Find An Obituary

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. 

Patrick Timothy Callahan passed away peacefully on July 23, 2017, at his home in Queen Creek, Arizona.  Family Visitation will be held Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 9:00-10:00 am.  Funeral services will immediately follow at 10:00 am.  Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Queen Creek, Arizona. 

Patrick was born on August 25, 1970 to Arthur Francis Callahan and Bobbette Mary Clift in Royal Oak Michigan.  Patrick married Kari Jo Callahan on March 6, 1998, and they were blessed with two children.  Patrick earned his degree in Information Systems and worked as a project manager for Dignity Healthcare.  He took great pride in his work in the healthcare system.  However, his greatest pride was his family.  He found happiness in his children, spending time outdoors, and hunting. 

Patrick fought a valiant fight with cancer.  He was a strong and loving man, who will be missed tremendously.  His will to fight and endure was strong.  His sarcastic sense of humor made him so fun to be around. He always made it known that he adored his family and family was his top priority.   Words cannot describe how much he is loved and will be missed.   

Patrick is survived by his wife, Kari Jo Callahan; His children, Spencer Brandon Callahan and Kassidy  Jo Callahan; His father and step-mother, Arthur Francis and Sally Callahan; His mother, Mary Bobbettte Clift; His brother, Sean Michael Callahan; His sister, Colleen Love.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to our amazing medical team, who provided exceptional care and emotional support throughout the past year.  Also, thank you to our wonderful friends and family who offered never-ending love and support.

Until we meet again, we love you so much , Patrick.

George (Dick) Richard Ridgway, Jr. was born in Safford, Arizona on December 31, 1933, to George and Velma T Ridgway, and brother of Bryant Ridgway. Dick attended school at Wilcox, Safford, and received a football scholarship to the University of Arizona. He enjoyed playing sports and playing the trumpet in band and marching band. While attending Safford High School (the Bulldogs) he would perform with the marching band during the halftime show, as well his running back position on the football team.  He was All State in Track & Field as well as football. At age nineteen he married his long-time love Audrey Alexander and have been married 64 years.  She was his strength in his business affairs.  This includes starting the Ford dealership in Wilcox, opening a State Farm office in Yuma and them switching over to Farmers Insurance in Tucson where he later turned the agency over to his wife Audrey due to his disability.  He and Audrey also prepared tax returns for Skousen Tax Services. He went on to open the first LDS bookstore in Tucson that shared office space in his Insurance office on Country Club Rd. He was very honored serving as missionary leader for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They were blessed with three children Cathy, David (Barbara, wife) and Terry (Jolene, wife) Ridgway and nine grandchildren. (Ryan, Tyler, Austin, Joshua, Sydney, Samuel, Sophia, Jacob and Benton).

He enjoyed playing Golf and Football as well as hunting with his family and friends. He was a good example to his family and those around him. He will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held at 9:00 AM, Monday, July 31^st at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa with graveside services to follow at 1:00 PM at Binghampton Cemetery, 4001 N. Alvernon Way in Tucson.

Orva Jeanne Cluff passed away on July 21, 2017 at the age of 89.

Orva Jeanne was born December 22, 1927 to Alfred and Orva Freestone in Fredonia, Arizona. She was the oldest of three children. Preceding her in death is her husband, William Harold Cluff, her parents and her sister, Charlotte Lohne. She grew up in Mesa, graduating from Mesa High School and married Harold after his return from service in the U.S. Army, stationed in Europe during World War II.

She is survived by her children: Phillip (Kathy) Cluff, Paul (Sue) Cluff, Mary Jeanne Cluff, David (Martha) Cluff, Dan (Rebecca) Cluff, Thomas (Patricia) Cluff, Jonathan (Audrea) Cluff, and 41 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren with 3 more great grandchildren coming soon, and also 1 great, great grandchild due later this month. She is also survived by her dear brother Clarence Freestone.

Funeral service is Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 10:00 am at the LDS Church, 1911 N. 24th Street in Mesa. There is visitation 1 hour before the service. Also, Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm is visitation at the Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa. Interment is at the Mesa City Cemetery after the Funeral service.

Cecil Henrie Pomeroy passed away on July 23, 2017 at the age of 93. 

