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Valeria Del Rocio Jakes, 39, of Florence, Arizona; passed away on April 19, 2018.  A Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM with services at 3:00 PM, Friday, April 27^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.

Angela Clare Gutierrez, 25, of Scottsdale, AZ, formerly from Cottage Grove, MN, died unexpectedly on March 17, 2018. Angela was born on March 3, 1993 to parents Mary and Fernando Gutierrez of Cottage Grove, MN. She attended Park Senior High School in Cottage Grove and graduated in 2011 from East Ridge Senior High School in Woodbury. She earned her A.A. Degree from Inver Hills Community College.

Angela had a strong sense of adventure through traveling and the outdoors. She enjoyed snowboarding, yoga, hiking, and spending time with friends. She will be remembered for her compassion, listening ear, and her incredible laugh.

She is survived by her parents; sisters Michelle (Greg) Lindsay, and Jessica (Rand) Seay; grandfather, Harold Racine; aunts Kathy Dockendorf, Lisa Racine, Jacque (Brian) Arland; uncle, Joe Racine, niece, Eloise Seay; nephews Reid and Neal Seay; and Everett Lindsay.

She is preceded in death by grandmother, Patricia Racine, uncles Tom Racine and Bob Racine, and aunt, Patti Racine. 

Her AZ memorial service was held March 23 at Redemption Church, Tempe, AZ. Her MN memorial service is April 5 at The Harbor Church, Hastings, MN.

Millard Fillmore Cochell, 88, of Mesa, Arizona passed away April 15^th, 2018.  Murph, as he was commonly known, was born November 25^th, 1929 in Long Beach, California.  As a child he demonstrated a gift for music.  His favorite instrument was the mandolin, although he could play the guitar, banjo, and violin.  His mother was a concert pianist and to her dismay he never wanted to play the piano.  She took him to a pawn shop when he was 11 years old and he saw a mandolin and asked her to buy it for him.  She agreed, but he was told he had to learn to play it by himself.  Murph took to it naturally and thus his life long passion was born.  After serving four years in the Navy his sister Nancy introduced Murph to Wanda Darlene Reed.  Love struck them both and they solemnized their marriage on March 1^st, 1953.  As Murph, often said, “the babies came faster than the paychecks.”  He became father of six children, Karen Kay, Monty James, Perry Lamar, Murphy (who was stillborn), Kenneth John, and Catherine Ann.  He instilled within his children the love of hard work and the desire to overcome life’s difficult challenges.  Alcoholics Anonymous was a very important part of his life.  He was proud of over fifty-four years of sobriety.  Throughout his life Murph sponsored and blessed the lives of countless individuals who were seeking freedom from the disease of alcoholism.  His strong belief in others and willingness to sacrifice for their welfare made him an icon within the “AA” community.  Murph was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He and his beloved wife were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.  Darlene, as she was affectionately known, passed away December 2^nd, 2002, after a long battle with cancer.  Murphy’s loving devotion and tender care for her provided a beautiful example of marital love for his children.  Murphy is survived by his five children and spouses: Karen Kay and Faunteni Kaufusi of Boise, Idaho; Monty James and Jana Cochell of Salt Lake City, Utah; Perry Lamar and Karen Cochell of Bountiful, Utah; Kenneth John and Linda Cochell of Mesa, Arizona; Catherine Ann and Mark Schiefelbein of Boise, Idaho; and 28 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Nancy Rose Archer of Caldwell, Idaho and his Uncle Douglas John Grigg of Kuna, Idaho and two sisters-in-law, Julia H. Falkner and Twila Greenheck.  He was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Ashley and Erika, his parents, Ruth (Grigg) and Millard (Ted) Cochell, sister, Barbara (Fuson) Cochell and brother, Lamar (Ted) Cochell.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, with a visitation one hour prior, Friday, May 4, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alta Mesa Stake, 5350 E. McLellan Road in Mesa.

Shirley June Hoppa Muise passed away at her home on April 19, 2018 at the age of 87. She was the loving wife of James B. Muise who preceded her in death.

