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Hazel Eldridge, age 94, passed away February 12, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. Hazel was born July 9, 1923 in McLeod, Oklahoma. She was a World War II Marine veteran and a retired high school librarian from Superior High School, in Superior, Arizona.

She is survived by her husband Arthur, daughter Kathleen Eldridge, and son Ron Eldridge. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chantel Eldridge, Candice Eldridge, and Ron Eldridge II; her great-grandchildren, Gabriel Markman, Zack Davis, Nick Davis, Michaela Fierros, Joshua Eldridge, and Julia Eldridge; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth Ann Storm, born September 3, 1939; passed away on February 21, 2018 in Mesa Arizona.  Elizabeth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.  She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Theodore; daughter Julie; grandchildren: Elizabeth Claire and Gian Carlo; sister Debbie and brother Russell.  She was preceded in death by her mother Doris; father Lyle; brother Lyle and daughter Toni Kay. 

A Funeral Service will be held at a later date.  She will be buried at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Des Moines Iowa.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Shriners Hospital in Elizabeth’s name. 

Ruth Louise Ensign entered her rest peacefully on the morning of February 25th, 2018 in Mesa Arizona at age 90. Ruth is survived by her 5 children, Kathleen Kesler (Mike Kesler) Karen Woody (Ris Woody), Sherrill Suarez, Kenny Lyons and Lois Kirtley (Arthur Kirtley) as well as her 95 Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Walter Ensign, 2 brothers, 3 sisters and her parents.

Ruth was born on April 11, 1927 to Arthur and Pearl Wellman in Canton, Ohio. She graduated May 24, 1945 from Canton Township High school. She married James R Lyons on June 22, 1946 and started a family; Kathy, Karen and Sherrill. The family moved to Arizona in 1953 and completed the remainder of the family with Kenny and Lois. In February of 1958 Ruth was baptized at West Phoenix United Pentecostal Church where she was a Sunday school teacher, sunday school bus driver and shared her love for God.

Ruth and her husband of 28 years owned and operated 2 nursing facilities in South Phoenix where she was a hard working woman caring for others.

Over time Ruth moved to Chandler Arizona and became the Director of Gilbert Senior Center in Gilbert, AZ. In 1992 Ruth married her High school sweetheart Walter Ensign in Mesa, Arizona. As the years went by Ruth enjoyed her Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great Great Grandchildren.  Ruth made sure everyone felt her love. 

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, March 1^st at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa; Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 2^nd at Phoenix Revival Center, 2101 W. Encanto Blvd in Phoenix.

Gina Lynn Unterriner, 54, Nov. 7, 1963 – Feb. 25, 2018.  Gina went home to be with her Lord and Savior on the morning of February 25, 2018.  She was preceded in death by her older sister, Dara Lee Garcia and stepson Matthew Unterriner.  Gina was devoted to her ministry work through Life Community Church and Celebrate Recovery.  She had a great love of life and for others, often putting her own needs last in order to care for those around her.  She will be deeply missed by her spouse, Paul Unterinner, mother – Di Hendrickson, father – Orlan Hendrickson, Sisters – Coleen Hood (hus. Phillip Hood), Cathy Bryant (hus. Willie Bryant), Brother – Jeff Hendrickson, Daughters – Barbara DeAnda and Ashley Brooks (hus. Brian Brooks), Step Daughter – Tasha Love (hus. John Love), Grandchildren – Christopher, Emily, Brooke, Rowan, Ethan, Lucas, Harrison, and Maxwell, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 4PM – 6PM.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6PM in the Chapel. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.  All who knew Gina or were touched by her ministry are welcomed to attend.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Gina to the Global Missions Trips for Life Community Church.  Donations can be made through the church’s website at http://www.lifecommunityaz.com/

Jo Ann was born March 4, 1925 to Charles and Katherine Roberts, in Brooklyn, New York.

As a child, Jodie lived in several states, including homes in New York, Illinois, Washington and California. As a teen, she moved with her parents and siblings to Kerrville, Texas, a move which would shape her life for many years to come. She became an avid horseback rider and had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from Tivy High School in 1943 and attended the University of Texas. Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, she began formal lessons in operatic performance. The rigors of vocal training took their toll and she soon discovered that her dream was not meant to be.

