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Bryan Eugene Cross also known to some as “Joey”, “Shrek”, “Big B”, “Big Sexy”, “Cupcake” or “Giant  Ewok”, 44 years of age, is no longer with us as of September 7, 2017. He is survived by his wife Amanda and his children Maribel, Joey, Foster and Miller. He is also survived by his mother Wanda and stepfather Phil Mills, his sister Jenny Ruggles, stepmother Gina Cross, and grandfather Bill Cross.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at 942 E. Kael Street, Mesa, AZ 85203. Food and water will be provided, BYOB anything else you would like to drink. Very casual dress, if you have orange please wear in honor of Bryan’s orange gang.

John Clayton Leffue, 85, passed away peacefully in his home on September 9th, 2017 surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clayton William Leffue, his mother Edwina Ethelyn Bolar, his brother Frankie Fenton Leffue and son-in-law Thomas DeWitt Vance. Left to carry on his legacy of love and kindness are his loving wife Pearl, his daughter Susan Daley (Mark), Cheryl Vance, and son John Leffue (Cindy) and grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Joyce Rimer.

John was born in Columbus, Ohio on December 14, 1931 and moved to Tempe, AZ when he was 14 years old. He was athletic and loved sports. He played on both the football and basketball teams at Arizona State University. He graduated from Arizona State University in 1954 with honors.

John loved spending time with his family, loving and serving others, traveling, working at the cabin and watching ball games. As a man of great faith, he served in many calling of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an excellent teacher and dedicated 40 years to being a teacher and principal of schools. So many children throughout his lifetime benefited by his guidance and loving nature. He was a wonderful influence to his family and friends as he always found joy in life and was witty and optimistic until the end. Always one with a smile, he was best known for his kind and gentle nature. He loved hugs and was a great example of love and kindness throughout his life. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:00 am, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 am, at the LDS church located at 2424 N. Old Gilbert Road, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Henry Alan Bloch, age 65, passed away September 7, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial services may be held at a later date.

Garth Vance Foy, son of Joseph Palmer Foy and Doris Annie Black Foy, was born on June 13, 1957, in Monticello, Utah.  Growing up, he loved to spend time with family and friends, especially outdoors.  As a teenager, he was active in scouting and earned his Eagle Scout Award.  He loved to sing and was involved in Honor Choir at Westwood High School.  In 1978-79, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in El Salvador and helped open the first Spanish-speaking mission in Toronto, Canada. 

During his life, he worked various jobs helping people in the mental health field and other occupations.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix.  He married Shelly Olson and they were blessed with two children.  They later divorced and he married Katherine Brewer and had another daughter.  His children were the light of his life!  He was the stepfather to five children whom he loved.  After their marriage ended, he married Pamela Hurd.

Vance was an active member of the Mesa 12^th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In April of 2017, he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Stage 4 brain cancer and his remaining time on this earth was spent peacefully in loving care.  He died on September 7, 2017.

He is survived by his mother, Doris Annie Black Foy, three children; Camicia Dawn Foy (Michael Nazarenus), Christopher Vance (Sarah) Foy, and Kelsey Katherine Matthews; two grandchildren, Kamden Ace and Zoey LeeAnn Nazarenus;  and three siblings; Joseph Mitchell (Molly) Foy, Sheila (Adrian) Cluff, and Leslie (Andy) Hindes.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Palmer Foy.   

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Mesa 12^th Ward Building, 2152 E. Adobe, Mesa, Arizona, with a viewing from 9:00-9:45 AM.   A special thanks to Sage Hospice and Christian Care Adult Home for the wonderful service they provided.

Gertrude Hyman (née Weiner), of Mesa, Arizona died in Legacy Retirement Residence of Mesa, surrounded by her family on September 6, 2017. She was 94 years old. Gertrude is survived by her children, Jerry Hyman of Mesa, AZ and Judy Rubenstein of Naperville, IL; nine of her ten grandchildren; and her thirty-one great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Morris Hyman of Sun City West, AZ, her brother Robert Weiner of Springfield, IL and her parents, David and Esther Weiner of Decatur, IL. Gertrude was born on April 22, 1923 in Springfield, IL to David and Esther Weiner. She attended grade school and high school in Decatur, IL. She married Morris in University City, Mo. April 30, 1944. They worked together in Real Estate sales and construction for twenty-three years, retiring in 1981. In 1987, she and Morris moved to Arizona. Gertrude had a genuine affection for people everywhere she lived. She was so organized and well-liked that she was voted president of many associations, from PTA to Home Owners associations. She enjoyed reading, the beach, music, and dance, and was active in the Sun City West tap dance group in her sixties. Her family was precious to her and she was able to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren in her later years. Gertrude passed away September 6, 2017 after a long illness. Funeral arrangements will be made by Bisch Funeral Home in Springfield, IL. A graveside service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. September 15, 2017 at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Rabbi Michael Datz will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gertrude’s life. Condolences can be sent to 827 North Arroya Circle, Mesa, Arizona, 85205.

