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James “Mark” Talla, 70, passed away Dec. 5, 2017. He was born Aug. 25, 1947 in Casa Grande, AZ. Mark attended Brophy Academy and later Arizona State University, earning a degree in business and receiving his CPA. His accounting career began with Ernst & Young, continuing at Arthur Anderson for many years until opening his own practice. Mark was retired at the time of his death. Mark was a loving and devoted son, brother and uncle. He is preceded in death by his father, Martin Talla. Mark is survived by his mother, Betty Lou Orler; brothers David “Mike” Talla and wife Mona, Pat Talla; nephews Mark Talla, Mathew Talla, Jared Talla, Brett Talla; and niece Karen Talla Gooch, along with four great-nieces and nephews. Mark will be mourned and missed by his many friends and extended family members.

Services will be held Thursday, Dec. 21, at 11 AM, in Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ, 85201.

Larry Doyle Bond, 68, passed away peacefully at home on December 14th, 2017. He was born in Mesa, AZ on May 24, 1949 to D Leroy & Pearl Willis Bond. He married Joetta Johnson on November 17, 1972, in the Mesa, AZ LDS Temple.

Preceded in death by his sister, Donna Fyvie, brother in law, Jim Church, and daughter, Sherri Lynn Bond.

He is survived by his wife, Joetta Johnson Bond, his other children, David (Darlene) Bond, Julie (Preston) Scheier, and Steven (Christina) Bond, as well as 14 grandchildren. His surviving siblings are Milt Fyvie, Marilyn (Paul) Plumb, Buzz (Carol Jean) Bond, Jeannie (Gary) Lythgoe, Jerry Bond, and Linda Church.

Larry served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hong Kong. This experience defined his character and his commitment to the Savior for the remainder of his life. Many of his closest relationships stem from his experience in Hong Kong with fellow missionaries and members. He served as a medic in the military in the Army Reserves. He worked as an accountant for many years. He faithfully served in various callings with the church; home teacher, instructor, clerk, and as a counselor in a bishopric.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kleinman Park Ward located at 616 S. Extension, Mesa, AZ 85210. Visitation will be available at 9:00 a.m. prior to the services, as well as from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at the same location. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery located at 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ.

Luana Karen Greenhalgh, 81, returned home to her Heavenly Father on December 8, 2017. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Luana was born April 6, 1936 in Huntington Park, California. She attended Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah.

At BYU, she met her eternal sweetheart Richard. They married in the LDS Salt Lake City temple 59 years ago.

Luana was a faithful member of the LDS Church and served in many positions. She had unwavering faith and inspired all she came in contact with. Her life’s mission was to help others develop faith and a stronger relationship with their Savior. She was a wonderful example and gave countless hours of selfless service.

Luana is survived by her loving husband Richard N. Greenhalgh, four children; Kimberly Smith (Scott), Kent (Brian Roberts), Kevin (Laura) and Kristin Crook (Spencer), fifteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

The family thanks the staff at American Orchards Assisted Living, Banner Gateway Hospital and Hospice of the Valley for their tender loving care.

Luana will be laid to rest at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 5th at Mariposa Gardens, 6747 E. Broadway Rd. in Mesa, Arizona. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

Hospice of the Valley

Friendship Village

2525 E. Southern Avenue

Tempe, AZ 85282-7741

Please send any special thoughts or memories of Luana to Richard Greenhalgh. The family will be compiling a special book for him.

American Orchards

Richard Greenhalgh

735 N. Lindsay Road A8

Gilbert, AZ 85234

Debbie Hale Brown passed away at home surrounded by her husband and five sons on Sunday, December 10^th, 2017.  She courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease for two decades, ensuring that her sons were fully raised before succumbing to the disease.  Debbie was born in Mesa Arizona to Darlene and George Hale and was the oldest of six children.  She was a born dancer, and pursued both dance and choreography throughout her life.  Growing up she performed in multiple venues, including high school musicals and the state fair.  She also choreographed many performances where her younger siblings were the stars and her parents the audience.  As an adult she performed in musicals and choreographed many performances, including musicals at Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona.  Near the end of her life, she had a good day where she was able to rise and walk for the first time in months.  Once stable, she took her oldest son’s hand and began swing dancing with him.  To the very end she was a dancer.  