Returning to Kerrville, she fell in love with a handsome Naval aviator in training, Stan Morris. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 1944. The couple started their life together in San Antonio, where their first son, Stanton Jr., nicknamed “Chip”, was born in 1946. Son Dean and daughter Melanie were born in 1950 and 1952, in San Antonio. In 1953, her life changed forever, when she received her first visitation from the Mormon missionaries. After several teachings, her desire for a forever family led to a strong testimony, baptism, and life-long dedication to the word of God, church service and living life guided by faith in the principles of forgiveness, love and eternal life.

Stan’s call of duty took her and the family to locations throughout the country. They found themselves in many new cities, including the very un-Navy like Olathe, Kansas. This was a very rich experience for the family, living on a working farm and making friends in the heartland of the country. After relocating to northern California, the family soon welcomed a new member, son Hamilton, in 1964. Mom blazed new trails as a 40-year-old mother, using the new “Lamaze” natural birth method. She had the very unique experience of attending her eldest son’s high school graduation, while holding a newborn in her arms! The family soon relocated to southern California, where Mom built her dream house and Stan finished his naval career.

In 1968, her next life-changing event came sadly and unexpectedly, when the family separated in divorce. She made many difficult decisions, including relocating back home to Kerrville, in order to give her young son an upbringing in a family centric community. She made an immediate impact on the local church congregation, by donating her beautiful Kimball organ to the chapel and enriching the music program with her many talents and angelic voice. She welcomed her first grandchild, Brandon, into life in 1980. After 12 years in Kerrville, she moved to Athens, Texas, working at Trinity Valley College as a dean’s assistant and dorm mother. In 1986, her next life-changing event brought her to Mesa, Arizona. After trying her hand at insurance sales, for which she admitted publicly she was a terrible “closer”, she found a new career and a second family. With five dollars to her name and at the brink of doing the unthinkable of asking family for money, she was approached in church by Jean Coates and asked if she would be an office manager for her husband Gaylon’s growing company. With a hearty YES! she became not only a valuable part of the business, but an adopted grandmother and friend to the Coates family. After 23 years and at the age of 85, she retired from the business, but remained in their hearts. She welcomed a second grandchild, Crystal, into life in 1993.

In 1995, at the age of 70, son Dean gave her a surprise birthday present for the ages. As an avid hang glider pilot and lover of all things with wings, he brought her to his favorite flying site at Torrey Pines, California and said, “we’re going flying today, Mom”. She said quizzically, “We???” It wasn’t long before they were sharing the skies together, with Mom on a tandem glider piloted by one of Dean’s trusted friends. Her final life-changing event came in 2004, when after 24 years of living solo, she and son Hamilton purchased a home together. They had many wonderful experiences, good times with family and grew closer as mother and son.

She is survived by two sons, Stanton, Jr. and Hamilton, daughter Melanie, grandson Brandon, granddaughter Crystal, sisters Roberta and Carol and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Her son Dean, pre-deceased his mother in October 2008. She will be loved and remembered for her many talents, honesty, devotion to family and love for Christ.

Carol Fish Nielsen was born in Phoenix, Arizona on June 14, 1934 to Harold Reidhead Fish and Ellen Hatch Fish. She was the 7^th of 8 children. She grew up and attended school in Phoenix. As a young adult she moved to California where she met James Delyle Nielsen. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on September 22, 1961.  The lived in California for many years before moving to Utah. She has lived in Mesa, Arizona for the last 11 years with her sister, Erma Bodine.

She had 8 children and was a foster mother to several mentally challenged children. She was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

She is survived by her 8 children: Colleen Stucki, Cynthia (& Bruce) Bell, Jamie Nielsen, Steven (& Sharon Capp), Janette (& Patrick Sandra), David (& Cheryl Tilt) Nielsen, Debbie Bradford, Glen (& Nathalie Nielsen); 28 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Erma Bodine & Lorraine Perry and brothers Joseph A. Fish & L. Wayne Fish.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at the LDS Stewart Chapel at 613 N. Stewart in Mesa, Arizona. Viewing will be at 10 AM, followed by the service at 11 AM.