James Smoltich was born in DeKalb Illinois in 1936 and most recently resided in Mesa Arizona where he passed on September 5th Jim is survived my his life partner Joan Waltz in Mesa Arizona, his son Dale Smoltich, Dale’s wife Sonja, along with 2 grandchildren Chris & Lorelei as well as 3 great grandchildren Dana, Raven & Jaden, all of whom reside in Indianapolis Indiana. Jim was proceeded in death by his wife Sylvia, father John and mother Arvada, (Alice). Services and burial will be in DeKalb Illinois.

Denis Randall Lewis, 70, passed on Saturday, September 2, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. 

Denis was born October 25, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His family moved to Arizona in 1954.  He served an LDS mission in England (North British). Denis was a lifelong entrepreneur and a gregarious wordsmith who had, and made friends anywhere he went. 

 He is survived by his mother, Betty Ann Lewis; his children: Carrie and husband, Josh Goldberg; Greg and wife, Mirna Lewis; Lindsey Peru Lewis; Meredith Robbins Lewis, and his grandchildren.  His brother, Kim Lewis; and two sisters, Deanne Lewis, Vicki Meyer, and his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Dee W. Lewis.

 A memorial service will be held 6:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Bunker Family Funeral Home, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213.  Family and friends are invited to share stories and prayers.

Janelle Ray Spilsbury, 74, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2017, surrounded by her family.

She was born December 9^th, 1942, in Mesa, AZ, to Ellsworth Sims Ray and Betty Pearson. She was the 2^nd of 11 children and adored her siblings who she treasured throughout her life. She graduated from Mesa High and married her sweetheart, Ralph Dee Spilsbury, on March 27^th, 1964. Her family was everything to her- she was the beloved mother of 8 children, grandmother to 31 darling kids, and great-grandmother to 3 sweet girls.

She loved teaching her Montessori preschool to many children throughout the years, including many of her own grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She enjoyed serving in various callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but being in Primary with the children was always her favorite. Janelle’s deep-rooted love for her Savior Jesus Christ was apparent to all. She poured out light and love to everyone with whom she came in contact and served them with all of her heart. She was truly an angel on this earth and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband Ralph, children Laura Jepson (Rick), Dave (Patti), Susie Petkovsek, Jeremy (Julie), Holly Eddy, Greg (Chelsea), Megan Turnbull (Josh) and 9 siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Stephen Ray, son Aaron Eric, and grandson Chad Petkovsek.

There will be a viewing Friday, September 8^th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa. Services will be held Saturday, September 9^th at 10 AM, with a viewing at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel located at 1911 N. 24th Street (McKellips and 24th Street), Mesa, Arizona.

Our mother, Wanda Karen Green Richards, born October 24, 1954, to Loyal and Venna Green, peacefully lost her battle with cancer on Sunday August 27^th 2017.  She was preceded in death by her sons Jared, David, & Robert Baird. A loving mother, grandmother, sister, wife and friend, she leaves her legacy to her boys Aaron Baird & Jon Baird, as well as her granddaughter, Harlow Everly Layne Baird. She is survived by her three brothers, Paul, Steven, and Jeffery Green, and her husband, Darrell Richards.

Our mother lived a life that most would view as beating the odds. Her amazing ambition drove her to turn a basic management job at an AM PM store, into a corporate executive position in the company BP. During her career she was always raising the bar and setting the pace in her company. In her career was always excited to learn new things. Her vibrant personality and love for all her family and friends will forever be a part of all those she loved and those who loved her. Her character, as well as her “street smarts” she would say, gave her the strength to endure most anything and never give up. This invaluable knowledge allowed her to lead and teach by example. She loved all of her boys, and always did all she could do for them. They were the cherished loves of her life. A devoted follower of the gospel of the LDS church, her faith was her purpose. Mom’s love for her Savior was undeniable. You will always be missed mom, till we meet again.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, September, 7, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 8th at 10 AM, with a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Church, 825 S. 32^nd Street, Mesa. Burial will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery at 12 noon. 

John M. Boyd, age 77, passed away on September 2, 2017 at his home in Gilbert, Arizona. 

