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Billie Dove McAffee Hiatt, 89, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on January 2, 2018.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2549 N. 32nd St., in Mesa with a Visitation one hour prior on Saturday, January 6, 2018.

Thomas C. Mourney 74, passed away December 24th, 2017, at his home in Gilbert AZ. He was born in Whitefield, OK., on March 21st, 1943 to Charles and Geraldine Mourney. The family moved to Mesa, AZ shortly after he was born. Tom attended Mesa High School and then enlisted in the Army in 1964. He was a Union Teamster, cement truck driver, concrete pump operator,  and skilled mechanic. He was a cowboy, avid fisherman, and hunter. Tom loved the outdoors. He will be remembered by his loved ones for his kind spirit, happy-go-lucky attitude, and his willingness to help others. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and the best friend one could have. Tom is survived by his brother’s John and Ed, his daughter Lisa Daniels (Brad) and grandson’s Ashton and Chaz. A memorial service will be held in his honor on January 13, 2018 from 1:00 – 4:00pm at 1638 E. Gable Ave. Mesa, AZ 85204

Joseph George Rickwalder, 95, of Mesa Arizona passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.  Known to friends and family as “Ricky” he led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends, laughter and love.  He served oversea in the Army/Air Corp during WWII and was later stationed in Washington D.C., where he had the distinct honor to serve as a guard at the Tomb of the Un-Known Soldier, for which he was very proud.  After serving his country he married his true love Theresa in 1945 and they were blessed to share 72 wonderful years together.  Joseph worked for Western Electric, which later became part of the Bell Telephone system, retiring in 1980.  At that time he and Theresa relocated to Arizona where he was able to pursue his passion for golf year round.  His friends and family describe him as a wonderful compassionate man, a fantastic father to his beloved children who loved life and always had a twinkle in his eye.  His quick wit and great sense of humor, along with his tenacity and strength will be remembered by all. 

Preceding Joseph in death were his brothers John and Thomas and sister Mary.  His children  Richard, Jean Marie, Theresa, Marian, and Elizabeth Ann;  Grandson, Paul Joseph and great grandson Hayden.

Surviving are his wife of 72 years Theresa and children Diane, Joseph, and Regina; grandchildren Bernie, Dawn, Darlene, Kimberly, Christopher and Glenn; Great grandchildren Kaitlyn, Cincere, Taylor, Morgan, Caitlin, Allyson, Natalie, and great-great granddaughter Addison.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Road  in Mesa Az.  Interment will take place at 11:30 am at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, Arizona.  In honoring his great love of children, In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee would be greatly appreciated. 

Our dear brother, Walter Lyman Haws Jr., died in a tragic motorcycle accident on Monday December 18, 2017.  He would have been 71 on January 16th, 2018.  

Walter was an electrician and a specialist in Air conditioning repair.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Rhoda Haws and two sons, Jason and Jared.  He leaves five sisters who will miss him dearly.  Laura (Brent Gunnell), Marilyn Joy (Hank Merrill), Carol Ann, (Lamon Wimmer), Jerri (Mark Mabry) and Echo Itaaehau.

As requested, there will be no funeral services.

Caro Marguerite Shute McDowell, known by most as Kay and to family as Mom, Gram or Auntie Kay was born March 20^th, 1927 in Bath, Maine. She was the second daughter to Charles and Lona Shute.  Her siblings Dorcas, Londa, Mildred, Elmer and John were all born in different towns throughout New England. Like so many of her generation her family was bitterly poor. They moved frequently from place to place so her dad could find jobs.  She had fond memories of Keene, New Hampshire, but really most of New England was her home. 

A determined person from the beginning, she not only worked hard on the farms, but also at school. She had many stories of cleaning the chicken barn and feeding animals before school, then returning home to work in the garden. Her Puritan work ethic inspired everything from taking cows to the fair to winning a 4H canning competition where she canned 400 jars of carrots. Working at whatever she could she pieced together tuition for the University of Rhode Island. She loved her years at URI where her Davis Hall dorm is now a historical building on the quad. She was quite the social girl in a time where people actually wore gloves, hats and carried dance cards at parties. She witnessed the famous basketball “shot heard round the world” that was marked with an X on the floor of Madison Square Garden for many years. She was a member of ADPi and remained active in local ADPi gatherings until just a few years ago.

Kay came of age during the war years, watching her two brothers and all other able bodied young men of her time go off to the service.  She had many stories of gas rations, putting jam in coffee as there was no sugar and studying the tails of planes so every citizen could report a foreign plane flying overhead.  Half a century later she would still get tears telling the story of her grandmother dropping to her knees to thank God there would be meat on the table when a confused rabbit was found in the barn.