Alice C. Stivers (Bennett), of Tempe, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, February 20^th 2018 at the age of 94.

Alice was born to parents Nort and Josie Bennett on August 3^rd 1923 in Vandlia, IL. She grew up as the youngest of twelve and graduated from Vandalia High School in 1940. She graduated from University of Illinois in 1944. She married her soul mate, Ralph Stivers in 1944. During WWII while Ralph was overseas, Alice took a position as a chemist with American Can Company in Chicago.  Upon his return from WWII they returned to Clinton, IL and farmed until he was recalled for service during the Korean War. While Ralph was overseas Alice maintained the farm and raised Doug and Mark.

When Ralph returned from Korea they purchased a farm outside Waynesville, IL. Soon after they welcomed daughter Maryl. Alice and Ralph continued to farm for 9 years until 1962. They eventually held positions within the Clinton Community School District. Alice taught at Webster Elementary School for the majority of her teaching career while earning her Master’s degree in education from University of Illinois.  

Upon retiring in 1982 she and Ralph traveled extensively in their camper, ultimately settling in Arizona. Her passion for teaching and staying active carried on through retirement. She volunteered as a teacher’s aid, sat on several committees at Friendship Village.

Alice is survived by her son, Doug (Mary) Stivers Gilbert, AZ; daughter in-law Davida Stivers Clinton, IL; daughter Maryl Stivers (Jim Devine) Mesa, AZ; Grandchildren Sara (Dustin) Derby Bettendorf, IA; C.J. Stivers Warrensburg, IL; Dareth (Dan) Dobbs Arvada, CO; Kelly Stivers (Brian Murray) Chandler, AZ; Colbey Orokos (Samantha Molitor) Mesa, AZ; Four great grand daughters Shannon Derby, Whitney Stivers, Jordan Derby, Makenzie Dobbs.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ralph and son Mark.

A private family ceremony will be held at a later date. Memorials can be sent to: Friendship Village Foundation 2645 East Southern Avenue Tempe, AZ 85282.

Condolences can be made to www.bunkerfuneral.com

Douglas Samuel Pickett, 86, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on February 15, 2018.  He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on January 21, 1932.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, with visitation at 9:00 AM, Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1266 S. 32nd St. in Mesa.

He heard the angels singing, “Come Follow Me,” and with a humble and grateful heart a loving husband, father and friend returned to his Heavenly state to be with those who have gone before.   Gregory Greenwood Horne, Sr., passed away in his wife’s arms of 45 years in the early morning hours of Friday, February 16, 2018 at his home in Mesa, Arizona.  He was 68 years old.  

Greg completed his mission here on Earth with great faith, love and honor to the eternal values he held dear.  He discovered he had Parkinson’s over 10 years ago and knew he wanted to set a good example of how to treat adversity with gratitude and humor.  He did an amazing job.  He wore many different hats during his earthly journey and had integrity in all he did.  He loved all his church callings and the service he rendered, especially with the Boy Scouts and being able to share and participate in that program with his sons.  He loved how his three daughters enhanced his life with femininity and fun.   

As each of Greg’s nine children married and started families they enriched his life and gave him 34 beautiful grandchildren.  His greatest happiness and joy was in seeing how his children blossomed in this world and are imparting their thoughtfulness and kindness to their families, friends and those in need.  Greg’s favorite songs were “I Am A Child of God” and “Give Said The Little Stream.”   He hopes his posterity will remember to embrace that capacity to love and give freely of their talents to others as he did in his life.

On Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 6 to 8pm a viewing will be held at Bunker Funeral Home, University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.   

On Friday, February 23, 2018, there will be an additional viewing from 9:30 to 10:30am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2549 North 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ  85215.  At 11am, a ceremony to celebrate Greg’s life will begin.  A graveside service will follow at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, AZ  85201.   

If you feel so inclined, the family would very much appreciate you signing the online guest book and leaving a memory you have of Greg.

Lot Butler Christensen passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 15th, 2018 in his home with family by his side.

