Find An Obituary

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.

Marianne Davis Case, beloved wife and mother, peacefully passed into her Lord’s loving arms on January 11, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Deryl Case, III, and her dear son Jamie. She is survived by her three daughters, Deborah, Sally and Jennifer, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. 

Marianne was born on April 5, 1932, the only and well-loved child of Dorothy and Walter Davis. She met the love of her life, Deryl, at a party in Mexico City. After meeting Marianne, Deryl told his parents that he had just met the girl he was going to marry. They were married on June 9, 1952 and had many fulfilling and happy years together until Deryl’s death in 2012. Marianne was a very loving, funny and kind person and is sorely missed by her family. 

Her memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at St Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church with interment at Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery. 

Aurora R. Jauregui, 88, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on January 21, 2018.  A visitation will be held at 11: 30 AM, with  a Funeral Service at 12:30 PM, Friday, January 26, 2018 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.

Eyvonne Lillywhite Rohner of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2018, at the age of 92 after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born to LeRoi Orwin Lillywhite and Cleopha Thomas Lillywhite on March 6, 1925 in Garland, Utah. She was the fourth of five children. Eyvonne attended Inglewood High School where she met her high school sweetheart Cal V Rohner.  They were married on September 18, 1944 in the Logan Utah Temple and were blessed with five children: Kent (Vyonne) of Mesa, Tim (Heather) of Mesa, Kelli Jager of Henderson, Nevada, Cal Wayne (d.) (Becca) of Gilbert, and Shane (Lorie) of Mesa. She has 27 grandchildren and 78 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Cal, one son, Cal Wayne, a daughter-in-law, Jamie Anderson Rohner, a son-in-law, Ben Jager and a great-granddaughter, Holly Heap. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Eyvonne and Cal raised their family in Inglewood, California. They had many near and dear relationships with friends there. She enjoyed memorable outings with her family camping at Twin Lakes in the High Sierras, and Yosemite. Eyvonne was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and a love for music. She sang in church choirs as a soloist and participated in musicals in her local congregation along with her husband Cal. She loved to attend sporting events to watch her husband, brother, children and grandchildren as they participated in basketball, football, softball, and baseball. In her later years she loved to collect dolls and sports memorabilia, which she readily shared with her grandchildren and friends.

Eyvonne enjoyed working in all of her church callings and was fond of writing letters, notes and birthday cards to missionaries and acquaintances throughout her life. Her grandchildren will forever remember the famous “treat” baskets she delivered on their birthdays. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. 

A visitation will be held Thursday January 25, 2018, from 6-8PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 95201.

Debra Marie Welker (64) passed away at her home in Tempe on Tuesday January 16th, 2018, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on August 25th, 1953. She was a native Arizonan and lifetime resident of Tempe, who loved her hometown immensely. She graduated from Tempe High School in the year 1971. She was preceded in death by her mother Beatrice Burnette Roberts, father Milton Roberts, and sister Meltina Roberts. She is survived by her brother Billy Ray Reynolds, husband James Brent Welker and 5 children Adam, Marie, Bruce, Tiffany, and Maggie. Two grandsons also survive her, Ezra and Lincoln.  

Debbie was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was married to her husband Brent in the Mesa Arizona Temple where they were sealed for time and all eternity on April 16th, 1977. They shared 40 wonderful years together. During that time, Debbie was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker.  She was an exceptionally talented cook and was capable of preparing delicious meals from even a few ingredients. She also participated in the compilation and publication of family and church cookbooks. Along with her creativity in the kitchen, she loved crafts, including both scrapbooking and card-making. She happily shared her variety of talents through teaching others.

Her devotion to her faith and her love of the Lord was reflected by a lifetime of active service in the Relief Society, together with a lifetime of quiet and unseen acts of service for others. That service included preparation of countless meals for those in need and fighting for the vulnerable.   

Debbie will be remembered for her efforts to make her home a refuge for her family.  She will also be remembered as an advocate and protector for all who were close to her, along with others who needed a champion. Her legacy is one of unending service for others, and endless love for her faith and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Debbie to the  Alzheimer’s Brain and Research Center.

Services remembering her life:

Viewing on Tuesday, January 23rd from 6-8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel located at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201

Additional viewing on Wednesday, January 24th from 10-10:40 am, followed by an 11 am service, both at the Church of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 1221 W. Howe St, Tempe, AZ 85281.

John Edward Richey was born August 16, 1949 in Washington DC. He was called home Saturday, January 13, 2018.

John had a deep love of learning, his inquisitive mind and appetite for learning and for living things drew him into the field of science. John attended Florida State University where he majored in Math and Science and where he met and fell in love with Claudia. They were married June 15, 1974. He completed his research for his PhD dissertation at Stanford University in high energy Physics. John’s career was in the industry of Aerospace and he became an expert in his field of Electrical Optical Sensors. John was invited to join the National Missile Defense Team in 2008 in Washington DC. He was regarded as “an honorable professional and valued citizen who made humanity better through his tireless contributions and a man who loved God.”

In the end of his service on earth, John happy was serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the Gilbert, AZ temple, and still very much in love with his wife Claudia and adored his 2 daughters. His legacy will be continued through his children Victoria Christine and Johanna-Marie and their children.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 26, 2018 from 6-8 pm, at the LDS Chapel located at 1100 N. Cooper Rd., Gilbert, AZ. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11 AM, with a visitation at 10 AM, at the same location.