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Carl Sandberg, former Mesa commercial real estate broker, passed peacefully at his residence at Visions Senior Care in Mesa, Arizona in the early hours of Friday, February 2, 2018 after a brief illness.  He was 96.

He was born on April 19, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Hyrum Carroll Sandberg and Mary Louise Folkersen and shared his father’s Swedish name Hyrum Carroll Sandberg, Jr. His father was known as Hy and he was always known as Carl and later formally changed Carroll to Carl.

He was preceded in death by his beloved June (Hazel June Grant), wife of 73 years, his son H. Carl Sandberg, III, his sister Carole Bushman and brother Richard Sandberg.  He is survived by daughter Connie Lee (Daniel), son Jaren G. Sandberg (Melinda), son Scott E. Sandberg (Faye), 23 grandchildren and 66 great-grandchildren.

Carl ‘s father Hyrum worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was the director of the Salt Lake Post Office Band. His father’s talents resulted in music becoming a focus for Carl at a very young age. His love for music and dedication to practice resulted in his becoming a member of the musician’s union at the tender age of 13. He worked playing his clarinet and saxophone at night while attending East High in Salt Lake City during the days. Carl and his saxophone were a part of history 1940 when he performed in one of the earliest live T.V. broadcasts from Rainbow Randevu in Salt Lake City.

After graduation he was accepted at the University of Utah and was attending classes when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Not only did this end his college career it hastened his marriage plans with June Grant to whom he had recently become engaged. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple by her great uncle and president of the LDS Church, Heber J. Grant, on December 19, 1941 just 12 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He enlisted in the Army, went through basic training and because of his musical abilities was assigned stateside to entertain the troops.

After the war ended, he decided to put his professional musical career aside to seek more regular hours and income for his family as a salesman with Remington Rand and eventually Friden Calculating Machine Company. This resulted in moves throughout the eastern and southern United States as the successful salesman was promoted and advanced to new areas of responsibility.

In 1970 he kept a promise to his wife June and returned to Arizona and to family.  He was the first Director of Counties for the State of Arizona, working with the state legislature on the counties behalf. While there he met State Senator, Delos Ellsworth and in 1972 left the directorship to join Ellsworth’s Real Estate firm. Carl eventually became a broker in his own right and opened the doors of Carl Sandberg Realty focusing on commercial real estate ventures in Phoenix and Sedona.
He and his wife June were called as workers in the Mesa, Arizona temple and served there from 1984 to 2006. This was a joyful service for both of them especially after living far from any LDS temple for 20 years.

Their home in Mesa became the gathering place for their children and grandchildren on a weekly basis. It was their joy to host holiday and birthday celebrations for the growing family.

Returning to his roots, Carl joined with some musician friends to form the Allstars band. They continued to perform in the Valley for many years in a large variety of venues. Big Band music was their forte with occasional Dixieland jaunts.

They were members of the Mesa Country Club for many years, Carl was could be found there every Wednesday with a foursome of his friends. He continued to enjoy the sport into his 90’s.

The semi-retired couple also owned a camper, a boat and Carl bought his own single engine airplane. He had a life-long dream of piloting his own plane and obtained his pilot’s license and plane in 1980. They enjoyed many trips to the Mogollon Rim to escape the heat of the Valley.

They eventually moved to a retirement community, Las Palmas on Power road, where Carl stayed for over a year after June’s passing in January of 2015.  He then moved to independent living at Discovery Point until summer of 2017 and most recently to the excellent care at Visions Senior Care in Mesa.

The memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Freemont Hill Ward L.D.S. Chapel, 6942 East Brown Rd (just east of Power Rd.) Viewing will be at 9 a.m. Service at 10 a.m. followed by a Graveside Ceremony with military color guard at 12:00. Luncheon will be provided for family members afterwards at the chapel.

Richard Allen Bugbee (80), born February 17, 1937, passed away on February 4, 2018.

Richard was born to Perry and Phyllis Bugbee in North Adams, MA, but grew up in Woodford and Bennington, VT. In 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and left for boot camp upon graduating from Bennington High. During his time in the Army, Richard served overseas in Germany and Korea, as well as serving at Army bases in the United States.

While living in Germany, Richard met Blandine. They married and had three children Robert, Marc and Karen.  

