Find An Obituary

Kennedie Schilling passed away on August 26, 2017. She was an incredible daughter, sister and friend. She is survived by her 2 brothers, Brenden and Aiden, and her parents, Steve and Julie Schilling. Kennedie was born and raised in the Bay Area of California. She graduated from Ann Sobrato High School. After graduation, she spent a short period in Southern California before moving to Tempe Arizona to be close to her family. She is loved dearly by her family, large extended family, and her friends. At the age of 19, her passing was too sudden and her time here on earth too short. Kennedie loved a great adventure. She was incredibly smart, beautiful and talented. But her greatest attribute was her ability to love. And that love will be missed, until we all meet again. 

Funeral services are Saturday, September 2, 2017, at 10 AM, at the LDS Chapel located at 495 S. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ  85234.

Mickey O’Barr, 83, of Mesa, passed away Thursday, August 24, 2017.

Mickey was born October 30, 1933 in Jackson, Mississippi, the youngest daughter of John & Sue Kelso McNeil. Mickey graduated Salutatorian from Sidney Lanier High School in 1951 in Montgomery, Alabama. She then moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked as a secretary at the Pentagon for the Navy.

She moved to Mesa in 1953 and began working as a secretary at the University of Arizona experimental farm on West Main Street in Mesa. She met Joseph O’Barr 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 children, Mickey & Joe established a successful electrical contracting company, O’Barr Electric, with Mickey managing the office and keeping the books.

Mickey had a beautiful singing voice and shared her talent often. In the early 1980s, she, along with Joe and their daughter Becky were some of the first members of the Arizona Mormon Choir. Also in the early 1980s, Mickey attended Mesa Community College with 2 of her daughters, Becky and Martha. Performing in opera productions at the school with Becky. She obtained an AA from MCC, graduating Valedictorian.

In 1989-90 Mickey & Joe served a mission for the LDS Church to Davenport, Iowa where they made many lifelong friends. Upon returning from their mission, Mickey worked as a compliance officer for the Arizona Department of Revenue, retiring in the mid-2000s. Mickey served faithfully in many Church callings, supported her husband and children in all their activities and opened her door to others.

Survivors include her loving husband of nearly 63 years, Joe; 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. She was preceded in March 2017 by her oldest son Michael; also preceded by her parents; brother, John Roger McNeil; sister, Marion McKean.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 1, 2017, at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel located at 2334 E. Pueblo Avenue, Mesa, Arizona.

Dr. James Russell Glauser of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on August 25, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah, from complications of a ruptured brain aneurysm. He was 51 years old.

Jim was the youngest child and only son of Dr. Russell O. Glauser and Ramona Bell Glauser. He was born in Ogden, Utah, on February 24, 1966. The family moved to Mesa when Jim was 4 years old, and for the rest of his life, he loved and was very involved in the Mesa community.

After serving a full-time mission for the LDS church in Missoula, Montana, Jim attended Brigham Young University, where he met his sweetheart Catherine Calderwood. They were married in the Mesa LDS temple on April 29, 1989. The couple moved to San Francisco, California, where Jim attended University of the Pacific Dental School. After completing his Orthodontic residency at Eastman Dental Center in New York, Jim and Cathy moved their growing family back to Mesa, where Jim joined his father’s orthodontic practice and grew it significantly over the last 22 years.

Jim spent his life generously giving back to his community, leading and loving his family, restoring old cars, and serving in his church. He will be remembered as a larger-than-life, big-hearted man who lived life to the fullest.

He is survived by his wife and their six children, Jessica Glauser St. Martin (Nathaniel), Emily Catherine Frost (Spencer), Daniel James Glauser, Rachel Glauser, Megan Glauser, and Abigail Glauser, along with his sisters Sandi Glauser, Cheri Christensen, and Marci Shill.

A visitation with the family will be held Friday, September 1st from 6:00-8:00 pm. Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 2nd at 10:00 am. Both services will be held at the LDS Stake Center at 2549 N 32nd St., Mesa, AZ 85213.

