Find An Obituary

Weldon Kempton, 100 passed away on May 4, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born February 10, 1918 in Miami, Arizona.  Weldon was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta.  He is survived by his two sons, Arthur and Curtis Kempton, both of Gilbert, AZ.  He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren whom he loved very much.  Visitation will be held 6-8 pm on Thursday May 10 at Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa.  Funeral services are Friday May 11, 10 am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 4629 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ.

Elizabeth Ann Rainer (Hogan, Brlecic) age 86, passed away on May 6^th 2018 peacefully in her home in Arizona.  She was born on April 5, 1932 in Marquette, Michigan.  She was blessed to have three sisters Mary Carlson, Patricia Jones and Judith Petterson.  She is survived by her three daughters Diana Elizabeth Stone (Bobby), Susan Marie Seidler (Steve) and Carol Ann Brlecic.  Elizabeth was so happy to be called Grammy by her three grandchildren, Lindsey Elizabeth Stone, Madison Ruby Marie Seidler, and Matthew Steven Seidler.  Elizabeth also had many dear nieces and nephews. 

A memorial Service will be held Wednesday, May 16^th, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.

The family of David Ross wishes to notify family and friends of his passing on April 29, 2018. He was quite possibly the most attentive husband, devoted father, and extraordinary poppa this world has ever known. He is survived by his wife, Nanci; son, Chris; daughter, Jeni; and grandson, Beni.

Dave was born on a farm in Bucyrus, Ohio on April 20, 1945, to Frances and Clarence Ross. Clarence taught Dave the importance of treating your spouse with tenderness and respect. Although his mother passed away when he was only five years old, her warmth and kindness shaped Dave; these qualities became his defining characteristics throughout his life. Dave moved with his family to Arizona in 1961, where he attended Mesa High School and graduated in 1963. He worked in the audio/video business his entire life as a manager and owner, though he never had extravagant electronics in his own home, where his family often joked of their longing for a speaker to hear music in the house. Dave was known to all as a “people person.” He could strike up a meaningful conversation with ANY individual he met. He was an expert at building authentic relationships with others and was gifted at making those around him feel valued and respected.

Dave was an avid, voracious reader, car enthusiast, sous vide cook and an expert at stashing Peanut M&M’s. Each morning, he delighted in meticulously making lunch for his wife, Nanci, and graciously driving her to work. His math and science prowess proved invaluable when patiently helping his grandson, Beni, with homework each night. He was known by family, friends and coworkers as the problem solver, the fixer, and the protector. His greatest joy was spending as much time as possible with Nanci, Beni, Jeni, and Chris. He loved his life and he adored his family. He made them the center of his world.

Services will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the LDS Chapel located at 848 N Westwood St, Mesa, AZ 85201. Immediately following, graveside services will be held at Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. A viewing will be held on Monday, May 14, 2018 from 6:00-8:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Orell Herman Kehrer, 93, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on April 30, 2018.  A visitation will be held at 9:00 AM with services at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 5, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2228 E. Brown Road in Mesa.

Phillip Lee Fox, 78 of Mesa AZ died May 1, 2018 at his home after a long battle with cancer. Phillip was loved and will be missed by many. He married Carol Ann Beasley, 60 years-ago in McAllen Texas. Their love story was a fairytale that begin as high school sweethearts. In 1970, Phil and Carol were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, LDS Temple. He is survived by his wife Carol and their four children; Dayne (Pam) of San Tan Valley, Michelle (Paul) of Mesa, Duane of Mesa, and Patrick (Sydnee) of Saratoga Springs, Utah. Phil and Carol had eight grandchildren, Dayla, Dallen, Nathan, Samantha, Amanda, Madison, Clancee and Rosie. Phil was the second son of Kenneth E and Segal Anita Fox and was raised with his twin sister Phyllis Ann Fox and other brother Kenneth Glenn Fox in McAllen. He joins them in heaven along with his grandson Dallen Jarnagin.

Phil and Carol both joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1969 in McAllen. He served in numerous church callings including; a Bishop, Stake President, President of the Milwaukee Wisconsin Mission from 1989-1991 and as a Temple Sealer in the San Antonio and Mesa LDS Temples. He was a spiritual giant and influenced many lives through his endless church service.

Phil owned multiple insurance agencies in McAllen and worked for three Fortune 500 companies. He attended the University of Texas, Austin.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice at Home for the loving care they provided in his last days. A viewing will be held from 9:00 -10:45 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8 at the LDS Parkwood Ward building, 618 South Signal Butte in Mesa. Graveside services will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery at 9700 East Main Street in Mesa. Please visit bunkerfuneral.com for online condolences.

