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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

Holly Alivia Heap, 3, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 21, 2017, from 6-8 PM, at the LDS Red Mountain Institute of Religion, 7126 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 22, 2017, at 11 AM, at the same location. 

Jason (Jay) Phillip Markley died unexpectedly on April 14th, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 39.

Jay is survived by his parents, P Jay and Ellen Markley of Canton, Michigan; wife, Kendra Markley (Klein); children, Kaiya and Landyn; sister Katie Dalen (William); mother-in-law, Barbara Klein; father-in-law, Kenneth Klein; sister-in-law, Nicole Peirce; brother-in-law, Errol Turner; three nieces and a nephew; and a host of loving friends. He is preceded in death by grandparents, Francis and Eileen Markley and Robert and Rosemary Johnston of Cambridge, Ohio.

Jay was born on August 19th, 1977 in Royal Oak, Michigan to P Jay and Ellen. After moving to Arizona, he met and married Kendra, his sweetheart, in 2012 and had two beautiful children. His children, who loved him deeply, will remember him as a kind, gentle and fun loving father who encouraged them to pursue happiness. He began his career with Wild Horse Pass in 2007 as a Bartender and advanced through many position and transferred to Lone Butte and his final title as General Manager of Food and Beverages.

Jay was a one of a kind, incredible, well loved, compassionate, fun-loving and adventurous son, husband, father, brother and friend. He was an extremely talented master chef, handyman, football fan, animal lover and super-hero to his children.

A gathering for family and friends will be held at 10:00 AM with a celebration of life service scheduled for 11:00 AM on April 24th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Reverend John Cunningham will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jay’s life. Memorial donations may be made to The Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA at http://aawl.org. The family would like to thank the staff of The Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Chandler Regional Medical Center for their care and dedication.

Rose Williams passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Mesa Arizona. 

There to meet her was her husband Darl, sisters Judy and Mary, and brother Lloyd. Left to carry on her traditions are her four sons, Roger, Randy, Richard and Robert, her 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Rose is also survived by her brother, John Willison.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 1 pm for family members only at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.  

Wanda Petersen Randall (56) of Mesa passed away April 14, 2017, after a nearly three-year battle with bladder cancer.

Wanda was born July 22, 1960 in Mesa, Arizona but spent her childhood years in Snowflake. Her parents, Phyllis Ballard and Parley C. Petersen had waited a long time for a baby girl and finally got her. Wanda joined big rambunctious brothers Paul, Bruce and Scott. 

Wanda married her best friend Vernon Dwight Randall on March 1, 1985 in the Mesa LDS Temple. They welcomed their daughter Mandy in 1987 and son Nick in 1992. She loved her children dearly, but always wanted to be a grandma.

In 2001, Wanda persuaded Vernon to move their family to Payson to get out of the heat and the hassle. She loved the mountains and her elk in the backyard.  Wanda lived a life of hard work and service to others. She always had a smile on her face and a helping hand to lend. 

Wanda is survived by her daughter Mandy, son-in-law Logan, grandkids Lincoln, McKenna and Lot Campbell; son Nick; brothers Paul Petersen and his wife Barbara, Scott Petersen and his wife Tammy, all of Mesa; sister-in-law Vicki Johnson and her husband Steve of Taylor; mother-in-law Pat Randall of Payson; and numerous extended relatives, friends and loved ones. 

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Vernon, parents Parley and Phyllis Petersen, brother Bruce Petersen and father-in-law Rony Randall.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 20th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the LDS Ward Building, 1455 N. Harris Street, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Friday, April 21st at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center, 925 N. Harris Dr. Mesa, AZ. The burial will be April 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at the Payson Pioneer Cemetery, Payson, Arizona.

Jean Lavonne Fankhauser, age 79, passed away April 10, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona. Private services may be held at a later date.

Clifford Dewane Semmel, 78, passed away April 8, 2017 in Gilbert, Arizona. Private services may be held at a later date.

On April 8th, beloved husband, Ray Smith, went home with the Lord.  

Ray was born in Buffalo, NY and by way of California, he moved to Wyoming where he met the love of his life, Georgia, and had been married for 33 years. For the last 20 years his home was Mesa, AZ.  Ray was blessed with the gift of song and from the lyrics  ‘Old Hippie’  that was Ray’s perspective on life.  He is survived by his loving wife Georgia; daughter Alysha, two sons, Anthony and Jason (Cheyenne, WY), grandchildren, Alexis and Ethan, sister Nancy Balzer (Buffalo, NY), and numerous nephews and nieces.

We appreciate your condolences; but just as important please share your special memories and stories of Ray, as we all know his personality was electrifying and unforgettable.

Floyd B Cronin, 90, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. 

He was born in Foxworth, Mississippi on November 28, 1926. Floyd served 2 years in the Merchant Marines and 2 years in the US Army during WWII and the Korean War. Upon honorable discharge, he served a 2 year LDS mission in Central States, USA. He retired in 1991 from Ironworkers Union Local 75, where he was employed for over 30 years.

He loved his family of 6 children, 21 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren who brought him so much joy throughout his life. He dedicated his life to serving in various positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a fervent, strong testimony of his Savior. Floyd loved to dance and he led a very active life enjoying many friends and loved ones right up until his passing. His contagious smile and laugh will forever be remembered by so many.

Floyd is survived by his siblings Stanley Cronin and Dixie Rowley, sons Benny (Blanca) Cronin and Timothy (Laurel) Cronin, daughter Lori Slover (Kevin), 21 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Lindsay Bryant, mother Minerva A (Ball), brother Lexa Lee, sister Hilda, and 3 children Chris Robin, Linda Sue and Lisa Jo.