Cecil was born December 11, 1923 on her grandfather’s ranch in Panguitch, Utah. She was the youngest of six children born to Agatha Manetta Prince and James Arthur Henrie. She grew up in Provo, Utah but moved to Mesa during her senior year in high school and attended Mesa High. There she met the love of her life, Wayne C. Pomeroy. During World War II she joined the US Navy as a Wave and was stationed in San Francisco. She married Wayne Pomeroy on December 21, 1944 at Williams Air Force Base. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on March 24, 1993.

Cecil is survived by her husband of 72 years, and her 4 daughters, Cassandra, Wendy Hildebrand (Phil), Michel Fluhr (Chris) and Lisa Bargery (Brett), 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her 2 older sisters, Hilma Honeyman of Provo, Utah and Valda Johnson of Plymouth, Utah.  She was preceded in death by her grandson, Clint Fluhr and her son-in-law, Harvey C. Wood.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11 AM, with a viewing that morning at 10 AM, at the Mesa 5^th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1718 N. Date St, Mesa, Arizona. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of the Valley in memory of Cecil Pomeroy, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014, or The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Foundation, 1028 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006.

Jesse Dan Parker passed away on July 21, 2017 after a long battle with cancer.  He was born July 29th, 1939 to Sam and Bert Parker in Idabel, OK.  Jess was the eldest of six boys.  He graduated from Idabel Gray High School in 1957 and attended East Central State University (ECU) in Ada, OK where he lettered in football.  It was at ECU that he met and married his wife Latsy.  Upon graduating from ECU in 1963 the family moved to Amarillo, Texas where he taught social studies and coached 7th grade football and basketball.  It was there he won his first city championships in football and basketball.  Two years later he became an assistant football coach and social studies teacher at Caprock High School in Amarillo. 

In 1967 Jess received a scholarship to the University of Kansas. After graduating with honors with a Masters Degree in American History the family moved to Arizona. In the fall of 1968 Jess taught in the social studies department at Phoenix Union High School and was an assistant football coach. The following year at the age of twenty-eight he was hired as the head football coach at Camelback High School where he taught history and english.  In 1973 his team was runner up in the state championship game then came back in 1974 to win the state championship. 

In 1976 Jess was hired as head football coach for the newly constructed Mtn. View High School located in east Mesa.  In a few short years he became Chairman of the Social Studies Department and taught the first AP history class in the Phoenix metro area. During those years Jess’s teams won four state championships and three runner-ups .

From 1995-98 Jess coached football at Texas High in Texarkana, Texas. In the three years there he turned the program around and they won their 1st playoff game in fifteen years.  

Jess returned to Arizona in 1999 and coached at Gilbert High School.  During his ten years at Gilbert High his teams were in the playoffs eight times.  Gilbert High appeared in the semifinals twice and quarter finals once.  In 2008 Jess won his 309th game making him at that time, the winningest high school football coach in Arizona history. 

During his career he was a two-time finalist for the National Coach of the Year and in 2008 he was inducted into the National High School Coaching Hall of Fame. Other awards he received were the BYU Award of Teaching Excellence, two time Arizona Coaches Association Coach of the Year, Arizona Republic Coach of the Year, Phoenix Press Box Coach of the Year and was inducted into Mesa Sports Hall of Fame. In 2016 Mtn. View High School renamed their football field Jesse Parker Field. 

Jess was preceded in death by his parents Bert and Sam Parker and brothers James and Johnny Parker.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Latsy, daughter Kathy Parker, sons Robert Parker (Terri) and Jonathan Parker and six grandchildren. Also, three brothers Steve (Shirley) Parker, Larry (Helen) Parker and Dennis (Merry) Parker.

A Memorial Service will be held on August 19th at 5pm in the Mt. View High School auditorium.   In lieu of flowers the family has requested that you consider a donation to either the Coach Jesse Parker Legacy Foundation or their place of worship Trinity Church. 

Coach Jesse Parker Legacy Foundation accepts donations via their secured website at https://coachjesseparker.org or you can mail contributions to 1347 N. Greenfield Rd. Ste #103 Mesa, AZ 85025. Their phone number is 480-924-6499.  

Trinity Church accepts donations by sending those to 2130 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213. Their phone number is 480-834-9120.

Stephen Richard Arnet II, age 48, passed away July 18, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. 

