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Charles Edwin Piper was born March 11, 1924, at the family farm near Lancaster, Kansas to Oscar and Lulu Surritte Piper. He left this earth on May 4, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. Charles was known to his friends as “Chuck”. He was the youngest of ten children. All of his brothers and sisters have preceded him in death.

He attended twelve grades of school in Potter, Kansas, graduating in 1942. In 1943, he was drafted into the Army and served for two years, after training in Australia. He saw action in New Guinea and the Philippines in World War II.

Upon his discharge from the Army, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving two years in Japan and one year in Vietnam. He spent the next twenty years in the Air Force.

In 1955, he married Elaine Rembert. Elaine had one daughter, Janice, who was 14 years old when the Pipers married. The family lived in Bishopville, South Carolina. After retiring from the Air Force, Chuck spent 25 years with DEK company in Michigan, Indiana, Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona, where Chuck was the State Manager for the driver’s license of DEK until his retirement in 1988.

Chuck was a member of the Christian Church, where he had a multitude of friends.

On October 8, 2005, he married Carol June Beeman. Chuck is survived by his wife, June; stepdaughter, Janice; three grandchildren, Janay Minton of California, Heidi Campbell and husband Brian, of Flagstaff, and Ryan Cowling of Scottsdale; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at 1 PM, with visitation from 1-1:30 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85201. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Glendon Neal Nelson (79) passed away May 4, 2017.

He was born December 31, 1937 in Los Angeles, California to Glendon Arthur & Monta Eugenia Smith Nelson and grew up on the family farm in Fairview, Idaho.

Neal is survived by his wife of 55 years Sally Sue LeBaron Nelson, 8 of his children Adele LeSueur (Larry), Glen Nelson (Sue), Susan Durrant-Nikolaus (Randy), Douglas Nelson (Heather), Cinda Williams (Mike), Carol Guthrie (Jaden), Craig Nelson (Summer), Dean Nelson (Kemra), 43 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 5 siblings, Norman Nelson, Cathryn King, Howard D. Nelson, Shauna Flammer and Rhonda Phillips. Neal’s daughter Elizabeth Nelson passed away on November 24, 1975 at the age of 4.

Neal recently wrote “Lately I have been thinking about Elizabeth, what she would be like, what would her kids be doing now. Imagine someday I will have the opportunity to know. I will be able to hug her and once again hear the giggly laugh I heard over forty years ago.”

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Neal loved his family, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, gardening, woodworking, sports, teaching, learning, writing and serving others.

Visitation is Friday, May 12, 2017 from 6-8 pm and Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 9:00 – 9:40 am at the LDS Church Building located at 1550 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213. Funeral services are Saturday May 13, 2017 at 10 am at the LDS Church Building located at 1550 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

The family asks that in lieu of purchasing flowers that a donation be made in memory of Neal to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund at the following website link, https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/donations/lds-church/perpetual-education-fund.html?cid=pefdonate?cid=pefdonate.

After a year and a half battle with cancer, Cheryl Lee Walker has returned to live with her Father in Heaven and has been reunited with her mother, sisters and granddaughter. She was born in Whittier, California on August 2,1952 to Bill and Jewel Leslie and died May 2, 2017 in her home of 42 years in Mesa, Arizona.

Cheryl moved to Mesa in 1964. She attended Hawthorne Elementary School, Kino Junior High and later graduated from Westwood High School in 1970, where her sophomore year she met the love of her life, Randy Walker. They were married and sealed in the Mesa Temple in 1972.

Cheryl had an infectious laugh and was loved by many. She served others faithfully until her last day. She loved to travel, and worked for American Airlines for 15 years. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Cheryl was a grandma to all and showed a genuine love to everyone that entered her home.

Cheryl is survived by her father, Bill Leslie; husband, Randy Walker; children, Jennifer Walker, Stacey (Chad) Ence, Scott Walker, Jill (Jason) Wright, Troy Walker; and grandchildren, Colton, Mackenzie, Cannon, Cade, Kylee Ence and Nixon, Hudson and Stella Wright. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jewel Leslie; sisters, Denise Packer and Diane Leslie; and granddaughter, Madison Ence. 

A visitation will be held Friday, May 12, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona.

