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John E. Zemko, 71 of Mesa, AZ passed away Sunday Morning, June 11, 2017 at Banner Baywood Hospital.  John was born February 11, 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of the late John P. and Mildred Powlysn Zemko, moving to Mesa, AZ in 2002.

He was a 1964 graduate of Chaney High School and worked at Packard Electric Delphi Automotive Systems in Warren for 37 ½ years, retiring in 2003.  Before moving to Arizona, he was a member of St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Youngstown.  He was a 6 year Veteran of the Navy and served in Vietnam.

Besides his wife, the former Diane Dermer, whom he married Oct. 15, 1977, he leaves his two sons, John F. (Denise) Zemko of Yuba City, CA & Aaron J. (Abby) Zemko of Mesa; 2 daughters: Heidi Eagan of Mesa, AZ and Christina Ewolski (Brian) of San Tan Valley, AZ; a brother Joseph P. of Austintown & 10 granddaughters. Other than his parents, a sister, Ruth Dimanoff also preceded him in death.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00- 8:00 PM, Thursday, June 15^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., in Mesa.  Interment will be held at a later date at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.

Born and raised in rural North Carolina, she Married Jim Lambert in 1963 and Spent 20 years traveling the world as an Air Force wife and mother. She and Jim retired in 1995 and became White Mountain Camps hosts. They loved meeting other retirees and campers while living and enjoying Arizona’s high country. She had 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

She always had a crew of Bingo Buddy’s that enjoyed going to Fort McDowell, hollering “Oh Sh*t” and playing slot machines. She was first to laugh, first to curse (when someone else yelled BINGO). She enjoyed her yearly Vegas trip. Part of her heart is probably still in a slot machine.

Lois raised many barky dogs. She and Jim owned Chihuahua’s from 1978 until she passed, leaving her beloved “Gingy” with their 40 year friends Burl and Joyce.

She loved to get her nails and feet done. In the end, the doctors and nurses asked if she had her nails and feet done for them. They looked great

She always knew where to buy Pepsi Cola and Dasani water for the best price.

She was a waitress for many years, working at Nachos, Lil’s Ranchway and Perkins. 

She loved her Diamondbacks Baseball Team. Never missing a game.   

Lois was so quotable:

“Kiss my grits”

 “I’m Set” (bingo)

“I’m one away” (bingo)

“That’il learn you, dern you”

She left behind a hell of a lot of stuff to her daughter and sons who have no idea what to do with it. So if you’re looking for two large recliners, A Bag full of Bingo dabbers, an Android phone (worn out playing Candy Crush), You should wait the appropriate amount of time and get in touch. Tomorrow would be fine.

We sure love and miss you Mom.

Please join us in a Celebration of Life for Lois. Saturday, June 17th from 12:00-3:00  at The Resort RV Park. 1101 S Ellsworth Rd. Mesa, AZ 85208. Please text or call  Ken at 602-527-5488 for the gate code. Lunch will be served.

Former Pinetop-Lakeside resident Joseph (Joe) Fernandez, 82, passed away June 11, 2017, in Chandler Arizona.

Services will be held on June 15, 2017 at Bunker’s Funeral Home at 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa Arizona 85201 from 6pm to 8pm.

Joseph and or “Joe” as many of his family and friends knew him by was born on February 10, 1935, in Gallup New Mexico to Bonifacio and Genieve Fernandez. Joseph was married for 63 wonderful years to Helen (Romero) Fernandez.

Joseph worked at Southwest Industries in McNary, Arizona and also at McNary Elementary School.

Joe enjoyed doing carpenter work and was always working on different projects. He was a caring and strong individual for his friends and family. Anytime company would come over, right away he would say “are you hungry” and by the time you knew it you would have one of his specialties that he enjoyed cooking, Mexican food! Every year in August his wife and he would make a trip to New Mexico to pick up hatch green chilies to roast.

Joe’s hobbies included camping, fishing, and hunting. He especially enjoyed fishing with his daughter Angel. He later in life would take his grandsons fishing every summer.