Visitation will be Friday, April 14, 2017 from 6-8 PM at Bunkers University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ  85213. Funeral services are Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1266 S. 32^nd St., Mesa, AZ  85204.

Daniel Mark Wilhelm, 49, passed away April 8, 2017 after a long illness.

He was born in Winslow, Arizona and moved to Tempe, Arizona as a preteen. His hobbies and interests included: cats, playing the guitar, writing, computers, studying and playing games with the kids.

With miraculous help from dear friends and family on both sides of the veil, he became a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving as an assistant to many Stake Executive Secretaries.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George “Bud” and Carol, and his sister-in-law Cindy Ann. He is survived by his step-daughter Jessica; his brothers and sisters, Gary (Julie), Cindy Lou, Crystal (Steve), and Aaron; his honorary sister Heather and her sons Jacob and Alec; and his long-awaited nephews and nieces, Sarah (Zach), Olivia. Dillon, Jacob and Kestin.

Funeral services will be held Saturday April 15, 2017 at 3 PM, preceded by a visitation at 2 PM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2707 S College Ave, Tempe AZ. 

Tanner Albert Barton, 64, passed away at his home in Apache Junction on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. He was born January 26, 1953 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Harmon Albert Barton and Lillian Reneer. He was raised on a farm in Kaysville, Utah.

The family moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1956 and Tanner attended Lehi Elementary, Kino Jr. High and graduated from Westwood High School in 1971. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ironwood Ward in Apache Junction. He served a mission to Frankfurt, Germany from 1973 to 1975.  Tanner attended Mesa Jr. College and became a member of the Mesa Fire Department where he served for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Harmon and Lillian Barton and his brother, Gordon Conway Barton. He is survived by brothers and a sister: Noel R. Barton (Pam), Farmington, Utah; H. Keith Barton, Mesa, Arizona; Denise Hagen (Jack), Arcadia, California; and Jon Stephen (Elizabeth) Mesa, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Saturday, April 15, 2017, from 9-11 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Graveside services and interment will be Monday, April 17, 2017 at 10 AM, at the Kaysville City Cemetery, 500 E. Crestwood Road, Kaysville, Utah.

Dorothy Jean Duke Curtis passed away unexpectedly in her home April 5, 2017.

Born to parents James Riley Duke and Mary Arlene Payne on April 25, 1961, she and her four older brothers quickly formed an incredible bond.

Remarkably beautiful inside and out, Dorothy is remembered for her deep belief in the greatness of others who crossed her path. The light, laughter and wisdom she brought to her family is unrivaled. She loved unconditionally.

She was preceded in death by her father Jim Duke, stepmother Wanda Duke, and eldest brother James Douglas Duke. She is survived by her husband Lee Curtis, her children Tiffiny Pico, Linndsy Flake, Jessica Kartchner and Bryce Curtis, and her four grandchildren Aiden, Bennett, Westlyn and Harrison. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Arlene Payne.

In lieu of flowers donations for the family can be made via PayPal account photosofdorothy@gmail.com. 

A visitation will be held Friday, April 14, 2017 from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 15, at 10 AM, with a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Menlo Park Ward, 2618 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa, Arizona.

Robert Eugene Moore, 60, passed away on April 5, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born on August 4, 1956 in Aurora, Colorado.  He is survived by his 5 children: 2 daughters Darby Dawn Morgan and Lacie Danielle Cooley; 3 sons Jaylon Robert Moore, Preston Lewis Robert Moore and Cody James “CJ” Moore. Arrangements are being handled by A Wise Choice Desert View Chapel, Mesa, Arizona. 480-626-6363.

Linda M. Connelly, 78 passed away on April 2, 2017 in Mesa, AZ.  She was born on August 3, 1938 in Joliet, IL.  As a child she attended Rockdale Grade School, Joliet Township High School and was a graduate of Joliet Junior College. She was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retired federal employee.  She volunteered at the City of Mesa Chamber of Commerce for several years and was an active member of NARFE.  She enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Hammer (Joe) of Queen Creek, AZ: son John “JR” Connelly (Becky) of Show Low, AZ; grandson Dalton Connelly of Scottsdale, AZ; brother David Farmer (Jane) of Export, PA and niece Lisa Rogue (Rick) of Longmeadow, MA.   She was preceded in death by her parents Curtis and Evelyn Farmer, husband John and grandson Gunnar Hammer. Private services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix.  Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker’s  University Chapel, 480-830-4105.

Born La Vonne June Parsons, she grew up in Guthrie County Iowa on a farm and cattle ranch.  She was the starting guard and won the Iowa high school state girls basketball championship in 1945! 

She married the love of her life, Russ Parsons on June 26, 1948. They settled in Des Moines and raised three boys, Doug, Jeff and Rick. All 3 were involved in sports and this was her life and she devoted herself to her family. Vonnie joked she went to work to pay the milk bill for her boys. She was the financial secretary at Iowa Methodist for 20 years. 

In 1989, she and Russ retired and moved to Mesa, where they built a beautiful home and enjoyed retirement with great gusto. They bought a cabin in Heber where they created some of the greatest memories her grandchildren ever had. She was every bit as great of gramma, as she was a mom to her 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren who adored her. Vonnie was a great cook, made running a busy household and entertaining look effortless, all with the most beautiful smile and great sense of humor.

Russ and Vonnie were married 68 years, and their love and devotion were an inspiration to all who knew them. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort knowing she is in heaven and we will see her again.

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.