Jana Fowles Woodruff passed from this life suddenly on Sunday, April 30^th, 2017.  She will be remembered and cherished by those who knew her for her driving concern for the welfare of others and her always inquisitive sense of adventure.  Funeral services for Jana will be held Saturday, May 6^th at 10:00 AM at the Ahwatukee Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4525 East Knox Road, Ahwatukee.  A viewing will be held on Friday, May 5^th, at Bunker Funeral Home, at 3529 E University Drive, Mesa from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Jana was born on December 3, 1965 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Gerald Reed and Helen Jeanette Whitmore Fowles.  She was the second of four children, younger sister to Jeff, older sister to Amy and younger brother, Brett.  She is survived by her brothers, her two sons, Logan David and Connor McKay and sisters-in-law Pam and nephew Daughtry.   She was also blessed by a special friendship with Alice Clark, who did not leave Jana’s side at the end.

Jana was always willing to help others, even when she herself was ill, and will be remembered by her co-workers as the person who asked “what can I do to help you?”  She was the person who cooked the shepherd’s pies for those who were sick in bed, and never failed to send flowers to those who she perceived as needing a lift.  She was also a staunch advocate for her sons – which somehow twisted her into a football mom (as long as it was Mountain Pointe).  She was gifted as a listener and a genuine caring person.

Betty Embleton, 86, passed away April 27, 2017 in Mount Pleasant, Utah. 

Funeral services will be Friday, May 5, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bella Vista Ward, 1865 S. Higley Road, Gilbert, Arizona. 

Norma Tasso Rasmussen passed peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona. Although she will be missed dearly by her family and friends, she is now together with her husband and her parents and siblings in a joyous heavenly reunion. She was 90 years of age at her passing.

Norma was born on April 2 , 1927 in Preston, Idaho. She was the youngest of 5 children. Her parents migrated to America from Italy.   

Norma was raised on a farm in the small southeastern Idaho community of Clifton. Besides all of the farm chores, Norma learned to cook, embroider, crochet, and knit from her mother. Although her parents were raised in the Catholic church in Italy, they felt their children should be baptized into the LDS church. 

After high school, Norma attended Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University) in Logan, graduating with a degree in Home Economics. One month later, she and Francis Rasmussen were married in Clifton on July 20, 1949. They were later sealed in the Logan Temple on June 28, 1965.

Her husband, Francis, graduated from law school in Moscow, Idaho, and then they settled in Soda Springs, Idaho in 1952. Norma and Francis had 4 children. Norma also earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education and taught school (5^th Grade) for over 20 years in Soda Springs. After being happily married for 34 years, Francis died suddenly at the age of 57.  It was a difficult time for Norma, but she continued teaching school for a number of years, then moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1988 to be closer to family.

Norma was a faithful member of the LDS church, serving in a number of callings, including an 18-month Family History mission in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She had a fervent testimony of the truthfulness of the LDS church and loved her Savior, Jesus Christ.  Service brought joy to Norma and she gave freely of her time and means to family members, friends and many charity organizations. Norma was a conscientious and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Norma is survived by her children, Gary (Pam) Rasmussen of Tucson, Arizona, Craig (Savina) Rasmussen of Cedar City, Utah, Connie (Tom) Larsen of Mesa, Arizona, and Wayne (Ladawn) Rasmussen of Melissa, Texas; 20 grandchildren, and 61 great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 10 am at the LDS Mesa East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona, 85213. There will be a viewing held at the same location at 9 am prior to the services. Interment will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs, Idaho on Saturday, May 13, 2017. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested a donation be given to either: LDS Humanitarian Services at https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services.html or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at ww5.komen.org in memory of Norma Rasmussen.

Barbara Ann Gardner Ellingson passed peacefully in Mesa, Arizona on May 1, 2017 and has been reunited with her eternal companion, family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her children, John and Carma Lee Ellingson, Barbara and Robert Kempton, Betty and Harley (deceased) Jarvis, Jay and Melody Ellingson, Mons and Sally Ellingson, Mark and Marlene Ellingson, 44 grandchildren, 143 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Barbara is also survived by her brothers Ben (and Phyllis), and Richard Gardner.

Barbara was born on August 11,1920 in Mesa Arizona. She was a Mesa High School graduate. She married John R Ellingson and they made their home in Tempe & Mesa.

Barbara’s served in many church callings, the longest as a Temple Worker for 18 years. John and Barbara served an 18-month church mission on the Fort McDowell Indian Reservation. Her testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ was center in her life!

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2017, at 10:00 am, with a visitation at 9:00 am, at the LDS chapel located at 1345 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to church missionaries. Condolences may be sent to: https://bunkerfuneral.com/obituaries

David L. Clark, age 91, passed away on April 25, 2017, at home in Tempe. He was creative and inventive and had many talents. He always gave service using his gifts to help others in his Church and community. During WWII, he served in the Navy as an airplane mechanic. He supported his family working for AT&T, starting as a lineman and working up into management.

