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Alice (Edstrom) Larson, 86, of McGregor, MN/Apache Junction, AZ, died suddenly December 20, 2017 due to an automobile accident in Apache Junction, AZ.

Alice was born October 20, 1931 in Minneapolis, MN to Lillian (Stay) and Alvin Edstrom. She was the third child of ten, grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from North High. In 1951 Alice married the love of her life Lowell Larson, and raised two children.

In 1971 they purchased a barn with the purpose of creating a dance hall called Larson’s Barn, with Lowell on the accordion and Alice on the dance floor. The Barn became legendary to many and Alice’s personality radiated as she graced the dancefloor. In 1975 The Barn became their permanent home and in 1991 they retired from ownership, passing the business on to their son Len and his wife Kathy who continue the legacy of The Larson’s Barn with weddings and events.

Alice established a “snow bird” residency in Apache Junction, leaving behind the cold of Minnesota for the warm sunshine of Arizona. Alice loved many but the family she had was most important to her and she loved each so completely. Alice is survived by son Len (Kathy) Larson, daughter Linda Larson, and grandchildren: Kelsey, Kurtis, Dan, Joey, and Corrie. She is also survived by her siblings Lois, Wally and Ron, and many nieces and nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Robin, parents Alvin and Lillian, husband Lowell, sisters Lorraine and Barbara, and brothers Kenneth, Alvin, Don and Dick.

A celebration of life will be held on January 20th at 11 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 48115 Lake Ave, McGregor, MN 55760. Visitation 1 hour before service, luncheon to follow.

Joseph Dwain Flowers passed away with his family around him December 29,  2017 in Mesa, Arizona.  Dwain was born October 8, 1940 in Lumberton, NC, and moved his family to Mesa, Arizona in 1978.  He led a life dedicated to the service of his family, his church and all those he came in contact.  Dwain loved watching any kind of ballgame and especially loved following UNC basketball.  Dwain was always generous and willing to help those in need.

He is survived by his wife, Fae Flowers, his daughter Pam and husband Tim Stufflebeam, daughter Kathy Flowers, son Joey and wife Marci Flowers and daughter Jackie and husband David Kennedy; grandchildren Jordan, Tyler, Tanner and Kaitlin Stufflebeam, Raechel, Jaren, Karli, Dawson and Jase Flowers, Kaden and Kaycie Kennedy.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Oliver and Lilian Doris Potter Flowers, and his first wife Brenda Maready Flowers.

A memorial service celebrating his life and legacy will be held Saturday, January 6, at 11:00 AM at the LDS church building at 19413 S. Sossaman Rd. in Queen Creek, AZ.  Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel.

Dorothy Joy Harmon of Gilbert, 85, passed away peacefully among family the morning of December 27^th.  She was a beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and very dear friend of all who knew her.

Dorothy was born in Phoenix on January 22, 1932, the daughter of Lloyd Guy Taylor and Marvel Beals.  She grew up in Safford, Arizona but spent part of her childhood in Lordsburg, New Mexico.  In June of 1950 she graduated from Safford High School and in July she married Richard B. Harmon of Mesa.  The couple resided in Mesa at 1434 E. Jarvis Avenue most of their married life, but moved to Gilbert in 2000. 

She was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served many, many people throughout her days, providing food, friendship and comfort to them.  She most recently served as a greeter in Page Ward.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her Father and Mother; Step-father Leonard McBride of Safford and Brother Harold Guy Taylor of Thousand Oaks, California.  She is survived by her Husband of 67 years, Richard B. Harmon of Gilbert; Son Richard B. (Sherry) Harmon, Jr. of Mesa; Daughter Jacquelynn Jean (Dawson) Stewart of Queen Creek; Sister-in-Law Kay Harmon of Mesa; 10 Grandchildren and 36 Great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 4th from 7-9 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be held Friday January 5, 2018, 10:00 am with visitation at 9:00 am, at the Page Ward Chapel, 3572 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234.  Interment will follow immediately at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Alexander McLean Paton “Scotty” Neil, 85, of Phoenix died on Friday, December 28, 2017.  With his wife of 61 years,  Catherine Elizabeth “Bette” Baird, they are the parents of 3, grandparents of 16, and great grandparents of 18 and counting. 

