ok.

Hunter made everyone slow down and listen to the promptings of the Spirit. What was lacking in capacity in his mortal body was amplified with his courageous soul. Hunter’s health struggled his whole life, but especially the last 18 months of his life. He finally completed his mission here on Earth on May 7^th and returned home to his Heavenly Father. He will always be remembered and adored by those who dedicated time to be with him. We love you Hunter.

Lynn Thomas Rees, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2018 at the Country Oaks Care Center, at the age of 82. Lynn was born on September 18, 1935 in Coalville, UT, the third child of Jacob and Neta Rees. He is preceded in death by his brother Dean, and survived by Ward, Donna, Alfred and Afra.

He married his sweetheart, Ellen Elizabeth Gines, in the Salt Lake City, UT LDS Temple on June 10, 1955 and is survived by their five children, Pam Peterson, Denise Clouse (Curtis), Allison Riesterer, Lana Mitzel (Bill), and Mark Rees (Laurie); 21 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Lynn attended high school in Coalville, UT, graduating early and earning a scholarship to the University of Utah where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. His early career was working for Sperry Rand in Utah, Toledo Scale, and then moving to Arizona in 1965 where he worked for Motorola Semiconductor until he retired. He spent many hours tinkering in his shop, always building, inventing, and improving on existing and future projects. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America for many years and loved being out in nature and spending time teaching and participating with both the young men and their leaders. His sense of patriotism and love of his country was imparted to all who worked with and knew him, whether at home, church, or in his civic duties.

Always an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in bishoprics, on the Stake High Council, and as Bishop for many years. After his retirement he served as a missionary for his church in the Australia, Brisbane mission with his wife, Ellen, and enjoyed that service enormously. His gifts of service were many, including church, family, community, and any neighbor in need. His positive attitude, enthusiasm, and love of learning were trademarks he was well known for.

Funeral services will be held at the Kleinman Park Ward building at 616 S Extension Rd, Mesa, AZ at 10:00am on Saturday, May 19, 2018. There will be a viewing on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm and Saturday morning at 9:00am. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery at 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 83201.

Jan Bulkley Gilyeat, 64, of Gilbert, Arizona was born in Ogden, Utah on July 12, 1953 to Arthur Vernon Bulkley and Lylas June Alldredge. She passed away peacefully on May 11, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she actively shared the Gospel in everything she did. She traveled the country with her parents as a young girl while her father built church houses. Jan danced her way through life, including appearances on American Bandstand.

In the midst of raising five children, she became step-mom to four more children. As a parent to 9 children she was the ideal wife, mother, and grandmother. She served her community in Cub Scouts, PTA, Youth Soccer and many church organizations. She directed a 90 voice combined choir consisting of members from the LDS Gilbert Stake and St. Anne Catholic Parish for many years.

Jan is survived by her husband, Ian Gilyeat; their nine children, Jennifer Homer Barnes, Jacob Homer, Brandon Gilyeat (Joy), Cassie Homer Eagar (Kevin), Zachary Homer, Sean Gilyeat, Adrian Gilyeat, Juneanne Homer Fisher (Michael), and Tialene Gilyeat; seven grandchildren; and two brothers, Kent Bulkley (Karen) and Lynn Bulkley (Sini).

Jan was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Van Bulkley; and sisters, Jeanene Bulkley and Verlane Bulkley.

Funeral services for Jan will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the LDS Gilbert Stake Chapel, 777 E Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ, from 11:00am to 12:00pm. A visitation with the family will be from 9:00am to 10:45am that same day.  Jan will then be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ, immediately following the service.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Bunker’s Garden Chapel. (480) 964-8686

Ruth Allred Rais, 93, passed away on May 5, 2018 in Clovis, New Mexico. She was born in Safford, Arizona on October 28, 1924 to Clifford L. and Lola Sevey Allred. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph P. Rais. She is survived by her children, Sandra Brower (Bill), W. Sevey Sherman (Maggie), and Patricia Rais. She has 6 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held May 14, 2018 at 10:00am with a viewing at 9:00am at the LDS Church at 848 N. Westwood Street in Mesa, Arizona. Burial will be in Thatcher, Arizona.

George Baribeau, the man, the myth, the legend. His journey on Earth started in Cornell, Wisconsin with a long stop in Denver, Colorado and ended in Mesa, Arizona. He passed away the evening of Friday, May 4, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones. Although small in stature at his passing, he was truly the strongest man we have ever known. He showed his children what a real man and gentle man was. George was, first and foremost, an amazing family man. He was a great father to 3 children, Tom, Mary, and Bo, and he was a wonderful husband of 40 years to Karen. He is called “Pop Pop” by his 5 grandchildren that he loved spending time reading, snuggling, and laughing with.

George was kind to everyone he met. He never complained a day in his life or said something mean about another person, unless you were talking politics with him. His love of history and adventure took him and his family around the world on numerous excursions. He was proud to support his family with a job he enjoyed for 35 years. George was with us for 11 years longer than expected because of his older brother’s kind act of selflessness. Tom donated one of his kidneys to George in 2007.

George will be laid to rest this Saturday, May 12, 2018. A viewing will be from 8:30 to 9:30am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. His burial will then follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1562 East Baseline Road, Mesa, Arizona 85204, at 10:00am. There will also be a celebration of George’s life later this summer at a time to be determined by the family.

Donations can be made to the PKD Foundation at: https://pkdcure.org/

Russell Eugene Harris, Jr., 74, of Tempe, Ariz., was born in Phoenix on Oct. 15, 1943, and passed away peacefully on May 6, 2018.  As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell served a mission in Peru.  He retired from the Arizona Air National Guard as a Major and the Phoenix Union High School District where he taught Spanish for many years.  He spent his retirement years volunteering as an Ordinance Worker at the Mesa LDS Temple, as well as the Tempe Public Library, Tempe Police Department and other organizations.  Russell is survived by his wife, Julie; children Richard (Angela), Rand (Malinda), Holly (Jack Harston), Rustin (Sarah), Geri Anne (Chris Hoskins), Kelly (Ryan Labadie); sisters Linda (Richard Johnson) and Susan Burdick; and brother Kenneth (Betsy); 21 grandchildren and one great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Irma Harris, and brother-in-law Russell Burdick.

Russell’s visitation will be held May 12, 2018, at the Lakeshore LDS Chapel, 6001 S. Lakeshore Drive in Tempe, from 9:30–10:45 a.m.  Funeral services immediately following the visitation at 11 a.m.  He will be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Russell’s name to The Parkinson Network of Arizona, 240 W. Thomas Road, Ste 302, Phoenix, AZ 85013.  Arrangements entrusted to Bunker’s University Chapel.