Shirley was born on September 9, 1930 in Breckinridge, Minnesota, the only child to loving parents Victor Hoppa and Ruth Osborne Hoppa.

On Monday, April 30^th Shirley’s funeral will be held at Willowbrook United Methodist Church at 19390 N 99th Ave. Sun City, Az, 85373. A one hour viewing will begin at 9AM, followed by the church service at 10AM. She will be buried with her husband at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Shirley’s grew up in Minnesota and moved to Whittier, California in the fifties where she met and married her husband of over 50 years James. Together they traveled extensively and lived in several places including New York, San Francisco, India, and Page, Arizona, prior to settling in Sun City. She was active in the Sun City Players and the Aqua Sun Swim Team. She volunteered as a poll worker for all major elections. Shirley loved the Arizona climate for over 40 years. 

Shirley was an organized and efficient person. She was employed as an administrative secretary, security manager, and school secretary at various businesses. She worked for the Goodyear Company in Goodyear, AZ in the 70’s and 80’s where she was highly regarded. She often spoke about her experiences with humor and candor. Her family especially enjoyed her antidotes about the time she and James spent in the country of India. 

Shirley had a quick wit, no nonsense approach to life. While she professed to hate cooking and said her ideal home would be one without a kitchen, she was a wonderful cook and a delightful hostess.

She was a loving aunt to her nieces Madeleine Kempf Zimmerman of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Christine Kempf of Cincinnati, Ohio. She will be greatly missed by her grandnieces Krista Zimmerman Super and Melissa Zimmerman as well as great grandnephew Nick Super and great grandniece Brooke Super. The family of Judge Robert Spears, her cousin in Minnesota, his wife Margo and children Connor and Hannah, fondly care for and remember Shirley. Shirley’s many friends and acquaintances will also miss her infectious laugh.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested for Handi-Capables and
mailed to 10118 West Deanne Dr., Sun City, AZ 85351.  

Constance Elvera Nilson Lillie, daughter of Carl Eric and Constance Petterson Nilson, was born February 24, 1918 at Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away April 20, 2018. Connie (Vera) attended school in Salt Lake City and graduated from South High School. She married Randall James Lillie August 19, 1938. They had four children: Karen Johnson (Walter), David Lillie (Rea), Elaine Fish (Norman) and Annette Lunt (Keith). Wanting a warmer climate, they moved to Arizona June 1964. Here in the Phoenix/Mesa area they enjoyed their family, friends and readily made many new acquaintances. After being in poor health for several years, her husband Randall died March 29, 1982. She was preceded in death by her brother Ellmond, her husband Randall, and a daughter Elaine. She is survived by 3 children, foster daughter Delores Hyden, 30 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services in Arizona will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 26^th with a visitation one hour prior at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 825 S. 32^nd Street in Mesa. 

Funeral Services in Utah will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 28^th at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. in Salt Lake City Utah with interment to follow also at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery.

Ruth S. Bergeson, 99, passed away April 18, 2018. Born February 25, 1919 in Rigby, Idaho, the 2^nd of five children to Emerald Wycliffe Stout and Geneva Black.

When Ruth was one year old, the family moved to Blackfoot, Idaho where Ruth spent her early childhood years.   At the age of 10, the family moved to Salt Lake City so her father could attend the University of Utah.  Ruth spent the remainder of her primary school years in Salt Lake until 1932, when the family relocated to Moab, Utah.  There, Ruth attended 8^th through 12^th grade, graduating in 1937 from Grand County High School.  She played the trumpet in the high school band and sang alto in a girls’ trio.  She had a wonderful childhood enjoying all the adventures a young girl could hope for in a place like Moab. Swimming in the Colorado River, hiking, boating, ice skating and horseback riding in that beautiful countryside were among her favorite pastimes.