Scotty was born in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland on December 5, 1932 to Elizabeth “Bessie” Crawford Paton and John Morton Neil, the oldest of five children.  He began a man’s work at the age of 15 in the same steel mill where his father was earlier crippled.  Seeking more opportunity, he and his new bride emigrated to America and landed in Ames, Iowa in 1957.  Life in America was very rewarding, and in 1960, the adventure brought the growing family of 4 traveling across Route 66 to Phoenix where roots grew deep.

He worked to his 75th year as a bricklayer and stone mason, with many years spent as the head bricklayer or masonry contractor on some of Phoenix’s largest masonry buildings.  For fun, he loved playing football (soccer) as a semi-pro player and then as a coach of successful youth teams in the Sereno League.  During the summer heat, the lakes and streams of Arizona beckoned to him from the scaffolding in the blazing Arizona sun.  He especially liked to sing out loud, anywhere and anytime, to the enjoyment of all around.  Anxious to preserve their Scottish heritage, Scotty and Bette, frequently took their children and grandchildren to Scotland and to the Arizona Scottish Highland Games, and he wore his kilt upon occasion to the amazement of both his boy and girl descendants.

He lead his family in converting to the LDS Church in the mid-1960s and was a bold and humble adherent in many roles such as missionary and pastoral work, preaching Christ and Him crucified to save us from our sins.  His two sons have so far served missions in Spain, Colombia, and the Caribbean.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 10:30 am at the LDS meetinghouse at 4242 E. Waltann Lane in Phoenix, with the preceding hour set aside for viewing and visiting the family. 

Ruby Lee Nill gently passed away on December 22, 2017 from pneumonia.

She was a nice woman, who did her best to be a good wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She once convinced her granddaughter that Ritz crackers were cookies and recycled yogurt cups were drinking vessels. She leaves behind three grandchildren, numerous Unadella, Georgia relatives and Mesa, Arizona relatives, all of whom will miss her. Rest in peace Miss Ruby.

A graveside service will be held Friday, January 5, 2018, at 1:00 pm, at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ.

Lillian J. Lewis-Boni, 31, passed away December 19, 2017 in Coolidge, Arizona.

Wake services will be held Friday, December 29, 2017, from 6-10 PM, at the District 4 Service Center, 1510 West Sesame Road, Sacaton, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 30, 2017, at 8:00 AM, at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 East Earll Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona. Burial will be at the St. Francis Cemetery.

Celo Bruce Chambers, 89, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, December 25, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona.  Bruce loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, he served as a Bishop, Mission President and Sealer in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  He loved his family and is survived by his wife: Frieda Mae Davis; 5 children and 33 grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, December 29th and funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 30^th at the LDS Church at 2549 N. 32^nd St. in Mesa, Arizona.

John Edward Buckley, 67, passed away Dec 21, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona from a cardiac issue.

His life is celebrated by his wife, Deborah Buckley; his daughters, Bree and John Crane, Stephanie Buckley; his son, Joshua and Gabriel Buckley; Grandchildren,  Journey Crane, Grace and Renner Buckley ; many family and friends.

Born and raised in Saginaw, MI, the son of Laverne and Mary Buckley.  He graduated from SS. Peter and Paul High School, went to work at Saginaw Steering Gear and retired after 31 years.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. 

Funeral Service will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213 , December 30th from 10 am till 12:30pm .  With a showing on the 29th from 6pm till 8pm.   Memorials can be made to Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude’s Children Hospital .

A message from Joshua Buckley:

My father was an amazing man. I have countless wonderful memories with him. From freezing out on the lake during ice fishing season to driving around Michigan while he played roadie and slang merch for the punk band I was in. I remember as a kid playing Nintendo with him. I got to be his navigator, the man with the map, as he rescued princess Zelda or fought monsters in the dungeons of Final Fantasy. I would tell him how to get to the next boss or where the next town to buy potions could be found. Today as a husband and father myself, he will forever be the navigator in life. He showed me what it meant to be a father who always supports his kids as they pursue their passions. To be a father who has fun, laughs, and smiles with his children. To be a husband who doesn’t sweat the small stuff. A husband that helps around the house and can make a mean dinner. A husband who loves his wife and will always be her best friend.

He loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. I hope that my heart can love as much as his.

A message from Bree Crane:

Our dad was such an old soul. Just happy to be in the moment with his family. He didn’t get caught up in the dramas of everyday life. He dealt with things one moment at a time with a kind heart and personality. When you met up with him, his greetings always made you feel awesome. “How’s it goin’ baby? What’s shakin’?” He always did everything he could to make everyone around him happy.

He had an appreciation of good ol’ rock ‘n roll! I remember at a very young age sitting on his lap in a dimly lit room listening to albums. He taught me how to just be. To kick back and enjoy the jams. He introduced me to camping and motorcycles and hanging with good friends and family.

My dad knew how to live it up right. It’s no wonder why it was time for him to move on from this place. He had being a human down and is ready for a new adventure. I love you so much dad. You are an awesome dad, grandpa, husband, and man. May your soul rest in peace.

A message from Stephanie Buckley

My heart is breaking and I miss my daddy so much. We spent lots of time together. Daddy and I would go to the library and he would wait for me while I picked out books and after we would go out to eat. We would go to the movies. I love my daddy. He always took care of me.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. followed by a visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 30^th 2017 at Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29^th at the same location.

Elizabeth Ann Sargent Coleman Neibarger, (98), passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, Arizona on December 21, 2017.

Betty was the middle of three children born to Benjamin and Ethel May Carpenter Sargent on September 20, 1919 in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

On March 1, 1941 she married Chalice Bruce Coleman and they spent 34 years together. They were the parents of Harold Bruce Coleman, born 25 May 1944, who passed away in 2015 after battling Alzheimer’s, Ethel Ann Coleman Caldwell (Dan) born 7 November 1946 and Cedric Allan Coleman (Jaynann) born 25 July 1948.

She married Maurice Neibarger in the Mesa Arizona Temple on August 12, 1976. She has 12 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren and and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Betty is predeceased in death by her parents, brother Marcus in ‘73 and sister Barbara in ‘65; both husbands and son Harold. 

Visitation will be held at the LDS Chapel at 525 E 2nd Ave, Mesa, Arizona on December 29, 2017 from 9-10 am, with funeral services at 10:00 am, and a luncheon for family & friends following. Interment will be at 2 the same day in Sunwest Cemetery in El Mirage, Arizona.

Herbert Andrew Hancock was born at home to a loving family in Clay Springs, Arizona, October 4, 1929. He passed away at home surrounded by a loving family in Gilbert Arizona on December 20, 2017. In between, he accomplished more and gave more than most people in several lifetimes. 

He married Ina Lorene Petersen on November 13, 1948, and they were by each other’s sides the rest of their lives except when he was in the Air Force and would be sent to different places all over the world for duty. He and Ina had four sons, who gave them four grandchildren, who in turn gave them two great-grandchildren as of this writing. 

Herb served in the Air Force for 22 years, achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He served in the Korean conflict where he was seriously injured and was sent to the military base at March AFB, California, for treatment. While there, he became a Rams football fan because the owner of the Rams would send a bus to the base to pick up the wounded airmen and put them on the sidelines where they could watch the games. He would remark, “They treated us like VIPs.” He became a devoted Rams fan for his whole life, and we’re sure he’s continuing that devotion where he is now. On his way home from the hospital after six months, the Greyhound bus on which he was riding crashed into a water-filled canal, and Herb received the Soldiers Medal for helping get people off the bus despite having a cast up to his hip. He and Ina and their sons, Brendon and Loran, then spent 3-1/2 years in Spain where he worked with B-47’s. Later, in Amarillo, Texas, he would work with B-52’s, then a move to Arkansas, where he served on a Titan II Missile crew for 5 years. While there, he was named Airman of the year.

In 1968, Herb, Ina and their four sons came home to Arizona and he retired there from the Air Force in 1970. After that, he joined State Farm Insurance and served first as an agent in Safford, where the biggest trial parents can have, came as their son, Brendon Mike Hancock, was killed while serving a mission in France. We can just imagine the reunion the two of them are having!! He then went to Tucson as an Agency Manager, then to Albuquerque, NM where he was an Agency Director for the state of New Mexico. They then came back home to Arizona in 1994 and he served as an Agency Director at their Tempe headquarters until he retired in December 1995. 

