Find An Obituary

Fon Ray Brown Jr., born October 5, 1933, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 8, 2017, in Mesa Arizona. He was born to Fon Ray Brown Sr. and Esta Marcella Webb in Hyrum, Utah at home.

He was a long-awaited child and his mother always felt like he was a miracle. Fon was raised in Hyrum Utah, and spent a large amount of his time playing with cousins, working on the farm, milking cows and herding sheep. He worked with his father on the dry Farm in Idaho. He learned from his father, that bailing wire and duct tape can fix almost anything. He married Joy Brown in May of 1953. He finished his bachelor’s degree at Utah State University while enrolled in ROTC. He then served in the military as an officer in the Army Signal Corps for 2 years. Fon was brilliant in electrical component design. He worked at Hughes Aircraft in Culver City California, and was requested back to join the team at Utah State University for teaching, advising and working in the Radiance Lab. At this time, he completed his upper division courses. He was a co-owner at Wescor designing and eventually started his own business, Mecca. He completed his work at Motorola until he retired. 

Our Dad, Fon, was adept at building. He loved to work with wood and build things including a house, furniture, doll beds, and knives and left this legacy for us to remember him. Fon loved to see things grow and was noted for his beautiful vegetable gardens; however, the lawn was not included in that category. He moved to Mesa Arizona in 1983-84 and has lived in Mesa since then. He was married for 65 years to his beloved wife Joy. He will be missed dearly. 

He is survived by his wife, Joy Jackson Brown, his children: Troy Lane Brown, Jeff O. Brown, Fon Ray Brown III, Marcella (Marcy) B. Rowley, Christiaan J. Brown and Matthew Loren Brown. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in his death by his parents, his son Darrin Adam Brown and his son Mark Allen Brown. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 12, 2017, at 11:00 am, preceded by a viewing from 10:00 -10:45 am, at the Mesa Grandview 1^st Ward located at 1455 North Harris, Mesa, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at 12:00 pm, at the Hyrum Cemetery, 609 Center Avenue, Hyrum, Utah. Flowers, web posting or other correspondence may be referred to Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85201. Phone – 480-696-6883.

Carol Joan Brown, 86, passed away August 6, 2017, in Tempe, Arizona. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 12, 2017, at 10:00 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa Arizona South Stake Center, 2334 E. Pueblo Avenue, Mesa, Arizona.

Viewing Service: July 29, 2017
Papago Ward at 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
3040 N Extension Road, Scottsdale, AZ

Funeral Service: July 29, 2017
Hualapai Multipurpose building at 4:00 PM – 6 PM
Peach Springs, AZ (Hualapai Indian Reservation)

Mabelene Mahone was 80 years old when she passed away peacefully at her group home in Phoenix on Friday afternoon of July 21, 2017 from declining health due to Alzheimer’s.

She is survived by her daughters – Camille Nighthorse, Charlene Williams, and her son – Joseph A. Atkins, and her eleven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was born to Fred and Nellie Mahone on the Hualapai Reservation in Peach Springs, AZ and was the fourth child out of six children.  She was the last surviving member from her siblings.

She and her family had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1952.  She went to high school in Utah living with LDS foster parents and graduated from Bear River High School in 1954.

She went on to get an Associate’s Degree at Snow College in 1958.

At age 19, she was a contestant for Miss Mohave County in Kingman, Arizona.

She got a government job in Washington DC for several years before returning to Peach Springs, AZ.  She had worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Valentine and Phoenix, AZ.

She had also worked in Administration for the Intermountain Indian Boarding School in Brigham City, Utah for five years until they closed the high school in 1981.

She was a hard worker and enjoyed hunting deer and elk with her brothers on the reservation. 

She rode horses and worked cattle at times since her father had been a cattleman.

After her retirement from government work, she lived in Peach Springs for many years and helped the elderly by taking them on trips to other reservations for visits.  She was a good grandmother to Camille’s children as she was always ready to help and spend time with the family wherever they were living.

She will be greatly missed.