In the fall of 1977, Richard met Roberta Kron at Fort Meade, MD where they were both stationed. They fell in love and Richard proposed marriage and adoption of Roberta’s daughter, Patricia. They were married on November 15, 1978. Shortly after, their family grew when their son Perry was born.

Richard retired as a Sergeant First Class from the U.S. Army in October 1978. He continued to live in Maryland with Roberta, Patricia, and Perry. Richard joined the LDS Church while in Germany but became inactive when he returned to the states.  Roberta joined the church in October 1979.

In 1980, they made the decision to move back to Vermont, where their son, Peter, and daughter, Photina, were born. They were sealed together in the Washington D.C. Temple as a family on November 16, 1983.

Richard worked with the Boy Scouts, was active in the LDS church, continued to work with the local Veterans organizations and drove tractor-trailer truck until he lost his eyesight Thanksgiving weekend in 1995. After he lost his eyesight, he continued working as a merchandiser and started volunteer work as he learned how to live without his eyesight.

In the summer of 2000, he and Roberta moved to White River Junction and he started volunteering at the VA Hospital there. From 2000 – 2008 he volunteered over 15,000 hours coordinating 16 transportation vans and 60 volunteer drivers for disabled veterans through the DAV.

In January 2008, he and Roberta moved again. This time to Mesa, AZ. He immediately started volunteering again. He continued his volunteer work through the VA Hospital until 2012, when his health would not allow him to volunteer any longer.

Richard has held many positions in the LDS church, continually supported the Boy Scouts, served as the Commander of the National Blind Chapter of the DAV, and has been a continuing member of the VFW, American Legion, and DAV until his passing.

He is survived by his wife Roberta, children: Robert Bugbee, Marc and Zita Bugbee, Karen Bugbee all of these children live in Germany. Patricia Bugbee of Tampa, FL, Perry and Katie Bugbee of Idaho Falls, ID, Peter Bugbee of Cedar Creek, TX, and Photina and David Haumschilt of Chubbuck, ID; and 14 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, his brother Roland and Vicki Bugbee of Bennington, VT and former wife Blandine Bugbee of Germany. Richard is predeceased by his parents and sister, Florajean Maloney.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 29419 N Desert Willow Blvd in San Tan Valley, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to his wife Roberta to help pay for unexpected funeral costs or make a donation in his name to the Disabled American Veterans at DAV.org.

James R. Slagle died Thursday, February 1, 2018 at the Eden Adult Care Facility in Gilbert, Arizona.  He was born April 10, 1929 and was raised in Lebanon, Indiana. He was the son of the late L.O. and Jeannette Slagle. He had a very happy childhood, both parents were teachers and stressed the importance of a good education. He was the youngest of three children, and everyone called him Jim. His caring, giving personality started at a very young age. This is one story told by his mother:

“Jim was always the first to arise in the morning. Many times, in the winter after a heavy snowfall the night before, he would get up and shovel the driveway at their home, then he would shovel the driveway of at least one other neighbor before breakfast.”

Jim had many jobs through his school years, some of them were delivering daily papers, selling magazines, mowing lawns, caddying, etc. He was too young to enlist in WWII, but he did work as an inspector at an ammunition plant in his hometown. 

Jim loved animals. While delivering the daily newspaper, his dog Spot would follow him on his bicycle. He dearly loved Spot! Prior to moving to Arizona, we had two cats (brothers) named Smokey and Bandit. In the evening, after a long day working outside, Jim would recline in his chair with Bandit wrapped around his neck on the back of the chair, and Smokey in his lap, all three taking a well-deserved nap. After moving to Arizona, Jim and Jeannette adopted a beautiful Golden Retriever, Ginger, who was his constant companion.  Wherever he lived, he was a volunteer with many charitable organizations including Habitat for Humanity. Regrettably, because of difficulties with Parkinson’s disease, Jim was unable to continue volunteering.

Jim was interested in Scouting, as were his brother and sister. Jim and his brother were Eagle Scouts, and their sister was awarded with a Gold Award from Girls Scouts of America. Jim attended Wabash College and was a graduate of Indiana University.  He enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and completed the Aviation Cadet program, obtaining a navigator ranking.  After his combat tour in Korea, Jim obtained a pilot rating at Webb AF Base, Texas. Later he became an Instructor Pilot in the T38A jet. He loved this job! 