After he retired from State Farm, he worked as a volunteer at Deseret Industries and the LDS Cannery, serving three two-year missions at the regional cannery, making food that was distributed all over the western US. All along the way, he helped both family and friends, often and generously. He figured the Lord had blessed him for a reason, and that reason was to help others, and he would not let the Lord down. He served in the LDS Church his entire life, including Group Leader in Zaragoza, Spain, Branch President in Jacksonville, Arkansas, assisting that congregation to build their own church, and again as Bishop in Tucson, assisting that congregation to build their own church. He also published two books, one about the Mormon Battalion and one about the difficult life of his great-grandmother. 

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and service. He will be missed by many. He is survived by his loving wife, Ina Hancock, his sons Loran, Garrett (wife Lilly), and Kyle, as well as grandchildren Angelica, Sabrina (Ian), Holly (Greg), and Daniel, and great grandchildren Ivy (Holly and Greg) and William (Sabrina and Ian). 

Funeral services will be held at 9 AM on Saturday, December 30, 2017, at the LDS Church at 2740 S. Lindsay Road in Gilbert, Arizona, followed by a burial at the Pinedale Cemetery (between Show Low and Heber) at about 3 PM the same day. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either Deseret Industries (www.deseretindustries.org/donate) or to the LDS Church Charities (www.ldscharities.org).

Doris Ethel Pearl (Fennell) Hossack was called home to heaven on December 17^th, 2017 in Mesa, AZ.  She was born in Mosa Township, Ontario, Canada to parents Charles (Chad) Fennell and Beatrice Ida (Leach) Fennell in 1928.  Doris worked on the family farm, Skunk’s Misery, in Newbury, Ontario, Canada.  The family sold the farm when Doris was a teenager and moved to Thamesford, Ontario, Canada.  She went to hair-dressing school and became a licensed hair-dresser.  She worked out of her home.  It is in the town of Thamesford that she met the love of her life, Don.  He joined the Royal Canadian Navy and Doris waited for his return.  They were married on July 5^th, 1947.  Doris and Don moved to Embro, Ontario, Canada where they had two children, Christopher and Duncan.  When Doris was diagnosed with rapidly advancing osteoarthritis in 1963, they made the difficult decision to move to Arizona and the dry weather.  In Arizona, they added two more children to their family, Dianne and David. Doris was an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and had served as the President of the Episcopal Churchwomen.  She started the Thursday Angels as well as serving in many other ministry groups. Doris was a member of the Mesa Music Guild, the Mesa Country Club, and other women’s organizations. She supported Don in his Rotary and other community endeavors, and the various Lumber Dealers functions.  Doris was preceded in death by her husband Don in 2015, parents Chad and Ida, brothers Victor, Jack , Harry and Wes, and sister Mary. She is survived by her children Christopher (Judy), Duncan (Randee), Dianne (Kevin), and David (Jennie); Grandchildren Heather (Eric), Chad (Liz), Heath (Catie), Geoffrey, Jaimee (Rock), Cody (Lacy), Cailey (Sean), Talan, Duncan, , Cory, and Liam; Great-Grandchildren Chelsea, Connor, Ethan, Carlee, Elizabeth, Dalton and Finley; Brother-in-law Larry Hossack (Patricia) of Canada, Sister-in-law Ruth Wallace, and so many nieces and nephews whom she adored.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday December 30^th, 2017 at 10AM, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 322 N. Horne St., Mesa, AZ 85203.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doris’ favorite charities: St. Mark’s Episcopal Samaritan Fund or The Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band, P.O. Box 21032, Mesa, AZ 85277.  Bunker’s University Chapel handled the arrangements. 

Robert Merrill Michaud, 68, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2017.  He was reunited with those he had loved in life including his son whom he had long missed, his mother, grandson, grandparents, and other family members.

Bob was born July 11, 1949 in Logan, Utah to Richard Earl and Patricia Merrill Michaud.  The oldest of four children, Bob and his siblings – Barbara, Kathy, and Jim – were loved of their noble parents and raised in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They lived in many different places due to their father’s military pilot career, including Germany, Utah, California, and Arizona.  After the family settled in Mesa, Bob graduated from Westwood High.  He attended ASU as a freshman and then served in the LDS France/Belgium mission from 1968 to 1970.  Upon returning home he again attended ASU and then transferred to the University of Washington, where he met and married Lynn Howard.