Debbie married James Dayley at a young age and they had two sons, Matt and Trevor Dayley.  The marriage did not last, but Debbie was always grateful for the two sons that came from her first marriage.  She worked hard as a single mother for several years in her grandmother’s dress shop, as a restaurant waitress, and as a postal carrier to ensure that her sons had everything they needed.  During this time her mother and siblings also played a large role in helping her to raise her boys.  Debbie met Larry Brown through a mutual acquaintance and the attraction was instantaneous and everlasting.  They married on June 1, 1985 in Mesa Arizona.  To the very end, Debbie would light up whenever Larry entered the room.  They had three more sons, and together they raised all five, managing sports schedules, school assignments, and near constant wrestling matches between brothers.  Mom took great pride in her sons and ensured that they had every opportunity in life, even if it meant great sacrifice on her part.  

Debbie was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Despite the difficult symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, she attended church faithfully and found many ways to serve others, both in and out of the church.  She will be remembered by many for her humor, perseverance, and great friendship.  She received her endowment in the Mesa Arizona temple and had a great reverence for the work there.  

Debbie is preceded in death by her parents George and Darlene Hale.  She is survived by her husband, Larry Brown of Mesa, Arizona, her children, Matt (Jeanette) Dayley of Wellsville, Utah, Trevor (Shirley) Dayley of Maricopa, Arizona, Eric Brown of Mesa, Arizona, Adam (Katie) Brown of Mesa, Arizona, and Ryan Brown of Mesa, Arizona, her grandchildren, Ethan, Ammon, Elise, Faith, Naomi, Hyrum, Katelynn, Annabelle, Elin, Kash, Ace, Emma, Bennett, and Damon, and her siblings, Dean (Diane) Hale of Mesa, Arizona, Greg (Sheryl) Hale of Imperial Beach, California, Denise (Chris) Roche of Mesa, Arizona, Chris (Elizabeth) Hale of Queen Creek, Arizona and Kim (Linda) Hale of Mesa, Arizona.  

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19^th, 2017 at the LDS church at 1550 North Val Vista Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213.  A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday December 18^th at Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213 and on Tuesday morning at the church from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m..

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Jayna McWilliams, Betty Peterson, and Hospice of the Valley for their devoted service as she battled Parkinson’s disease.     

Vere Carling Cluff Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Carling was born on October 25, 1934 in Mesa, Arizona to Vere and Thora Cluff. He was the oldest of 4 boys. He graduated Scottsdale High School in May of 1954. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in the East Central States Mission. He served in The United States Army from 1957 to 1959. Most of his adult life he worked for The City of Mesa, (over 30 years).

In June of 1957 he married the love of his life, Alice Lou Dodge. They had 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

Carling was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His reason for living, in recent years, was to care for and protect his beautiful wife. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his greatest joy in life. He loved the babies.

After retirement they purchased a cabin in Heber, Arizona. That was his favorite place. He loved having his family around. His grandkids loved spending time there and learning all the things that their grandpa had to teach them. There was always something to fix or build and he always had someone right there learning how.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Malon and his son-in-law Alan Leatham. He is survived by his wife Alice, son Duane (Kari) Cluff, daughters Linda (LeRoy) House, Betsy (David) Miller, and Donna (Nathan) Lambson. Also by 12 grandchildren, 6 spouses, 13 great grandchildren and brothers Dewey and Paul.

Carling was a wonderful man who was loved by all. He meant the world to his family. He taught them how to work hard and enjoy it. He had a love for his Heavenly Father and the gospel. He showed that love in quiet and simple ways and by serving those around him. We will all miss him dearly but look forward to seeing him again.