Avia Tupou Tukuafu, 52, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away August 16, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017, at 11:30 AM, preceded by a visitation from 7 – 11 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gilbert Stapley Stake Center, 1100 N. Cooper Road, Gilbert, Arizona. 

Jeffrey Michael Long, age 40, passed away August 12, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017, at 3:00 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Chad Lafont Germaine, 88 passed away peacefully on August 19, 2017.

Chad is survived by his wife, Lee of 21 years, and his children Linda Wilcox (Craig), Charlene Meyer (John), Lorna Hutchings (Byron), Bill Germaine (Savannah), step-daughter Kim Kempton, 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, a sister Laura Johnson and a brother Harold Germaine.

Funeral services are Saturday August 26, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, in the Hampton Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1007 South 72 St., Mesa, Arizona 85208.

John Derrald Cluff, 67, a long-time resident of Cave Creek, AZ passed away Friday, August 18, 2017 in Phoenix, AZ.

Born in Mesa, AZ on Feb. 24^th, 1950 to Alvin LaVor Cluff and Florence Walker, he was the fifth of nine children. He graduated from Chandler High School in 1968 where he participated in the FFA. After high school, John served in the Army National Guard as a reservist for several years. John had many jobs as a young man in the Chandler area driving trucks for local citrus growers and other local contractors. In 1972, he went to work on the Ellsworth Ranch in St. John’s, AZ where he met Vonna Merrill from St. Johns. They were married in 1973 in St. Johns. John worked as a foreman for Apache County from 1975 until 1978.

In 1979 John brought his wife to Queen Creek, AZ, and had five children, all born in Mesa, AZ; Timothy John Cluff (Sheryl) of Eagar, AZ, Roger Todd Cluff (Adriane) of Chino Valley, AZ, Jesse Walker Cluff of Springerville, AZ, twins Jennifer Hall (Jason) and Krystal Lancaster (Luke) both of Strasburg, CO. and Natalie Boyer of Midland-Odessa, TX.

In 1978 John went to work for Sundt Construction Co. as a heavy equipment operator and became President of that company approx. 20 years later. During his rise through the company, John was responsible for much of the highway rebuilding that occurred after the devastating earthquakes in Southern California in the 1980’s. Working with Sundt partner, Kasler Corp, John served as Vice President, managing over half a billion dollars in major construction projects. John moved back to AZ in 1997 as President of Sundt Construction retiring in 2002. John struggled with health issues over the past 15 years, but missed the excitement of major building projects, so he had recently gone back to work part-time for SBBI out of Sonoita, AZ. John enjoyed his work and received many awards for finishing major projects early and under budget, but his proudest achievement was the perfect safety records he maintained on his projects. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing trips with his sons and grandsons. He loved horses and won several roping events during his adult life. He was very active with the Verde Vaqueros of Scottsdale AZ. enjoying the comraderies of many like-minded friends he met on the back of his favorite horse ‘Hatchet’, a beautiful paint gelding quarter horse.  He will be missed by all who knew him for his unconditional love and devotion to his children and grand-children.

John is survived by 7 living siblings; William Cluff of Mesa, AZ, Donnice Martin of Taylorsville, UT, Val Cluff of Eagar, AZ, Patrice Fairbanks of Pleasant Grove, UT, Maura Kluzik of Flagstaff, AZ, Tammy Montgomery of Queen Creek, AZ, and Colleen Jones of San Tan Valley, AZ; his 6 children, 19 grand-children and 4 great-grand-children. John’s life touched the lives of many around Chandler, Queen Creek, Cave Creek and Round Valley. All who knew him called him a friend. His laugh, his smile and his big heart will be treasured memories to comfort his family in his absence. John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Vernene Petersen, and his beloved great grand-daughter, Jadalyn Cluff.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 10:00am at the LDS Church Building located at 1430 N. Recker Road, Mesa, AZ 85205. There will be a viewing at 9:00 am at the same location. Interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery following the services.