Samantha Lynn Farnsworth was born Dec 9, 1941– two days after Pearl Harbor, in Mesa, Arizona with the given name of Gwendalyn Webb, and her siblings referred to her as “Sis.” She later legally changed her name to Samantha Lynn Webb.  Samantha passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 7, 2017 after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Samantha grew up in Joseph City, Arizona and graduated from Holbrook High School in 1959. She went on to attend Northern Arizona College (now NAU) where she obtained a degree in Journalism. Samantha had a colorful work history. Out of college she was employed as an airline attendant based out of San Francisco. After putting her “stewardess” uniform away, Samantha ran public relations for a casino in Nevada. This was where she met the likes of Cher, John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Johnny Cash, Sonny Bono, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers…and many other celebrities of that time period. She was the neighbor and friend of Sammy Davis Jr., in Lake Tahoe, NV.  One of her favorite and regaled memories was when one early morning on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Elvis Presley was coming off the water from skiing.  It was early, around 5:00am.  Much to her delight, he danced around in the sand with her baby girl, singing Love Me Tender. This may have been the highlight her life, a life that anyone that knew her would agree was lived to the fullest extent. Samantha lived with her family in Lake Tahoe, NV when she worked as a Washoe County Dispatcher. She and her boys loved to snow ski and boat. 

After returning to Arizona in 1975, she initially worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Winslow, AZ, where she was interviewed on TV twice and met the Governor of Arizona. When she moved to Snowflake in 1977 she began her illustrious career in the papermill. She started out in the paper industry as an Executive Assistant and worked for three General Managers (“Mill Managers”) before being promoted to Systems Vibrations Analyst. As she pioneered Systems Vibrations Analysis, as a leader in the field, Samantha toured the country to both teach and train the industry. She was published in multiple magazines for articles she wrote or were featured in. She finished her career in Idabel, Oklahoma before returning to Snowflake, Arizona in 1985. In 1989 Samantha moved to Grenada, MS where she donated her time to GLAD teaching the underprivileged elderly how to read. After her husband, David Gibson passed away in 1996, she moved to Parker, Page, and finally Ft. Thomas Arizona, where she enjoyed being an Arizona Ranger. She was married to Ivan “Ike” Farnsworth in 2000. 

Samantha was well loved and knew how to have a good time. She had room in her heart for everyone in her life, and maintained lifelong friendships. Some of the most special people to her besides her own children and siblings were her step kids and grandkids, whom she loved as her own. Samantha loved to dance, was an avid reader of books and poetry, a writer, a master gardener, and loved to travel. Most recognized her from the fun convertibles she drove around, including her ‘77 MG Midget. Samantha loved her rescued Besenji dogs, or whichever her current rescue was. She had hundreds over her lifetime. Samantha’s very best friend was her sister, Darlene, and oh how much fun they must be having in Heaven now.

Samantha is survived by her three children, Danielle (Dirk) Hancock of Snowflake, AZ, Dayton Livingston of Phoenix, AZ, and Larry (Lori) Young of Tucson, AZ; brothers Edwin (Zella) Webb of Holbrook, AZ, Leroy (Jean) Webb of Clinton, UT, and Kelcey (Cindy) Webb of Cheyenne, WY; four grandkids, James Young, Jared Young, Kelci Hill, Dirk Gary Hancock; great-grandchild, Laker Hill; many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, David Kent Gibson; husband, Ivan “Ike” Farnsworth; mother and father, Gwendolyn and Burr Webb; sister, Darlene (Steve) Smith; and nephew, Patrick Smith.

Born on February 7, 1932 in Adrian, Michigan, the youngest of 4 children. Passed away of natural causes, July 26, 2017 at her son’s home in West Jordan, Utah.

At the age of 10, Mom moved with her mother & step-father, Jenny Eleanor and Jack Wright, along with her brother John Harold Standish, to Arizona. First living in Sunnyslope, and a short time later moving to Tempe where she graduated from Tempe High School and then attended Arizona State University where she studied diligently with the goal to be a physician. She was an outstanding dancer throughout her high school years and received an offer to dance with the Radio City Rockettes, which she subsequently declined to go on to college and pursue her degree.

She married Laurence Kenneth Sundberg on January 25, 1952 in Tempe, AZ. Together they had 4 sons, Eric, Neil, Mark and Emory. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in January 1961 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. Laurence, her husband of nearly 20 years, passed away having battled Leukemia until October of 1971. Carol faithfully cared for Laurence, as well as her sons, throughout this illness spanning 8 years. 

In December of 1975 she married Edward L. Provence and spent 37 years together until Edwards passing in 2012. They gave all they had in life to help their family and all who would accept their love. Mom loved beautiful flowers, great music, was a terrific seamstress and had a “green” thumb. Carol graduated from Arizona State University earning her Masters Degree in Educational Psychology, graduating Phi Kappa Phi with High Honors. She spent nearly 20 years as a dedicated school teacher, teaching children who were considered to be learning disabled and/or specially gifted and talented. She taught in the Kyrene and Prescott Valley School Districts in Arizona and the Alpine School District in Utah. Mom loved all children!!  She, like them, had a great sense of humor. Mom was not only a good counselor but a mother to many. She inspired many individuals to become all they were created to be on this earth. 

