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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.

David Powell Bossler ended his life journey peacefully on November 28, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. David (Dave) began blazing his trail on September 29, 1927 in Grantsville, West Virginia, the third son of Robert and Mary (Fisher) Bossler.

David grew up in Oil City, PA where he and his two older brothers, Robert and Bert excelled in Boy Scouts, Academics and the fine art of Practical Jokes. This “trio of trouble” remained extremely close throughout adulthood and were together as recently as September to celebrate David’s 90^th birthday.

David was able to skip his last year of high school, opting to head straight to Allegheny College. He served as a member of the 82^nd Airborne for two years and upon discharge, enrolled in The University of Texas at Austin. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and played in the woodwind section in the UT Longhorn Marching Band. While attending UT-Austin he would hitchhike back and forth between home in Pennsylvania and Austin. He graduated from UT-Austin in 1951 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering.

After graduation he found work as a rough neck in the oil fields of West Texas and Oklahoma. He worked for a short time in Bogota, Colombia. While in Columbia he purchased several emerald stones, one of which was later used for a very special purpose.

After returning from Colombia, he landed a job with Carter Oil Co. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was in Tulsa that he met his beloved wife Polly and after a short courtship, asked for her hand in marriage, using a ring he designed with an emerald from Columbia. In June 1954 Dave and Polly wed in Tulsa. The first three of their five children were born in Tulsa; Sam, Ed and Julia.

In 1960 Dave received a job offer with Imperial Oil and he move his family to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. After moving to Calgary Dave and Polly had two more children: Dan and Mary. Dave’s work with Imperial Oil included advances in research and technology of enhanced oil recovery.  As hard as Dave worked, he did enjoy family vacations. Each summer Dave, Polly and the five kids would load up into the International Travelall with travel trailer in tow and boat on top they explored Western Canada and the U.S.  Dave was well known for long days and a heavy foot. There is nary a historical Point of Interest sign in the region that has not been read by Dave Bossler. It was during these summer vacations that the family learned of ; The Power of the Hoo-Doo; The Dark and Stormy Night; Rock-on-Road; Rubby-Dub, who Waskesiu, and the important life lesson; “Daddy’s know everything and Mommy’s are always right.”

Dave and Polly remained in Calgary until 1983 when Dave, after retiring from Imperial Oil, was offered a job with Sirte Oil Company in Libya where he and Polly lived until 1986. Upon returning to Canada they purchased several hundred acres in south-central British Columbia where the 1994 Bossler Reunion was held. Over the next two decades they moved around living in places of extreme beauty in Western Canada and the U.S. before settling in Yuma, Arizona.

Dave had many passionate pursuits including fly-fishing, hunting, woodworking, lapidary and FOOTBALL!  He was an avid rock-hound and enjoyed any project involving geology. Dave was always on the move and enjoyed traveling extensively. He never missed a chance to see a new place. Dave and Polly took many vacations together all around the world, visited countless countries saw many beautiful places.  Polly preceded Dave in death, on October 12, 2008.  Although travelling without Polly was not as enjoyable, Dave continued with his get up and go spirit, even embarking on a cruise from San Diego, California, through the Panama Canal and landing in Florida.

Dave is survived and missed by his children: Sam and Linda Bossler of Calgary, Alberta; Ed and Lauren Bossler of Vernon, British Columbia; Julia Trim and Ken Cebryk of Calgary, Alberta; Dan and Mary Bossler of Chandler, Arizona and Mary and Dodd Lange of Round Top, Texas. He also leaves behind; eleven grandchildren and eight great-grands (and counting).  His  brothers; Robert Bossler of Bloomfield, CT and Bert Bossler of Buffalo, NY, and one sister-in-law; Clara Simpson of Garland, Texas.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Alzheimer’s Association of America
225 N. Michagan Ave., Fl 17
Chacago, IL 60601-7633
www.act.alz.org

Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories
High Park Corner
308, 14925- 111 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5M 2P6
www.alzheimer.ca

Or any charity of your choice.