Phyllis Ann Welker, 84, of Richmond, IN, passed away peacefully July 21, 2017, in Mesa, AZ.

Phyllis loved life, made friends wherever she went, and lived to serve others.

She was always smiling, talking, complimenting, and giving to others. She had unwavering faith and believed firmly in the power of prayer and would often be found praying for others. Phyllis was known for the many quilts, ceramics, and crocheted hats she would make for others. She was talented and loved dancing (especially the Jitterbug), acting, and singing. She and her husband worked in the Mesa Temple together and also served a mission in New Zealand. They worked in the Hamilton Temple where they said she was an angel dropped from heaven. Phyllis was a hard worker, kind, loving, and patient. She gave the best hugs, kisses, and had the most beautiful smile. Everyone felt better knowing her. She will be missed by all.

Survivors include: her husband of 58 ½ years, Elden, sons Gary “Ricky” & Terry (Kathy), daughter Tammie (Jeff Burrell), Granddaughters Holly & Kindli, Grandsons Benjamin & Jarem, brother Robert Rider, and 6 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by sons Blaine & Duane, Grandson Russell Welker, her parents & 4 siblings. Funeral services:  LDS Chapel, 613 N. Stewart, Mesa on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, 11 AM, with a viewing at 10 AM.

Kent Anderson Blake was born on December 7, 1922 in Pima, Arizona to Ella and Isaac Blake. His house was across the street from the Cluff home, where Carol (his future wife) would be born four years later. The day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, Kent enlisted in the Air Force and served as a pilot in the South Pacific. He returned home from the war and married Carol three days later on January 30, 1946 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple.

Kent graduated with a law degree from U of A and practiced law in Phoenix. He was a partner in the firm of Fennemore Craig for most of his legal career (34 years). He felt the men he worked with were great individuals as well as outstanding lawyers. He enjoyed his work and became an expert in water utility law.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kent held many leadership positions, including Bishop. After he retired from practicing law, he and Carol served a mission in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Kent was an avid golfer and continued to play until the last few years of his life. His golfing companions became some of his best friends and he especially enjoyed golfing with family.

Kent was a true gentleman. He was wise and kind and generous and gracious and fun and most of all happy. He left a legacy of goodness for his family and all who knew him.

Just six days after his sweetheart Carol died, Kent passed away peacefully in his home in Gilbert, Arizona on July 16, 2017. Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Ella Blake, his brothers, Carl, Dale, Reed and Bevan Blake, and a daughter-in-law, Jeannie Reynolds Blake. He is survived by his six children: Ronald (Marcia) Blake, Michael (Alison) Blake, Tracy Blake, Melinda (Gordon) Jennings, Amy (Steve) Hardison, Jeni (Dick) Jones, 19 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Anna Lynnae Ortega, 11 of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on July 20, 2017 in Gilbert.  A visitation will be held Sunday, July 23rd from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 21320 S. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ. Funeral services will be Monday, July 24th, at 10:00 AM, at the same location. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to service.

Lavar H West, 89, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2017 at home in Mesa, Arizona.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Jean Ellsworth West and four children: Stephen (Julie), Sharon (Rod), Kevin (Ronda), Brenda (Alan), 22 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.

 A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a mission to the Southern States as a young man and held many positions of trust throughout his life.  He was a wonderful provider, a loving husband, and a beloved father and grandfather.  His hallmarks were love of family and service to fellowman and he is greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 10:30 am at the LDS chapel, 532 S. Greenfield, Mesa.  A viewing will be held from 9:30 – 10:15 prior to services. A viewing will also be held on Friday, July 21, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University in Mesa.

Beverly Joyce Gehrke went to be with her Heavenly Father on July 15, 2017, surrounded by her loved ones.

Beverly Joyce Christianson was born September 13, 1928, the daughter of Ole and Inga Christianson in Coteau, North Dakota. She was the youngest of 14 children.

Beverly graduated from high school in Flaxton where she met her best friend and soul mate for life, Wallace August Gehrke. They were married August 24, 1947 and celebrated 65 years of marriage.  He died September 20, 2012. 

Wally & Bev made their home in Ellendale, Mohall, Minot and Fargo, North Dakota.  After retirement, they became snowbirds traveling to Mesa, Arizona for the winters.  They eventually made their full time home in Mesa.