Lot was born on June 11th, 1928 in Thatcher, Arizona to Sarah Jane Butler and Victor Christensen. He grew up on a ranch in the Gila valley in Arizona as one of 13 children. As a young boy he rode horses, tended cattle, and swam in the Gila river. He graduated from Safford High School and enjoyed the many wonderful years he spent in the Gila Valley. 

After high school Lot joined the Navy and served from 1946-1948. He played basketball for the Navy and played on the All Navy team and was named to the All Pacific Team.

In 1950 he graduated from Eastern Arizona College and attended Ricks College in Idaho on a basketball scholarship.  This is where Lot met his sweetheart, Colleen Hatch.  Lot was the star of the basketball team and Colleen was the beautiful cheerleader.  They fell in love and were married in the Idaho Falls temple on August 8th, 1952.

Lot graduated from Ricks in 1952. Later he received his Masters from Utah State. His coaching career began at St. Anthony High School in Idaho, and later included St. David AZ, Washington High in Phoenix, and Mesa Community College where Lot coached until he retired. He was referred to as the “Father of MCC tennis” and the greatest men’s tennis coach in Arizona history.

Some of his distinguished honors include being named to the All-American team while playing for the Navy, and being inducted into the Hall of Fame at Ricks College, City of Mesa, and Mesa Community College. In 1972 his tennis team won the NJCAA National title and Lot was named NJCAA Coach of the Year. He was named Arizona Coach of the Year 16 times, and the ACCAC champion 18 times.

Aside from all of his athletic and coaching accolades, Lot’s greatest awards were his wife and 6 children. He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served valiantly in many church positions, but none more important to him than his love for his calling as a Home Teacher. He had the ability to always make the ‘one’ feel important.

Lot was a Park Ranger and Naturalist for both Yellowstone National Park and Jacob Lake National Forest Service. Lot fulfilled his dream and purchased Jacob Lake on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and built a successful RV campground on the property. This allowed all of his children and grandchildren to catch a glimpse of what heaven will be like as they spent their summers there.

All of Lot’s retirement years were spent supporting his wife, children, and grandchildren. Lot’s testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ sustained him throughout his life and he shared his feelings often with his family and all he met. Lot recognized Heavenly Father’s hands in guiding him though out his life, and was always grateful and gracious.

Lot is survived by Pam (Robert L.) White, Kris (Pam) Christensen, Scott (Cindy) Christensen, Colette (Steve) Connolly, Victor (Trinalee) Christensen, Shane (Lisa) Christensen, 27 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 3344 E. McDowell Road, Mesa, AZ 85213 on Friday, February 23, at 10 am. There will be a viewing before, at 9 am, for friends and family at the same location. His graveside service will be Saturday, February 24, at 4 pm at the Santa Clara Cemetery, Santa Clara, Utah.

Mindy Ann Brown,  12/27/1977 – 2/16/2018

Our sweet Mindy took her final breaths on earth surrounded by her loved ones on February 16, 2018. Her earthly sojourn has ended and a new chapter has just begun. Though her life was short, she will be loved Eternally.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, February 21, 2018 with a Visitation 1 hour prior at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 422 E. University Drive in Mesa.

Bryan Joseph Gladden, 38, passed away peacefully after a courageous fight, surrounded by his parents and siblings on January 16, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona.  To know Bryan is to love him! He was also known as Uncle B., Bubba, and Bgladd.  Bryan had a great love and loyalty for his family and friends, and he had a deep-rooted Faith in God.  He thoroughly enjoyed being in nature especially the ocean and being active outdoors from riding bikes, camping, fishing, hiking, playing and spectating sports games, throwing the frisbee around, and hanging out at the beach. Bryan worked for Salt River Project and he was looking forward to applying for their Lineman Apprentice program in the Spring.

