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Burl Dean Bardin, 81, passed away peacefully at home on October 20, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.  Funeral services will be held Friday, October 27^th at 11:00 AM and will be preceded by a visitation at 10:00 AM.  Services will be held at the LDS Chapel located at 2835 E. Des Moines St., Mesa, AZ 85213.

Burl was born in Dewar, Oklahoma on May 25^th 1936 to James and Bonnie Bardin.  He graduated high school at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California in 1954.

Burl married Janice Anderson on April 18^th, 1959 and they were later sealed for eternity in the St. George, Utah LDS Temple.  Together they raised 10 children, Linda Kay (Walter), William Dean (Wida), Thomas Lee (Irma), Michael Duane (Stacy), Sheri Ann (Greg), David Allen (Robin), Daniel Anthony (Tamera), Joseph Edward (Stephanie), Timmothy Randall (Trinity), and Matthew Jared (Emily).  They have 45 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Burl loved many things: racing stock cars (#88) at Craig Road Speedway in Las Vegas during the 1970’s and early 80’s, flying his airplane, fishing, hunting and woodworking.  Burl adored babies, especially the newborn grandchildren that came almost yearly for 40 years in addition to his many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Most of all, he loved his sweetheart, Janice.

Burl was a hardworking entrepreneur, working his way up in the poultry business from an early age to eventually becoming owner of Jack’s Poultry in Los Angeles.  He later started Burl’s Tire Centers in Nevada, Utah, Oklahoma, and Kansas in the 1970’s and 80’s.  After moving to Mesa, AZ in 1990, he opened Burl’s Tire and Automotive on University Drive.  He retired in 2007 and became an independent owner and operator of Burl’s Gun Sales in Mesa.  He and Janice made many friends and acquaintances at the gun shows in and around the Phoenix area.

He is preceded in death by his father, James, his mother Bonnie, his brother John, his sister Connie Sue and his granddaughter Brittney.

Elden Clifford Welker, 95, was born and raised in Safford, AZ. He was a twin. Elden has resided in Mesa, AZ for the past 50+ years. He passed away peacefully on October 21, 2017 in Tempe, AZ, surrounded by family.   Elden’s wife passed away exactly 3 months before him. He had been heart- broken for his sweetheart of 58 ½ years and he just longed to be with her.

Elden had a long, meaningful, and successful life. He was wise and thought out his decisions carefully. He loved to tease and joke around. He was a good dancer and loved to dance the jitterbug with his wife. He had a good listening ear, gave great advice, and was proud of his hard work ethic that allowed him to always be able to support his family. He lived by the motto “Early to bed, early to rise.” He was gentle, strong, and was dependable in completing what he had committed to do. He almost never was sick or missed a day of work until getting hurt on the job, which forced him into early retirement. He drove trucks in his younger years, hauling various items. He worked for several grocery stores throughout his life, but was best remembered as the produce manager for Lucky’s stores where he was employed for many years. He loved fixing and building things and would never hire someone to fix something he could do himself. Elden loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time tending to things outside. He loved gardening and raising animals, especially birds. Neighbors, school children, and friends would often visit his aviaries just to see the different types of birds he had. Elden also raised and raced pigeons with a club in town. His birds won and placed well in many races.   Some people in the neighborhood used to call him the “Bird Man” and if they needed help with their bird, or a bird they found hurt, they would call him to see if he knew what to do.

Despite being born with bad eyesight, he didn’t complain, and actually did everything just like seeing people.  He went through many eye surgeries to help him be able to see better. He was a tennis star in high school and would have went pro, but decided not to go that route in life. He loved watching football, baseball, and basketball games on tv. His favorite baseball team was the Diamondbacks. Nearing his death, he wanted to listen to/watch every game on tv he could. He also loved the Phoenix Suns.

Eldon was a Latter-day Saint and his religion meant a lot to him. He was often found reading his scriptures or listening to them on tape. He had many callings in the church, but one of his favorite callings was being a ward/stake missionary. He also loved serving as a temple worker in the Mesa, Arizona Temple, and he served there for about 25+ years. He went on a full-time mission to Hamilton, New Zealand with his wife. Elden worked with his wife in the beautiful Hamilton Temple. This was a chance of a lifetime for him to go to such a beautiful place to serve the Lord.

