Find An Obituary

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.

Timothy Dean Borrud, 58, of Mesa, Arizona passed away suddenly Saturday, May 20, 2017 in Mesa. He was born on May 1, 1959 in Williston, North Dakota to Albert and Mary Borrud. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Lutheran Church in Williston, ND and graduated from WHS in 1977 and continued his education at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

During his school years, he was active in boy scouts, band, piano, choir, baseball, many other school activities and being class president.

Through his faith, he cared for, and influenced every life he touched with his patience and compassionate ways. He loved to cook and entertain his family and friends and with his terrific sense of humor always made us laugh. He truly had a gift of giving and pleasing other people.

Tim found his calling in healthcare as a patient advocate during his 25-year career in Arizona with Dignity Healthcare at the Chandler Regional Hospital and the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center as Manager of Financial Counseling. His compassion and respect for the patient was his mission and was felt by all who knew him.

Tim had many interests and hobbies, especially his annual San Diego deep sea fishing trips with his best friends. He loved photography, always capturing the beauty of mother nature and his love for animals. His extensive knowledge of various artists and their music was an important part of his everyday life. 

Honoring his generous wish, the gift of life was shared with many people in need through organ and tissue donation.

Left to mourn his passing is his mother, Mary Borrud of Williston, ND; his sister, Debra Borrud of Mesa, AZ; niece, Jane Errebo of Chicago, Ill; brother, Thomas Borrud and his wife Diana of Brier, WA; his niece and nephew, Allison and Andrew Borrud, Brier, WA; and brother, Darryl Borrud of Williston, ND.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert H. Borrud; his brother, David A. Borrud; his grandparents, Hjalmar and Alice Borrud and Florence V. Thompson of Williston, ND.

A memorial service will be held on Friday June 30, 2017 at 12:00 noon at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ  85201. Interment in Williston, North Dakota at a later date.

Nancy Jane Grasmoen Curtis, age 82, of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Safford, quietly passed away at Lund Home Hospice of the Valley, in Gilbert on Saturday, May 27^th, surrounded by her loving children.

Nancy was born on November 26, 1934 in Loma Linda, California to Otto and Cora Baker Grasmoen. Nancy spent her younger years in San Bernadino, California and then moving to Flagstaff in 1946 and lived at the Snowbowl, which her family owned and operated. Later she moved to McNary, Arizona where she graduated as valedictorian.

 Nancy attended Eastern Arizona College, where she met and married Phil Curtis. Nancy lived in Safford for 25 years, where she was a homemaker and lived on the Carl & Phil Curtis Family Farm and raised 5 children.

While living in the Gila Valley, Nancy worked for Dr. Roudebush Optometry and at Ivanho Mobile Home Park for Ivan & Kathy Hancock. 

On July 4, 1979, Nancy moved to Mesa, attended Mesa Community College and then received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from ASU in 1983.  Nancy worked for Farnsworth Companies and retired from Dole Food Company (King’s Onion House).

In 1955, Nancy joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 21. She was very active in serving in her church and held many callings including Safford Stake Young Women’s President, Ward Relief Society President, Nursery Leader, Librarian, and many teaching and presidency callings.

Nancy loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren, and thoroughly enjoyed attending as many of their events as possible; which included football, basketball, dance, volleyball, soccer, karate and much more. She had a sense of adventure and loved to travel, going to places such as Israel, Norway, Costa Rica, Panama, Alaska, Hawaii, Washington D.C. and many other stateside locations. She was heartbroken when she couldn’t travel, due to her failing heart, over the past year.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Otto and Cora Grasmoen. She is survived by her 5 children; David (Carrie) Curtis of Mesa, Diane (Steve) Junion of Safford, Lisa (Tony) Clifford of Safford, Jennifer Cortez of Gilbert, and Jay (Nicole) Curtis of Gilbert, 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, with one more expected next week, and two sisters Lois Fatjo of Portland, Oregon and Julie Willis of Heber, Arizona.

A viewing for Nancy Curtis will be held on Friday, June 2^nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel located at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mountain Vista Ward Chapel, located at 10305 East Southern Ave in Mesa, with visitation from noon to 12:45. Her final resting place will be Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona, near her parents, following the services. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Bunker’s Garden Chapel in Mesa. (www.bunkerfuneral.com)

Joseph P. Garner, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 23, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. Joseph was born to William Lawrence and Lottie May Pincock in Sugar City, Idaho, September 8, 1921. He graduated from Sugar Salem High School in 1939 and worked several jobs during the summer months, including time spent in Jackson Hole, Wyoming working as a bellhop at the Wort Hotel. After receiving a scholarship and from money he had earned, Joseph attended the University of Idaho in Moscow. He worked several jobs in between his study and was able to graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Economics in 1947.  He served in World War II from 1942 to 1945 as a B-17 pilot, completing 35 bombing missions over Germany. He served 20 years in the reserves and retired as a Major in the United States Air Force in 1966. He was proud of his military service and loved his country.