Left to carry on Bryan’s loving spirit are his parents, Suzanne and John and stepmother, Kay and her daughters, along with his three sisters:  Laura, Carrie, and Rachel, his brother, Kyle, sister-in-law, Kristy, and brother-in-law, Tyler.  He adored his three nieces:  Alexis, Dallis, and Kambry and he enjoyed hanging out with his seven nephews: Evan, Aden, Owen, Cash, Brody, Reilly, and Grady.  They all loved their Uncle B!  Bryan’s nature was to give unconditional kindness and care to all walks of life.  His greatest gifts were his infectious charisma and easy-going ability to make genuine conversation and bring laughter to others with his witty sayings and jokes.  Friends from far and near mentioned that Bryan always lit up a room when he entered, especially with his mega-watt smile and he was one of the best human beings on this Earth.  Now Bryan has eternal peace as his spirit soars free as he watches over and smiles down on all of us, as our Guardian Angel.

Bryan’s Family would be honored to have you join us for a Celebration of Life Services on Saturday, March 3rd, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Red Mountain Community Church, 6101 E. Virginia Street, Mesa, AZ. 85215 (Recker and 202 Freeway)

There will be a short reception at Red Mountain Community Church Lobby immediately after the Services and then an informal Reception at Monastery Bar and Grill, 4810 East McKellips, Mesa, AZ. 85215

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bryan’s Celebration of Life GoFundme page. https://dm2.gofund.me

 Milford Ray Cluff, 87, died in his sleep, Thursday , February 15, 2018 at his home in Mesa.

He will be missed by his wife of 25 years, Maxine Cluff, and many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Milford was born and raised in Mesa and the surrounding area. He spent much of his younger life working on dairy farms. Then later he became a telephone technician, and made his living installing phone systems for Mt Bell and towards the end of his career for the City of Mesa. He also served on the City Council in Gilbert for 4 years.

He was in the Army for 2 years and was honorably discharged.

He is a life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a 2 year mission in Iowa. He took great pleasure in doing service and working in the Temple. He spent 12 years as an ordinance worker, and was a coordinator for 2 years.

He was and is greatly loved and respected by those who knew him well.

His funeral service will be 02/21/2018, at 10:00 A.M. at the LDS church on Lazona and University. He will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.

David J. Hatch passed away at home with family the morning of Monday, February 12, 2018 ending a several year battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Dave was born November 6^th, 1932 in Prescott, AZ to Charles J. Hatch and Irene Rogers Hatch, the fourth child of seven born to the couple. He and his siblings were reared in a life of work and adventure in Chino Valley. They lived on a family farm growing produce, alfalfa, corn, and livestock. Though born in the depths of the Great Depression he says they were sustained comfortably because of the farm production. As was customary at the time, he had many jobs while in his youth including herding and milking dairy cows, laboring in fields, driving tractors, bailing hay at local farms, and delivering milk.

While in high school Dave was an avid musician. He played the trumpet in orchestra and band while singing in chorus all four years. During his junior and senior years, he made the football and track team becoming first string offensive player and a leader in the quarter mile foot race. He graduated from Prescott High School in 1950 while serving in student body leadership and participating in national political programs.

Shortly after high school Dave then moved to Mesa to work at a family member’s tractor repair garage. It was during this time working in Mesa that Dave says he “met and fell in love with [his] sweetheart– a pretty, fun, redhead girl named Delcena (Delcie) Robson.” He often relived the courtship dances telling of how they “would whirl and twirl to the fast songs and snuggle to the slow ones.” The Korean War was active during that time and Dave, shortly after his engagement to Delcie, was notified of his draft into the United States Army. The couple then fast-tracked their wedding plans and were married in the Mesa, AZ LDS Temple on March 6^th, 1953. He reported to the Infantry at Fort Ord, California on March 13^th.

During his time at Fort Ord the Korean Armistice was signed and he was transferred to Germany, rather than Korea. He served in the Battalion Service Company Personnel department as a Clerk Typist. This was a skill few service men possessed, but he had learned while in high school. Delcena was able to join him in Germany. While there they enjoyed touring all through Europe, skiing the French Alps, and simply being together. His service in the U.S. Army ended in March of 1955. Dave earned the Army of Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal in honor of his service.