Elden will be missed. He gave so much, and he is loved so much.

Survivors include his sons, Terry (Kathy), Gary “Ricky”; his daughter, Tammie (Jeff Burrell); his granddaughters, Holly (Robert Amarillas) and Kindli; his grandsons, Benjamin and Jarem; and 6 great-grandchildren. Elden was preceded in death by Phyllis–his wife of 58 ½ years in July; his sons, Blaine and Duane; his grandson, Russell Welker; his parents and 6 siblings.

Funeral services will be held at the LDS Chapel: 848 North Westwood, Mesa, Arizona 85201, on Friday, October 27, 2017, at 11 AM, with a viewing at 10 AM.

Phyllis E Johnson, age 92, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2017, surrounded by three generations of family. She is now reunited with her husband and eternal dancing partner after a long 31-year separation. Her life was as vibrant as the colorful clothing she loved to wear. 

Born in Safford, Arizona to Carl and Lucille Morris, Phyllis married E Otho Johnson, Jr. and they are parents to: Kitty Henson (Bob), Bob Johnson (Lis), Valerie Hawker (Kyle), and Phil Johnson (Lynn). She treasured her 11 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am Monday, October 23, 2017 at the LDS church located at 8710 N 3^rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ. Visitation at 9 am. 

Arthur John Hunter (John) was born October 5, 1950 in Ogden, Utah and died at home in Tempe, Arizona on October 16, 2017.

John spent his childhood in Ogden. He graduated from Bonneville High School (1968) and Weber State University. He obtained his MBA from the University of Utah. In 1974 he accepted a job with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited in Phoenix, AZ, where he became an audit partner and retired from the firm.    

John’s parents were Myrtle Chugg and Arthur R. Hunter (both deceased). He is survived by two sisters, Sharon (Lanny) and Nancy (Steve). 

John married his high school sweetheart, Jolene Scadden, and they became the parents of six children: Jocelyn (Mikki), Michael (deceased), Staci (Allan), Nina (Jake), Oleg and Ivan. John had seven grandchildren: Kendall, Dallon, Mason, Corinne, Emmett, Noah and Brooklyn. He loved being a grandfather and said watching his grandchildren grow was better than any medicine.

John was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. His passion came early in life from his father. Later, he and his friend, Doug, spent many happy hours hunting, fishing, camping and swapping stories. He also loved all sporting events. You could often find him at Phoenix Suns games, watching baseball, and golfing with friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10 S. Twelve Oaks Boulevard, Chandler, AZ 85226. John will be buried next to his son Michael at Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. 
 

Contributions may be made on his behalf, in honor of his son Michael, to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation http://www.curethekids.org

Celia Urrea Burns (Robert) passed from this life October 13, 2017 at the age of 97. 

Born October 31, 1919 in Mesa, Arizona to Charles Urrea and Amelia Burrell Urrea, the second of eight children. She was a woman full of love, spirit, spunk and a simple faith. She was a loving, positive mother and grandmother who instilled confidence and dreams in her children and posterity. She was the mother to James K. Zaharis (Cheryl) and Kathlyn Russell (Bruce) and protector to 7 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-granddaughters. 

Her life was full of giving and a friend to all, especially the underdog. She attended Mesa Schools and graduated from Mesa High in 1937. She was the last survivor of that class. She read two books a week well into her nineties and loved to talk of early Mesa. Her love of her parents and 7 brothers and sisters, Bea, Ben, Oscar, Chuck, Mona, Norma and Don in the Urrea family was celebrated at the weekly Sunday dinners at the Urrea family farm on East Main Street in Mesa. They were legendary in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and most of the town attended at least once. She joins a loving big family in the eternities and leaves a grateful loving family here on Earth. What a legacy and icon she has been to those who loved her and knew her affectionately as “Ma.”

Funeral services are Friday, October 20^th at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM, at the LDS Chapel, 2414 N. Gilbert Road, Mesa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice at Home (480)478-0643. 

Friday, October 13^th was Bob’s lucky day as he passed away from complications of ALS.