He is survived by his sweetheart and wife of 68 years, Arlene. His daughters, Melody Abegglen (Robert), MerriLee Rushton (Roy) and Crystal Robinson (Frank). As well as fourteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. 

His funeral will be held on Thursday, May 4^th, from 11:00 to noon, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel located at 1871 E Del Rio Dr., Tempe, AZ with the viewing at 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.  He was a great man loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Claudia Jean Zweifel, 72, passed away April 20, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 28, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 11 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 825 S. 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona. 

Joshua Mart Slade passed away doing what he loved – living life to its fullest. A great friend, loving son, brother & uncle, Joshua was always there whenever you needed someone to talk to. He had a contagious smile that lit up the room. In his youth, Joshua was an active showman, traveling across the United States competing in 4-H Swine Competitions. He loved his animals, fishing, being outdoors, dirt bikes and trucks. He had a great love for friends and family and would make everyone feel welcome and important. Joshua had an unforgettable laugh and was loving, kind and was always willing to serve. He loved life and loved adventure.

Joshua is survived by his parents, Darin & Kelly (Couey) Slade; his siblings, Ciera (Markel) DeVorce, Joseph (Leticia) Slade, DeAnn (Westin) Reader, Rylee & Jocelyn Slade; nieces and nephews, Kassidi, Kashtin, Kinsley & Markel Jr DeVorce, Audrey & Joseph Jr Slade and Jackson Reader; grandparents, Wayne (Sue) Slade and Joseph (Patricia) Couey; 11 aunts and uncles, and 32 cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Jacob and grandmothers, Dolores Slade and MaryLou Couey.

A viewing will be held Friday, April 28, 2017, from 6-8 pm, at the Lehi Stake Center (LDS Church), 1430 N Grand, Mesa. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 29 at 10 am at the Lehi Stake Center (LDS Church). Interment to follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

JoAnn Elizabeth Ammirati returned to her heavenly home Saturday April 22, 2017 in Gilbert, Arizona at the age of 76. JoAnn was born in Baker, Oregon on February 23, 1941. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Brent Brown, her son and daughter-in-law Greg and Michelle Ammirati, her four grandchildren Jordan, Brittany, Logan, and Kelbee, and two great grandchildren.

JoAnn’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and loved ones. She was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoyed working on family history. She had many close confidants whom she loved spending time with and serving. Her testimony of Jesus Christ was known by all she encountered. She will be missed by all those who knew her and her legacy and spirit will live on for generations.

Visitation at Bunker Family Funeral Home from 6-8pm on Friday April 28^th located at 3529 E University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. A graveside service will be the following day at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park located at 6747 E Broadway Rd. Mesa, AZ 85206 at 12:00pm.

Arraignments handled by Bunker Family Funeral, www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Robert (Bob) Foster left the world he so passionately loved Thursday, April 13, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona. Born in San Francisco, California on April 29, 1960, his family called him Robert. His youth in Tacoma, Washington was filled with bicycles, 50-mile Boy Scout hikes, and basketball.

A rebel in search of a cause, he moved to California in 1981. When his motorcycle crossed Sunset and Vine, he was instantly at home.

Bob courted and married Beverly Downs in 1982. His cherished sons, Joshua and Nicolas, focused him and gave the rebel a cause: fatherhood and education. His Bachelor’s Degree was in Radio & TV Broadcasting and his education culminated with a Master’s in Mass Communication.

As a father, he juggled family, school, and work along with passions in music, cinema, and literature. He worked professionally in pre- and post-production for 25 years and was also a college professor for 15 years.

Bob is survived by spouse, Beverly (Downs) Foster, sons Joshua and Nicolas Foster, granddaughter Eva Sill-Foster (CA) and siblings Berna Langer and Kevin Foster (WA). 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bob’s favorite charity, Jail Guitar Doors:  http://jailguitardoors.org/

Arizona Memorial Service held at Sheraton Mesa (860 N. Riverview Drive – Aqua Fri Room) Saturday, April 29, 2017, 5 pm.  

California Memorial Service/Celebration of Life held Saturday, May 13, 2017, 4 pm Reseda, California.  Please reference Bob’s Facebook page or text 818.205.7364 for location details.