After graduating with her Home Economics degree she worked for Beechnut Baby Foods counseling new moms on infant nutrition.  It didn’t take long for her to decide that adventure was calling and that the far off land of Alaska (not yet a state) was the place to go. She found a job at Elmendorf AFB and met her husband to be, Carl Eugene McDowell who had been stationed there.  They explored, hunted and fished every corner of Alaska they could get to.  They married at the base and immediately became the last of official homesteaders on a mountainside just outside of Anchorage.

She was never afraid of the bears, the snow or the hard work involved in living on the homestead.  The “privy” as they called it, was serval yards from the trailer they lived in.  Imagine that at 20 below. During snowstorms they took turns through the night driving up and down the small road they had built to keep it plowed so they could get out for work the next day.

With time and expecting a baby they gave up the homestead and moved into Anchorage.  Cheryl (me) in 1957 and Ronnie in 1960.  It was an idyllic childhood with every available weekend spent camping, fishing and exploring Alaska.  Kay had an insatiable interest in Native lore and Alaskana.  She collected trade beads and tokens, later writing a book about them called “Rubles to Statehood”. She was always active in coin clubs, Camp Fire Girls, Cub Scouts, church, school and library events. With her Home Ec degree she was a frequent judge at the State Fair.  Alaska was not for the faint of heart, from sled dog races, to pony rides at 10 below during Fur Rendezvous to enduring the 1964 earthquake (9.2 on the Richter Scale). Kay loved it all.

Kay returned to school at the University of Alaska to obtain her teaching degree as well as her Master’s.  She taught middle school remedial reading at Diamond-Mears for many years and then when the balmy 70 degree Februarys of Arizona called, she continued to teach at Carson Jr. High.

Leaving Alaska was a difficult decision to make, she loved everything about it except the fact that with age the winters seemed to be getting longer and harder. Once the decision was made, she insisted on leaving in the same way she had lived there, with a sense of adventure.  Gene and Ronnie flew to Arizona, but Kay and Cheryl drove the 1400 mile Alcan highway, camping along the way. 

In Arizona she studied Real Estate with her husband, getting her broker’s license and eventually leaving teaching for Real Estate at Red Mountain Realty. She was interested in all kinds of business transactions and followed property values and the stock market until her stroke.

For fifty years Kay spent some time nearly every summer in Maine.  She enjoyed every moment at her camp.  Playing cards and word games with her brother John were an especially fond memory.  She watched for deer and birds and some years gardened. There were family picnics, antique auctions and travels to cemeteries to follow up on her genealogy findings.

Kay had 90 years of excellent health and a full life.  She was active in mind, body and spirit. A sudden devastating stroke ended all of that in late April of 2017.  Bedbound and only able to communicate with eye and facial movements, she persevered for 8 ½ months. Her family is especially proud to have been able to keep her in her familiar surroundings at home.  Kay died New Year’s Day, 2018 with Cheryl and Dave at her side. 

Kay has kissed the Blarney Stone, welcomed 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren into her family.  She has said good bye to her husband, her son, a grandson and 4 younger siblings.  She has won and lost in Las Vegas, zip lined at 85 and went sky diving at 80.  She has floated the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, taken a mule down to Phantom Ranch and flown over it.  She has ventured to the tiny village of Nome, Alaska and has climbed the Great Wall in China.  She has been in a balloon race in Reno, fallen into Lake Tahoe and has caught more fish than anyone could count. By anyone’s standards that is a full life. Her family will miss her.  She is survived by daughter Cheryl Preston and son in law David. Daughter in law Kathy Dickinson McDowell and grandchildren Christina Kolding and husband Evan, Kimberly Caro Kulick (named for her) and husband Mike, Mark Preston, Cody McDowell, Cassie McDowell and Calen McDowell. Great grandchildren Brylie Kay (named for her), Nasia, Kaylee (also named for her), Joseph, Megan and Andrew. Her older sister Dorcas is the only one remaining of her siblings. There are numerous nieces and nephews near and far. She will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Karl Eugene Ray, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Gilbert, AZ on Saturday evening, December 30, 2017.  He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.  He was born at home, in Chandler, Arizona on December 17, 1935.  He moved with his family to Mesa where he spent his childhood working on the family farm.  He drove tractors and milked cows.  He married his high school sweetheart and they were married for 62 years.  He left the farm to study accounting at Arizona State University.  Although he worked as an accountant for more than 40 years, he still had farming in his blood.  He taught his children to work hard by raising animals and growing food on a small plot of land.  His faith in God was strong.  He served in many capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Karl was a kind, patient man that would help anyone in need. 

 He leaves behind his lovely wife, Deloris, 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.  He will be greatly missed.  Services will be held Saturday, January 6th, at 10:00 a.m., preceded with a viewing at 9:00 a.m.  1100 N. Cooper Rd, Gilbert, AZ.  Funeral arrangements provided by Bunker’s University Chapel. 

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.