Upon graduating from high school, Ruth went on to attend Brigham Young University.  Influenced by her Father’s dedication to education, she majored in Elementary Education.  While at BYU, Ruth was voted “The Sweetheart of Delta Phi” by the student body of BYU. A song was written for this occasion to honor her – “Dream Girl of Delta Phi”. In 1941 Ruth left to serve a Spanish speaking LDS (Mormon) mission in Texas.  Upon returning home from her mission, Ruth rekindled a childhood friendship with Alvin Berthel Bergeson, a boy she had played with as a child.  They were married November 18, 1942 in the Salt Lake Temple. Three children were born to this union – Sharon, Betty, and James.  The family lived in Groveland, Idaho (a small suburb of Blackfoot) until 1962 when they relocated to Mesa, Arizona, where Ruth remained until her death.  Ruth taught in the junior high and elementary schools in Mesa, finishing up at Longfellow teaching 1^st grade.  She was an accomplished organist, teacher and leader, using her talents to serve in many Church capacities.  

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David Wycliffe Stout, Marvin Lowell Stout; sisters, Helen Beth Warner, Dorothy Mae Minkin, and Granddaughter, Lindsey Bergeson. She is survived by brother, Edward Dean Stout (Inez); son, James Alvin Bergeson (Linda Peterson), daughters, Sharon DeMordaunt (James), Betty Davis (Rick), 14 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, April 27, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Services will be Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing 30 minutes prior at Bunkers Garden Chapel. Interment to follow at Mesa City Cemetery.

Adam James Zandstra, 35, passed away unexpectedly April 18, 2018 in Phoenix, AZ. Born April 7, 1983 in Aberdeen, SD.

He was the son of James Zandstra of Rapid City SD and Kristy Smith, who passed away in 2016 and her husband Dave Smith of Windsor CO. He was a loving brother to his siblings Allison Allen (Dustin Allen) of Aurora CO and Alex Zandstra of Yuba City CA. He was the most wonderful uncle to his 4 nieces and nephews. Brayden, 12, Maddie, 11, Isabella, 10, and Blake, 5. Beloved Grandson of Dean Erikson (and Leona Erikson, deceased) of Salem SD and Myrna Zandstra (and Alvin Zandstra, deceased) of Rapid City SD. He also leaves behind a multitude of friends whom he considered his family and a legacy of fun, love, laughter, kindness, and generosity.

Adam worked as an insurance underwriter during his lifetime. He loved and enjoyed  his job, the people it brought him to know, and the close knit teams he was able to form.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85201.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Adam’s name to The First Tee Phoenix at gf.me/u/h6dyu9

Julie Marie (Keim) Berry, 58, after a two-year fight with ovarian cancer passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family at the Sherman House Hospice facility on Friday, April 06, 2018 at 7:25 pm.

Born on September 21, 1959 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix, AZ to loving parents Laurence H. and Janet Keim and later became a sister to Laurence L. Keim. This small family remained close throughout her life. Around the age of ten, her family was baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has since dedicated her life to Christ and her family.

On November 10, 1984, Julie married the love of her life Stanley Berry and together they had three children: Scott Berry, Victoria Berry, and Amanda (Berry) Cassels. Julie and Stan knew each other for forty years. They were friends for seven years prior to marrying and remained happily married for thirty-three years. Julie and Stanley’s relationship became an example to many and were often complimented on the strength of their relationship.

 On April 27, 2016 she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer, but throughout her fight with this disease she remained optimistic. She spent the majority of her life devoting herself to anyone in need; even in her last days she was more worried about how her death would affect her loved ones. She smiled every day and testified of Jesus Christ to anyone who entered the room. She had a passion for dancing, teaching, baking, cooking shows, movies, music, art, and learning. Julie Berry emanated light wherever she went; she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her parents Laurence and Janet Keim, brother Laurence L. Keim, husband Stanley Berry, and children Scott, Victoria, and Amanda.

There will be a viewing on Friday April 20^th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday April 21^st at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing at 9:00 a.m. Both services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church building, 3601 E Shea Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85028.

Alice Josephine (Cluff) Ellsworth passed away on April 11, 2018 in Mesa, AZ at the age of 88.