John was an engaging teacher, gifted salesman, entrepreneur, and positive influence for good in many lives. He is survived by his wife JoAnne, children John T. (Vickie), Annette Sauder (Scott), Mark (Ginger), Danae and 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 16, 2017,  at 11:00 AM at the new LDS Gateway Stake Center, located at 2233 S. Wade Drive, Gilbert, Arizona, 85295. 

Family has asked that all condolences such as cards, etc. be mailed to the following mailing address:

3317 S. Higley Rd., Ste 114-123

Gilbert, AZ 85297

  Bobby Gene Maynard, 86, of Mesa, Arizona passed away of September 1, 2017.  He was born in Steele, Missouri on November 6, 1930.

  He is survived by his wife: Jean Maynard; daughter: Jeanne (Chris) Conant; granddaughters: Amber (Daniel) Chambers, Lynsee Conant, Tiffany (Robert) Russman; great grandchildren: Steven, Ethan, Aaron Chambers, Andrew Rowe, Remi & Eli Russman; brothers: Bill, Jerry, & Jack Maynard; sisters: Dorothy Thomas & Sue McCaslin and many nephews and nieces & preceded in death by sons Robert Gerald and Phillip Steven,  Willie and Mazie Maynard, Jimmy Maynard, Eddie Maynard, Imogene Levison, & Delores Smith.

  A Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM with services at 11:00 AM, on Friday, September 8^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.  Interment will be held at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, Arizona.

Kathryn Harris Bingham, born June 18, 1947, was called home Monday, September 4, 2017. Kathy led a very happy, active life filled with family, church, and service to others. Known for her love of her Savior and kindness to others, she will be missed by all.

She is survived by her husband, Justin and her three kids, Matthew, Troy, and Marie. Her legacy will be carried on through her 12 grandchildren.

Funeral services are Monday, September 11, 2017 at 10 am, preceded by a visitation at 9 am, at the LDS Chapel located at 1950 W. Galveston St. in Chandler. Burial will follow that evening at the Safford, Arizona Cemetery.

Deon Harman Roberts, 83, passed away peacefully at the Lund Home Hospice of the Valley on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.

She was born February 28, 1934 in Granger, Utah, the daughter of Orvin Williams Harman and Virginia Bunker Harman. Deon was a graduate of Granger High School and once served as a page in the Utah State Legislature. She was employed for many years as a payroll clerk by Superior Air Handling in Clearfield, Utah.

Deon married Grant Briant Roberts on October 18, 1956 in Granger, Utah. She and Grant spent most of their years in West Layton, Utah, where they raised their three children, William Cal Roberts (Chay), Kerry Dean Roberts (Sheila) and Michelle Roberts Elliott (Steve). They later retired to St. George, Utah where they lived for over a decade, and then spent their remaining years in Gilbert, Arizona.

Deon was a proud and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother of 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She was always supportive of all their various activities and endeavors. Deon also enjoyed traveling, especially with Grant in their RV. They developed friendships across the country from these adventures visiting family and friends. She said goodbye to her husband, Grant, on February 17, 2014.

Deon was a lady of class and grace, with a very generous heart and will be missed by all those she leaves behind, which include all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two sisters, Shirley Wigren and Maureen Frazee, as well as her brother, Dean Harman.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017, 10 AM at the LDS Chapel on 4170 S. Ranch House Parkway, Gilbert, AZ 85297. Close friends and family may visit from 9-10 AM.

Mamie Catherine Mortensen Freestone, 77, joined her eternal companion, David W. Freestone, on September 1, 2017.

She is survived by her sisters Millie McEntire, Lou Foss, McCray Gilpen, and children Audrey Moulder (Mike), Ronald (Kim), Eileen Jones, Darren (Missy), Diane Stowell (Kevin), 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by parents Richard and Corilla Mortensen, sister Dixie Atkisson, brothers Arvin and Gary Mortensen, and son William Andrew.

Mamie was born in Virden, New Mexico on September 14th, 1939. She was sealed to David W. Freestone on April 10th, 1958. You could always find Mamie baking, quilting, and pinching the cheeks of those she loved. She served till the end wherever she was needed without a complaint. Family was the most important thing to her and she always had a hug or smile (and rolls of course!) to give away.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel located at 2334 E. Pueblo Ave., Mesa, AZ. 

Danial Brian Hurley, 46, of San Tan Valley, Arizona; passed away on August 26, 2017.    He is survived by his fiance Margaret P. Chaparro.  A Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, September 8^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 9^th at Living Word Bible Church, 3520 E. Brown Rd. in Mesa.