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Thomas Edison Smith, 86, passed away on November 20, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. Tom was born in Ashland, Oklahoma on October 28, 1931 to Samuel Arthur Smith and Lela May Bristow. His family moved to Delano, California in 1940.  After graduating from Delano High School in 1950, Tom enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War where he served valiantly. In one action he carried his wounded buddy to a MASH unit and started to walk away, but the doctor stopped him as he was wounded too. For this he was awarded the Purple Heart. After returning home he met and married Lorene Copple on December 1, 1955. Together they had four children, Pamala Ana Smith, Karen Sue Moses, Timothy Ross Smith, and Mark Alan Smith. They raised their children in Whittier, California where Tom worked as a lineman for Southern California Edison for 33 years. After retiring, Tom and Lorene moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1993. Nothing was more important to Tom than his family. He cared for and served them, and many others, all his life.  He is survived by his loving wife Lorene, his four children, thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.  He is also survived by two brothers, Ray Smith of California and Herbert Smith of Haskell, Oklahoma. Tom will be greatly missed. For services information please go to www.bunkercares.com. 

A Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM with Funeral Services at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 28^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.

Jerry Legrand Jones, retired popular Mesa High teacher, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2017. He was 78 years old. Jerry was lovingly known to his German students as “Herr Jones”, and his grandchildren as “Paco”. He is survived by his wife, Shenla Phelps Jones, 8 children – Laurie Lines (Ruskin), Julie Hallsted (Barry), Kambi Strong (Chris), Tamara LeCheminant (Christian), Brad Jones, Ryan Jones (Becca), Kristen MacLay (Ryan), Kimeree Bates (Phil), 30 grandchildren, 2 great-granddaughters, and siblings Bryson Jones, Dennis Jones and Fayon Hunt (Darnell Jones-deceased).

Jerry was born in Kanab, Utah, on March 15, 1939, second son to Charles Legrand and Violet Heaton Jones. He was followed by 3 additional siblings. Jerry loved his childhood, spending time with many cousins, and especially spending time in the hills of Kanab with his dad who was a sheepherder. His dad taught him to be a prankster which Paco’s children and grandchildren will always remember him for, especially where water fights are involved!

Jerry will always be remembered for being one of the hardest working men that ever lived. As a teenager he worked many jobs to support himself and save for his 3-year missionary service in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as supporting himself through college at BYU where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the German language. He met his sweetheart, Shenla Phelps, a fellow student teacher, during his first-year teaching. Herr Jones became a very popular teacher at Mesa High School teaching German and some English classes for 37 years. He built a very successful tax and financial planning business to supplement his teaching income and had many of the same clients for over 30 years. Jerry was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was very dedicated in any calling he held. He especially loved serving as a stake missionary and Stake Mission President. Playing with his children and grandchildren was the highlight of his life, whether it be playing checkers, sports, fishing or giving them “horsey” rides.

Jerry’s life will be honored through a funeral service on Saturday, November 25th at 10 a.m. at the LDS church at 1455 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ. Closed casket visitation will be at 9 a.m. at the church. Burial in Kanab, Utah the following day.

Please add memories and photos to the Jerry L. Jones Memorial Facebook Page. 

Ima Jean Overall, 90, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2017. She was born May 7, 1927 in Phoenix, Arizona to Edward Earl Batmon and Gertrude Suddarth.

Ima Jean was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and absolutely loved serving as an organist.

In 1957 she married Robert Eugene Overall (deceased in 2012) in the Arizona Temple. Together they had four children: Robert Jr. (Kathy) Overall, Kelly-deceased (Sharon) Overall, Nancy (Kris) Kircher, and Jeff (Denice) Overall. Her grandchildren include: Jillene (David) Guzman, Collin Overall, Nathan Overall; Ty (Sierra) Kircher, Lauren (Ted) Brimley, Zachary (Amber) Kircher; Laynee Overall, Jace Overall, Kylee Overall; and four great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Earline Gilleo of Mesa.

Funeral Services are Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 848 N. Westwood in Mesa.

Phyllis Helen Barnes was born March 2, 1924.  She died November 18, 2017.

She was proceeded in death by her dedicated husband James Barnes, sons Steve Barnes and Joseph Barnes and many other family members.

