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George Lane Stocking passed away on March 30, 2018 after living a long life filled with family, faith, aerospace engineering, the Phoenix Suns, Louis L’Amour novels, country western music, and chocolate. Of all those, we’re sure that he loved his family best but he would have fought you for the fudge and the Sons of the Pioneers tapes.

He was born in Nebraska in 1927, enlisted in the Navy during World War II, and married Patricia while obtaining his degree in mechanical engineering at Iowa State University. After a distinguished career designing guidance controls for unmanned spacecraft, he retired and spent all his time and energy with Pat in Prescott and in Phoenix.

George was a man of many diverse interests and talents. An avid horseman, student of flamenco guitar, sailing, a one-time Philadelphia Mummer (complete with ostrich feathers, sequins and a banjo), Model A enthusiast and Arthur Murray dance instructor, he excelled in public speaking and sharing his humorous stories. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Patricia; their children, Barbara; George and his wife Mary; Mary and her husband Martin Haub; Elizabeth and her husband Craig Evans; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  

George is preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy; his sisters, Jean and Jessica, and his beloved son, Patrick. 

A Mass celebrating George’s life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 13th at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Rd, Mesa, AZ. Reception will follow.

George’s enthusiasm for life was exceeded only by his faith and compassion for those in need. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Little Sisters of the Poor or St. Vincent de Paul Society, organizations he supported for many years.

Barbara Dawn (Kelly) Williams, born on February 11, 1933 in Mesa, Arizona, to Aurelia (Willis) Kelly and Clyde Theodore Kelly, passed away at age 85 on April 5, 2018 in Chandler, Arizona.

She graduated from Mesa High School in 1950 where she became one of the elite lasso twirling Mesa High School Rabbettes.” She was a Committee secretary and secretary for the Speaker of the House at the Arizona Legislature until retiring in 1995. Barbara was married to Richard B. Williams. Barbara is survived by her sons, Richard Ted Williams, Clifford Allen Williams, Phillip Carey Williams, and Jeffrey Loren Williams; daughter, Jennifer (Williams) Park; brother, Robert Willis Kelly; sister, Kathleen Kelly Steverson. Barbara had a passion for reading and church service. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our dear mother, grandmother, and great grandma Williams fiercely loved us. Her remarkable devotion was legendary. Family was her life blood; her husband Dick was her true love. She has waited not so patiently to return to him. We are sure angels blushed at their heavenly reunion.

Friends and family are welcome to attend the memorial service on Wednesday, April 11 from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85201. Burial will be in Mesa Cemetery. Bunker Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements, (480) 696-6883. 

Bryan Allen Bunker was born on January 5, 1924, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Bryan Lamond Bunker and Chloe LaPriel Strong. He passed away on March 31, 2018, in Mesa, Arizona. He is survived by two sons: Brent Allen Bunker and Randall Mark Bunker (Arlene) and two daughters: Robyne Leslye Fullagar (Christopher) and Jennifer Lee Hall (William “Bill”); one brother Gary Bunker (Carol), 17 grandchildren and fifty great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Merle Tietjen Bunker, his parents, five brothers and two grandsons. Allen graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1941 and from the University of Utah in 1948. He married Merle Druce Tietjen on April 3, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple. Allen was a lst Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Corp during World War II as an aerial navigator on B-24 Liberator aircraft. He was fortunate to never serve in combat. He became a Captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He graduated from the California College of Mortuary Science in 1950 and worked for his father and uncle at Bunker Brothers Mortuary in Las Vegas. In 1964, he purchased two mortuaries in Mesa, Arizona: Gibbons Garden Chapel and Gibbons Desert View Chapel (later changed to Bunker Family Funeral Homes) in Mesa, Arizona. He was very active professionally: President of the Nevada State Board of Funeral Directors & Embalmers, President of the International Order of the Golden Rule, President of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, an active Rotarian for over 50 years, and served on many Boards. He sold the business to his son, Randy, in 1989. He and Merle traveled all over the world. They visited six of the seven continents and over 100 countries. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions over the years. He and Merle served a public communications mission to disseminate information to the print and broadcast medias. He was the chairman of the Arizona Temple Gardens Christmas lights and activities for five years. He was also a temple ordinance worker. He was a supportive husband to his wife who was a television star and also active in the communities they lived in. Allen was an incredible father and grandfather who adored his family. He will be greatly missed.

Viewing will be held at Bunkers’ Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, on Thursday, April 12, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There will also be a viewing an hour prior to service on Friday, April 13, at 10:00 am. Service will be held at the Gilbert 9^th Ward, 1150 E. Guadalupe, Gilbert, at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery. 

