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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.

Mr. Daniel “Dan” Anthony Eulate died peacefully at home on March 11, 2018 in Mesa, AZ at the age of 49.
Dan is survived by his mother, Dolores Eulate; brother Joe Eulate (Karen); nieces Brooke Eulate and Paige Sheppard (Shea); nephew Kellen Eulate; and great nephew Scott Sheppard. Dan also leaves behind several cousins, aunts, uncles, and many, many dear friends. Dan is preceded in death by his father, Joe V. Eulate.
Dan was born on August 16, 1968 in Mesa, AZ to Dolores and Joe Eulate, the youngest of two children. Dan was a 1986 graduate of Mountain View High School and then attended Arizona State University. He had a passionate career with the cognitively disabled, helping each person he worked with at the Mesa MARC center, work toward his or her personal best. Dan loved music and the performing arts. A well rounded individual, Dan also had a passion for sports, in particular, softball where he lived the passion as a coach for the East Valley Pride. Dan also loved football and bantering about it with all who would listen.
A memorial will be held in Dan’s honor on Friday, March 23 at 10 AM at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207. An interment will follow immediately.

Judith Ann Dincher Burkholder Young, of Mesa, AZ died on her 66th birthday March 13, 2018 at 2:47am surrounded by her family and the spirit of the Lord. Born in Williamsport, PA she was the eldest child of Bernard J. and Helen L. (Yoder) Dincher. 

Surviving are her siblings in Pennsylvania: Barbara J. (Mark) Cellini, Williamsport, Thomas M. (Susan) Dincher, Loyalsock, Rita M. (Joseph) DelGrippo, Williamsport, Constance L. (Bart) Howard, Montoursville, and Joseph A. (Michelle) Dincher, Williamsport.  

Judith was preceded in death by her husband Dorsey James (Joe) Burkholder III., with whom she had three beautiful children with: Jody (Craig) Shannon, Mesa, AZ., Aaron (Tonya) Burkholder, Gilbert, AZ., and Marjorie (Samuel) Johns, Mesa, AZ.  Along with her children, she had nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Judith was a 1970 graduate of Williamsport Area High School, Williamsport PA.  Through her parent’s strong teachings, her dedication and perseverance began as a small child and carried on into her adulthood when she retired from Clear Title Agency of AZ., as a V.P. Branch Manager.  Her greatest journey in life was her travel from the small town of Oval, Pennsylvania to Mesa, Arizona in 1983. Judith’s greatest joy in life was her family, her faith, and enjoying God’s great gift of life: the great outdoors. She was a hardworking, loving, giving, strong-willed woman, who always got the job done no matter what the obstacles.

Judy’s viewing is being held Sunday, March 18th from 11am – 1pm at Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 19th at 11am, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 141 N. McDonald Mesa, AZ 85201.

Mike Grannis was called home on March 12, 2018 after a long, brave battle with cancer. There to greet him were his grandparents and his twin brother, Todd.  Mike will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Jessica, mother Sharon, sister Stacy, brother Ryan, his nieces and nephews Tyler, Megan, Justin, Makenzi, Lindsay, Jadin, and Maci, as well as his aunts and uncles.

When Mike wasn’t trucking around the country with his beloved dog, Molly, he could usually be found outdoors listening to music, watching football or baseball, enjoying his many cruises, or munching on a taco, washed down with a cold beer.  

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 23rd at 4:00 pm, preceded by a viewing at 3:00 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Hospice of the Valley for their tireless, compassionate care during Mike’s last months of life.  

Don Rexford McCracken,79, passed away peacefully Sunday morning on March 11, 2018 at his home in Gilbert, AZ. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Gloria (Tueller) McCracken; children Tawnya Marie (Jim) Holland, Robert Todd (Anneliese) McCracken, William Daren McCracken, Donae Christine (Darrin) Christensen and Chantel Elizabeth (Danny) Burrell. He is the Papa to 18 grandchildren that adore him: Kayla, Brigham, Makenna, Rylee, Adelyn, Jacob, Stacie, Rexford, Audrey, Coleson, Bailey, Tessa, Katelyn, Mason, Lacee, Porter, Drew and Wyatt.

Don was born to William Mertyshaw McCracken and Helen Dolin in Great Falls, Montana on January 12, 1939. Three days later his dad nicknamed him “Chunky McCracken” because he was such a butterball. He absolutely loved his nickname and it followed him throughout his life.

In kindergarten, his family moved to Southern California. Here his dad was employed as a WWII Navy Ship electrician. Later his family moved to Seattle, Washington and then returned back to Great Falls, Montana.

When he was 15 years old, Don’s mother passed away of a heart attack.  Soon after this tragedy his father William McCracken moved to Missoula, Montana for work.  Don did not want to move so his father gave him permission to stay behind in Great Falls.

During this difficult time, Don’s friends were his strength. Every Sunday, he would sit on the lawn of the LDS church where his friends attended. He would wait until church dismissed so they could go get donuts. Soon Don was taught the missionary discussions and chose to be baptized as a member of “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” He often said the gospel completely changed his life by giving him the knowledge of the plan of salvation.