Joe and his wife Helen were inseparable, the old saying “the car won’t start without the other” definitely rings true for the both of them. If you saw one you saw the other!  

Family was an important part of Joe’s life, he ensured that his family had the proper tools to be successful in life and work hard for everything you have. Joe’s love knew no boundaries for his family and all the many friends he shared his life with throughout the years. The light of his love shined the brightest for his wife, daughters, grandsons, and great-grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife, Helen Fernandez, his daughter, Jo Ann Garza, son-in-law’s, Luciano Garza and Larry Lunt, grandsons, Michael Lunt, Raymond, Brian, and Matthew Garza, great grandchildren, Mason, Sophia, and Isabella Garza, Parker Lunt, sisters, Mary Lou Naranjo and Irene Naranjo.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Angelina Lunt.

Wayne Starley Richey, 69, passed on to his next adventure on Monday, May 15, 2017 in Woodland, Washington.

Wayne was born to Gwennie and Stanley Richey in Springerville, Arizona on August 3, 1947. He grew up enjoying the great outdoors where he spent much of his time trapping, hunting, fishing, and causing mischief of one kind or another. Whether he was hiding in the trees shooting people with his BB-gun or siccing his dog on the city irrigation worker, he was always looking for a good laugh!

Wayne’s fun loving personality was coupled with an appreciation for hard work. In his teenage years he worked for one of his all-time heroes, Rob Roy Patterson, as a ranch hand until he left to serve a LDS mission in Sydney, Australia. Upon his return, he met the only woman that could wrangle him in. Wayne and Renee met at a dance at Arizona State University in Tempe and later married on March 29, 1969 in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple.

Wayne was an innovative businessman and contributed much to the development of the rolling shutter and fly fishing industries. He was a faithful member of the LDS Church where he served as a Bishop. His last and favorite callings were teaching the 11-year-old children and the Sunbeams. He had a genuine love for people young and old and never met a stranger.

Wayne loved to fly fish and was passionate about preserving natural fish habitats. His greatest love, though, was his family — especially his grandchildren. They had the ability to soften his rough cowboy exterior and he loved telling them stories, snuggling them in his rocking chair or giving them a ride on the lawnmower, tractor, or quad.

Wayne was a masterful storyteller and enjoyed making people laugh with his colorful cowboy jokes and expressions. We will all miss his contagious laugh.

Wayne will be dearly missed by his family: Renee, his loving wife of 48 years, his children Elise Richey, Travis Richey, Derek (Sarah) Richey, Tyler (Julie) Richey, Tara (Keith) Fisher, and Tenielle (Chris) Bender. Wayne’s unmatched bedtime stories will be missed by his 17 grandchildren with 1 on the way. Wayne also leaves behind his siblings Elwood (Juanita), Don (Candace), and Charlotte (Merwin) Grant.

There will be a viewing held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, on 2549 N 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85213 on June 16th at 5:00 pm. Funeral Services will follow at 7:00 pm. A graveside service will take place at the St. Johns Cemetery in St. Johns, Arizona the following afternoon at 3:00pm. A memorial service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 21720 NE 29th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642 on June 24th with visitation at 10:00 am and services at 11:00 am.

Corinne Roseberry, 84, passed away June 8, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Friday, June 16, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Soloman Ward Chapel, 977 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona.

Jesse N Udall was born on 27 Jan 1926 in St. Johns, Arizona to John Hunt and Leah Smith Udall. He was the seventh child of eleven. His brothers and sisters are Nick, King, Earl, Ruth Evans, Reed, Jan Mortensen, Jo Webster, Sam, Ebe Flack, and Pauli Perkinson—who is the only surviving sibling.

His family moved to Phoenix when he was just a baby. He went to several Phoenix elementary schools, Monroe Junior High, North Phoenix High and graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1944. 

In early 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for about eighteen months during World War II. After his release, he attended BYU in Provo, Utah.

In January of 1948, he went on a two year mission to England for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When he returned from his mission he went to Arizona State. While there he met and married Shirley Ann Evans in the Mesa Arizona Temple on 30 Aug 1954.