Melissa Joy Hufstader, born September 20^th, 1975 passed away peacefully on May 1^st , 2018 in Tempe, Arizona after a long battle with Cancer. Melissa led a very happy, joy filled life.  Loved for her entertaining and loving nature, bringing together and building memories for friends and family alike.  After 19 years with Urban Outfitters she moved on to her true passions, interior design and real estate.  Melissa was preceded in death by her Grandparents Jerry and Lois Missar.  She is survived by a son Koen, a brother Robin, Grandparents Jan and Jerry Weber and parents Chuck and Suzanne.  Funeral services are being held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3344 E. McDowell Rd, Mesa on Monday May 7^th.  Preceded by a visitation at 6pm Sunday May 6^th , at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa.  In lieu of flowers donations to Stand Up To Cancer, standuptocancer.org, are suggested.

Ben (Mac) McCoy Young Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on May 3, 2018.

Ben was born on August 9, 1932 in Des Moines, Iowa to Ben McCoy Young Sr. and Bernice Beatrice Bradley Young. He graduated from Richland High School in 1951 and served in the U.S. Air Force for 5 years.

Ben’s 1955 marriage to Delores Forinash resulted in 3 children: Ben Young III, Michael Young, and Mary Rose Reynolds. The marriage later ended in divorce.

Ben was a lifetime member & Master Mason at Masonic Lodge #38 in Richland, Iowa.

In 1973, Ben married Janice (Westrum) Appenzeller, and the family blended to include the Appenzeller children: Steve, Tammy, Twyla, Talitha, Kerry & Kip.

Ben’s professional career included 23 years with Massey Ferguson and 26 years with the parking administration department at Arizona State University.

Ben enjoyed spending time with family & friends, cheering on his favorite sports teams and touring the U.S. via their motor home. He is survived by his bride of 44 years, Janice Young, and a large blended family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Brad.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents, and his son Mike.

Visitation will be held from 10:00a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel in Boone, Iowa, with the memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at 12:30 p.m. at South Marion Cemetery near Stratford.

Derrik Travis Lytle, 36, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Wexford, Pennsylvania on April 28, 2018. Born in Mesa, Arizona on December 1, 1981, Derrik was the son of Ronna Caldwell and Travis Lytle, who still reside in the Phoenix-metro area.

Derrik is survived by his wife, Ashley Scalzott; their six-year old daughter, Mia Lytle; his parents, Ronna Caldwell and Travis Lytle; grandmother, Avata Gale; and his four siblings, Shawna Nelson (brother-in-law John Nelson), Quillan Kasl (brother-in-law Jared Kasl), Trint Lytle (sister-in-law Megan Lytle), and Brett Lytle (sister-in-law Edyta Lytle).  

Derrik’s younger years were spent playing the game he loved so very much: baseball. His determined efforts helped him realize his childhood dream of playing the game at the professional level within the Kansas City Royals Organization. Although baseball was his passion during his early years, in 2012, Ashley and Derrik were blessed with their sweet daughter, Mia Angelina; being her father became the love and pinnacle of his life. In recent years, Derrik, Ashley and Mia left Arizona for an adventure in New Jersey, enjoying all the East Coast had to offer, before settling down in Wexford, PA.

His family and friends will carry with them his selfless nature, magnetic personality, and love for those around him. Although his mortal journey passed sooner than he deserved, Derrik lived a life filled with passion, generosity, determination, support, humor, competitiveness, love, compassion, acceptance, understanding, and devotion that touched so many.

Derrik Lytle— father, husband, son, brother, friend— will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse located at 1150 West Combs Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85140. Immediately following the service, he will be laid to rest at the San Tan Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Queen Creek, AZ.

Michael Reber Hale, age 63, of Tempe, Arizona passed away quietly while sitting with his sweet wife on Sunday evening, April 29, 2018.

Michael was born in Salt Lake City, UT on March 14, 1955 to Aaron Hale and Meryl Reber. He was a graduate of Arizona State University, where he studied accounting. He would later go on to become a Certified Public Accountant. Michael married his sweetheart, Sherilyn Wheeler, in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple on December 30, 1976. Together they built a loving and supportive family of 7 children, and 34 grandchildren.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his sweet and loving daughter, Season Joy Barnett (Ian).

He is survived by his wife, Sherilyn (Wheeler) Hale; his six children, Aaron Hale (Becky), Summer Schlink (Nathan), Autumn Crawford (Jason), Spring Theobald (Cory), Winter Freebairn (Kyle), and Rainy Christensen (Brandon); and his siblings, Rob Hale (Lorna), Ellaree Ollinger (Rod), Carol VanLoo (Jim), and Lisa Thompson (Jerry).

Michael had a love of music, sports, and the outdoors. Throughout his life, he used these interests to meaningfully serve others. This lifelong love of service is what defined him, and he and Sheri instilled this into their children. Michael was a kind-hearted and gentle man who could see the good in others, and worked tirelessly to make a difference in peoples’ lives. He devoted much of his service to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through this service, he taught the people of Mexico, he mentored and led several groups of young men in scouting ventures, and he led large organizations as an ecclesiastical leader. With each new opportunity to serve, Michael would devote himself to leaving things better than he found them. Despite his earnest service to others, he always found the time to show his family that they were the most important part of his life.

