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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.

Barbara Caroll “Babs” Weeks, 91 passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa on September 26, 2017 with her daughter by her side. 

She was born in Prospect, CT to Harold P. and Madolin (Cooper) Hotchkiss and had three sisters, June Hatch of CT (deceased), Madolin “Honey” Sara of NJ and Arleen “Moo” Dunham of VT.  She graduated from Goodwin Technical School in New Britain, CT in 1945 and was a seamstress and importer of fine wools and tartans, operating shops in Cheshire CT and Carefree/Cave Creek, AZ.  She married her high school sweetheart, Frederick A. Weeks and was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and “Grams”. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Frederick,  son Robin C. Hurt and nephew Byron (Buddy) Dunham.  She is survived by her daughter Claudia “Pinki” Hoeppner (Jeff); daughter-in-law Kay (Haws); grandchildren Brent Murray (Candise), Robin C. Hurt II (Kelly), Alyson Welch (Justin), Anna Hunt (Sam); great-grandchildren Mercury LeeAnn Murray, Briggs Hurt, Dillon, Sofia and Madelyn Welch, Colton and Addyson Hunt; nephew and nieces Wesley Hatch (Camille), Elaine Hanson (Leanord), Kim Sheran (Pat), and Wendy Sara.  She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, living in the Mesa 34^th and Dana Wards. 

Visitation will be Thursday, October 12, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa.  Graveside services will be held Friday, October 13, 2017 at 1:45 PM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, AZ.

Marcianna Vest, 76, passed away September 23, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. She is survived by her husband, her four children and her grandchildren.

Traditional services will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017, beginning at 5 PM, at the Xalychidom Piipaash Nyvaash – Lehi, 3660 North Horne Road, Mesa, Arizona, 85203. Traditional cremation on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 4:00 am at the Lehi Cemetery.

Milford Gale Richey, 89, from Mesa, Arizona passed away on Sept. 25th, 2017 surrounded by family.

He was born in St. Johns, Arizona on July 9, 1928 to Hugh and Nellie Richey. He was the 4^th child of 7 children. He married the love of his life, Doreen Overson, on January 6, 1951 after having served in the Navy for 2 years from 1946-48 on the Carrier Theodor Roosevelt. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Arizona State College and began his career at Channel 10 as their Chief Engineer. He continued his work with TV by creating and holding patents for cable TV components. He eventually owned his own Richey Cable System in St. Johns, Eagar, Springerville, and Concho Valley. He was honored as a Cable TV Pioneer. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, daughter-Becky Pitney, son-Scott Richey, 13 grandchildren, 35 1/2 great-grandchildren, a brother-Dale Richey, and a sister-LaVina Platt. He returned with honor.

A visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 29, from 6-8 pm, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, Sept. 30, at 10 am, preceded by a visitation at 9am, at the LDS Chapel, 1451 W. Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ. Burial is Monday, Oct. 2, at 2 PM, at the St. Johns Cemetery.

Melvin M. Fuchigami, age 77, passed away September 22, 2017, in Chandler, Arizona. Graveside services will be held Monday, October 2, 2017, at 10:00 AM, at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, Arizona.

Stacy Young, 43, of Phoenix, Arizona, fell asleep in the Lord Jesus Christ on September 18, 2017.

He was a laborer and loved cats. He is survived and loved by his mother Barbara Young of Santan, Arizona; father Michael Young of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandparents Dirk and Angie of Santan, Arizona; brother Jason Young and his family of Tempe, Arizona; and sister Lorie Jordan of San Jose, California. He is also survived by his aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends of the Gila River Indian Community.

Wake services will be held Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 5:00 PM at 1700 South Maize Road, Santan, Arizona. Graveside services will be Friday, September 29, 2017 at 7:00 AM at the Upper Santan Cemetery, Santan, Arizona.

Joe O’Barr, 83, passed away September 22, 2017, joining his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Mickey, just a few weeks after her passing. He promised her that he’d be right behind her.

Joe was born October 17, 1933 in Mesa, Arizona, the second child, oldest son of Benjamin Arthur and Ruby Lee Horne O’Barr. He resided in Mesa his entire life (except when serving a mission), growing up on the corner of Alma School Road and Fourth Avenue (now Broadway), attending Alma Elementary and graduating from Mesa High School in 1952. Joe was a talented tenor, singing in the MHS A Cappella Choir with his older sister June, and performing in school operettas. He also played football for MHS. He attended ASU, then began a four-year electrical apprenticeship.

He met and fell in love with Flora Maude “Mickey” McNeil at an LDS dance at the Mezona. They were married in the Mesa LDS Temple in November 1954, and had seven children. While raising their family, Joe & Mickey established a successful electrical contracting company, O’Barr Electric, with Mickey managing the office and keeping the books and Joe working hard in the field. At one point, he could single handedly “rough-in” two houses a day.

Joe served faithfully in many church callings. He especially enjoyed working as a scout and young men’s leader. He sang in church choirs and special groups, and enjoyed playing the guitar and singing old cowboy songs. In the early 1980s, Joe, along with Mickey and their daughter Becky were some of the first members of the Arizona Mormon Choir.