In the mid-sixties, Jim taught ROTC at Purdue University. He had assignments in Morocco, Spain, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, and of course many at United States Air Force Bases. He was so happy he decided to make a career in the military, serving his country. Jim had a deep appreciation for having a vital part in protection of his country that he so dearly loved. Jim received many awards and decorations during his military career including: The Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. After 26 years in the Air Force, Jim retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1976.

Jim was also very proud of other Slagle men who served in the military: his grandfather (Civil War), his father (WWI), his brother (WWII), and himself (Korea & Vietnam).

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, L.O. and Jeannette Slagle of Lebanon, Indiana, his brother Jack Slagle of Muncie, IN, his sister Huldah (HUD) Clark, her husband Harold P. Clark of Williamsburg, VA. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, R. Jeannette Slagle of Gilbert, AZ, his children, Rich Slagle (Heather) of Fargo, ND, Scott Slagle of Minneapolis, MN, Kimberly Slagle of Laguna Niguel, CA, his step-children, Melissa (Mimi) Lawrence (Dennis) of Queen Creek, AZ and Breck DeWitt (Carolyn) of Brentwood, TN, his sister-in-law Emma Lee Slagle of Muncie, IN, as well as eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family requests no flowers. Those wishing to contribute to a charity we suggest the following:

Banner Neuro Wellness

207 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 205 

Gilbert, AZ 85234

OR

Habitat for Humanity

115E. Watkins Street

Phoenix AZ 85004

Services will be held on February 14, 2018 at:

Bunker Family Funeral Home

Garden Chapel

33 N. Centennial Way

Mesa, AZ 85201

February 14, 2018 at 11am

After the Service, we will proceed to:

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

23029 Cave Creek Road

Phoenix, AZ  85024

The service at the cemetery will take place at 1:30pm on February, 

Gloria Salmon, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend, lovingly and peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father on February 3, 2018. Born Gloria Bolette Aagard to Neils Jensen Aagard and Anna Laura Memmott on July 23, 1922 in Levan, Utah. She lived her life as an example of tenderness, grace, and unwavering faith in the Lord to all those who knew her. She always championed the downtrodden and less fortunate and brightened everyone’s path that came to know her.  

She is survived by her children, Dana K. Spens, Robert O. Salmon, Scott A. Salmon, and Matthew J. Salmon, 24 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Her sweetheart, Robert J. Salmon and her two oldest sons, Jonathan R. Salmon and Stephen C. Salmon, preceded her in death.

Gloria’s greatest joys were her family, and serving others. She held many leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, too numerous to mention, but her favorite calling was as a temple worker, both with her husband, and by herself after he returned to the Lord. She never had to preach her beliefs because she lived them to the utmost every minute of every day.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 10, at 10:00 am at the LDS Church located at 4346 S. Val Vista Drive in Gilbert, Arizona, with viewing prior to the service from 9:00-9:45 a.m.

Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, is handling funeral services.

Wayne Palmer Van Kirk, born November 11, 1937, in Skaneateles, New York, passed away January 30, 2018 in Chandler, Arizona.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 12:00 pm, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Del Rio 2nd Ward, 1280 W. Del Rio, Chandler, Arizona.

Karen Deane Scoresby passed away February 2, 2018 after a 19-month battle with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer. Karen was born in Burbank, California on January 23, 1966 to Dean Werner and Suzann Upstill. When Karen was still a baby, her family moved to Mesa, Arizona. Karen attended Hawthorne Elementary School, Poston Junior High, and Mountain View High School, graduating in 1984. In high school, Karen was active in church, cheer, pom and dance.  

Karen attended Brigham Young University after high school until 1986. She married Kyle Scoresby, also of Mesa, on April 24, 1986. They had four children. Karen loved being a mother and serving in her church and community, especially with children and youth. In addition to teaching her own children to read at young ages, Karen taught several other children to read as a volunteer tutor at her children’s school. Karen had a way of making others feel loved and important.  In church she often had friends’ children come sit with her, drawing them in with her Jolly Rancher stash and making them feel special with her hugs and kind words and actions.

Karen was an avid runner and hiker. She completed five marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon in 2011. Karen hiked the Grand Canyon “rim-to-rim” three times. She loved socializing with friends as they ran, hiked and did cross-fit together. Karen loved glam and fashion. An expert in the art of back-combing, Karen usually wore tall hair and tall shoes. 