Education was always important. Through the years he earned degrees from each of the universities of Arizona. He got his Bachelors from ASU, his Masters from the U of A, and an Education Specialist Degree from NAU. His career was in education being a teacher, principal and working for the State Department in Education. He retired in 1988. He earned a living in education but thoroughly enjoyed being a farmer and rancher on the side.  Jesse always had a few animals to care for, irrigation deadlines to meet and a shovel in his hands.

He and Shirley Ann had five children –Mary Ann (Monty Hogle), Dwight King (Jori Jackson), Kathleen (Avery Sellards), Sharon (Chris Lindblom), and Kent Farrell (Tava Woodhall)– all of whom survive him.

There are twenty-seven living grandchildren and fifty-four great grandchildren. Two grandchildren have passed away:  C. J. Udall and Melanie Lindblom. 

He loved doing church callings. He served in five bishoprics, was on the high council and continued as a missionary always. He and Shirley Ann went on a senior couple mission in Missouri in 2004-06. The Mesa Arizona Temple became his second home after retirement as he was an ordinance worker there for many, many years.

Jesse passed away on 8 June 2017 at home in Mesa, Arizona of old age (ninety one).  He was peaceful to the end saying thank you, it is going to be all right, you bet, it is too good to be true and I love you.  

He was a sweet, gentle, kind, humble man who will be greatly missed!!!

Services will be as follows:
Viewing – Friday, June 16, 2017 from 6 – 8 PM, LDS Chapel, 1249 S. 48th St, Mesa, AZ
Burial – Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 8 AM, City of Mesa Cemetery
Memorial – Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10 AM, LDS Chapel, 1249 S. 48th St, Mesa, AZ

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the LDS Missionary Fund.

Bruce Ronald Kunde, Mesa, AZ, son of Dorothy Edler Kunde and Lester Kunde, born May 22nd, 1935 in Milwaukee, WI passed the morning of June 4th, 2017. Bruce is survived by his wife, Marilyn Miller Kunde, his three children; Emmeline, Andrew, and Benjamin, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Bruce was a beloved special education teacher in Mesa, after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Master’s Degree from Arizona State University. Services are pending. 

Mary Lou Apple, 80, passed away on May 10, 2017 due to complications of pneumonia. Mom was born on December 15, 1936 in Tucson, Arizona. She is survived by her sister and best friend, Anita Mae of Mesa, Arizona.

Mom dedicated her life to raising her three boys, Rick, Tony, and Mark. She sometimes worked two and three jobs to make ends meet. There was nothing she would not do for her “boys.” The only daughters Mom had were her three daughters-in-law, Cindy, Sharon, and Vickie. Each of them held a special place in her heart. Each of them helped Mom through some rough medical times in her life and she loved them dearly. She was grateful for the strong women that her “boys” married.

Mom had many adventure in her life. One of which was when she started AMAR Realty and the many friendships she formed there. She had great memories from that time.

Another of the highlights of her life was the arrival of each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Mimi” as she was called by them is survived by nine grandchildren, Heather (Keith), Lindsay, Anthony, Austin, Ashley (Sean), Scott (Courtnee), Chelsee (Justin), Samantha and Baron. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Nate, Drew, Jordyn, Alyssa, Boston, Haylee, and Beckham.

Mom’s passing has left a big hole in our hearts. We miss her so much! Funeral services will be Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Ragna Soley Hooks Hamberlin, 37 years of age, passed away Friday, June 2, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.

Ragna was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She graduated high school in Elko, Nevada, then attended Eastern Washington University where she received her Bachelors in science and dental hygiene. Ragna was a resident of Arizona for 13 years where she worked as a Dental Hygienist.

Ragna is survived by her two children, son Xander Walter Hamberlin and daughter Loa Ragna Hamberlin of Mesa AZ; parents, Ginny White and Jimmie White of Washington state; sisters, Mindy Hempstead of MT and Brandy Wentling of Spokane WA; and uncle, Johnson Hooks of WA.