Alice Jo was born on December 9, 1929 near Pearce, AZ to Alfred Orval and Clea Emily (Nielsen) Cluff. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1947 and from Arizona State College in 1951. In 1951, she married Lloyd Reed Ellsworth, and they welcomed six children into their home.

Alice Jo was a devoted and talented homemaker. One of her favorite hobbies was family history work. Alice Jo was an active and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities, including two full-time missions.

Alice Jo is survived by her children, Scott (Lynette), Doug (Diane), Steve (Susanna), Nancy (Kelly Hall), David, and Michael (Kimberly). She is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. Her posterity remembers her for her kindness, her selfless service, and her testimony of Jesus Christ. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 11 a.m. Aspen Ward LDS Chapel, 1249 S. 48^th St. in Mesa, Arizona.

Friends may call at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be no viewing prior to services on Saturday morning.

Interment, City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St, Mesa, Arizona, Saturday morning at 9 a.m. prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to LDS Church Humanitarian Fund, LDS Church General Missionary Fund, or Child Crisis, AZ.   

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Ronald Joseph McDaniel

April 23, 1934 – April 14, 2018

Surrounded by his family and sweetheart, Ron peacefully passed away on   April 14, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona.

Ron was born April 23, 1934 in Paducah, Kentucky to Aubrey Morgan and Lois Inez Cooper McDaniel.  El Paso, Texas became home in 1946 where he lived for 58 years. He attended Ysleta High School (Class of 1952) and met the love of his life Charlleene Arrott. They were united in marriage in 1953. Ron was drafted into the US Army in 1958 and later graduated from Texas Western College (UTEP) in 1961.  He was employed by KROD/KDBC-TV for many years. While in El Paso he was an active part of the Sun Bowl Committee, the El Paso Zoological Society, Yucca Council- Boy Scouts of America, National Conference of Christians and Jews, El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame, and Downtown Lions Club. Ron was a Lifetime Member of the UTEP Alumni Association and El Paso Jaycees. In 1970 Ron was honored as El Paso Outstanding Young Man.

Ron was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in various callings, but the most memorable was Scout Master for Troop 38. Many of his scouts earned Eagle recognition and Ron was later presented the Silver Beaver Award.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Bobby Morgan McDaniel and grandson Daniel Joseph Flores.

He leaves behind his high school sweetheart of 64 years Charlleene, 6 children: Ella Romney (Brent), Charla McDaniel, Ronda Hutchins (Norman), Lisa Robalin (Brad), Ron McDaniel (Shauna), and Cyndi Bowers (Mark), 30 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Ron is also survived by his brother Bill Don (Kelly) McDaniel and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to Serenity Hospice and caretakers Anthony, Chelsea and Angie for their gentleness, kindness and the compassion shown to our parents.

Public Viewing will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2018 from 6-8:00 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Az 85213

Service for Ron will be Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM @ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center, 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, Arizona.

Burial will take place in the beautiful mountains of Alpine, Az. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the LDS Humanitarian Fund found at: www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitatianservices.

Annette Lyons Wilson, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, April 12^th, 2018, just shy of her 86^th birthday.

Annette lived a life full of service, love and humility.  She loved her family and was an example of Christ-like love to everyone she met.  She loved watching sports, playing scrabble, doing crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, but most of all being with her family.  She had a great love for children and enjoyed tending her grandchildren through the years.  She found great joy as she served weekly in the Arizona Mesa Temple as an ordinance worker for 13 years.  She blessed so many people’s lives and truly was an angel on earth.

She was born July 10, 1932 in Burley, Cassia, Idaho to Ivan Edward Lyons and Ruth Smith.  She is survived by her children Kerma Solorzano, Robert Wilson, Lorna Evans, Susan Wright, Wayne Wilson and Brad Wilson, 30 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren with 7 more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Arnold Ray Wilson and her sons David Wilson and Steven Wilson.

Annette will be greatly missed and the memories she made with everyone who knew her will never be forgotten.  She had a strong testimony of forever families and we know that we will see her again someday.