Bob was born in Nebraska in 1950 and grew up in Yuma, Colorado. He has lived in Mesa for the last 40 years. Bob graduated from University of Northern Colorado and began teaching art at the Junior High in Globe, Arizona, where he taught for two years and met his wife Deb Whiting whom he married in 1975. Bob worked in his mother’s floral shop in Colorado from 1964-1978.  Then moved to Mesa Arizona where he opened the first of three Floral/Home Accessory/Interior Design stores in Mesa, Chandler and Scottsdale called Flowers ‘N Such, Home Finale, and ICA. Bob designed with color and comfort and is remembered for his “thinking out of the box” designs. After 36 years, he retired to travel more, work a little and play with his grandkids. Bob was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he held many positions.  He has 4 children and 8 grandchildren who called him Geeps, to carry on his legacy.

There will be a viewing at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ on Friday, October 20^th, from 6-8 pm. The FUN-eral party on Saturday, October 21st, at Stonebridge Manor, 4000 E. Palm Street, Mesa at 10:30 am. His life will be celebrated with laughter, pictures, and stories, so please wear fun, bright Bob colors.     

Theresa Claire Jewell, age 85, passed away October 6, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.

Private memorial services may be held at a later date.

Karen Potts, 67, passed away October 4, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 14, 2017, at 11 AM, at the LDS Chapel located at 422 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona.

Etolia (Toby) Marie Roundtree Morrow, 96, passed away Friday, October 6, 2017 at The Summit in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to William Starling and Hazel Alice Roundtree on June 7, 1921.  From 1921-1923 Etolia lived in Oakland City, IN. In 1929 the family moved to Princeton, IN where she made her home until 1939.

Toby’s religious foundation was confirmed at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Princeton, IN.  There she was baptized, committed to Christ and attended Bethel faithfully until 1938.

She graduated from Lincoln High School, Princeton, IN, in 1938.  

She was married to William Sims Jr. in 1939 after which they moved to Muncie, Indiana. During her marriage to William, she attended and belonged to two local congregations. 

In 1949, Toby and sons reunited with Bethel A.M.E. Church Muncie, where she remained a loyal and faithful member until her passing. Over the years she served as a steward, finance committee member, class leader, welcoming committee member, and a dedicated usher.

On June 19, 1949 Etolia married Eddie Morrow at Bethel A. M. E. Church, Richmond.  They had a wonderful life together for 47 years.

After working and being a homemaker, Toby realized her lifelong dream since 1938 and enrolled in Ball Memorial Hospital’s School of Practical Nursing.  She served as a LPN at Ball Hospital for 23 years.  She truly loved her patients and many referred to her as our ‘Florence Nightingale’.  She retired from BMH on June 6, 1984.  However; retired from life she wasn’t.  Her retirement years have been filled with much fun and responsibility.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to countless people.  She has resided in Arizona for nearly five years living at Tuscany at McCormick Ranch where friends readily acknowledged the love and respect they had for her, and most recently at The Summit.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Michael S. Sims (Ann), San Tan Valley, AZ; two grandsons, Michael II (Trisha) Romeoville, IL and Marc Sims (Leigh Ann), Dublin, OH; two granddaughters, Maria Wilson, Muncie, IN,  and Toya Williams, Seattle, WA; three great-granddaughters, Brianna Sims, Wheaton, IL, Sophia Sims and Josephine Sims, Dublin OH; two nephews, O.J. Roundtree (Michael), Alameda, CA, and Maurice Roundtree (Myrna), San Diego, CA; one niece, Ermalene Faulkner (Edgar), Muncie, IN; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Morrow; a son, Karl D. Sims; one granddaughter, Karla Sims Jelks; two step-sons, James and Eddie Morrow; two brothers and their spouses, Ermal and Miriam Roundtree and Delmar and Verniece Roundtree; and a niece, Zenobia Faulkner.

Services will be Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Bethel A.M.E. Church at 12:00 p.m.  Calling hour will be 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1020 E Jackson Street, Muncie, IN  47305 in her name.

Funeral services entrusted to Faulkner Mortuary, 9l5 E. Willard Street, Muncie, IN   47302.

