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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.

Barbara Ann Kerby Whitmer, 69, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away Friday, May 19, 2017. She was born November 24, 1947 in Safford, Arizona to Mildred Cluff Kerby and Jesse Ray Kerby. She was the oldest of 5 daughters. Her family moved from Hayden Junction to Phoenix when she was 4 ½ because her dad’s job with the Southern Pacific Railroad was moved to Phoenix. In 1953, she began school at Roosevelt Elementary in the first grade. She graduated from South Mountain High in 1965 and began college in the fall at ASU. She was married on June 3, 1966 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple to John Rudolph Whitmer. Due to John being in the military, they moved across the United States and then finally settled in Gilbert, Arizona with their 7 children. Barbara served in many leadership capacities in the LDS Church. She was an excellent leader and teacher in church and her local community. Barbara loved to bake, tend to her flowers, make lists and keep up-to-date in her journal entries. She loved to serve and touched many lives and was a great example of a Christ-like life. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and was excited about her first great-grandchild due in August. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John Rudolph Whitmer, her 3 daughters Kimberly Ann Black (Matthew), Stacy Rene Moore (Hal), Kristen Lanae Duarte (Luis), and 4 sons Shawn Brian Whitmer (Stefani), Brent Alan Whitmer, Jared Ray Whitmer (Aimee), Trevor Ryan Whitmer (Randi), 21 grandchildren with #22 on the way, her 4 sisters Genevieve Kovacs (Tony), Shirley Goodman (Benny), Lynette Stansbury (Jerry), Debbie Goodman (Randy). Viewing will be Friday, May 26, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ray Ward Building, 1520 S. Catalina St., Gilbert AZ 85296 with visitation at 9:00 AM. Interment will take place at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, Chandler, AZ following the services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS missionary fund.

To live your life in such a way that the room in which you spend your last moments becomes sacred ground—that is what it means to live a consecrated life. Such was the life of Dale Edwin Andersen, who passed away on Sunday evening surrounded by those he loved and who loved him. Dale’s exemplary life as a disciple of Jesus Christ has prompted many expressions of honor and reverence at his passing, and his death has sealed as fulfilled the many sacred promises he made during his life.

Dale started out life as the rambunctious third son of Hans Verlan and Shirley Hoyt Andersen. His birth was followed by the births of nine more siblings in the Andersen home, where a love of God and hard work were taught, forging in Dale the habits and beliefs that would lead him throughout his life (though he never lost his rambunctiousness). Dale’s first sacred promise was made at his baptism in 1956, covenanting to take upon himself the name of Christ, to suffer with those that suffer and mourn with those that mourn, to always remember Christ, and to keep His commandments. Because of his fidelity to these promises, Dale was blessed with the Spirit of God in his life which refined and enhanced his natural inclination to love and serve others, and led him to make further sacred covenants in the Salt Lake Temple when he was 19 years old. He immediately set out to honor those covenants by serving a mission, and was called to serve the good people of Finland where he preached the gospel with love and resilience.

But Dale’s most cherished covenant came after he returned home from Finland when he was sealed to his dear Sue Jacob in the Salt Lake Temple on December 18, 1969. Few could match Sue’s grace and vivaciousness, but Dale was up to the task of trying. Dale’s love for Sue and her love in return provided the firm foundation upon which they built the home that would see eight children raised with love and a sure understanding of important truths. With Sue’s support, Dale served his country in the National Guard, earned a law degree from the University of Utah, and started a law firm with partner Ken Smith in Mesa, Arizona.

Dale was asked to take on many different responsibilities in the Church, and Sue served alongside him as he faithfully magnified his callings. Many tender experiences of spiritual guidance and service marked his time serving as bishop, and his calling as stake president allowed him to serve many more. He took particular care to ensure that the young men and women in his charge were taught their worth in the eyes of God. He continued in that same spirit as the president of the Donetsk, Ukraine mission, where he and Sue endeavored to minister to the missionaries who were called to serve in that arduous work. Dale and Sue’s faithfulness to their covenants and their dedication to service allowed them to bless many lives and provided their eight children with a clear example to follow and the love and self-assurance to do so.