A visitation will be held Thursday, December 21, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Friday, December 22, 2017, at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation from 9-9:45 AM, at the LDS Mesquite Canyon Ward Chapel, 2339 S. Crismon Road, Mesa, AZ. Interment at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

Karen E. (Osterbye) Arrieta
Age 72

After battling Alzheimer’s disease for over five years, Karen passed away peacefully while surrounded by the love of her family on Friday, December 8, 2017. 

Karen was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, then later dedicated 25 years to special education in Woodbridge Township, NJ. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, writing and collecting all things whales.

She is survived by her daughter Diane; son-in-law Christopher; grandson Theo; her siblings Mike, Mark and Maria; sister-in-law Norma; and nieces Janet, Michele and Dana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Ethel; and her brother Teddy.  A private memorial service will take place in Gilbert, Arizona where Karen resided after moving from New Jersey in 2012.

“Though those with Alzheimer’s may forget us, we as a society must remember them.”
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research (ALZinfo.org) in honor of Karen Arrieta.

Lynda (Lynna) Raye Burton, 71, passed away on December 8, 2017, in Phoenix, AZ.

A longtime resident of the East Valley, Lynna was an active member of the LDS church and was beloved by many. A talented singer and performer, Lynna sang with her sister, Carol, as “The Dodge Sisters,” and toured internationally with the USO. Lynna is survived by her mother, Raye Dodge Scalone, her husband of 39 years, Bruce Burton, her sister, Carol Laycock, and her two daughters, Shelley and Krista Burton.

Services will be held at the Cornerstone Ward church building located at 422 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203. Funeral services begin with visitation at 11:00 am and services at noon. 

Devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Donnabelle Brindley Green Kempton (83) of Mesa, Arizona was reunited with her husband on December 7, 2017. She fought a long, valiant fight with cancer and was surrounded by her family as she passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Donna was born in Oatman, Arizona on August 17, 1934 to Donald and Freda (Brindley) Green. After frequent moves, her family ended up settling in Safford, Arizona—a place that always remained close to her heart. It was here that she met the love of her life, Larry Clyde Kempton, who introduced Donna to The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints. She said that her decision to be baptized and marry Larry shaped the rest of her life. They were married for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on June 12, 1952. Together they had six children.

Larry and Donna moved around from place to place for school and work, but eventually called Mesa, Arizona home where Larry worked as an Aeronautical Engineer. Donna supported her husband and children in all their activities and accomplishments. She took great pride in her home and family and was very involved in her community and church. In their later years, Larry and Donna found a great love of traveling. They explored much of Europe and made beautiful memories together. She said that these vacations were some of the highlights of her life.

Throughout Donnabelle’s life, her commitment and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ always remained a cornerstone of strength to her. She faithfully served in various callings and considered Larry’s service as a Young Single Adult Bishop a true honor and blessing.

Following Larry’s death in 1998, Donna continued her vivacious love of life. She traveled as much as she could and kept up with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always made a point to be involved in the lives of those she loved, including many dear friends. She developed a great talent for oil-painting, and continued a love of learning throughout her life.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother, Mike. She is survived by her children, Brad Kempton, DeAnn (Dave) Lee, Wade (Cindy) Kempton, Lisa (Del) Hilton, Steve (Kristin) Kempton, and Lara Kempton. She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren and their families including 28 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the LDS Lazona Ward Chapel located at 1345 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ. A viewing will be held on Friday, December 15, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ and Saturday, prior to funeral services from 9:00-10:00 AM. Interment will be at Mesa Cemetery.

Donnabelle left a legacy of love. Her life was truly devoted to her family and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a beacon of light and hope to all who knew her. In a personal history, Donna shared the following thought, “I truly believe that we are not at the end of our lives but only in the middle of what is left to come. We are not too old to stop feeling significant and we can still make a difference in the lives of our family and friends.”