Services will be held Friday, April 20^th at 11:00 AM, with visitation from 9:30 – 10:45 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3344 E. McDowell Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Mildred “Milly” E. Quade (Harris) passed away peacefully on April 9^th, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona.  Milly, was born January 1^st, 1922 in Vandalia, Illinois to Rollie and Hattie Murrel Harris.  She was one of five children and graduated from Vandalia High School.

 She married John F. Quade January 18^th, 1941. She stayed home with her two sons during their younger years before working 15 years as a secretary for Tazewell County Educational Service Region in Pekin, Illinois retiring in 1979. Milly and her family spent many vacations camping in their travel trailer while seeing most all of the U.S.

John and Milly retired back to Vandalia for 10 years, wintering in Arizona, before moving full-time to Mesa, Arizona.   They continued their travel in their retirement and enjoyed being part of the Airstream Club. Milly was an active and dedicated member of the First Methodist Church in Vandalia, IL, Grace Methodist Church in Pekin, IL, and Velda Rose Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona.  She was very social and loved numerous activities in their retirement community as well as volunteering at the local hospital gift shop.

Milly was a devoted sister, wife, mother,  aunt, grandmother, and friend to many.

Milly is survived by two sons: Fred Quade of DeKalb, IL, Gary Quade of Tempe, AZ; daughter-in-laws:  Shelly Quade and Kim Quade; and four grandchildren: Emily, John, Cameron and Keaton.

 A memorial service will be held at Fellowship Square Oasis in Mesa on Tuesday, April 17^th, 2018 at 1:00 pm.  A graveside memorial service will also be held at Fairlawn Cemetery in Vandalia, Illinois later in May, 2018. Details will follow. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Milly’s life with us.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sunshine Acres at:  3405 N. Higley Rd.   Mesa, AZ   85215. 

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Fellowship Square in Mesa, Arizona for their dedication and  care.

Thain was born to Lynn & Vera Miskin in Idaho Falls, ID on May 21, 1934.  As a child and young man, Thain’s family moved quite frequently as result of His father’s job as an engineer for the Department of the Interior.  In fact, he lived in 10 different locations by the time he was five years of age.  His longest tenure was Logan, Utah where he lived for eight years prior to moving to Colorado.  As a result of their moves, Thain became comfortable meeting new people; he enjoyed meeting the challenges of a new location.  He was student body president, lettered in track and wrestling, and graduated with honors from Grand Junction High School in Colorado.

After graduating, Thain was called to serve an LDS mission to the North Eastern States where he ardently shared his testimony of his Savior.   After he returned from his mission, Thain attended Brigham Young University where he graduated with a B.S. in Accounting.  While attending BYU he met and married his eternal sweetheart, Melba Gardner.

Upon graduation, Thain became a CPA in 1959 and began work as an accountant.  After working in the private sector for several years, he was appointed to be the Financial Director for the Mesa Public School District.  He served as Financial Director for 27 years prior to retiring.  While working for MPS, Thain earned numerous awards for his sound fiscal management of an ever-growing school district.

Thain’s life was a living example of being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.  He was so gracious with others as he shared his testimony of the restoration of the gospel; he was a man without guile.  Thain will be remembered for his great love for his faith and family, his quick wit, and his fascination with BYU sports.

Thain will be remembered by his wife, Melba, who lovingly cared for him during his years battling Parkinson’s Disease.  He is survived by his five children, Lamont Miskin (Marcy), Louise Smith (Brian), Julie Buckley (Steve), Rod Miskin (Karen), and Amy Cook (Lon) along with 19 grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren, currently 23.  He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Richard Miskin. 

Richard Clifford Silva, age 89, beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away April, 5, 2018 in Gilbert, Arizona. Cliff was born May 1, 1928 in Merced, California to Tony and Margaret (Souza) Silva and lived in Fremont, California most of his life. 

His daughter moved him to Gilbert, Arizona in 2010 after Cliff suffered a stroke. He served as a stenographer in the Army where he received a Bronze Star for meritorious service under General George H. Decker and also served in the Korean War for a second tour of duty. On his return to civilian life, Cliff worked as an accountant for Ford Motor Company for 53 years. He was skilled at drawing and cooking, but he loved most to hike Mission Peak not far from his Fremont home. He loved collecting and decorating with those items that brought him joy.