In 1989-90 Joe & Mickey served a mission for the LDS Church to Davenport, Iowa where they made many lifelong friends. After returning from their mission Joe served for several years at the Mesa Family History Center.

Survivors include his children: Daughter-in-law Debbie O’Barr, Rebecca & Eddie Salib, Kevin & Sabrina O’Barr, Brian & Jana O’Barr, Cathy & Jimmy Coulter, Martha Morgan, Mark & Laura O’Barr; special nieces Charlotte McNeil Wallis (Stan) & Sally McNeil Baker (Jason) who joined the family after the passing of their father; and many foster children; 35 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren. Brothers: Donald O’Barr (Wylene) and Danny O’Barr (Gretchen). Sisters: June Starks (Bill), Dixie Hawley, and Dianna Quist (Stuart). In addition to his wife Mickey, Joe was preceded by their oldest son Michael in March 2017; his parents, and younger sister Jeana Smith (Darrell, also deceased).

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 29, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel located at 2334 E. Pueblo Avenue, Mesa, Arizona.

Yvonne Shumway Young, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona, at 68 years old.

Yvonne fought against stage IV breast cancer for over three years. She was a beautiful and loving wife, mother, and grandma. She found much joy in being with her family. She was a wonderful cook, talented seamstress, and loved spending time at properties in both New Mexico and the Aravaipa Canyon in Arizona. Yvonne managed the bookstore at Taylor Junior High for over 35 years.

She is survived by her faithful husband Nathan, her four sons: Derek Williams (Mary Ellen), Damon Williams (Renada), Zach Young (Erica), and Sam Young (Julia), and 14 grandchildren (with more on the way). Viewing will be Friday, September 29, at 9 AM, with funeral services at 10 AM, at the LDS Chapel on 977 E. Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204.

Mary Louise Skousen, 89, passed away September 22, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 28, 2017, at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Mesa East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona. 

Harper Reece and Harlowe Rue McNeil were born on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at just 23 weeks gestation. Harper was born at 6:31 p.m. and Harlowe was born at 8:00 p.m. to parents Eric and Kelley McNeil at Banner University Medical Center. Harper weighed 1 lb 1 oz and Harlowe weighed 1 lb 8 oz.

After four beautiful days with both of our girls, Harlowe Rue McNeil returned to live with her Heavenly Father on September 14, 2017. Three days later Harper Reece McNeil returned to her Heavenly Father on September 17, 2017. 

Our family was so blessed with the time that we got to spend with both of our beautiful girls. They are deeply loved by their mommy and daddy, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and many others. We learned so much from both of them during their short time on this earth. We continue to learn from them and we feel their spirits constantly. We know that we will be able to live with our girls for eternity because of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Till we meet again, sweet angels! 

Services will be held September 23, 2017 at the LDS church building at 11121 E. Ray Rd Mesa, AZ 85212. Services will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. James Addison Baugh, 67, of Mesa, Arizona, succumbed to cancer at his home surrounded by his family on September 19, 2017.

Jim was a 1968 graduate of Shasta High School in Redding, California. Following a year of Military Preparatory School he was accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated with the Class of 1973 and proudly served as an Infantry officer, with 82^nd Airborne and Ranger qualifications, for 24 years. Jim was a great patriot and flew the American flag every day of his life. After retiring from the Army as a Major, he joined GateWay Community College. For the next 23 years he taught mathematics, served as Department Chair, and contributed to numerous committees. He was an inspiration to students and faculty alike. Jim held four college degrees: a Bachelor of Science, Masters in Business Administration and Natural Science, and a Doctorate in Education. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed playing handball, racquetball, and church basketball. He also enjoyed movies and reading. Jim was always eager to help a friend, visit a neighbor, certify a merit badge for a Boy Scout, or spend time with his family.

Jim was a loving husband, father, Papa, brother, and friend to all. He was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jim is survived by his wife Debra of 44 years; daughter Rachel Lindsay (Jason); son Justin Baugh (Kaylynn); seven beautiful grandchildren Emma Addisen Lindsay, Craig Allen Baugh, Carter Jesse Lindsay, JaLynn Kay Baugh, Jensen Stephen Baugh, Nora Jane Lindsay, and James Addison Baugh; brother Les Baugh (Susie); sister Connie Fischer (Robert); sister Shirley Swanson; sister-in-law Annette Tenneson; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Jim is predeceased by parents Leslie Baugh and Louise Cavaceci; guardians Earl Tenneson and Elva Knott; brother George Tenneson; and brother-in-law Larry Swanson.  

A special thank you to the angels at Hospice at Home of Arizona for their loving care and support.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 22, 2017, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona, as well as Saturday, September 23, 2017, from 9:00 to 9:45 AM, at the LDS Church Building at 745 N. Val Vista Drive in Mesa. Funeral Services will immediately follow at 10:00 AM. Jim will be laid to rest at the Green Acres Cemetery at 401 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale following the service.

The Jim Baugh Math Lovers Scholarship has been set up in Dr. Baugh’s name. At the family’s request, please consider making a donation to his scholarship in lieu of flowers. Donations may be made online at: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/about-gateway/jim-baugh-math-lovers-scholarship or send a check made payable to GateWay Community College, at 108 N. 40^th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034,and write Jim Baugh in the memo line.