She had 6 children, 23 grandchild, 36 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren who continue to miss and love her each day. She will be truly missed.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Tuesday, November 21, 2017 with Funeral Services at 12:30 PM, Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Audrey Cecilia Mae Erber, 85, passed away November 14, 2017. Visitation is Monday, November 20 from 6:30-8 pm, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services are Tuesday, November 21 at 10 am, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel. Audrey passed away peacefully in her home.

Audrey is preceded in death by her loving soulmate and husband Heinz Herbert Erber, brother Glen Bessette, sister Delores Otto, and by her parents Delore and Dorothea Bessette. Audrey is survived by her children, Bonnie Patricia Kamps (Jeff) of Green Bay WI, and Gail Marie Brimley (Wayne) of Queen Creek, AZ. She is also survived by her grandchildren Luke Steven Erber (Marissa), Jessie Naomi Searer (Franklin), Heather Marie Kamps (Jeremy Carlson), Michael Paul Kamps (Rebecca), Jonette Lee (Ty), Cache Ivard Brimley, Abigail Wilda Brimley, and Eliza Audra Brimley, along with her great-grandchildren Alex Erber, Eli Searer, Caleb Searer, and Reed Lee.

Audrey Cecilia Mae Erber was born on June 8, 1932 in Appleton, WI to Delore and Dorothea Bessette. Audrey married Heinz Herbert Erber October 27, 1962. Audrey and Heinz lived in Appleton WI until 1984. During their time in Appleton they had two children Bonnie and Gail. She is remembered by them as a loving mother who always put family first (she always said “if you make a mistake in life, pencils have erasers.”)

Audrey was an accomplished cook and homemaker; her favorite place in the world was Disneyland/Disneyworld.  She attended Disneyland the year it opened, and visited almost yearly until her late 70s.  Some of her grandchildren’s most cherished memories with her are enjoying the rides at Disneyland and Disneyworld with their Grandma, especially the Pirates of the Caribbean (dead men tell no tales) and the Haunted Mansion (“now wait for the ghosts”).

Interment will be right after the funeral at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 1:00 PM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Audrey’s life. Condolences can be sent to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Robert Lincoln Brown II “Bob”, 91, passed away November 14, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.

Robert was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the only child to Robert Lincoln Brown I, and Irene Ritter Brown. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary J. Brown, children- Robin Young, Natalie Samora, Jennifer Flaherty, Ingrid Lieber, Tamara Nixon, Robert Brown III, Jonathan Brown, Roberta Ray, 24 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Robert was a WWII veteran in the Army, 1^st Calvary division. He was a devoted family man and business man. He devoted his life to missionary work preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Adobe building, 2152 E. Adobe St., Mesa, Arizona.

Graveside services and interment for James “Jimmy” Leslie Johnson of Dublin, Texas are scheduled Monday, November 27, 2017 at 9 A.M. at the Mesa City Cemetery under the direction of Bunkers Family Funeral Home.

Mr. Johnson passed away in Stephenville, Texas on November 10, 2017 at the age of 75.  He was a resident of Dublin, Texas.  Mr. Johnson had lived many years in Mesa, Az. He moved to Texas after retiring from the Mesa City Gas Company.  Jimmy was born March 13, 1942 to Lonnie Monroe and Helen Burke Johnson in Amarillo, Texas. He was one of ten children born to the couple.  Jimmy was drafted into the US Army in 1966, served during the Vietnam Nam War and was awarded Bronze Star Medal.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nola Franklin Johnson, stepson Gerald Fitzpatrick, brothers -Gary, Clem, Bill Johnson and sisters-Virginia Moore and Linda Guinn.

Jimmy is survived by wife, Nancy Johnson, children-Darrin and Becky Johnson, Jimmy Dewayne Johnson, Perry Johnson and Janice Makinster, Leslie “Monk” and Cindy Johnson, stepchildren-Pam and Steve Ferris, Christina and Harold Long, Patricia Clark, Raymond Forehand, Brian and Meagan Forehand.

Mr. Johnson was fondly called “Poo” by his 8 grandchildren-Daniele, Caitlin, Arista, Matthew, Hannah, Maddison, Mekayla, Brody and 5 great-grandchildren-Mason, Emory, Austyne, Harper, Everett.  He is, also, survived by 15 step grandchildren and 15 step great grandchildren.

Mr. Johnson is survived by sisters-Judy Link, Kay Johnson, Sharon Fernandez and Karon Dial.