Jeffrey Leigh Gower of Mesa, Arizona passed away at home in Mesa, Arizona. He was 39. Jeff is survived by his parents, Robert and Laurie Gower as well as his brothers, Rob Gower, Jr. and Jason Gower.

Viewing will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1345 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203.

Douglas Marshall Lord 62, was called home on Sunday April 1^st, 2018 in Mesa AZ. He was born in Lamoni Iowa. Doug led a very active life with over 20 years in the Air Force touring the world working on his favorite plane the C-130 with his unit the 303^rd Fighter Squadron. He was a very forgiving and generous man who loved his family and was always willing to help out and be supportive. He is survived by his wife Peggy, and stepson Andrew, his siblings, Charles Lord, Richard Lord, David Lord, and Nancy Rabago. Many close nieces and nephews, Kelly Feldman, Shelly Lord, Kathy Smith, Jason Lord, Eric Lord, and many more. He loved to hang out with family and regale people with practical jokes and stories. He was a hardworking man even after working in the Air Force; he worked for 30 years at Independence Regional and CenterPoint Hospital’s in Independence Missouri. After retirement he even came to work in the Cafeteria at Stapley Jr. high. He was known for his amazing sense of humor and practical joking by all in his family and coworkers. His viewing will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa April 6^th 6-8pm. Funeral will be held at the LDS meeting house on 6942 East Brown Rd., Mesa 85207 on April 7^th at 1pm.

Brian Louis Jones, 46, passed away on March 29, 2018, in Mesa, Arizona.

Brian was born September 24, 1971 in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona.  He grew up in Gilbert, Arizona, and graduated from Gilbert High School.  He was a computer technician who loved hockey, video games and making people laugh.  He was very considerate of others and had a big heart.

He is survived by his wife, Deanna (Trone) Jones; son, Steven Gary Jones; daughter, Sharon “Shar” Diane Jones, and their mother, Kara Brett (Bodine) Jones; parents Gary Dale and Sharon Kay (Haws) Jones, brother Steven B. Jones (Jocelyn); sisters Wendy Chmara (Greg), Kristi Bradshaw (Stefan).

Services will be Friday, April 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 977 E. Broadway in Mesa.

A native of Overbrook, Kansas, Virginia was born to Earl & Zetha Huston in Ottawa, Kansas on September 27, 1936.  She graduated from Appanoose High School then attended and graduated Business College where she subsequently held positions as an Administrative Assistant in various industries (USAF, Toledo University, IMA, Hedrick Medical Center).  Virginia was an avid bowler, winning many tournaments; she also enjoyed dancing, reading, and crocheting.

Virginia will be lovingly remembered by her children, Rick Gibson, Robert Gibson (Sherry), Sunny Gunnoe-Lunnen (Tom), and Kay Gunnoe. Virginia will also be fondly remembered by her four grandchildren (Stephanie, Elizabeth, Courtney, and Halli) and five great-grandchildren (Hali, Alex, Brayden, Easton, and Wyatt). Virginia was predeceased by her brothers, Howard Huston & Kenneth Huston, and her sister, Wilma Rieck.

Interment will occur in the family plot at Appanoose Cemetery in Overbrook, Kansas.

Marydel A Fleagle, 79, of Mesa, Arizona, passed on peacefully at Mountain Vista Medical Center in East Mesa on Wed, March 28, 2018.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 8th, 2018 at the home of her eldest son Duane & Karen Fleagle.  An Urn will be hand crafted by the family as a memorial for Marydel.

Expressions of sympathy may be posted at Bunkerfuneral.com, University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ, 85213, (480) 830-4105, e-mail, university@bunkerfuneral.com.  Alan Fleagle on Facebook.  For more info contact: Duane Fleagle, fleagle123@msn.com, or call, text, e-mail Alan Fleagle, alanmail7@gmail.com, 480-332-5500.

Mrs. Fleagle, former Marydel Messer, was born at home on the Messer family farm on August 29, 1938, in an area known as White Oak, rural Mt Pleasant, Henry County, Iowa.  Marydel is predeceased by her parents, Harry N & Iru A Messer, and sister Merna Royer (Messer).   Those thankful for sharing life with Marydel include:  A husband of 61 years, Richard L Fleagle of Arizona, previously of Winfield,  and 3 son’s and their spouses of Arizona, Duane & Karen Fleagle, Dennis Fleagle, and Alan & DiAnna Fleagle.  Sister Mrs. Marla Conner (Messer) of winfield, and brother Mr. Dean Messer of Trenton, Iowa.  3 grandsons:  Dallas & Niccole Fleagle, Reed & Sherre’ Fleagle and Jake Fleagle.  4 great grandchildren: Cloey & Saydi Marydel (Dallas’s), Maverick & Caley (Reed’s).