Dale is survived by his dear Sue; his mother Shirley Hoyt Andersen; 5 sisters and 3 brothers; children Annette (Gregg Cowley), Laura (Matthew Callister), Dale Jr. (Julia), Marianne (Jeremy Olsen), David (Tricia), Tom (Jennifer), Alyse (Carlos Kemeny), and Kate (Jonathan Allred); and 46 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017, at 11:00 am at the Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 N. Harris Dr., Mesa, Arizona. A viewing will be held the night before on Friday, May 26, 2017, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the same location, and again prior to the funeral on Saturday morning from 9:00-10:30 am.

Lindell Buchanan passed away peacefully on May 17, 2017, in Mesa, AZ.  He was born to Louie E. Buchanan and Ora (Cambry) Buchanan on November 27,1917, in Pleasant Hill, Il.  

 He married Wanda Hawkins in 1940 and had one son, Rickey Buchanan.  Following WW II, after a divorce, he married Dorothy Cary in 1948.  Jackie had three children (David, Meridel and Terrell).  Lindell and Jackie (Dorothy) had the twins, Cary and Cheri, in 1949. He was married to Jackie for 61 years, widowed in 2009.

 He is survived by his sister, Shirley; his sons, Rickey and Terry, and their wives, Rosie and Gloria, respectively; his daughters Happy (Meridel) and Cheri and her spouse, John.  In addition to his children, he is survived by 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren.

 He joined the US Army at 19 and transferred to the Army Air Corps when it was established.  He was trained as a bombsight mechanic on the highly classified Norden Bomb Sight, and utilized this training during WW II flying B-29 missions in the Pacific.  He was assigned to Adak Island, in the Aleutians, Alaska.  He served in a war zone again during the Korean conflict.

During his career, he was stationed across the US, including tours in CO, WA, and TN, and overseas in Korea, Japan and England. He also had many TDY (temporary duty) assignments in exotic locales like Morroco.  He retired after 30 years in the US Air Force as a CMSGT (Chief Master Sargeant).  He was 49 years old and the year was 1966.  Some of the best adventures were still ahead for Lindy and Jackie.

Lindy and Jackie realized their dream of RVing full time a few years after retiring from the Air Force.  They loved the life living in their Airstream:  traveling to almost every state, attending Airstream rallies, traveling with other Airstreamers on organized caravans, meeting new people, and even exploring parts of Canada and Mexico.   After 25 years as snowbirds, Dad’s deteriorating eyesight forced them to hang up their RV keys in 2005, moving to Fellowship Square in Mesa, AZ.  Lindy’s brother, Keith and his wife, Laverne, had made their home in Mesa, since Keith’s retirement from the Air Force.  Lindy and Jackie had wonderful years there surrounded by their extended family, friends new and old, and frequent visits from family living outside AZ.

After 2009, Lindy lived independently, with only a little assistance, in the apartment he had shared with his wife until his need for more assistance became evident to him.  He decided to move into The Oasis, adjacent to Fellowship Square in February 2017.

Lindy was a skilled handyman, tinkerer, mechanic who enjoyed many activities during retired life, especially woodworking and plastic canvas art and craft.  Even when he was on active duty he enjoyed stimulating activities.  He built a TV at one time, followed directions from “Popular Mechanics” magazine and built a houseboat, built a natural rock patio, and introduced his kids to rural life by converting the 14 acres he bought, to a ‘mini farm’ complete with chickens, pigs, calves, horses and a big garden.

He was a gentle, honest Christian man, who enjoyed the weekly Bible study and the monthly Veteran’s Breakfast Meeting during his 12 years at Fellowship Square.  He really enjoyed listening to Audio Books after he was unable to read because of macular degeneration.  One of his favorite pastimes was watching classic movies.   It was an enjoyment he loved to share with his visiting adult children.   He was a soft-spoken, kind and generous husband, father, grandfather, great and great-great grandfather.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. 

Robert Benton Willcutt, 85, was born March 1, 1932 and passed away peacefully on May 17, 2017.  Robert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathryn, his 3 children Gunnar, Lora, and Lynn, 2 stepsons Randy and Louis McKim, his 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and his beloved Scottish Terrier Shortie. Robert was preceded in death by his father Addison Claude, mother Jeanette Marie, his sister Barbara Hubbard, and brother Ned Willcutt. 