The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made in Mr. Johnson’s name to one of the many agencies that support veterans of the Armed Forces.

Janet Myler Bosley, wife of Bruce Craig Bosley, passed away peacefully November 15, 2017, at home with her family in Chandler Heights, Arizona, after her struggle with cancer.

Janet was born in Montrose, Colorado, August 25, 1947 the daughter of the late George B. Myler and Norma B. Myler.

Janet thoroughly enjoyed her family, especially their many vacations at Lake Powell. She was dedicated to liberty and this Country. She was currently employed in the district office of US Congressmen Andy Biggs, Arizona District 5. She also loved sports, water skiing and dancing.

She graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City, Utah, 1965 and married her high school sweetheart Bruce Bosley. They were married for 53 years. After Bruce graduated from Utah State University he took a job which took them to Arizona. In 1979 Bruce and Janet started their own business, Century Marine. They worked together, side by side, to create a family business that has become a well-established and respected business in Mesa, Arizona and in the industry.

In addition to raising their 8 children, Janet also coached and refereed volleyball, instructed aerobics and was on a dance team. Most of her spare time was in helping her kids with all of their sporting activities.

Janet was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Centennial Ward, Chandler Heights Stake. Throughout her life she served in many callings including Young Women’s Leader, Girls’ Camp and Stake Sports Director.

Janet is survived by her husband Bruce Craig Bosley; sister Jeannie Myler Engel of York PA.(Ray); Children, Scott Bosley (Jessica), Diana Andresen (Mike), Mechell Huish (Aaron), Melanie Bosley, Tammy Reidhead (Weston), Brad Bosley, Jodee Brinkerhoff (Daniel); 20 Grandchildren and 8 Great grandchildren.

She was preceded by her daughter Barbara Dawn Bosley (1994); her parents George and Norma Myler, her sister Judy Russell and her brother William Myler.

Viewings: Friday November 24, 2017, 6:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday November 25, 2017, 9:30am-10:30am

Funeral Services: Saturday November 25, 2017, 11:00am Viewings and Funeral will be held at the Chandler Heights Stake Center, 7361 Constellation Way, Gilbert, AZ. 85298

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Edna May Hathorn

1929 ~ 2017

  It is with sadness that Edna passed away November 12^th in Mesa, Arizona.  She is survived by her loving son Mike (Diane) Swainson; granddaughter Erin (Kim) Mihalcheon; and 2 great granddaughters Leah and Ava.  She also leaves her special friend Jana Long and family as well as other family and friends.  She was a kind and generous person that enjoyed life to the fullest.  She will be sorely missed.

  A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 18, 2017 with a Visitation one hour prior at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Desert Vista Ward, 633 S. Higley Rd. in Mesa.

On November 8, 2017, Becky A. Chenoweth, age 66, passed away peacefully at her Mesa home with her family by her side, following her battle with pancreatic cancer.  Becky was born in Mayodan, North Carolina on October 28, 1951 as the daughter of Beverly (Kellar) MacAulay and Russell A. Timblin.  Beverly currently lives in Mesa, Arizona and Russell lives in Hector, New York.  

Becky moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1996.  She became a long-time employee of the City of Mesa Court House where she retired, as a Judge Clerk.  She took great pride in her work and was very fond of her coworkers.  

Becky is survived by her two daughters; Jenny (Hottel) Manos and Melissa Geer-Reitz; and her step son Ed Fallon; two sisters Beth (Timblin) Turnbaugh and Gloria (Timblin) Knight; two brothers Tom Timblin and Jon MacAulay; 14 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and several nephews and a niece.  She was predeceased by her husband, Norm Chenoweth and her daughter, Angela Lynn Patrick.

Becky enjoyed entertaining for her friends and family.  The holidays especially Halloween and Christmas we special to her.  Every year she would participate in these celebration with extravagant decorations and enthusiasm.  She changed themes for her Christmas trees each year making it a year-round project.  

All services will be private.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Aegis Hospice.