Lorana Randall Whiting passed away peacefully at her home in Phoenix, Arizona on November 25, 2017 just a few days shy of her 90th birthday. Lorana was born December 5, 1927 in Joseph City, Arizona to Alfred Harvey and Lena Stratton Randall. Lorana had a loving family of eleven siblings, five of whom preceded her in death: Raymond (Fay), Maurine Despain (Mitt), Norman (Verna), Tempy, and Ina MacDonald (Kyle). She is survived by six of her siblings: Nelda Brinkerhoff (Grant), Fern Whiting (Jay), Doyle Randall (Jackie), Ordene Guttery (Willard), Beth Gardner (Leo), and Evelyn Solomon (Delwin). Lorana loved growing up in Northern Arizona, and graduated from Holbrook High School, where she participated in the Drum and Bugle Corps and Girls Glee Club, played basketball and baseball, was the Rodeo Queen, and was known for wearing boots to school – even with a dress.

On Christmas Day in 1947, Lorana married her high school sweetheart, Arthur Milton “Mickey” Whiting. They had 69 wonderful years together before his passing in 2016. She had captured Mickey’s heart when she won a foot race at the county fair, bravely overcoming the effects of childhood polio. Lorana and Mickey attended Arizona State University and have been life-long Sun Devils fans, through and through, with football and basketball season tickets for many, many years. They also established an ASU scholarship program for deserving students. Mickey’s work with Kaibab Industries took them from Holbrook to Fredonia, then to Flagstaff, and finally brought them to Phoenix in 1967. Their family grew to five children during that time: R. Bruce Whiting (Gail), Gordon K. Whiting (Nannette), Janis Whiting Hall (Gordon), M. Barry Whiting (Robyn) and foster son Henry Redhouse (Lisa). By her loving example, she taught her children to work hard and to enjoy every hour of life.

Lorana delighted in every opportunity to serve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She truly exemplified her favorite scripture “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.” (1 Nephi 3:7). She enjoyed working with all ages, but her heart was always with the youth. She initiated a girl’s the camp program for the LDS Young Women in Flagstaff in 1964, and spent many years teaching life and camping skills to countless young women. From 1981-1995 she was instrumental in establishing 16 chapters of the LDS Church sorority, Lambda Delta Sigma, on college campuses in eight states and Canada. The sorority chapters helped students learn how to balance their campus lives, while gaining a love for the Savior and giving service to others. In more recent years, she loved serving other women and their families, as the President of the Relief Society, both at the Ward and Stake level.

Lorana’s greatest happiness was found with her best friend and dear companion, Mickey, and their five children, 20 grandchildren, and soon to be 51 great-grandchildren. She loved and knew each family member well, and her legacy will live on in their lives.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 7th from 6-8 PM at the LDS Church, Arcadia Ward building, 4225 N. 56 St, Phoenix, AZ. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 8th at 10:30 AM, preceded by a visitation from 9-10:00 AM at the LDS Church, Arcadia Ward building, 4225 N. 56 St, Phoenix, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker Funeral Home, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lorana’s memory to any of the LDS Philanthropies at this address:
https://ldsp-pay.ldschurch.org/donations/lds-church/ldsp.html?cid=memoriam

Our beloved Papa Ji was born to Shanti Dass and Gyan Wanti Jain on August 11^th, 1934. He was the third sibling in a family of seven. Papa Ji, along with his family, relocated to Amritsar, where he completed his studies and then joined Indian Railways. He married our mother, Kamla Jain, at the age of 23, and raised four loving children.

After over 30 years of service in India, Papa Ji relocated to the U.S., where he enjoyed his retirement with seven beautiful grandchildren.

Papa Ji loved eating good food, traveling, and bragging about his family which he was so proud of. Despite challenges with his health, he maintained a strong will and positive attitude towards life.

After a lifetime of love and blessings, Papa Ji parted ways with this world. His memories will forever be cherished.