Donald William Boeding, 87, of Mesa Arizona passed away on August 14th, 2017.  He was born on February 5th, 1930 in Murdo, South Dakota.  He served in the South Dakota National Guard during the Korean Conflict and was a Court Reporter for the State of South Dakota from 1969-1995. His hobbies included: Golf, Woodwork, Bingo, Checkers and Baseball.

 Donald is survived by his wife Elizabeth, “Alice” Boeding; son, Daniel Boeding and partner Vincent Lizama; daughter, Maureen Towne and husband Doug Towne; and son, Douglas Boeding and wife Ann Boeding.  Donald will be missed by his grandchildren Autumn Towne, Owen Boeding, Eli Boeding, Benjamin Towne and Noelle Boeding and numerous extended family and close friends.

A Visitation & Rosary will be held on Thursday, Aug. 24^th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bridget Catholic Church (stbridget.com), 2213 N. Lindsay Rd., Mesa, Arizona on Friday, August 25th at 10:00 AM.  Inurnment will follow at 1:00 pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (cem.va.gov), 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd in Phoenix.

Lilibeth Urrea, age 45, passed away August 15, 2017 in Chandler, Arizona. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 22, 2017,, at 12:00 pm, at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 1730 W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa, Arizona.

Allison Kim Schultz passed away on August 16, 2017 after a long bout with leukemia. She had recently undergone a successful stem cell transplant which had cleared up the cancer but her resulting weakened immune system took its toll.

She was born on April 20, 1968 in Ogden Utah. She was adopted by David and Sheila Krogue. She was raised in Bountiful Utah and graduated from Woods Cross High School. After graduating from high school, she attended Dixie College for a period of time before working as a nanny for the Matchett family in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She cared for their three children.

After working as a nanny for a year and a half, she returned home and began attending cosmetology school. She soon met her future husband, David Schultz, on a double date – the only problem was they were both dating someone else. They quickly fixed that and got married several months later in the Salt Lake Temple.

Together they raised four sons, Jeremy, Daniel, Michael, and Justin. They first lived in the Bountiful, Utah area while David pursued his education at the University of Utah with the both of them working various jobs to make ends meet. They then moved to Tempe, Arizona so that David could pursue a Master’s degree at Arizona State University. They both juggled work and child raising duties to make it work. They then moved to Chandler, Arizona followed by another move four years later to their current home in Mesa Arizona.

When the kids were grown she decided to continue her education by pursuing a dental assisting degree. She applied herself and worked hard to complete the program, an achievement that she was very proud of.

She was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 and fought a long hard battle. She received a stem cell transplant at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America facility in Zion, Illinois. Her family expresses gratitude to the wonderful doctors and staff members who cared for her and helped her have a successful recovery.

Allison was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a firm testimony and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was loved by all who knew her. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends, all of which loved her dearly.

She is survived by her husband David Schultz, sons Jeremy Schultz, Daniel Schultz, Michael Schultz, and Justin Schultz, and grandson Kyler Schultz; father David Krogue and brothers Kenneth Krogue and Jonathan Krogue. She is preceded in death by her mother Sheila Baker Krogue.

Funeral services are Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 10 AM preceded by visitation at 9 AM. Additional visitation is Monday evening from 6 – 8 PM. All services will be held at the LDS Church building located at 2520 N Hartford St. in Chandler, AZ.

Charlotte Ann Webb Reed was born to Clark and Hilda Cluff Webb in Pinedale, Arizona. She was the thirteenth child of fourteen.

She moved to Mesa as a teenager and attended Mesa High School where she enjoyed performing as a Rabbette. In 1942 Charlotte graduated from high school and married the love of her life, Karl T. Reed. She spent the first few years of marriage as a supportive wife as Karl served in WWII. Charlotte had a great love for her Pioneer heritage and enjoyed working on family history. She compiled many books of family letters, memories, and stories to pass on to her grandchildren. Over the years she has had many church callings but her greatest calling was to be in the service of her family.