Merle Wright Dick Volrich, Age – 83 years.  Returned to her Heavenly Father September 28, 2017. On April 9, 1934, Merle was born in Hurricane, Utah to Samuel and Verda Stout Wright. The youngest in a family of seven, four sisters and a brother.  Hurricane was home until the third grade and when the family moved to Provo, Utah; to Kennewick, Washington and eventually back to Hurricane for Merle’s 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades.

In 1948 the family relocated to Phoenix and except for a two-year period in Michigan, Merle has lived in Arizona since. She graduated from North Phoenix High School where she was a cheerleader.

She took several college classes but regretted not completing a degree. She met and married Kenway and they welcomed five children: Douglas B. Dick (Christine), Shelley Dixon (Kieth), Denise Tennant (Jim), Laurie Richardson (John), Lynette Colvin (Gary). The family has grown to 19 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. This kept her busy enough to put a college degree on a back burner. Their marriage ended 23 years later but throughout the years Kenway and Merle remained friends.

But over the years Merle did substantial traveling and loved it immensely. In 1985 her youngest daughter Lynette’s husband was stationed in Germany. Merle, her husband Joe and daughter Denise were fortunate to spend three weeks with them in October one of the most beautiful times of the year to travel. They traveled all around the area, visiting Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, Bavaria and Salzburg. Subsequent overseas travel took her to Paris, twice to Italy, Rome and Venice. She cruised to Hawaii and Alaska.

Besides traveling, Merle pursued a variety of other interests. She and Her husband Joe were the King and Queen of the Arizona Polka Club in 1983. She always loved to dance and did much of it over the years. She also did beautiful woodworking making mostly furniture. Her first piece was a coffee table, then a cherry desk and an entertainment center. While in Sorrento, Italy she visited a marquetry factory and said: “I can do that!” She came home and made a weaver’s bench inlaid with maple and walnut. It was one of her most cherished pieces.

But this talented lady’s interests were not limited to wood. She took up weaving and accumulated nine looms. On these looms she created beautiful fabric and beaded fabric that she made into jackets, placemats, and other high quality items. She also loved gardening and music, especially singing.

While living in Prescott Valley for nearly 17 years, her second husband Joe passed away in 2008 after 25 years of marriage. After his death, Merle decided it was time to sell her home in Prescott Valley. She moved to Mesa, eventually relocating to Generations at Agritopia in Gilbert with her little Chihuahua/dachshund mix Bailie where they enjoyed retirement together.

She will be missed by her family and friends. There will be no services (at her request.)

SEE YA LATER—ALLIGATOR….AFTER WHILECROCOILE….UBETCHA                

Ronald Ames Newsom passed away at his home in Mount Airy, North Carolina on September 28, 2017.

He was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania to Delia Gray and Harold B. Newsom. While he was in junior high school, they moved to Tipton, Indiana and later to Mesa, Arizona. It was here that he met and married his high school sweetheart, Iris Merrill. They were married for 45 years until her passing. Their surviving nine children are daughter Rene Rhees, sons Jarrett (Nancy), Kevin (Lori), Russell (Kirsten,) and daughters Valery Garff (Richard), Dawn Carpenter (Rick), Rachel Lukowski (Jefri), Michelle Cooley (Tim,) and Pamela Ikeda (Bill).

He is survived by Cynthia, his wife of 18 years. His step-children are Ryan Roundy (Tiffany), Karen McCain (Matthew), Jared Roundy (Robyn) and Patricia Roundy. This large family blessed him with 53 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Ron spent 23 years in the US Air Force where he flew B-52’s for the Strategic Air Command during the ‘Cold War’. After his military service, he returned to BYU where he earned his PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. He spent the rest of his life counseling people and teaching them to be happy.

He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his youth and was actively engaged in serving the Lord until his death. After his second marriage, he and his wife served 3 missions for his church. He loved people and always wanted to help others. He loved the Lord and knew that the way to serve him was to serve others.

Christeena Marie Montierth passed away October 4, 2017, after a very short battle with cancer. She was born April 20, 1976 in Tempe, AZ.

Christeena went to school in the Mesa Public Schools. She graduated from Mesa High in 1994. She attended Mesa Community College. She worked at Sunrise Preschools, several retail outlets and Southwestern Eye Center. She married Douglas Montierth on June 1, 2001.  They have three children, Hannah (15), Tanner (13) and Abigail (Abby) (5). She has been a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has held many callings.

