Find An Obituary

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

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.