Ragna was preceded in death by her brother, Jon Walter Douglas Wayne White, her grandmother Ragna Hooks, and her grandfather Douglas Hooks.

Services will be held on Monday, June 12, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201. Graveside at 11:30 AM at City of Mesa Cemetery.

  Vincent DiMiceli, born June 26, 1946, passed away on June 2, 2017 with his family by his side.  Vincent was born in Manhattan, NY to Vincent Sr. and Minnie DiMiceli.  As a child, he grew up in New York and New Jersey and joined the military at age 17 where he served in the Vietnam War.  After returning to the states he met his wife, Marion, to whom he has been married for 45 years.  They lived in several different locations in NY for 11 years.    

  He spent 34 years living in Mesa, AZ and decided to rejoin the military service in the Air National Guard.  Vincent was deployed several times to serve in Desert Storm and Desert Shield.  He is survived by his wife, Marion; children, Vinny, Darin and Nikki; grandchildren, Dominic, Emma and Dylan and sister, Rosalind Porco.  He was retired from both the United States Air Force and State Farm Insurance.

  He had many hobbies including travelling, woodworking and auto mechanics.  Vincent volunteered with the Mesa Police Department Aviation unit for 8 years.  He was a very giving, loving man who had a great wit and sense of humor that will be sorely missed.  His impact on his family and the people he loved and cared for was immeasurable.  While he has passed from this world, his legacy will live on in the actions and memories of the people he touched.

  An inurnment ceremony will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85209 on June 16, 2017 at 12:30 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arizona Humane Society.

Jenna (Larimore) Taylor, 33, passed as a result of a cycling accident on May 31, 2017 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Jenna was born on February 26, 1984 to Lloyd and Becky Larimore in Sandy, Utah.  She attended Alta High School and graduated in 2002.

In 2009 she married Cameron Taylor and together they made their home in Gilbert.

Jenna enjoyed an active lifestyle and loved to bike and hike, enjoyed boot camp, being outdoors, and creating a loving home for her family.  She cherished and loved her friends.  If you were Jenna’s friend, she made sure you felt you were her best friend.  And if there was anything she could possibly do for you, she would be happy to do it, especially if you needed her to share a laugh. 

Jenna’s sense of humor will live on in legend.  She had an amazing knack for saying what everyone else was only thinking and getting away with it.  Her infectious laughter was how she connected with you and showed that she cared about you.  Nothing would make her happier than to know our memories of her still make us laugh.

Jenna was the life of any party, but especially within the walls of her own home.  Jenna loved her husband and kids more than anything and each one of them adored her.  She was the sun in their universe. She embraced motherhood and was passionate about giving her kids the best lives possible, full of good experiences and love.  Jenna was a rockstar mom.

Jenna is preceded in death by her brother Shane Larimore.

Jenna is survived by her husband, Cameron Taylor; her children, Riley, Mac, Van, and Ivy; her parents, Lloyd and Becky Larimore, Grant and Mindy Taylor; her siblings, Chelsey Christensen (Paul),  Lucas Larimore (Amy), Landon Taylor (Chelsea), Makall Noorda (Marcus), and Colton Taylor (Katie); her grandfather, Marion Ladd; AFG and millions of adoring fans.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 7 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bunkers Family Funeral, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Services will be held on Thursday, June 8, with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral at 11:00 a.m. at Gilbert Greenfield LDS Stake Center, 2740 S. Lindsay Road, Gilbert, AZ 85295.

Anthony ‘Tony’ Joseph Dorner, 83, entered fully in to the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 12, 2017 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Born in Luxemburg Wisconsin, Tony led a very full and exciting life starting with marrying his ‘sweety’ Lois Ann Rass in August of 1955. He went on to graduate with his Master’s Degree from UW Milwaukee and taught music for over 42 years (Neenah WI, Mesa, AZ). Tony also painted many houses and businesses over the course of 40 years, leaving a world of color behind!