She is survived by her husband and children, her parents, Doyle & Teena Foote and her brothers, Matt (Sarah), Mark (Tara) and Jacob. Her funeral will be held at the LDS Chapel at 825 South 32^nd St, Mesa, AZ at 10 AM on Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

Covel Duggan Allen, 84, passed away peacefully, after a long struggle with illness, on September 29, 2017, at his home in Mesa, Arizona.

Covel was born on August 29, 1933, in Portage, Utah, to parents Frances Duggan and Iris Madeline (Hall) Allen. Their second child and oldest son, Covel spent his childhood with his older sister Darlene, running around the park, playing Monopoly and other board games, or enjoying Farr’s Ice Cream.  

After graduating from Weber High School, Covel served a mission in the Great Lakes. Upon his return, he attended Weber State University and the University of Utah, where he studied accounting. He also served in the Army Reserves.

Covel and Carol Peterson met on a blind date, set up by Covel’s brother-in-law Lynn Slater. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS temple on May 23, 1958. The couple lived in Ogden, where they welcomed four of their five children. They moved thirteen times throughout their marriage, living in various cities in California including Hayward, Walnut Creek, Costa Mesa and Irvine (where their fifth and final child was born), before moving to Phoenix.

Their family continued to grow as their children married and multiple grandchildren added to their joy. Covel was a devoted father and grandfather; spending countless hours at athletic events, concerts, programs and award ceremonies in support of his posterity.  He loved every minute with his family, and they developed many happy traditions.

Covel had a successful career as a data processing manager and retired as a Vice President of Western Savings and Loan. In his spare time, Covel loved to golf, and spent hours with his sons and friends on the golf course. He was also a fan of music, and not only listened to his favorite artists (Frank Sinatra and Willie Nelson), but also recorded his own country music album. Among his family, he was known for his love of card games and watching sports.

His loved ones will remember Covel as someone who spent quality time with his family, loved to have fun, and was very artistically talented. His funny stories and creative spirit will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Carol, along with their five children (Carie, Covel Daren, Cevin, Corey, and Chris), twenty grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Darlene, Dennis, Cherie, and Douglas.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 6, 2017 from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s University Chapel at 3529 E University Dr., Mesa. On Saturday, October 7, there will be a visitation from 10-11 AM at the LDS chapel at 7752 E McDowell Rd in Mesa, followed by funeral services at 11.

Kelly Cyd Gibbs (50) returned to her loving Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ Friday, September 29, 2017, after a valiant struggle with cancer.  As an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kelly found comfort and peace because of her faith in the Savior’s Atonement and His eternal plan for her and her family.

Kelly was born August 26, 1967, to George Heber and Elaine (Goddard) Gibbs in Fullerton, California.  As the baby of our family this little blond, blue-eyed child immediately stole the spotlight and the hearts of her parents.

Kelly and her family moved to Tempe, Arizona, where she received her education.  Kelly was a bright, intelligent and outgoing young woman.  She graduated from Marcos de Niza High School the spring of 1985.  She was an honor student, cheerleader and involved in student government and anything else that was challenging and fun.  She valued education and looked forward to continuing her schooling at Arizona State University.

Her life took an unexpected turn August 2, 1985, that resulted in a lifetime of challenges and struggles.  Kelly was riding her bike to ASU to register for fall classes when she was hit by a car.  Kelly sustained a traumatic brain injury that dramatically changed her life.  After her accident she valiantly worked and regained her ability to walk, talk, and returned to Mesa Community College to continue her education.

Kelly’s desire to be a wife and mother was realized when she married Greg Hekking, and they were blessed with two sons, Seth Andrew and Zane Daniel.  Her sons were and would always be foremost in her life.  She loved them dearly and found joy in being their mother.

July 2015, Kelly was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  She was courageous and often commented, “I am so blessed.”  She embraced her life and accepted her limitations.  We find comfort in knowing that the release from this life affords her the opportunity of reaching her full potential in the eternities.  