She was a great mother and grandmother.  She spent countless hours with her eight grandchildren.  They were the love of her life.

Bev was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Cheryl Marie Gehrke, and 12 siblings.

She is survived by three children: Gregory (Becky) Gehrke, Phoenix, AZ; Barbara (Steve) Blikre, Minot, ND; Bradley (Kathy) Gehrke, Albuquerque, NM; eight grandchildren: Kelly (Bob) Lyle, Austin, TX; Jay Gehrke, Scottsdale, AZ; Brock (Jaime) Blikre, Mesa, AZ; Joshua (Katrina) Blikre, Bismarck, ND; David (Amanda) Blikre, Minot, ND; Scott Gehrke, Tempe, AZ; James and John Gehrke, Albuquerque, NM.  12 great grandchildren: Karsten, Keira, Avery, Ellie, Dylan, Alexia, Kinzley, Riley, Tova, Rune, Brayden, Reece; and sister Dagmar Anderson.

Grandma Bev will be greatly missed.  We are happy that she will now be with Grandpa Wally in Heaven. 

Family service will be held with burial at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix.

Duane Beazer, 86, born to Mark and Minnie Beazer in Syracuse, Utah, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2017.

In 1953, he married his sweetheart Donalee (Andersen) in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Devoted to God and committed to his faith, Duane consecrated his life to the work of Christ, touching countless hearts and lives, with a love for all. He faithfully served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including President of the Mesa North Stake. Duane and Donalee served five missions together. He was President of the Oklahoma City Mission, Director of the Mesa Temple Visitor Center, and District President for the country of Croatia. Duane was an Army veteran who deeply loved his country.

His distinguished career as an electrical engineer included, at age 33, managing NASA camera systems on the missions that took the first close-up pictures of the lunar surface, which were critical in preparation for manned landings on the moon. Duane, affectionately referred to as a “rocket scientist”, had the names of his and Donalee’s parents, children, and siblings etched into the metal of the lunar landers, to remain on the surface of the moon.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Donalee, and their 10 children: Becky (Steve) Luster, Larry (Janice) Beazer, LeeAnn (Mark) Freeman, Ferrell (Kim) Beazer, Roslyn (Doug, deceased) Kinneard, Carolyn (Dennis) Alldredge, Sandra Beazer, Keith (Heidi) Beazer, Norman (Jane) Beazer, Russell (Betty) Beazer; plus 46 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren; 3 Navajo placement students: Bertha Blackhorse, James Begay, and Harriett Sandoval; and also his 4 siblings: Jay Beazer, Val Beazer, Boyd Beazer, and Linda Snow. His tender love and adoration for his dear Donalee and his family are eternal. Friends and family will miss his love, kindness, wit, enthusiasm for life, and his unwavering example of integrity, faith, and dedication.

All services will be at the Mesa North Stake Center, 933 E Brown Road in Mesa: Friday, July 28 visitation from 6–8 pm. Saturday, July 29 visitation from 8:45–9:40 am, and funeral at 10 am. Interment follows at the Mesa City Cemetery.

Janet Smith, a resident of Gilbert, AZ for the past 22 years passed away on July 12, 2017 peacefully in her home. She was born January 29, 1954 in South Dakota to Nancy and William Reilly. She grew up in the greater Denver Colorado area. In 1972, she married a local boy William Smith, who was the love her life. They were lucky to celebrate 45 wonderful years together raising two children; Shannon Smith of Mesa, AZ; and BJ Smith of Aurora, CO. As a military family, they were able to live and travel all over Europe and the United States. Jan led a very happy and fulfilled life with family, friends and activities. She loved all holidays especially Christmas. She was extremely talented at cross-stitch and completed gifts for family and friends for holidays, birthdays, weddings. She was an extraordinary person and will be missed by all who knew her. Jan was preceded in death by her grandparents John and Lillian Reilly, Franklin and Mary Carroll, Aunt Joan Reilly, and her mother Nancy Reilly. Jan is survived by her husband William Smith, her two children Shannon and BJ Smith; along with her two siblings Steven Reilly and Diane Emmons; and grandchild Tyler Corbin. In lieu of sending flowers, please send donations to the ALS Association Arizona Chapter in her name.