Educated grades 1-8 at White Oak school house, graduated Mt. Pleasant High in 1956.  Married to Richard L Fleagle in August 1956 at the Methodist Church, Winfield, Iowa.

Marydel was a dedicated mother and Wife, she lived and Loved for her family.  She was a kind gentle soul always thinking of others.  She was a hard worker on the family farm and 30 plus years at Motorola in Mesa, AZ.  Marydel was an avid reader who also loved to keep up on current events.  A sons illness takes Marydel & family to Arizona in 1966.  She was pleasant, kind, understanding, and will surely be missed.  Marydel (Mom) God bless your precious soul.  Amen.

Brian Jay Smalley, 52, of Mesa Arizona; passed away on April 1, 2018.  He was born February 3, 1966 in Long Beach, California.  A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, April 8^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.

Candace was born in San Francisco, California to Fred and Patricia Oliphant.  Her precious life began February 10, 1987.  She graduated from Pinnacle High School and received a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate from Pima Medical Institute.  After struggling with renal disease for several years, she succumbed to death on March 28, 2018.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sisters Mrs. Tiffany Quinn and Ms. Shayla Oliphant; two brothers Mr. Frederick Oliphant III and Mr. Marcus Oliphant of San Francisco; one grandparent Ms. Dorothy Oliphant of San Francisco, California; three uncles Mr. Alphonso Oliphant of Richmond, California; Mr. Claude Arnold Jr. of San Francisco, California; and Mr. Leslie Arnold of Union City, California; three aunts Mrs. Gwen Lyons of Houston, Texas, Mrs. Doris Hardridge of Chino, California, Ms. Paula Taper of Elk Grove, California; one niece Amerie Oliphant; her sweetheart Demetrius Ledbeher of Joliet, Illinois; and a host of cousins and friends.

When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Shirley Mae Zent, born July 21, 1931.  Loving wife, mother, grand mother and great grandmother passed away peacefully on March 25, 2018.  She was loved and cherished by her family and all who knew her.  She is survived by her son Monte, daughter in law Gretchen, brother Gary Peterson, grandchildren Gary, Joe, Ben and Jenna, great granddaughters Sandra and Emma and Great Grandsons Matthew, Bruce and Lakota.  Shirley was an active member of the Mormon Church where she enjoyed working in the temple, singing in the choir and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm, Tuesday, April 3 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa followed by funeral services at 10:00 am, Wednesday, April 4 at the LDS Church, Udall Ward, 15 W. 1^st Ave, in Mesa. 

Ernest Herbert Freeman, 87, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on March 18, 2018.  He was born on March 24, 1930 in Benton, Illinois.  An inurnment will be at 11:00 AM; Thursday, March 29^th at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix.

Alta Clement Willis, 96, of Mesa, AZ died peacefully March 23, 2018. Alta, daughter of Lester Elden and Emily Maud Clement, wife of Glade Roundy Willis, passed away at the Banner Baywood hospital in Mesa, AZ after a sudden onset of pneumonia.

She is survived by one son Carl (Paulette Storrs) Willis, and four daughters Diane (Frank) DeCesare, Joyce (KC-deceased) Bastian, Mary (Robert) Watkins, Janet Willis, and daughter-in-law Karen Thompson Willis. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren, one brother, Lee Clement, and two sisters, Pearl Nichols and Dora Holbrook. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glade Roundy Willis and son Glade Randy Willis.

Alta was born and raised in Mesa Arizona by her beloved parents. She truly enjoyed interacting with her siblings Mary, Margaret, Zelda, Elvin, Lee, Pearl, Dora, Donald, Heber, and Nione. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1939. She married Glade in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on May 11, 1942. They served together in the Mesa Arizona temple as ordinance worker for many years. They also served on a mission in the Dallas, Texas Temple mission from July 1985 to July 1986. Throughout her life she also served faithfully in the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, the power of prayer, and keeping the commandments.

Alta was beloved not only by her posterity, but every life she touched. She lived simply, devoting her life to her family; but that simplicity added up to a giant legacy. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28th. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. at the LDS Greenfield Park Ward at 532 South Greenfield Rd, Mesa on Thursday, March 29th, with a viewing prior to the services from 10-10:45 a.m.

Richard J.G. Jewell was born March 15, 1938, in Hill City Village, Minnesota. He was born to James P. Jewell and Eleanor Priscilla Grover. He passed away March 17, 2018.