After the war, Joseph married Loris Leona Johnson on September 4, 1946 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. She was the love of his life and their marriage of over 70 years stands as a legacy to all.  

They moved to Preston, Idaho where Joseph worked and later managed the Federal Land Bank Association for 37 years. Joe and Loris loved Preston and made it their home for over 66 years. A special highlight of his career was being chosen one of two Federal Land Bank managers in the country to appear in Washington D.C. before the Senate Agricultural Committee to give testimony at the hearings in support of the 1971 Farm Credit Act. Joseph’s efforts were effective in passing this most important legislative endeavor supporting farmers throughout the country. Joseph was very influential in his community serving as President of the Rotary Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the Lions Club, and serving for over ten years on “The Famous Preston Night Rodeo” committee. He served on the governing board of the Logan Hospital renovation for several years. He made several trips to Boise, Idaho to meet with the Legislature to promote various developments in Southeastern Idaho and served on the Chamber Agriculture Committee numerous times.  He was one of three prominent citizens of Preston who developed the Preston Golf Course where he served as the first treasurer and helped design and seed holes 8 and 9!

Joseph served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He enjoyed his calling as Bishop of the Preston 5^th Ward, feeling genuine love for his members, particularly the children and youth. His compassion and service deeply influenced many lives. He also served as Stake Clerk under two Stake Presidencies for over 18 years. He loved attending the temple and found joy in family history work. He was tireless in his service to his fellowmen and was committed to his faith and left a testimony of his devotion to his Savior for his posterity.

Joe and Loris retired to Mesa, Arizona where they had many great memories with friends and family.

As children we will miss his kind and gentle ways, his optimism, his love for others, his work ethic, his love for God and Country.  He was a devoted husband and father and his desire was to endure faithfully to the end… which he did.

He was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings and his granddaughter, Taylor Otteson. He is survived by his wife, Loris, two sons; J Lance Garner (Saralee), J Bradford Garner (Kathy), daughter Jody Lynn Otteson (Kevin), 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services

Friday, May 26, 10:30 am

Tempe South Stake Center

1111 E. Knox Road, Tempe, AZ 85284

Viewing

Friday, May 26, 9:30-10:15 am (prior to funeral)

Tempe South Stake Center,

1111 E. Knox Road, Tempe, AZ 85284

Interment

Tuesday, May 30, 12:30 pm

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

Phoenix, AZ 85024

Full military honors

Joanne Buehner, our Angel Mother, born March 9, 1930, in Blackfoot, Idaho to Kenneth and Maude Neeley, passed away May 21, 2017, at her home in Gilbert, Arizona at the age of 87. Joanne was preceded in death last year by her husband of 64 years, Walt Buehner, as well as her Missionary son Jeff, parents, and three siblings. She is survived by daughter Jody Clawson (Randy), sons Jon Buehner (Shelly), Jim Buehner (Richelle), and foster son Dubin Sandoval as well as 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, sisters Chris Mix, and Susan Egli, brothers David Neeley and Jon Neeley, and sister-in-law Janice Duffin. Joanne grew up in Salt Lake City and attended East High. Soon after graduation, she met Walt who was also part of the Sacra Dolce choir. She waited three years while he served his mission to New Zealand. They married and lived in Salt Lake for three years and then moved their little family to the Phoenix area to start a successful Pre-Cast concrete business. She assisted with the bookkeeping for Buehner and Company, but her most important role was being a loving mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She served in various capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Primary and Relief Society President, teaching callings, and Temple service. Walt and Joanne loved spending time at their summer cabin in Island Park, Idaho, where they were close to family, friends, and the natural wonders of Yellowstone. She was an accomplished writer of poetry and short stories. The legacy that Joanne leaves is one of service, not only to her family and fellow Church members, but also her community. Services will begin with a visitation and family gathering at 9:00 AM on Memorial Day, May 29, 2017, at the LDS Chapel, 234 N Greenfield Road in Gilbert, with services to follow at 10:00 AM. Interment will be on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park cemetery, 3401 S. Highland Dr. in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a family gathering at 10:00 AM and graveside service at 11:00 AM.