Karen loved life and had many friends. She had a quick sense of humor and a contagious laugh. She was known to her friends and family as a happy person in any circumstances—always an optimist.  Even after her brain cancer diagnosis, Karen remained positive and grateful to her Heavenly Father for her blessings. She touched the lives of her “Karensitters” and the many others who came to visit her after she was sick and needed assistance.

Karen remained faithful and grateful to the end. She passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side. Karen is survived by her husband, Kyle Scoresby; by her parents, Dean and Sue Werner; by her four children Emily Merrell (Andrew), Blake (Christy), Kade and Annie; her granddaughter, Avery Karen, and by her sister, Becky Mills and her brothers Evan and Grady. She will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

A visitation will be held Friday, February 9, 2018, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with the funeral on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00 am (visitation at 9:00 am). The visitations and funeral will be held at the L.D.S. church building at 2424 N. Old Gilbert Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213. Bunker’s Garden Chapel is handling all arrangements and accepting any flower deliveries: 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, 480-964-8686. 

Norman Moody Sawyer passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018, in Mesa, Arizona.

He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years Alicegean Sawyer, his children, Greg (Martha) Sawyer, Kent (Marianne) Sawyer, Norman Sawyer, Marian Burgess, Eric Sawyer, Aaron (Amanda) Sawyer and Kristen Holley, 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, 11 step children and many wonderful step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Nawana (Earl) Wallace, Marilyn (Lloyd) Gilbert and Marlene Landolt. 

He is preceded in death by wife Eva Sawyer, daughter Karey Rachel Sawyer and sister Yvonne Walker. 

Norman was born on August 21, 1930 in Lovell, Wyoming. He was in the United States Army from 1947 through 1951, spending 1 year in Korea. After returning from Korea he served an LDS Mission in Mexico form March 1952 to October 1954. After completing his mission Norman moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University and received his Master’s Degree in Education in 1966. 

We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Sage Hospice for the compassionate care he received at the end of his life. 

Norman was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way. Services will be Saturday, February 9, 2018 at 10 AM at The Church of Latter-day Saints, 1852 N. Stapley Dr., Mesa 85203.

Susan Bromley died unexpectedly on February 1st, 2018 in Gilbert, AZ at the age of 65.

Susan was born on December 6, 1952 in Union Town Pennsylvania to John and Genevieve. Her family moved to Arizona when she was 3 years old. She graduated from East High School in Phoenix AZ in 1970. She was blessed with 3 children and set about teaching them how to live life to the fullest. Her children remember her being carefree and loving to travel. She was a kind and gentle mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. If she made a mistake, her famous lines were “heavens to Betsy” because she dare not curse.

She was accomplished at booking travel for her clients and family members, and she would never pass up the chance to take a last-minute adventure to any place she desired. She was a generous and affectionate individual, especially with her grandchildren who truly were the center of her life. She had an infectious laugh and was passionate about her family’s happiness and large Iced Tea…don’t forget the extra ice. She was an active and dedicated member of LA Fitness where she inspired others by her hard work and exercise ethics of riding the bike for 9 miles and water aerobics classes where she was able to lose independently, well over 100 pounds.

Susan is preceded in death by her father John Janosik. She is survived by her mother Genevieve (Darst) Janosik; her children, Holly (Chuck) Griffin, Heather (Ed) Glancy, and Hillary (Eddie) Adorno; and her grandchildren Brittany Bromley, Justice Bromley, Mea Griffin, Brendan Glancy, and Madison Griffin. She is also survived by her siblings, Debbie Cunningham (children – Matthew & Ashley and Meghan & Jay), and Nancy Vierck (children – John & Wendy and Jill & Mike).

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday February 10^th, 2018 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 85201, with a reception to follow. The family will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Susan’s life. The family would like to thank all the loving support and prayers from family and friends through this heartbreaking time.

Please feel free to leave special messages and condolences for the family.