Robert was born in Kirksville, Missouri while his father was a student at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.  He grew up in both Hermiston and Ocean Lake, Oregon, and attended and graduated from Taft High School in 1950. In 1950, Robert entered college, and attended Willamette University for 2 years until 1952.  In order to continue to work his way through college, Robert enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1952.  While in the Marine Corps, Robert, played in the Marine Corps band, and won a sharp shooter medal.  He reached the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1955.  After being discharged from the Marines, Robert continued his college education and attended and graduated from Oregon State University in 1957.  After graduating college, Robert followed in his father’s footsteps, and attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in 1961. He met and married Kathryn Lewis and they had 3 children and 2 step sons together, and lived in Kirksville, Missouri until 1975 when Robert and Kathryn moved to Mesa, AZ.

Robert was a Doctor of Osteopathy with a specialization in Internal Medicine.  He practice medicine in Kirksville, Missouri at Kirksville Osteopathic Hospital, and he taught Neurology at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine until 1975.  In 1975, Robert and his family moved to Mesa, AZ where he practiced medicine at Mesa General Hospital, and his private practice, Central Arizona Medical Associates until 1987 when he retired.  Robert was always the first doctor in the morning to make his rounds at Mesa General, and he had an excellent bedside manner.  He cared very deeply for all of his patients.  After retirement, Robert kept his medical license current, so he could help with medical advice for family and friends.

Robert had a love for sports cars, owning many different ones in his lifetime.  He was also an avid sports fan, participating in many sports as a young man, and continuing his love of sports well into his old age.  He played basketball until he could not play any longer, and then took up playing tennis.  He met and had many good friends that he played basketball with.  This is where he was given the nickname “Doc.” Everyone who played basketball at Chaparral Park in those days knew “Doc” and his red Pantera. 

A visitation will be held Friday, May 19, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Monday, May 22, 2017, at 10 AM, at the same location.

Jerry Ray Mann, 65, passed away May 9, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Private services may be held at a later date.

Carol Ann Pohl, 75, passed away May 16, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. Private services may be held at a later date.

Jamal Nagata Mista, 25, passed away May 10, 2017 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 19, 2017, at 10:00 AM, with a visitation at 9:00 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Marjorie Ellen Markstaller, age 81, passed away May 13, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.

Interment will be Saturday, May 27, 2017, at 9:00 AM at Williamette National Memorial Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.

Patricia (Patti) Ann Irene (Daniel) Bishop, 32, passed away on May 11, 2017 In Mesa, Arizona.  She was born on February 16, 1985, in Mesa, Arizona. 

She leaves behind her husband, Tony Bishop, a son, Caiden Ferguson, a daughter, Tailer Joyce Elizabeth Bishop, her mother, Darlene Daniels and an uncle, aunt, cousins and many friends.

More details announced at a later date.

Ryker Jacob Erickson came into this world a fighter. He was born premature, at 34 weeks, with a chromosomal disorder, which caused him to have mental and physical challenges. His parents were told that Ryker would be blind and deaf and not survive to see his first birthday. Ryker, however, had other plans. He far exceeded his life expectancy, learning to roll, sit, crawl, and pull himself up. Through his therapies and schooling, he explored art, play, and physical control. He fought to learn and grow every day in his short three years with us.

Ryker loved to be outdoors. Go on walks, go to the park, go on car rides. He loved to be on the go, to go fast. He loved wheels, flashing lights, and music. His mom added a little magic to his life by encouraging him to jump and dance, to enjoy movement by holding his hands for support. His dad gave him new perspectives by riding Ryker around on his shoulders, always serving as Ryker’s rock. His sisters taught him love through their endless kisses and sweet embraces. He shared all of these loves and experiences with his twin brother, Krew. Their connection was obvious. Ryker was a little more advanced than his twin which inspired Krew to follow his lead. Ryker’s influence on his family was eternal. The lessons learned from him and memories created with him will always be cherished. 

Ryker will be missed by his mother, father, sisters, brother, and countless additional family and friends.  We miss our sweet, blue-eyed boy but know that he is perfect in Heaven. It will be a joyous day when our family can be together again.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 10:00 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1911 N. 24^th Street, Mesa, AZ 85213.  The viewing will be held prior to the services at 9:00 am.