Mom, Grandma, we love you! You have left a legacy of faith for all of us to reach for and live up to. The lives you have changed and inspired are countless. As you have served all of us so well throughout your life, we have enjoyed serving you these last few years. Thank you for truly enduring all things on our behalf to the end.

Carol is survived by her 4 sons and their spouses, Eric (Marnae), Neil (Tina), Mark (Kathy), Emory (Caralee), 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday August 18, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Mesa Pueblo Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 2334 E. Pueblo Ave., Mesa, AZ, 85204. Visitation at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, Thursday, August 17^th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 

Barbara E. Schlepp – Born October 5, 1924 in Sarnia, Ontario Canada passed away August 2, 2017 at home in Scottsdale, AZ.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Schlepp; great granddaughter, Mikelle Biggs and grandson H. Lawayne Cockrell.

Those who remain to miss her: daughter, Cheryl Biggs (Mesa, AZ) and sons, Harvey M. Cockrell & Hilan J. Cockrell (Bakersfield, CA); 10 grandchildren: Cheri, Shannon, Darien, David, Chris, Jason, Joann, Diann, Mitchell, Stewart; 29 great-great grandchildren and 20 great-great-great grandchildren.

She served as Activities Director at Roadrunner Lake Resort in Scottsdale where she resided for many years; in fact she was preparing food for 100 people the night before she went into the hospital with a broken hip on June 26, 2017.  She loved to dance; enjoyed golfing, spending quality time with her large family and various activities with her numerous friends, who all remember her for her beautiful smile.

There will be an open-casket visitation at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 11, 2017 followed by services at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 825 S. 32^nd St., Mesa, AZ 85204

Bunker’s University Chapel, located at 3529 E. University Dr, Mesa, AZ will handle arrangements & flowers may be sent to their address.  (www.bunkercares.com)

Wally Sabin, 91 of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2017, at his home. He was born October 6, 1925, in Phoenix, AZ.

He is survived by Ora Amanda, his wife of 72 years, sister Geraldine Bowden, sons Eugene Sabin and Roger Sabin, daughters Donna Stauffer and Julie Jarvis. His sons Rex and Edwin preceded him in death. Wally has 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon discharge, he was an Electronic Technician’s Mate Second Class. He attended Utah State Agricultural College, earning his Bachelor of Science in radio and electronics. Wally worked for Motorola, Inc. for 38 years, retiring in 1988. Wally and Ora served an LDS mission in Davenport, Iowa, in the Family History Center 1993-1994. They served in the Mesa Arizona Temple for many years. Wally enjoyed square dancing with Ora and was a proficient Caller. During his retirement, Wally and Ora traveled throughout the United States.

Visitation will be Friday, August 11, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 10 am, preceded by a visitation at 9 am, at the LDS Cornerstone Ward, 422 E University Dr. Mesa, AZ.

Ann Braden, 85, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on August 4, 2017.  She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on November 17, 1931 to Harry and Margaret (Rosher) Muller.  

Kay F. Kopp (Metz) passed away peacefully at home on the morning of August 1, 2017 being comforted by her family members.  Born in St. George West Virginia on March 18, 1939 and a graduate of Parsons High School, Kay enjoyed a full life filled with the joy of having friends and family in her home frequently.  Kay is survived by her Husband Harold P., Daughters Theresa Pfaff and Denise Coakley (Daniel), Sarah LaPorte (Mark), Rosemary Callow (Todd)  and Sons Ross Pfaff Jr. (Teresa), Ronald Pfaff Sr. (Tammy), William Jordan Pfaff as well as 14 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren. Visitation will be Saturday August 5, 2017 from 12:30 – 2:00 P.M. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa AZ 85213.
In lieu of flowers donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project are suggested.

Arthella Dees Berg, 90, passed away on July 30, 2017, while in Hospice of the Valley, in Tempe, Arizona. She joins her beloved husband, Anton R. Berg, her parents, R. Preston and Z. Adell (Harper) Dees, her brothers, P. Varis Dees, V. Naris Dees, Darwin H. Dees and sisters Naydell (Dees) Ball and Joanna R. (Dees) Leavitt in death. She leaves behind her children: daughter, Toni Robie (John), son, Russell Berg (Melody) and son, Leslie Rice (Louise); her grandchildren: Shesten (Robie) Melder (Devin), J. Rett Robie (Heather), Brent Berg (Desiree), Ian Berg (Melanie), Koreen (Berg) Riveras (Ryan), Tyler Berg (Elizabeth), Ilene (Rice) Fisher (Neal), Duane Rice, Natalie (Rice) Aldrete (Mike Boleda), Darwin Rice (Heather), Nicole (Rice) Swain (Steve), and Edsil Rice (Kristina); 24 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her dearest sister, Ludene Dees Carling (Chad) and many dear nieces and nephews and their families and her constant companion, Monster, a 13 year old miniature pinscher. Arthella’s main focus and greatest joy in her life was her family. Her love for them was beyond measure.