Bob and Lynn are the parents of six children – five daughters and one son, Jennifer, Suzanne, Heather, Tonya, Amber, and Richard. The family moved often as Bob attended medical school at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, served his residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and was stationed as a physician at several Air Force bases.

The family grieved the childhood death of Richard after an automobile/bicycle accident in 1987. After his son’s death, Bob was surrounded by a household of women, a trial which he bore with patience and humor. He often told his girls, “You each get one vote, but my vote counts for one more than all of you combined.”  

Bob practiced as a physician for 43 years.  He had an extensive knowledge of dermatology and had successful practices in Utah, Alaska, and Arizona. He was a wonderful provider and loved to spoil his family with Christmas presents and vacations. He felt strongly about education so encouraged and supported his daughters in attending college.

After Bob and Lynn’s marriage ended and his girls were grown, another great blessing came into his life when he was reacquainted with a friend from his youth, Rae Richardson Miles. Both being single, they found commonality and then love.  In 2001 they were married and shared 16 beautiful years together always anxious to welcome any of their 12 children and 45 grandchildren into their home which became a popular place for family get-togethers, including regular Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings. They loved and were loved by their children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by wife Rae, former wife Lynn, daughters Jenny (Ben) Smith, Suzie (Craig) Campbell, Heather (Elden) Tolman, Tonya (Michael) Brown, and Amber (Tyler) Leonhardt.  He also leaves behind his father Richard, siblings Barbara (Clay) Layton, Kathy (Stan) Mead, and Jim (Judy) Michaud, as well as many grandchildren who loved Grandpa Bob. Viewing Dec 26, 6-8 PM at Bunker Mortuary 33 N Centennial, Mesa, AZ. The funeral will be Dec 27 at 10:00 AM at the LDS church 2228 W Brown Rd. Viewing-9:00 AM.  Bob will be interred in the Mesa cemetery next to his son. 

We love you, Dad. We will see you again. Families can be together forever.

Rafaela Schueg Rodriguez, 89, passed away at her home in Mesa on December 17th, 2017. She was born in El Christo, Cuba on December 22, 1927 to Felix Schueg and Amalia Paniagua. 

She is survived by her husband of almost 70 years, Rodolfo Rodriguez, her son Lino (Kathleen) Rodriguez and granddaughter Christina Revering.

Rafaela immigrated with her family to the United States in 1963 where she worked many years as a seamstress. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and will be forever missed.

Enes Riccoboni of Mesa, Arizona, went to meet the Lord on December 13, 2017.

Enes was born in the Bronx, New York, on September 11, 1935. She graduated from Christopher Columbus High School.

Enes was married to Peter on February 27, 1960. They were married for 57 years.

Enes was a devoted wife and homemaker for many years.  She also worked as a Lead Technical Seamstress for TRW Safety Systems automotive division.  During her tenure at TRW, she worked alongside the divisions’ senior engineers to design and prototype some of the first automotive safety airbags and inflators.  Many of these airbags are currently manufactured and used in vehicles around the world today.

Enes was a devout Christian and accepted the Lord Jesus as her savior in 1969,  and she dedicated her life to lead others to Christ.

Enes is survived by her husband Peter Riccoboni, and their three sons Kevin (Norma), David (Renae), and Denis (Stacey). Enes is also survived by her granddaughters Melissa(Corey), Nena, and Sarah, and great grandchildren Isiah and Charlee. She also leaves a brother Morris (Margie).

The visitation service will be held at 6:00 – 8:00 pm on December 21st in the Bunker Chapel located at 3529 E University Dr. Mesa, AZ. Funeral service will be held at 10 am December 22nd at Bunker Chapel.  Burial will follow directly at the Mesa Cemetery. Pallbearers: Kevin Riccoboni, Chris Ambri, David Riccoboni, Mike Ambri, Denis Riccoboni, Steve Ambri, Gino Riccoboni, Morris Ambri.  Pastor John Marok of Victory’s Vision Christian Church will be officiating.