Upon their return Dave and Delcie moved to Tucson, AZ. He enrolled in the University of Arizona College of Engineering where he graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in June of 1959. Soon after graduation he was hired by Arizona Public Service where he worked as a Production Analyst, Results Engineer, Process Developer, Supply Manager, and ultimately Project Engineer of production units #2-4 at the still functional Cholla power plant in Joseph City, AZ. This long and steady career with APS would allow them to live in Mesa, Yuma, and Phoenix, AZ, as well as Farmington, NM. Dave and Delcie had a child in each of the five locations where they lived (including Tucson) to which Dave exclaimed, “We won’t move anymore!” After 30 years of dedication Dave retired from APS. He ultimately “wasn’t quite ready to quit work,” and subsequently continued to work in many industries doing many jobs. Dave’s last day of work before really retiring was February 10^th 2018, just two days before his passing.

In his lifetime he enjoyed activity in, and was a faithful member of, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As LDS missions were halted during the Korean War, Dave faithfully served as a Stake Missionary proselytizing during the evenings after work. He has cheerfully dedicated time to serve as a member of the Bishopric, various teaching responsibilities, and many stake High Council callings. He freely bore testimony of the mission of his Savior Jesus Christ, and His gospel. Second only to the love of his Savior, was the love Dave had for his family. His love was shown in all he did as he presided, provided, and protected them throughout his life. His love will be felt and remembered forever.

Dave has been known for his gentle demeanor, forgiving nature, tolerance, and cheery disposition. He was loved dearly by his family and many friends. He was an example of hard work, industrious living, Christ-like love, and kindness.

He is survived by his dear wife Delcena Robson Hatch, his five children David Charles Hatch (Fayella), Sherie Lynn Kent (Lloyd), Dean Robson Hatch, Julie Hatch, and Kristen Durrant (Dan); fourteen grandchildren and twenty-two (soon to be twenty-five) great-grandchildren, as well as his brothers Darrell Hatch and Von Hatch.

Final services in Dave’s honor include a visitation service at Bunker’s University Chapel on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM (3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203). The funeral service will be held at the Lazona Ward LDS building (1345 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203) on Saturday, February 17^th, at 11:00 AM. Pre-funeral visitation time will be offered Saturday between 10:00 and 10:45 AM with a short family-only visitation from 10:45 to 11:00. Burial services will be held at the City of Mesa cemetery following the funeral service (1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201). All who knew Dave are invited to enjoy his remembrance and celebrate his life at these services held in his honor.

Carol Flake-VanErstvelde unexpectedly joined her heavenly family on February 13, 2018 in Mesa, AZ at the age of 54.

Born on May 22, 1963 in Mesa to parents Russel Flake and M. Gail Bonham, she lived in the state of Arizona all her life. She graduated from Westwood High School in 1981 and worked as an equine transportation and trainer for years. Carol had a deep and abiding love for animals and western dancing that never dimmed. She met her husband Charles VanErstvelde on the dance floor and was blessed with two children, Danielle Flake-Taylor and Cody VanErstvelde and two older step-children Dawn Black and April Young.

She loved spending time with family and she had a love for life and all things purple, AND clean socks! She was artistic and enjoyed art projects with her friends. She would sing and tell stories with a flair which was always entertaining. Carol had a flirtatious personality that came in handy later in life and in particular as a bus driver for Mesa Public Schools where she was known as ‘The Bus Terminator,’ she easily convinced students that she was the ‘coolest’ driver. She also had a tender heart and would do almost anything to help a friend in need including great hugs and good advice. Carol was a wonderful mother who loved her children above all.

She is preceded in death by her mother M. Gail Bonham. She is survived by her husband Charles, her children and step-children; Danielle (Steven) Flake-Taylor, Cody VanErstvelde, Dawn (John) Black, and April (Tyson) Young. She is also survived by her Father Russel (Karen) Flake and siblings, Cherryl Mabus, DeMar (Mary Lou) Flake, Margie (Scott) Luster, Bill Flake, and John Flake.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 am on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 925 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203, followed by a gravesite service at City of Mesa Cemetery at 11:30 am. Please join family in celebrating the amazing life of Carol Flake-VanErstvelde. Attire: Sunday best or business casual would be sincerely appreciated.

Emma Renee Mower was born and passed away of February 7, 2018 in Mesa Arizona.  A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 12th with a Visitation one hour prior at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 920 S. Lindsay Road in Mesa.