She was an active member of the Lazona Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings throughout the years in all the auxiliaries of the Church. Her favorite calling was serving a mission as a Temple Worker and Supervisor in the Mesa, Arizona Temple with her husband. She especially enjoyed the visiting teaching and home teaching programs. She had a very strong testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and of the restoration of His Church in these latter-days.

She was president of the P.T.O. for many years and always a home room mother while her children were in elementary school. She was the secretary of the Dairy Springs Water Association for 20 years in Mormon Lake, Arizona.

She was proud of being a second generation Arizonan born in Safford, Arizona and raised in Mesa. She lived in Phoenix, Gilbert, and in Mormon Lake (Dairy Springs).

She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, writing poetry, oil painting, tole painting and going out to eat and visiting with friends and family. She was a track star while in school and loved dancing, swimming and walking. She loved camping and fishing in northern Arizona, especially Oak Creek, Ashurst Lake and Lake Mary. She enjoyed watching sports and was a big fan of the Phoenix Suns and especially the Arizona Diamondbacks. She loved to laugh and her laugh was infectious. She loved life and served many people during her 90 years. She was completely independent and was actively serving others until 1 month before she passed away. She had many friends of all ages. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Audrey Elaine Carrillo, age 56, passed away July 26, 2017 in Gilbert, Arizona. 

Wake services will be held Friday, August 4, 2017 at 7:30 PM at 98 W. Walker Road, Chandler, Arizona. Graveside services and interment will be Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 6:30 AM at the Snaketown Cemetery, Goodyear Village, Arizona.

Richard Wayne Blake was born in Delta, Utah, on July 22, 1948. The first of seven children, he grew up in Brigham City, Utah and graduated from Utah State University after serving a mission to Guatemala for the LDS Church. Moving his family to Mesa, Arizona, he began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant and served as a community volunteer.

An outstanding leader in Boy Scouts of America, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was presented the Silver Beaver award for his service to Scouting for over 40 years. His skill as a wood carver began while in Scouts carving neckerchief slides.

Surviving him are his children Amy Bunker (Mathew), Mesa AZ; Ryan D. Blake (Becky), St. Joseph MO, Rebecca Haymore (Jeff), Powder Springs, GA; Scott Blake (Cheryse), Mesa AZ; Steven Blake (Aida), Stansbury Park, UT; 23 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the Thunder Mountain Ward Building, 7752 E. McDowell Road, Mesa, Arizona at 4:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 3:00pm. Richard will be buried in the Brigham City Cemetery August 11, 2017.

Jo Ann Sessler, age 87, passed away July 28, 2017 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Funeral services and interment will take place in Hugoton, Kansas. Services in Kansas are being handled by the Pauls-Robson Funeral Home.

Melba Woolf Smith, 89, passed away, Saturday, July 29, 2017 at home in Queen Creek, Arizona.

She is survived by her 10 children:  Meletta, Preston, Maureen, Marie, Brad, Sarah, Mariann, Michelle, Perry, Albert Jr., 37 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren.

Melba started taking music lessons at an early age, which enabled her to become a selected pianist for functions at school and church.   She received a bachelors degree in piano, organ and business.  She is an ardent worker enjoying every minute of her work. She loved her time serving and working in the Mesa Temple for 20+ years.

Melba will readily tell you that the love of her life is the Lord, her family and serving others!  She is a joy to meet as she expresses her love of life in her concern for others.  Family and friends who have Melba Woolf Smith in their life are indeed fortunate!

A visitation will be held Friday, August 4, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15 W. First Avenue, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 5, 2017, at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the same location. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Arthella Dees Berg, age 90, passed away July 30, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 4, 2017, from 6:30-8:30 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation from 8:30-9:30 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1500 E. 6th Avenue, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Francisco “Chico” Corona, was born October 8, 1956 and passed away July 26, 2017.

He was a loving husband to Theda, father to Efrain “Rico”and Papa to Clarissa Hiosik & Mila Rae. There will be a Rosary on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 6:00 PM, 10512 E. Montecito Ave., Scottsdale, AZ. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 7:00 AM, at the St. Francis Assisi Church, Scottsdale, Arizona. Final resting place will be the Salt River Cemetery.