Tony would want you all to know, that the day he accepted Jesus as his personal savior in 1974, was the most important day of his life. It changed him in an extraordinary way. John 8:32 says “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Tony is free indeed! Tony and Lois moved to Arizona in 1982, and never looked back. After retirement in 1998, they traveled to Europe and drove to Alaska, making it to every state in the country. Tony leaves behind a legacy of never giving up- “you can do anything for a short period of time” and of hope, “It will all work out”.

He leaves behind his wife of 61 years Lois, His daughters Vicki (Mike Hoyman), Lauri (Larry Wieland) and Jenny (Ray Hayes), 13 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. As a family, we know that Tony, Dad, has heard these words directly from Jesus himself: Matthew 25:21: “…well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Virginia Ruth Brown Skouson, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2017 surrounded by family and loved ones. 

Waiting to greet her were her husband, Kent, her son Blain and great-grandchildren Matthew and Mason Park. Left to carry on her legacy are her children Karol (Cook), Smith and Keith, along with 19 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.  

Virginia loved her job as an elementary school teacher, teaching 1^st grade and kindergarten. She quit teaching in order to be at home to raise her four children. True to her faith in the Lord, she served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many capacities. She is remembered for her wit, her willingness to serve, her positive outlook, her tireless devotion to her family and her love of all things chocolate. She loved to read, sew, quilt, crochet, knit, and do needlework. She also loved Family History work. Ever the teacher, she was always happy to pass on her knowledge to others.  

Funeral services are to be held Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 1 PM, preceded by a visitation at 12 PM, at the LDS meetinghouse on 422 E University in Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 11 AM at the Pima Cemetery in Pima, Arizona.

Tammy Sixkiller, a member of Gila River Indian Community, passed away May 28, 2017. She was 81 years old.

Tammy spent her work life as a Native Elders Advocate fighting for their rights. She is the beloved mother to Ellen Sixkiller (deceased), Janell Sixkiller, Jess Sixkiller Jr., and Sue Sixkiller.  She has six grandchildren, Shannon, Thunder, Shaundeen, Tsali, Sampson, Scott and one great-grandchild, Raine. 

A wake will be held Friday, June 2, 2017 from 7 to 10 PM at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3530 N 32^nd Street, Phoenix, AZ. Graveside services and interment will be on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 7 AM at the Squawbush Cemetery, District 1, Blackwater, Gila River Indian Community. 

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

  Wendell Parrott Mathews, 97, died, May 22, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona of natural causes.  Wendell was born in Danville, Iowa on March 27, 1920 to Fred and Bertha Mathews.  He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Ralph and Wayne Mathews as well as a sister, Cyrene Wagner.  His remaining sister, Kathleen Mathews, resides in New London, Iowa.  Wendell married the former Mary Lou Moehn of Danville, Iowa on May 31, 1941.  They had one son, Norman along with three grandsons,  Jeffrey, Jonathan, and Joseph, and five great-granddaughters, Megan, Samantha, Kathleen, Caroline, and Claire, all of whom he was very proud.

  Wendell grew up working on his father’s dairy farm.  After serving in the US Coast Guard throughout WWII, he returned to farming in Iowa as his lifelong career.  He and Mary Lou moved to Mesa in the early 80’s to take advantage of the better climate which was dictated by Mary Lou’s health issues.  They enjoyed hosting dances for many years as a musical duo in the Mesa area.

  There will be a memorial service for Wendell at the Velda Rose Methodist Church with the date to be determined.  Wendell will ultimately be laid to rest next to his beloved wife in the Jaggar Cemetery near Danville, Iowa with a grave-side service in the fall.  Memorials may be sent to the Danville Library/Museum, 102 N. Main St., Danville, Iowa  52623.

Mary J. Eschief-Montoya, 61, passed away May 29, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. 

Wake services will be held Friday, June 2, 2017 from 6-10 PM at the Salt River Community Multi, 1880 N. Longmore Road, Scottsdale, Arizona. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 7 AM at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 3090 N. Longmore Road, Scottsdale. Interment will be at the Saint Francis Cemetery.