Morine Smith passed from this world peacefully at home, on January 29, 2018, she was 89 years old. Morine lived with her husband Marvin in an assisted living home in Gilbert, AZ . She is survived by her husband Marvin Smith; sister Phyllis Gates and brother Russ Runyan; two daughters LuAnn Roundy and KayLee Smith; grandchildren Alina Gifford, Brittny Gifford, Skyler Gifford, Jenna Gifford, Connelly Roundy, Addison Roundy, Reyce Carrasco, Kade Carrasco, and Chance Gonzales.

Morine was born in Jerome, Arizona on September 19, 1928. Morine loved to teach children, in her profession and at church. She graduated from Arizona State College (now ASU) in 1950. She taught school for 34 years in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Many of her students from school and church remembered Morine for her amazing way of loving and caring for them.

She will be missed. Known for her ethic of hard work, continual learning, great advice, and listening ear she mentored many with her smiling face, and big blue eyes, and Morininisms of “Well, good deal; You need to have a plan; You’re on my list; Keep your nose to the grindstone; It will all work out.”

Funeral services will be held at the Ray Ward building, 1520 S. Catalina St, Gilbert, AZ 85296 on Saturday, February 3, 2018.

 Family and friend viewing will be at 10:00 am in the relief society room with the funeral starting at 11:00 am. A luncheon for the family and close friends will be held after the service.  

It is said that death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal. While the passing of Bala Malhotra Sibal has left a void, which can be felt in all of our hearts, we can all lean on the countless memories we all have with her to help aid us in this time of grief. Today we remember an individual whose grace and beauty was only matched by her compassionate and loving soul, which touched many individuals.

Bala Sibal was born on February 9 1939 in Jhelum India to Sushila and RC Malhotra. She was the apple of their eyes, a daughter who answer to both of her parents’ prayers of having a daughter whose smile was only matched by her love and kindness. As their first child she was tasked in helping raise her sisters Usha and Dolly Malhotra and her brothers Subash and Sharat Malhotra a task that she didn’t take lightly. She felt it was her upmost duty to make sure her siblings followed a righteous path in life, and to be an example of how one must act and treat individuals. Her efforts where successfully as all of her siblings took her lead and become respectable and loving individuals who always remembered the lessons which she instilled in them when they where children.

This responsibility grew on August 11, 1960 when she married Ravinder Sibal in Delhi and began the arduous task of raising her own family. The journey began on June 26 1962 when she gave birth to a beautiful and healthy girl named Naina, a child who Bala’s love for was unmatched. Bala and Ravinder’s family grew on March 9 1964 when she gave birth to Jiten, a son whom Bala’s heart melted over, and one who she knew would amount to great things in his life. As they grew older and further apart the family’s love for one and another never faltered due in no small part to the lessons and values Bala had instilled in her two children, the same values she had placed in her siblings.

Her expertise and guidance was once again necessary on May 23 1984 when her daughter Naina gave birth to her first grandchild Sakshi, someone who Bala saw her daughter in. Her role was only made more important after the births of her other four grandchildren, Nandani, Hriday, Hardik, and Khushi. All 5 of them meant the world to Bala and she loved her new role as someone who was responsible for teaching these children the importance of being kind and gentle souls, and to teach them the upmost importance of becoming the change they wanted to see in the world. All five of her grand children as with both of her children and all four of her younger siblings took the lessons and values which where instilled in them to become amazing young adults who strive to be as kind and generous as she was.

On this day we are saddened by her loss, but we mustn’t forget her legacy for she is responsible for 3 generations of her family growing up as individuals who never forget the importance of not only grace but also being kind and loving individuals who strive for better in the world and in themselves. Individuals who because of her already have or will one day start families and instill the same valuable lessons in their children and grandchildren. Such an achievement should never be forgotten.

Deloris Thelma Taylor Ray passed away on Friday, January 26^th, 2018 in Gilbert, AZ.  She was born on September 20, 1936, in Walla Walla, Washington, where she spent most of her childhood.  At the age of 15 she moved with her family to Mesa, Arizona, where she met her husband while attending the old Mesa High School.  They were married for 62 years and together they raised 7 children.  Deloris was blessed to be home with her children but was very involved with her service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She loved helping others whenever she could and she was loved right back.  She enjoyed quilting and was willing to teach whomever wanted to learn.  She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, cake decorating, and playing the accordion.   She was involved in community theater, where she and her husband would perform together.    As her children left home, she would deliver papers in the middle of the night and worked in the elementary school cafeteria.  She loved to be out and be busy. 