He is survived by his daughter, Peggy Shumway of Gilbert, AZ; a step-son, Kenneth Laeger of Birmingham, Alabama; four grandsons, Jared, Kevin, Taylor, and Adam Shumway; two great-grandsons, Liam and Declan Shumway; and various nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Helen Whittle and Marilyn Hoffman.

Visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 230 N. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85234 on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 2 PM. Funeral services will follow at 3 PM. Interment will take place at the Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond California on April 19. The family would like to express thanks for the help and care given by the A&M Group Home and by Hospice of the Valley. Arrangements by Bunkers’ Garden Chapel.

Jaron B Norberg (80)—our husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend—was born 02 August 1937 in Murray, Utah to John Murray Norberg and Dean Bringhurst. Raised in The Avenues in Salt Lake City, he starred in basketball and track at East High, where he graduated in 1955. He was an excellent pianist and played mostly by ear. He even took piano lessons from famed, Mormon Tabernacle organist Alexander Shriner. He was multi-talented with music, as he had a wonderful bass singing voice and also played both the accordion and ukulele.

He served an LDS Mission in Montevideo, Uruguay for 2.5 years. He played on the Church’s professional basketball team, Club Deseret with mission buddies David Weight, David Udall, and Dick Paul, which he loved doing and always treasured those memories. He spoke beautiful Spanish and was proud of holding on to that language gift throughout his life.

After his mission he returned to BYU, where he studied, and worked.  He married Deena Sherman in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on 23 December 1960. Jaron also served in the military as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. He was activated at the time of the Berlin Wall crisis. He graduated in 1962 from Officers Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was awarded Distinguished Graduate. This was also where he honed his prolific sharp-shooting and typing skills. After being honorably discharged from the army, he attended the University of Utah, College of Law, where, after dedicated studying (and golfing, of course, with classmates and professors) he graduated in 1967 with high honors: first in his class, Editor in Chief of the Law Review, Order of the Coif.

Deena supported the family as a schoolteacher during Jaron’s army and law school days. After graduating from law school, he and Deena moved to Phoenix, Arizona to begin his professional life as an attorney at the distinguished firm, Snell & Wilmer. He took the Arizona Bar exam and he was recognized as having achieved the top score in the state. Deena and Jaron settled in Tempe, where they were loving members of the Tempe 4th Ward. He was surrounded by many great people and friends at Snell & Wilmer, as well as within their close-knit LDS Church ward. Jaron left Snell & Wilmer to become Senior Vice President and Corporate Counsel at Arizona Public Service. He was later promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors at APS. He enjoyed immensely his time there with many friends and colleagues. He retired from APS at the end of 1996.  While Michael was in High School and Eric was in Junior High School, Deena attended law school at ASU and graduated in 1983. She went on to clerk for a Federal Court judge and serve as legal counsel to the Mesa Public School District. Jaron was so proud of Deena’s accomplishments.

Jaron and Deena had three sons: Scott Jaron (deceased), Michael Sherman, and Eric Murray. He deeply mourned the loss of Scott (1996), but saw so much of him in Scott’s two sons, Adam and Cody (with Jayme Robinson). The rest of his grandchildren and great grandchildren were also everything to him. He and Deena were affectionately known as Grampy & Granny. Shayna (“Muggs”), his very first granddaughter; Nathan (“Nug”)—married to Mindy Marsh; Megan (“Moose”)—married to Coulter Reynolds; Samantha (“the Beebs”)—who are all Michael & Darci Allred’s children. Henry (“King Henry”); Elle (“Princess Elle”); and precious Chloe—Adam & Sarah Francis’ children. Margot (“Princess Margot”); William (“Prince William”), Jack (“Jack-Jack”)—Cody & Leyla Safsten’s children; and lovely Mila Jo. He was best loved for his “Cousins” song (ingeniously connecting them), Legos and more Legos, giving and getting “huggles” with them, game playing, incessant teasing, and much “Grampy” love.