At 16 years of age, Don moved himself to Choteau, Montana so he could be on the Varsity basketball team. There he worked for Bill and Susie Anderson as a butcher on their ranch. Susie soon discovered that Don was living on his own. She said, “Well I won’t have that!”  You will come and live with us immediately.” Susie was a tremendous blessing to Don and treated him as her own son. This is what inspired Don to open his own home to all who were lonely and needed a family to love them.  

Don graduated from Choteau High School in 1957. He then served in the 9^th Marine Corps Reserve and Recruitment District at the age of 19. Shortly thereafter, he went to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho.  He loved Ricks college and the students that attended there.  He enjoyed their high standards and desires to serve the Lord.  He was then called to serve a 2 ½ year mission in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Don loved the humble people he served on his mission.  Part of his mission responsibilities included caring for the hungry.

At age 22, after Don completed his mission, he enrolled at Brigham Young University. He received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology. It was here he met his eternal companion, Gloria Kay Tueller. They were married in the Mesa, AZ temple on September 8, 1967. Don shared, “I honestly try to treat Gloria with respect, dignity and kindness so she will want to live with me forever.” Through out the next 10 years Don and Gloria moved to Yellow Stone National Park, Yuma, AZ, Sacramento, CA and finally Mesa, AZ.

His career life included 27 years of computer sales for IBM. He was a great sales man due to his friendly demeanor and honest reputation.

Don always had great wisdom and advice. He was easy to talk to and made others feel loved and important. He lived by example and once said, “Start the morning with prayer. Count your blessings.  Ask Heavenly Father for the Spirit to help deal with life and the problems you have.  Then report to him at night to see how you have done. When I do this, I have a much better day.”

His legacy will be carried out forever through his posterity.

A viewing will be held Monday, March 19^th, 2018 from 6-8pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at 10 am, preceded by a visitation at 9am at the Gateway Stake Center, 2233 S. Wade Drive, Gilbert AZ 85296.

Robert Newell Chappell passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the age of 87. Bob was born on September 22, 1930 in his grandfather’s country store in Hoytsville, Utah, and he grew up in the small town of Coalville. He had happy memories of playing with his younger brother Alex. They played with wooden blocks made by his dad, climbed trees, and built a “shack” out of packing crates. The love of building things stayed with him his whole life. He built houses, a garage, a shed, decks, canoes, and best of all, toys for the grandchildren who have had great fun playing with blocks, rocking horses, go-karts, mousetrap cars, and stilts made by grandpa.

Bob attended the University of Utah for two years before serving a mission to The Netherlands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While there, he decided to pray for a testimony of the church and the Book of Mormon. He said, “I knelt in earnest prayer, and the resulting feeling within me has not allowed me to seriously doubt since. He loved his mission and the Dutch people, language, and culture. He could still speak Dutch fluently when he returned 30 years later for a visit. Just before his death, at 87 years old, he could still recall the people he taught and worked with.

Marva Lou Pulsipher wrote to Bob while on his mission, and they married in the Salt Lake temple when he returned. Bob joined the army during the Korean War, and when he was sent to Germany to work in counterintelligence, Marva went with him.

After his service in the army, Bob finished his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah. He had a long career as an engineer, working at Hercules Industries in Salt Lake City, Lockheed Martin in Redlands, California, and the US Department of Energy in Idaho Falls and Denver. He loved solving puzzles and problems, and read widely about science and history.

Bob and Marva’s family grew to four children: Nancy, Robert, Marianne, and Melinda. Together they enjoyed a wonderful home with lots of family activities. Bob loved to read exciting adventure stories like Kidnapped and Treasure Island to his kids. He shared his love of hiking, fishing, camping, and canoeing with his family, taking them to national parks all over the West from Southern California to Canada. He was an expert packer and knot-tier when loading up the family station wagon.

In 1982, Bob lost his beloved Marva to cancer. He missed her terribly, but was an active grandfather, visiting his grown children across the country.

In 2008 he married Marian Irene Fuller, and had three wonderful years with her before her death in 2011. Bob and Marian loved doing family history together and visiting grandkids. Bob was so happy to have Marian’s son, Scott, and his family join the family.

In 2012, Bob married Betty Jo Taylor. They took trips to visit family, and enjoyed living in the mountains of Arizona. They cared for each other into their 80’s, and Bob and his family are especially grateful to Betty Jo for her care of him during his last months of critical illness.

Bob is survived by his wife, Betty Jo, his brother, Alex, four children, and a stepson. He leaves behind a large posterity of 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitations will be held at Bunker University Chapel located at 3529 East University, Mesa on Friday from 6-8pm and on Saturday morning at the LDS chapel on 1455 North Harris Drive, Mesa. The funeral service will be held from 9:30-10:30 at the same location. There will be a graveside service at 11:00 at the Mesa Cemetery located at 1212 North Center Street.