Buhl, Robert (Bob) M. 62 of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on April 17, 2017.  Bob was born on February 14, 1955 in Fond du Lac Wisconsin, and lived in Arizona for 37 years.  He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, majoring in accounting. Robert worked for United Blood Services as a Director in their accounting department until his retirement.  Bob also volunteered as the Equipment Manager for Pop Warner Football league.  Known for his love of the Green Bay Packers, his beloved pets, and his sense of humor, he will be missed by all.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine D. Buhl (Loehr) and Harold A. Buhl.  Robert is survived by his wife, Karen of 36 years and their three children; Katherine (Kyle), Anthony, and Christopher, his grandson Jonathan, brother Herb (LouAnn), sister Chris (Neil), mother-in-law Rosie Paulson, and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, April 28 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 2213 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa with a reception following the service.  Arrangements by Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the American Heart Association.  For more information go to www.bunkercares.com. 

Steven Lehi Slade, age 65, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Greenfield Acres Ward, 7201 S. 164th Street, Queen Creek, AZ. 

Marilyn Wolf, better known as Aunt Mimi, died peacefully on April 16, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by her family.

She was born December 27, 1944 in tiny Mendota, Illinois. Intensely bright and thoughtful, she grew up in a loving family, graduating from LaMoille Community High School in 1963. She went on to put her brains to work, earning first a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science and English from Illinois State in 1967, a first Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Northern Illinois University in 1971 and a second Master’s Degree from Rosary College in 1986. Her last degree she earned while working full time and caring for her father, who suffered from Alzheimer’s at the time. Marilyn worked at Jefferson Middle School as the librarian in the West Aurora School District 129 from 1967-2000. She semi-retired, working as a reference librarian at DePaul University from 2000-2013, when health determined she could no longer work.

Marilyn was a lifelong caregiver; caring for both of her parents as they grew older, as well as two elderly, widowed aunts. She considered her niece and nephew as her children and never wavered in her support and encouragement of them. She was deeply involved in her Zonta International chapter and Delta Kappa Gamma, serving as treasurer and continuing in her giving nature by helping others in the community through her involvement. She was selfless and you always knew she was the smartest one in the room (especially because she would remind you, which we always teased her about).

She loved opera and musicals, (she failed miserably trying to get her niece on board with both) and her favorite was CATS. Her favorite show was the Amazing Race because of all of the travel. She traveled often with college friends, from Alaska to Hawaii and everything in between, seeing Broadway shows, enjoying the beauty of Quebec City, watching sunsets in Myrtle Beach. Marilyn collected teacups, still loved to write letters, was an excellent cook and as her nephew would consistently remind her, A REALLY SLOW DRIVER. Her hair was always done perfectly and you never saw her nails unmanicured. She was a talented knitter, dabbled in ceramics and read voraciously. She was there to pick up the phone EVERY time her family and friends called her (and never complained about middle of the night calls).  She relocated to Arizona in March to recuperate near her family and receive the care that she always so freely gave. She was a proud aunt and great-aunt and enjoyed being around all of her “babies”. She has left a void that will never be filled.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Wolf. She is survived by her only sister, Neva Jo (Wolf) Sheahan (Tom), niece Cyndi (Sheahan) Ventry (John), nephew Michael Sheahan (Holly), great-nephews Isaac Adorno and Bennett Sheahan and great-nieces Elle Adorno and Taylor Sheahan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Congregational Church of Batavia in Batavia, Illinois on Saturday May 6th, from 5-7pm followed by a fellowship potluck. In lieu of flowers, please bring a children’s book with your signature and a memory of Marilyn inside, to be given to one of her great-nieces or nephews so that they will continue to receive their yearly book “from Aunt Mimi” on their coming birthdays. This was near to her heart.

Please join us in celebrating Marilyn, who meant so much to so many. She will be forever missed.

James Edward Lambert went to be with the Lord on April 7^th, 2017 at the Hospice of the Valley in Mesa with his Loving wife of 54 years by his side. Born in Cohoes NY, Jim entered the Air force out of High School and toured the world as an aircraft Mechanic stationing in Okinawa, Vietnam, Thailand, Germany and numerous bases in the US. A motorcycle mechanic all of his life, Jim loved to buy and restore Honda Goldwing motorcycles, the last one just two months before passing. After a career in the military, Jim worked at ASM America and Boeing until he and Lois finally retired to start the next chapter of their lives. They spent many years as camp hosts in the White mountains of Arizona and loved to camp, fish and make friends. He is survived by his wife, Lois, children; David, Ken and Laura, his twin sister Marge, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Services: Thursday April 20^th –  

Funeral: 10:00AM – 11:00AM  – All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N Recker Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205

Burial: 12:30PM – 1:00PM – National Veterans Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024

Celebration of Jim’s Life: 2:30PM – 4:30PM – Red Mountain Park – Dove Ramada, 7745 E Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205