Clifford Wayne Albright, age 83, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2017, in Apache Junction, Arizona. He was born April 8, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa to Floyd Albright and Beulah Guy.

Cliff was a loving father, grandfather and kind man. He was loved and liked by all the people he had touched in his life. Cliff had many interests. His passion was antique cars. Cliff had restored and owned several antique cars. Cliff loved to ride motorcycles and fly planes. Some of his favorite times were going to motorcycle rallies and rides with his son Steve Albright and grandson Chad Fuller. Cliff loved to travel, see new places and all the wonders of our great country.

Cliff was a loving father to Steve Albright, Linda Dryer, and Marlene Leonard, and grandfather to eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Cody Brandon Searcy, 18, passed away November 29, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 12, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at 10 AM, at the same location.

Margarita V. Sanchez, age 78, passed away November 30, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. Private memorial services may be held at a later date.

Corinne Cowley Wilbur, 81, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.

Corinne was kind, compassionate and genuine in her friendships and care for others. She served in many church callings but particularly enjoyed indexing and spent many, many years extracting names for temple work. She loved music and was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge. Her accomplishments were many, but her greatest joy came from serving her husband, family and community. 

She is now reunited with her beloved husband Frank Wilbur and her son Frank Elliot Wilbur, Jr. She is survived by her siblings, Lewis Cowley, Jacqueline Buck, Sylvia Udall, Carolyn Nielsen, Lee Madrid and Trey Cowley; and her children Jamie Levi (Hugh), Elizabeth Wilbur Ross (Kerry) and Thom Wilbur (Lena), 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be Friday, December 8, 2017 from 5-5:45 PM, with funeral services to follow at 6 PM, at the LDS Chapel located at 633 S. Higley Rd., Mesa, AZ. Interment, St. Johns Cemetery, December 9, 2017, 1 PM. 

Dale was born to Harold and Hope, the older brother of Colby, in Presque Isle, Maine in 1936. His parents were farm folk, pure and simple, with his mother even teaching in a one room school house.

In 1958, the Griffins, including Dale’s Aunt Edna and Uncle Van and their children, decided Maine was a bit too cold for their tastes, and they migrated west, landing in the up-and-coming rural Mesa. It was so rural, in fact, that the 1960 Census records list the population of Mesa at 33, 772, in comparison to 2017’s population of 439,041.

In 1961, Dale married Ruth Desenberg in the First Methodist Church in Mesa. Their marriage would produce three children, Mark Dale, Linda Mae, and Lisa Christine.

At the time of Dale’s death, he was also grandfather to seven grandchildren: Brandon, Christopher, Logan, Logan, Kailey, Alexis, Zoe and Genevieve, and one soon to be great-grandchild. Before he retired, Dale was the head janitor at Arizona State University’s main campus in Tempe, a position that allowed him to bring home many stories and gifts his family will cherish always. He was also a regular member of Church of the Redeemer in Mesa.

Funeral services will be Monday, December 11, 2017, at 7 PM, preceded by a visitation from 6-7 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Interment will be Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 8:30 AM, at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa.

David is survived by his brother Phillip and wife Alberta Mortensen of Moriarty, NM, and sister Kristi Coleman of Mesa, AZ.

He is also survived by nephew Brady Coleman and wife Lavon,  niece Dana Huerta and husband Jeromy, niece Lindy Paulino and husband David, nephew Travis Mortensen, nephew Keith Mortensen and wife Katie, niece Jeannie Eyer, nephew Robert Freeman, niece Angela Freeman, and many grand-nephews and nieces.

Jess Eduardo Moreno, age 31, passed away November 28, 2017. Traditional overnight services will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2017, beginning at 6:00 PM, at Salt River Memorial Hall. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at 8:30 AM, at the same location. 

Jay Willard Bingham, 82, passed away December 1, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. Graveside services will be held Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 11:00 AM, at the Thatcher City Cemetery, Thatcher, Arizona.