She leaves behind 7 children, (James) Roslyn Boren, Keith (Suzanne) Ray, Douglas (Shelly) Ray, Michael Ray, (John) Suzanne Woodard, Larry (Lauren) Ray, Bradley Ray, 25 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. She also leaves one sister, Celestia Ordaz, and 2 brothers Clifford Taylor and John Taylor. She was a woman with many talents.  She will be greatly missed.  Services will be held Saturday, February 3rd, at 10:00 a.m., preceded with a viewing at 9:00 a.m.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 1100 N. Cooper Rd, Gilbert, AZ.  Funeral arrangements provided by Bunker’s University Chapel. 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213

Loving, Good & Loyal. A common theme we encountered in meeting the diverse group of people that knew our Dad, Albert Valenzuela Barraza, a.k.a. “Johnny”.

Born on March, 14, 1949, he was called home on January 19, 2018. There to meet him was his mother Rita Hinsley and sister Sophie Rivera.

Our Dad’s legacy will live on through his children, Rita, Lisa, Concho, Sophia, Alana, step-children Benny & Inez and 23 grandchildren.

His ability to make you smile and laugh was a huge trait, he was witty to say the least. Most memorable are the “nicknames” he would give to those close to him such as “Bullet Head”, and “Sneaky Eyes”. His humor was one of a kind.

If you were fortunate enough to have heard him play the guitar, you’re truly blessed. He never took formal lessons nor learned how to read music. Yet, he played the guitar, accordion and piano “by ear”. It was captivating!

Our Dad also loved his black Labrador companion, “Charlie”. Charlie served his purpose by providing unconditional love and happiness. Charlie will be loved and at peace forever.

We are going to miss you Daddy. You are loved and missed. But, you will live on in the love that we display to one another.

Please consider a donation to his memorial fund. A Go Fund Me account has been set up. Please visit https://www.gofundme.com/albertbarrazaakajohnnyboy. You may also contact the family to offer support, Rita Rodriguez (480) 616-8576 or Lisa McMahill (480) 457-0321.

Andrea Lea O’Connor, 43, of Lawrence, died late Monday, January 15, 2018, from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle accident on the Kansas Turnpike in Douglas County.

She was born March 3, 1974 in Parsons, Kansas to Larry L. and Marcia (Bellah) O’Connor. As a young girl, she attended Meadow View Grade School and later moved with her family to Eudora, Kansas. Andrea graduated from Lawrence High School in 1992.

Following high school, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she worked at Earnhardt Ford many years before working as a Customer Service Representative at the Social Security Administration. In 2015, she returned to Lawrence, and was currently working as a Human Resources Assistant for Military Records at the U.S. Coast Guard in Topeka. Being a successful government worker was one of her proudest achievements in life, serving as a Journeyman for Social Security and working for the Coast Guard. She was a dedicated civil servant. Andrea also cared deeply for our military veterans, especially those with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).       

Andrea had a heart bigger than life. She cared more about others than she did herself. Andrea was always willing to help those in need, demonstrated a genuine enthusiasm for her family and friends, and loved pets, especially her Pit bull, Chewy. She was passionate about her Secret Santa campaign giving out sleeping bags to the homeless around the holidays and was comfortable with people from many walks of life. Andrea enjoyed camping, cooking, refurbishing old furniture including picture frames, and doing DIY projects.

Survivors include:

Fiancé – Kevin Polian and his daughters, Khloe and Reece Polian, of Lawrence, KS

Father – Larry O’Connor of Lawrence, KS

Two Brothers – Chris O’Connor and his wife, Ann, of Lenexa, KS; and Jonas Houston and his wife, Sarah, of Dallas, TX

Two Sisters – Lynette O’Connor of Log Cabin, TX; and Jessica Kernz and her husband, Carlos Kernz, Jr. of Abilene, TX     

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marcia Houston; maternal grandparents, J.W. “Junior” and Lucille Bellah; and paternal grandparents, Leo and Leona O’Connor.

Memorial services were held Friday, January 26, 2018 in Kansas. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons, KS. Another memorial service is being held in Mesa, AZ, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ on Saturday, February 3^rd at 11 am.