Kelly is survived by her sons, Seth and Zane Hekking of Chandler, Arizona; Siblings: Michele (Davis) Knight, American Fork, Utah; Randy (Paula) Gibbs, of Irvine, California; Zana (Tom) Cox of Chandler, Arizona, and an extended family of nieces and nephews. Kelly was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society or the Arizona Humane Society are suggested.

A Public viewing will be held Friday, October 6, 2017, from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Jerold Darwin Hall, 71, was called back home Wednesday, September 27th, 2017 (48 years to the day that he met his sweetheart for the first time on a blind date). Perhaps this was fitting because he always seemed to understand the significance of meaningful dates and anniversaries throughout his life.

Darwin was born to Jerold and Christeen Hall in December of 1945 in Mesa, AZ. He lived a happy, fun-filled life surrounded by many loving family and friends. He was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He married his sweetheart and the love of his life, Terri Tate, on Friday, February 13th, 1970. With her by his side he spent the last 47 years being a kind, loving patriarch over his family that included 6 children, their spouses, and 26 grandchildren.

In 1975, Darwin began a career of serving others with the Mesa Fire Dept. He loved caring for his community and found a great calling in helping those in need. He particularly enjoyed the comradery and brotherhood he felt with his fellow firefighters. After 25 years of service, Darwin retired as a Fire Captain on Feb 29th, 2000.

As an example of hard work and a continued desire to serve others, Darwin drove a bus for Mesa Public Schools Athletics during his days off as a firefighter. He would consistently seek out and request the “best” athletic events that involved his alma mater, Mesa High, where he was a graduate of the Class of 1964 and standout on the Varsity Basketball team. He greatly enjoyed driving the team bus and cheering them on to countless victories before retiring from MPS after 35 years.

Darwin is survived by his loving and caring wife, Terri, their 6 children – Evi (Brett) Fyffe; Wendi (Dan) Roberts; Jon (Lanie) Hall; Ryan (Celeste) Hall; Brandon (Jami) Hall; Shelbi (Denver) Whittaker; 13 Grandsons and 13 Granddaughters, his amazing Mother, Christeen Nielsen Hall, and sisters Pam (Dave) Councilman; Marsha (Paul) Snow; Jerrilyn (John) Wilcken and many nieces and nephews. Darwin is preceded in death by his Father, Jerold John Hall.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 6th at 12:00 pm with a viewing before from 11:00-11:45am at the Kimball Stake Center, 1266 S. 32nd Street in Mesa, 85204. Mesa City Cemetery following.

There will also be a viewing on Thursday, October 5th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bunkers Mortuary, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa 85201.

Beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Joseph D. Jensen, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2017 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

 Joe was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 2, 1942 to William D. and Jane Snow Jensen.  He spent his childhood in Draper, Utah.  The family later moved to Lehi, Utah where he graduated from Lehi High School.  He attended Brigham Young University where he graduated with a master’s degree.   

Joe married Linda Wadley in the Salt Lake Temple on December 18, 1964.  They are the parents of four children and the grandparents to 12 grandchildren.

Joe always had a big smile and a solid handshake for everyone he met. He was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings during his life.  As a young man he served a mission to the then Gulf States Mission. Later in life he served as the first Bishop of the newly created Brookhaven Ward in Fruit Heights, Utah.  Joe and Linda had the privilege of serving together as service missionaries guiding visiting guests on tours at the L.D.S. Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Prior to his retirement in 2008, Joe worked for the LDS Church in the Fleet Administration Department.  He always considered that opportunity as a great blessing where he made many wonderful friends and associates.

Joe is survived by his wife Linda, sons Steven (Jody), John (Bridget), Jeff (Julie), daughter, Jolin Prisbrey (Mike) and grandchildren Bailey, Melissa, Zach, Alex, Jacob, Sarah, Ian, Emma, Ethan, Dylan, Ella and Claire.  He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 5, at 11:00 a.m. in the LDS Catalina Building at 1520 South Catalina Street, Gilbert, AZ.   Prior to the funeral, a viewing for family and friends will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery, Pleasant Grove, Utah. A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 12:00 noon.

A special thank you to Hospice of the Valley for the kind and caring help and support provided to Joe and the Jensen Family during a very difficult time.

Because of all the tragic events currently happening in the world, in lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a cause important to you.  Thank you.