Charlotte is loved by Patty Severtson (Ron), Brad Reed (Renee), Gay Whittaker (Dan), Becky Lisonbee (Russ), Mark Reed (Terry), Janene Merrill (Tom), & Kirk Reed (Jenny).

She was blessed with thirty-nine grandchildren, seventy-eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild and more grand babies on the way.

All who knew her loved her.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 18, 2017 from 6-8 PM at the LDS Chapel located at 525 E. 2^nd Ave., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 10 AM at the same location.

Phillis Mae Willis Germaine, born June 28, 1937, passed away quietly at home on August 11, 2017.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Germaine and survived by her children, Norm and Cara Germaine, Susie and Darren Durdy, Wendy and Jesse Jones, Bruce and Jamie Germaine, Joe and Natalie Germaine, 21 grandchildren and 21 and counting great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are Friday, August 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Church building at 3770 S. Cooper Road in Chandler. A visitation will take place on Thursday evening, August 17 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel at 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Ruth Lillian (von der Linde) Bailey, 93, of Mesa, Arizona, who went home to be with Jesus Christ, her Savior and Lord, on Thursday, August 10, 2017. 

Ruth was born to the late Adolph & Ida von der Linde on a farm at Swaledale, Iowa, on November 9, 1923.  She grew up an “Iowa farm girl” and throughout her school days, was involved in basketball and marching band.  She carried a love for music and sports throughout her life.  Ruth graduated from Swaledale High School in 1940, moving to Mason City during WWII.  Besides enjoying Big Band dances at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, her favorite job was working as a “front desk clerk” at the Cerro Gordo Hotel.  She loved meeting new people and they were sad to see her go, when in 1949 she married the late Milo Mack Bailey–a handsome guy working for AT&T, who was staying at the Cerro Gordo. 

His career with AT&T took them through 14 states, with one of her favorites being Arizona. During that time they welcomed 3 children before settling in Des Moines, Iowa in 1963.  She raised her family in Des Moines and in 1979 had an opportunity to move to Mesa where she lived contently for 38 years in what she called her “own little corner of the world”.

Ruth worked at “Lofty Lady”, an East Valley dress shop, where she often met-up with Iowa friends during their visits in the winter season.  She was a stranger to no one, with a smile and encouraging word for everyone.  Ruth lived independently until age 92, and every day she had a goal to “get things done”.   She never lost the qualities of a strong work ethic and instilled the same in her family.

Ruth was a member of Grandview Park Baptist Church in Des Moines and Calvary Baptist in Mesa. Gifted with a “servant’s heart”, she faithfully served in the AWANA program in both churches for over 40 years, along with playing piano for Sunday School, assisting with clerical duties in the office, and ready to help when needed. 

Ruth was a breast cancer survivor and although she suffered physical setbacks in many areas, she never complained of the pain and limitations, but rather gave praise to Jesus each day.  She enjoyed travel, sports (rarely missing a Suns, Cubs, or Diamondback game), gardening, playing games with her friends, and shopping!   

Ruth is survived by her 3 children, Rhonda Maddex Porter, William (Teresa) Bailey of Des Moines, Iowa, and Bobbi (Jonathan) Dodson of Silver City, NM., along with 2 grandsons, Bradley (Beth) Bailey and Bryan (Ashley) Bailey, great grandchild, Brijet Bailey, niece-Patricia Elliott, nieces and nephews of her late brother/wife Elmer and Bernice von der Linde, cousins including Millie (von der Linde) Pals/98, and her “adopted” family of dear friends–most particularly Donna Molgard for being her best friend and the very best Angel anyone could ever have.

To the staff of Lindsay Manor and Integrity Hospice, there are hardly any words to express our heartfelt “Thank you” for the respect and loving care shown to “Mama Ruth” the past 11 months.  We could not have asked for any better care and support for our mother and our family as you walked with us through this journey. 