In honor of the life of Andrea O’Connor, the family is requesting in lieu of flowers, donations be made in support of Sleeping Bag Santa. Andrea was very passionate about helping those forgotten, and Sleeping Bag Santa is the cornerstone of her legacy. Andrea dedicated hundreds of hours for many years during the holiday season giving back to humanity and collecting and delivering sleeping bags to the homeless in Phoenix, Arizona. Since moving back Lawrence, Andrea was dedicated to expanding this program and serving a new community. A go fund me page has been established where donations may be left, https://www.gofundme.com/andreas-legacysleeping-bag-santa.

Norman Appel died of natural causes, surrounded by family in Mesa, Arizona.

He is survived by his sister, Sylvia Appel of Santa Rosa, California, daughters Lori Diquattro of Mesa, Arizona, Adriane Appel of Danville, California and son Jeffrey Appel of Poway, California, grandsons Wes, Ryan and Jeremy Diquattro, grandson Michael Appel, and nine great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Norman finished high school and two years at City College of San Francisco when WWII began.  He contributed to the war effort as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Corp working on the instrument panel for B-24J “Liberator” aircraft at Warton Aerodrome, Base Air Depot No. 2, Station 582 of the U.S. 8th Air Force. After meeting and marrying Ethel Schneider, the young couple lived in an apartment building owned by her mother.  During this time they became friends with several other young married couples, whose friendship lasted a lifetime.  Several years later, the couple moved to Concord and Walnut Creek where they raised their family.

Norman worked for AT&T after the war, but when Ethel was pregnant with her first daughter, Norm was laid off.  He decided to take a job in sales with Lutz Tiger Tread Company of Benicia, California.  He found that sales made a lot more money than the phone company, and that it was enough to support a growing family.  He spent many years working as a recap tire salesman for Lutz Tires.  The work was long hours, but it provided the stability needed to support his family.  This allowed Ethel to get her real estate business going.  After he retired from Lutz, the two worked together to make the real estate investments that eventually secured their retirement.

Norman’s favorite past time was watching sporting events on TV, bowling and attending an occasional baseball or football game.  He was very practical and could fix almost anything that broke around the house.  He was well liked by all who met him.  People would naturally gravitate to him; they would seek him out for advice and cherish the guidance he provided.   

In retirement, Norman volunteered for Scripps Hospital where he drove the Scripps Mobile that helped transport patients to the hospital for their appointments.  He also served as the president of the local Home Owners Association for the housing development where they lived in Del Mar, California.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park, 1301 El Camino Real, Colma, California. There will be an open casket viewing in the chapel at 10:45 AM. Please be in the chapel at 10:30 AM to participate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer’s research.

There will be a luncheon at 12:30 PM, immediately following the funeral service, location to be determined.

Funeral arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, Mesa, Arizona and Colma Cremation and Funeral Services, Colma California.

Marilyn passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 in Mesa, to go to a special Family reunion.

She was born the 30th of April 1936 in Taylor, Arizona to John and Marjorie Perkins. Marilyn loved Family, and always wanted to be with them. She was very patriotic and loved her country and those who serve and sacrifice for it. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Most importantly she loved her Savior and serving Him. Marilyn showed that love in all her actions and deeds.

She is survived by her sisters – Karren (Frank) Harris, Ann (Bill, des.) Smithson, Renee Perkins, her brother Kay (Deleth) Perkins, her 5 Sons, Norman (Debra), John (Karlyn), Keven (Terri), Brent (Kristin), Eric (Erin), 17 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Eternal Companion Ray, her parents and 2 brothers, Ronnie and Keith.

Funeral Services will be at 11 am at the LDS chapel on Horne and Lehi Rd on Friday, January 26, 2018, with a viewing an hour prior. Graveside service will be at the Taylor cemetery on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at 11 am.

Effie Olean Sholar Maready, age 92, widow of Robert Franklin Maready, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born on May 22, 1925 in Maple Hill, North Carolina to the late Ernest and Lavina (Pierce) Sholar.

Effie was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and worked at Beehive Clothing and Deseret Industries for many years.  She loved spending time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Ann (Dwain) Flowers of Queen Creek, AZ. 

Survivors include her son, Robert LeRoy (Ann) Maready of Mesa, 9 grandchildren, and 33 great grandchildren.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at 10am at Bunker’s University Chapel Funeral Home, 3529 E University drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.  The burial will immediately follow at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201.