Jaron loved people. He loved making them know how important each person is. He loved music, photography, the arts, cars, sports, and especially golf. He was a long-time member at Phoenix Country Club where he was a Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday regular. He took many golf trips and played some of the most famous courses in the world—upon which courses he both prayed for putts and uttered many a “dark word.” He had his own Wikipedia of golfing terms (“Triple Poley”; “The Dreaded Triple Reverse-Greenie”; “The Sandie”; “The Sharkie”; etc.). You often needed an HP 12c (or Robert De Niro in “Casino”) to figure out all the odds & bets going on during the course of a round. He loved the tournaments he played in and frequently brought home a trophy to put in his office. (Formidable-looking Kachina dolls were his favorites.) His golfing “cronies” were some of his closest friends.

He had a taste for “nice things” and sharing cultural, historical and noteworthy events and thoughts with those he loved. Whether it was a great book, movie, Broadway musical/play, sporting event, or music. (For instance, he believed he may have personally “discovered” Billy Joel and thus was, of course, largely responsible for that man’s endless career.)

“Sing us a song you’re the piano man

Sing us a song tonight

‘Cause we’re all in the mood for a melody

And you got us feeling alright”

He appreciated greatness in all forms; admired people when performing their best—and was always quick and gracious to tell them. We would always gather for Super Bowls, the NBA Playoffs, the World Series, and of course all the golf Majors. The Masters was considered “Holy Week” to him. That he passed away during this year’s second round seemed only too “of course.”

In his latter years, when he wasn’t golfing, he loved walking and talking with Deena, doing puzzles together, playing scrabble, gin rummy, backgammon, dominoes and watching some of their favorite TV shows: Cheers, Frasier, and Friends. He also became a Grand Master of Tetris with his morning “bathroom time.” (Those little falling blocks didn’t know what the hell hit them.) He was also famous for his “Grampy Steaks,” his “Grampy Scrambled Eggs,” his “Grampy Hamburgers,” and his “Grampy Fruit Drink.” He enjoyed the friends of his kids and grandkids almost as much as his own friends. He and Deena became the Jaron-proclaimed “Extra Granny & Grampy” to many, many amazing young people and would frequently participate in their lives through Instagram and Facebook.

He died the morning of 06 April 2018, surrounded by his loved ones. He died of complications after a year of battling prostate cancer. We want to thank the staff at Banner Baywood Hospital (Dr. Barlingay, Nurse Misa and his ICU Nurse, Katlyn), Dr. Jerry Shockey, Dr. Neel Dharia, and the staff of Santé of Mesa who lovingly cared for him over these final weeks and days.

Visitation: Thursday, April 12, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Friday, April 13, 10:00-10:45 a.m. Memorial Service: Friday, April 13, 11:00. Both Visitation & Services held at LDS Stake Center: 2549 N, 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona. (Arrangements by Bunker Mortuary—to which we give our thanks.)

Consider donations to LDS Church Humanitarian Fund, AZBrainfood.org—or, in true Jaron style, giving a random act of kindness to someone in need.

Earline Batmon Gilleo, 88, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2018. She was born on January 20, 1930 in Phoenix, Arizona to Edward Earl Batmon and Gertrude Suddarth.

She was a life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served as Primary Teacher, Cub Scout Den Leader, and then Sunday School Secretary for many years.

In 1948 she married Donald Clark Gilleo (deceased in 1987). Together they had 3 children: Pati (Mike) Finn, Donald Kenneth Gilleo, and Ron (Marie) Gilleo. Her grandchildren include: Amy (Daryl) Natter, Chris (Krista) Finn, Dan (Megan) Finn, Carrie (Mike) Palmer, Ryan (Morgan) Finn, Bethany Finn, Kira (Devon) Cherry, Trey (Melissa) Gilleo, Ren Gilleo, and Rod Gilleo; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services are Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 10 am, preceded by a visitation at 9 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 848 N. Westwood in Mesa. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.