William Ronald Wheeler, 82, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.

Bill led a very happy, active life filled with a large family, and many activities such as woodworking, fishing, hunting, camping, and his church Boy Scouts.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Twila. He is survived by his 8 children, 16 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at the LDS Chapel, 1150 E. Guadalupe, Gilbert, AZ.

Betty Joan Dees Bendure, born September 28, 1934, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2017 at her home.

She survived by her husband of 65 years, Russell Bendure, children, Leanna and Tim, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren. Betty was a teacher and principal in Mesa Public Schools for 20+ years. In her spare time she hosted, for 24 years, the annual Kandy Kane Castle Boutique. She enjoyed travel, reading and crafting.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 18^th  from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Wyatt Edward Smith passed away quietly and unexpectedly the morning of May 9, 2017 at 13 months of age. He was found peacefully resting in his home in Gilbert, Arizona.

He is survived by his parents, Warren and Amber Smith, and his two older sisters, Leah and Abigail Smith. He had recently celebrated his 1 year birthday. He had mastered a quick crawl and loved exploring and playing. He could pull himself up and was well on his way to cruising and walking. His favorite toys included a toy airplane and his sister’s dollhouses, albeit pink, they had doors and windows he could open and slam shut. His personality was gentle and sensitive. He showed his bashful demeanor when anyone other than his mother would speak directly to him. He was a momma’s boy that loved to say “da-da”. His smile was charming and captivating. He had bright sky-blue eyes and the longest lashes.  He was happy, patient, and obedient. 

Wyatt will be missed by his great grandpa, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and loving friends. We miss our sweet little angel boy and anxiously await our reunion with him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017, at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 4629 E. Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ, 85236.

Lark Gilbert Cheesman left mortality on May 8, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by those who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Carol. She was born October 1, 1946 in Provo, Utah to Mary Deane Peterson and Arthur Gene Gilbert. She was eight months old when her father tragically passed away. Her mother wrote about this time, “You were a special baby because you came to us after much fasting and prayer. I don’t think there was ever a baby wanted more than you were.”

Lark grew up in Provo in a blended family after her mother married Harold Glen Clark and she gained six additional brothers and sisters in a blended family. He wrote about his new daughter, “How fortunate Art, your father, will feel when he takes you in his arms. I hope he will love you as much as I have over the years and still do—proud to own you as my daughter in this life.”

After graduating from Brigham Young University in library science, she was the librarian in a middle school, then became the librarian at the Brigham Young University Law School. Following her marriage to Douglas Arthur Cheesman in the Latter-day Saint Utah Provo Temple on December 19, 1973, she had four children: Jennifer (Frank Castillo), Melissa (David Smith}, Paul Douglas and Todd Arthur.

The family lived in Provo and Heber, Utah; Las Cruces, and have lived in Mesa, Arizona for 33 years. Lark has eight beloved grandchildren who are the joy of her life: Armando, Davaya, Elias, Elise, Jackson, Londyn, Maya, and Noemi.

Lark was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and happily provided significant service for many years in multiple capacities. She was truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. For example, she created heirloom blessing blankets for numerous newborns and shared the joy of the creation of new life. She was greatly loved by many whom she cared for. One friend wrote, “You live the Gospel to the fullest. You teach through word and example. You serve and love everyone! You always have kind words to say. You know our Savior. We want to be like you.”  

Lark was the consummate educator, influencing the lives of thousands of children as a school librarian, enthusiastically sharing her love of learning and her enthusiasm for reading. Her zest for life and learning was contagious.

To the completion of her mission here on earth, she demonstrated strength and faith that inspired many who witnessed her courage. She taught us much by her example, lessons of life, and love.

 Family visitation will be held Thursday, May 11, 2017 6-8 pm at the Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona, 85213. Services celebrating her life will be held Friday, May 12, 2017 at the Mountain View LDS Stake Center, 1550 North Val Vista, Mesa, Arizona, 85213 at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing prior to the services at 10 am. Interment following the services will be in the historic Mesa Arizona.

Donations may be made of children’s books to be shared with disadvantaged children.

Bunkerfuneral.com