Michael leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, hard work, and of Christ-like love for all men and women. He will be missed by hundreds, as his efforts throughout his life to minister to God’s children have been far-reaching.

Thank you, Dad, for all the goodness you brought into our lives. We will wait patiently until we meet again.

Michael’s visitation is being held Friday evening, May 4, 2018 at the Lakeshore LDS Chapel (6001 S. Lakeshore Dr. Tempe, AZ) from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday morning, May 5, 2018 at 10:00am. Flowers can be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel (33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201).

Hailey Erin Aiono passed away on May 1^st, 2018 in Gilbert, Arizona. She was born on August 6^th, 1994 to parents Lameko Jr. & Virginia Aiono in San Jose, Calif. She graduated from Gilbert High School in 2012 and was a student athlete at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Hailey was diagnosed with a brain tumor November 2012 and after a long and hard-fought battle with her family by her side, Hailey is finally at peace. Hailey was known for her fierce loyalty and infectious personality. She loved her family, friends, and was an avid athlete; playing both basketball and volleyball in high school. Hailey was a joy to everyone she met and her strength during her fight against brain cancer has been an inspiration to all.

She is survived by her parents, her two older sisters Natasha (Gary) Pulu & Paige (Nathan) Call, two brothers August (Kaitlin) Aiono & Tanner Aiono, two nieces (Mina & Eden Pulu) and four nephews (Maverick & Cannon Pulu and Emmett & Oliver Call).

Her Memorial Service will take place on Tuesday, May 8^th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Building at 2233 South Wade Drive, Gilbert, Arizona 85295 at 10am. She will be laid to rest at Mariposa Gardens in Mesa.

Sylvia Fisk, 72, passed away peacefully in her home Monday, the 30th of April, 2018, after a long battle with complications that were the result of surgery to remove a large brain tumor. Sylvia was born in Boise, Idaho to Ray and Alice West in 1945. Sylvia graduated from Brigham Young University in 1968 with a degree in geology. She then moved to Riverside, California to teach science and mathematics. It was there she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Fisk. They married in 1969 and spent the rest of their lives in various cities in Southern California and Arizona. She became a registered geologist in the state of Arizona, primarily working in engineering organizations on environmental cleanup projects. Sylvia’s hobbies included exploring the western US in their RV, creating beautiful oil paintings of landscapes and portraits, and sewing numerous items making her an accomplished seamstress. Her grandchildren loved the Christmas pajamas she sewed for them each year. Sylvia also loved gardening and had an impressive green thumb; she even managed to grow irises in the Phoenix heat. Sylvia was an active member of the LDS church and enjoyed serving in various callings throughout her life, including scouting and extensive family history work. Sylvia especially enjoyed raising their four children, Dan, Laura, Craig, and Holly, as well as spending time with each of her 12 grandchildren: Rachel, Adam, Jonathan, Jacob, Micah, Victoria, James, Bryant, Luke, Noah, Isaac, and Abigail. She is also survived by her brothers, Ralph and Harold West, her husband Bill, and their children and grandchildren. Sylvia will be dearly missed and well remembered. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bunker’s University Chapel.  

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 5, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10036 E. Brown Road in Mesa. 

Corrine Leda Krebs, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 26, 2018.  She was born on June 2, 1928 in Aberdeen, SD and grew up in Orient, SD.

Corrine worked for the Atomic Energy Commission prior to her marriage and relocated to Rapid City, SD in 1956.  She married her husband, Mervyn, on September 22, 1958.

Corrine loved her family and enjoyed traveling.  Her travels brought her to Australia, various European countries, the Middle East and the Far East.  She was active in her church and community.  She enjoyed reading and playing bridge.

Corrine will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Mervyn; her children, Barry (Jeanette), Curtis, Jay (Sandra), Dianne (Greg) Lemmon; grandchildren, Nicholas, Rachel, Lauren, Katie and Adam; on great grandson, Zachary; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Cook and her younger sister, Marion Pappas.

Funeral services will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa on Friday, May 4 with visitation starting at 1:30 pm and services at 2:00 pm.  Funeral Services in Rapid City, SD are tentatively planned for Friday, May 11 but are pending at this time.

Bernice Ann Malotte Lalo, 78, passed away on April 24, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona following a debilitating stroke on April 21, 2014. She was born to Charles Sr. and Tena Malotte in Lee, Nevada on February 25, 1940. Bernice filled her life with family, friends, travel, art, decorating, learning, teaching, speaking and protesting. She is survived by her sons Eliot Lalo and Justin Knight, her brothers Dale Malotte and Charles Malotte Jr. (Barbara), and her sister Margaret Charlotte Townsend. She was preceded in death by her father Charles Malotte Sr., her son Michael Barney, her mother Tena Malotte, her brother Harold Malotte, and her sister Karen McDade.  A Wake and Cry Dance at the Old Battle Mountain Colony will begin May 3, 2018 at 12 p.m.. Internment will be on May 4, 2018, 1 p.m., at Elko County Cemetery.