Services in AZ:  On Friday, August 18, 2017, a visitation will be held at 10:30am with a service at 11:30am at Bunker Family Funeral Home, 3529 E. University, Mesa, AZ.  In Iowa:  On Thursday, August 24, 2017, a visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm at Grandview Park Funeral Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, IA.  A brief graveside service and interment will be held on Friday August 25, 2017, at 10:30am, Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Swaledale, IA. 

Memorials may be given to Calvary Baptist Church, 3810 E. University, Mesa, AZ., 85205, for Camp Tishamingo or your favorite charity.

Jeffrie “Jeff” Blaine Harper, 55, passed away August 10, 2017 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Born January 8, 1962, in Nampa, Idaho, to Gayle Ruzicka and Blaine Harper, Jeff graduated from Borah High School, in Boise, Idaho, in 1980, and attended Ricks College.  Jeff served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1981-1983.  Jeff married Kathleen Merrill, of Mesa, Arizona, in the Mesa LDS Temple on March 21, 1987. Jeff loved sports.  He cheered for the Chicago Cubs and the Miami Dolphins.  Jeff was a devoted father.  He coached his sons’ baseball teams and volunteered much of his time to local baseball programs.  Jeff not only enjoyed a good golf course and a quiet, productive fishing hole, but he loved the outdoors, and cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathleen Merrill Harper and their five children, Justin Harper and his wife Daphne, Aubree Merrill and her husband Nick, Kourtney Harper, Madison Harper, and Blake Harper; seven grandchildren, with the eighth on the way; his mom and dad, Gayle and Don Ruzicka; his siblings Kim, Darryl, Darryn, Kellin, Jerald, Kay’ce, Kendra, Kristyn, Jordan, and Kathryn; and his 70 nieces and nephews.  Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Blaine Harper, and his brother Joshua Ruzicka.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday August 16^th, with a viewing at 10:00 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1249 S. 48^th Street, Mesa, Arizona 85206

Joshua Reddin Neus, age 4, passed away on August 8, 2017. He battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia for a year before his loving Heavenly Father saw fit to bring him home. He is survived by devoted parents, Brendon and Carrie (Evans) and four siblings, Sawyer (14), Abigail (10), Matthew (8) and Sesilie (6). He also leaves behind a large, close- knit, extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who cheered him on every step of the way. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Brian Thomas Neus.

Joshua, affectionately known as Joshy, was born on October 29, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Being the fifth child, he held his own with his fiery red hair and a strong-willed personality. He was “all boy” and loved being outside, getting dirty and playing with cars and trains. He was always up for milk with “yummy stuff”, a trip to Grandma’s house or watching his favorite cartoons and Minions. He was a force. Of silliness, of energy, of love and determination. He was stubborn! However, this latter personality trait served him well as he underwent countless treatments and procedures, including a bone marrow transplant, in the fight against his cancer. His family never wavered in their faith as they fought alongside him. As his signature red hair fell, so did their tears, but hope and courage truly never faltered. His doctors and nurses enjoyed visiting his room, commenting on his cheerful personality that masked any sickness. His family will always smile remembering his favorite game in the hospital- hide and seek. How he would giggle, feeling well hidden, but with his tell-tale IV pole always giving him away. The family is grateful to the Make a Wish foundation, which provided them with a week together at Disney World, where Joshy laughed and loved all the rollercoasters! They also want to thank all the doctors and nurses at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for the genuine love and care they provided.

Joshua passed away at home in his well-worn “spot” on the couch with a sister holding him and family close by. He was a mama’s boy and she loved him fiercely, tirelessly serving him and being his biggest advocate. Though his life was short his circle of influence was wide. His family aches from the physical loss of their cherished child, but knows they will be together again because of a loving Savior, even Jesus Christ. 
Donations to assist in funeral expenses are being accepted online through the YouCaring website:https://www.youcaring.com/carrie-and-brendan-neus-son-joshua-632224

All who wish to pay their respects are invited to a visitation on Friday, August 18, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona.

Henk Laurent Guldenberg, 98, passed away August 7, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial services may be held at a later date.