Marilynn Ruth Carr née Marlett was born January 6th, 1935 to DeOtis Loring Marlett and Ruth Irene Pillar. Marilynn grew up in Oregon and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in European History. She later went on to receive an MBA from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Marilynn was always eager to learn new things and never afraid of the next challenge. With three young girls and two cats, she moved to Switzerland not knowing the language or anyone there. She had a successful career as a business valuator in Colorado for many years. Marilynn enjoyed many hobbies including tennis, serving, reading and home renovation. Marilynn found even more joy later in life as she spent her time serving and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Ricky Lee Anderson, Jr., 15, passed away on November 7, 2017 in Chandler, Arizona. Ricky’s caring heart for those around him, his infectious smile, unique sense of humor, and his gentle spirit touched many.  Ricky loved his friends and family foremost as well as old cars, motorcycles, his GTA family, and his Marcos de Niza JROTC family.

He is survived by his mom Marijon, sister Bailee, brother Brandon, grandparents Gary and Pat Hicks, uncle and aunt Bill and Diane Hicks, 3 cousins, and 2 nephews. The celebration of life services are Monday, November 20, 2017 at 10 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Jerold L. Reed, 74, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2017. He was born on December 18, 1942 to J.D. and Betty Reed in Paducah, Kentucky. He came to Arizona on a troop train when he was 2 years old.

He graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1961, where he was very involved in the ROTC program. He taught computers, worked in the behavioral health field, and was an author of books on marriage and Christian Psychology. 

He will be greatly missed by his wife Linda, son Michael, two step-sons, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest son, Jonathan. 

A Visitation will be on Saturday, December 16th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, with sharing time at 5:00 PM, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.

We wish to thank Solace Hospice for their care and help during his last days.

Dean Buchanan Curry passed from this world on Sunday, October 29, 2017. 

He was preceded in death by Carolyn, his wife of 69 years and his grandson, Dean Morgan Curry. He is survived by children Carole, Robert, and Barbara; grandchildren Luke, Mary, and Drew; and four great-grandchildren.

Dean was born in Garden Grove, Iowa in 1923 to Claude and Lena Curry. Dean served in WWII as an Aviation Ordinance instructor and then in the Pacific on the USS Wasp aircraft carrier.

He apprenticed as a cabinet maker in Kansas City and journeyman in Illinois before he moved the family to Scottsdale in 1958. He established a contracting company and built or supervised projects all over the valley as well as summer homes in the Flagstaff area. He and Carolyn moved to Mesa in 1979 and traveled extensively every summer.

Wherever he lived, he was an instant neighbor with a willingness to lend a hand when needed. He was a lifetime member of the Masons and the Methodist church. His faith was evident in the generosity and friendship he extended to so many and by the hymns he sang to the end of his days. He has earned his peace. Services will be held in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA, 18901 or www.dementiasociety.org/donate

Benjamin Robert Miller, passed away peacefully in his home on October 25, 2017 in Queen Creek, Arizona at 78. Ben was a dynamic man with incredible life experiences such as his career in western motion pictures as a stunt man and many years of roping and riding horses. Ben’s final resting place will be Oklahoma where he was born. He is survived by his children, his brother, sister and countless friends. Services are Saturday, November 11th at 11 am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa.

Vaun Marion Ray, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, peacefully passed away at the age of 92 on October 28, 2017 in Gilbert, AZ. He was surrounded by loved ones as he completed his earthly journey and happily returned to our loving Father in Heaven.

Vaun was born to Edna Bertha Hansen and Marion Ray in Chandler, AZ on February 26, 1925. His happy childhood years were spent in Chandler and Mesa on the farm land that he worked and loved. Vaun graduated from Mesa Union High and immediately joined the Army to assist in WWII efforts. He and Ruth Richardson, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, were married and sealed on August 14, 1944 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.

Vaun was a farmer in the Mesa area and loved working the land. He felt it a stewardship and worked diligently to maintain his crops of cotton, grains, and alfalfa. Vaun’s farm was also filled with memory making and love as it served as a gathering place for his children, their friends and extended family. Hayrack rides, cook-outs, fun games and laughter could be heard across the fields and in his home. He always had wheels to ride and animals for all his grand- and great-grandchildren.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many callings. Vaun loved the Savior and his faith and family were very important to him. He was quick to invest in them. He was a kind, patient, honest, hardworking man who always kept his commitments, he was generous with his resources, talents and love.  

Vaun is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Ruth Richardson Ray, children Vonda Dorny (Brough), Steven Ray (Susan), Kevin Ray (Ginger), 8 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 11:30am at the LDS Church at 230 N. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85234. A viewing will precede the services at 10:00am. Interment will be in the City of Mesa Cemetery.