He was married to Loisanne Louviere and they had 2 sons, Richard (Jennifer) Jewell and Robert (Gloria) Jewell.

He was married to Lisa Jewell for 39 years and they had 5 children, Michelle Jewell, John (Tarin) Jewell, Chad (May) Jewell, Susan (Collin) Patterson. One son, Rod, preceded him in death. He also had two stepsons, Michael (Natalie) Potter, and Brian Waddle. He and Lisa Jewell built 60 churches in Africa.

Richard was an entrepreneur. He owned SA Mechanical and The Jewell Company for 35 years, both family businesses.

Richard and his dad built the Laundromat in Pine, Arizona, 50 years ago. Richard always took pride in the laundry for the small town of Pine, and his dream had always been to live in Pine.

On October 22, 2010, Richard married Vicki (Vogel) Potter. They shared so much love and joy with the grandkids, Richard joked that Vicki made a better grandmother than wife.

The Jewell company was sold and they moved to Pine in 2013. They loved the two RV parks and the Pine Laundry. Richard loved building. He and Vicki did a lot of traveling, cruises, yoga, and walking. They enjoyed having the grandkids visit. Richard and Vicki have a love like no other.

The grandkids are Peri, Parker, Samuel, Ian, Cole, Noah, Summer Rose, Mason, Cadence, Winston, Cameron, Regan, Judah, Shiloh, Whitney, and great-granddaughter, Darcy.

Richard loved The Early Bird Restaurant and the fudge shop.

Richard had a heart for God. He was a man of integrity. He loved his kids and his grandkids. He always had time for everyone that had a problem. If anyone asked for prayers, he would stop and pray.

God has opened the Pearly Gates of Heaven for Richard. He will be truly missed and will always be in so many hearts.

May you rest in peace, my beautiful husband, best friend and love story. I miss your touch, your voice, your laughter and your humor. God Bless.

Richard will have a graveside service at the City of Mesa Cemetery on Thursday, March 22, 2018, with the immediate family. Friday, March 23, 2018, at 1:00 PM, a Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Pine, Arizona.

Maurice Ivan Jones (Maury) born September 2, 1927 in Virden, New Mexico passed away at home on March 13, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Minda Martineau, and their children, Janice Wilstead (Bob), Rondal Jones (Kaylene), Kyle Jones (Amy), Vearle Jones(Pam), Minda Bates (Brian), Melitza Lloyd (Steven) and Juleen Jones. He cherished his family of 40 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren.

Maury served in the Navy in WWII and the Army in the Korean War, receiving the Bronze Star for Valor. His community service was extensive, including helping write Mesa’s City Charter, Governor’s Hunger Council and founding member of East Valley Food Bank. In 1985 he was Mesa’s Man of the Year.

Maury loved the Lord and faithfully served in numerous Church callings, including missionary to Canada, Bishop, and Director of Temple Youth Guides.

A viewing will be held on Thursday March 29, 2018 from 7-9 PM and 9-9:45 AM on Friday March 30, 2018 at the LDS Solomon Building at 977 E Broadway Rd in Mesa. Funeral Service will follow at 10 AM.

Norma Nielson Boren, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2108, surrounded by family. Born January 27, 1931 in Preston, Idaho to Frihoff Andrew and Jessie Chadwick Nielson.

Norma attended East High School and the University of Utah. She met JD Boren on a blind date at the urging of his roommate and her friend. The couple married in 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple. Norma and JD enjoyed sixty-five years as partners and friends. They served in the Jefferson City Missouri Mission and the Mesa Arizona Temple. She remained devoted to her faith and family history work.

As the wife of a USAF officer, Norma created a loving, inviting home for family and neighbors at each station. Norma was a good listener and made lifelong friends. She truly cared and served others all her life. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, music and had quite a sweet tooth. Norma supported her children and grandchildren in church, school, scouting, music and other activities.

Preceded in death by her parents and sister, Beverlee Williams. Survived by her husband, J Donald Boren; sisters, Lucille Jensen and Noreen Nielson; daughter, Ann (Steve) Doncaster; sons, Logan (Luisa), Jay (Donnelle), Jon (Amber), Brad (Staci) and Steve (Shelley); 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral: Friday, March 23, 2018, 10 AM, Kimball Stake Center, 1266 S. 32^nd St., Mesa. Viewing: Thursday, March 22, 2018, 6-8 PM, Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, and Friday, 9-9:45 AM prior to the service. Interment at National Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ. The family thanks Julia and the Citrus Manor Staff for their loving care of Norma (Mom). In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to your favorite charity.