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Wallace Dea Montague, Jr., 79, passed away at home on November 25, 2024. He was born on July 8, 1945, in Orange, California, to Wallace Dea Montague and Maxine Walker. His life was dedicated to his faith, family, and community.

Dea lived in several small Utah towns, with his older sister Carol and younger brothers Paul, Mark and John.  Growing up the family loved gardening, picnics in the canyons, and camping. Dea enjoyed student government, choir, sports, and the Boy Scouts.  He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Texas from 1964 to 1966.

He was elated when Marcia Lindblom agreed to marry him on August 18, 1967, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together, they raised nine children: Jenny (Randy) Richardson, Tyler (Tiffini), Trent (Mary Jo), Molly (JR) Wright, Jill (Evan) Jones, Kate (Jay) Arnett, David (Stephanie), Lindsey Sharp, and Mike (Mollie).  Dea loved being with his kids and rarely missed an event they were involved in.

Dea earned his Bachelors degree from BYU, and Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Dea gave full effort wherever he was asked to serve.  He especially enjoyed working in Scouting. Countless boys credit him for helping them earn the rank of Eagle Scout.  During his church service he helped develop programs for members struggling in a variety of situations, and was a champion for young single adults. He was very involved in the community, and especially supportive of Mesa Public Schools.

Sharing the gospel was a lifelong priority to Dea.  Serving with Marcia in the Colorado Denver North Mission from 2005 to 2008 was a joy for both of them. They have never stopped being missionaries.

He loved being with family. He looked for every opportunity to gather with them. Each of his family members knew how much they were loved by him. Most of all, he knew who he was, and why he was here on earth. He was a follower of Jesus Christ.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 30, at 11 AM at 613 N Stewart, Mesa, AZ. There will be opportunities to visit with the family following the service.

The service will be streamed here: https://zoom.us/j/91397996008?pwd=sBYNC7Cvav7cSWrWsU1gibAU7gsIBQ.1

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

With hearts full of love and fond memories, we announce the passing of BJ Garcia, 42 of Gilbert AZ.  Known for his big smile and bigger heart, he will be missed by both family and friends.

People and things that BJ loved, he loved deeply.  He especially loved his family, and they loved him immeasurably in return.

BJ loved motorcycles, music of all types, movies, comedy, and nature.  He watched Jean-Claude Van Damme movies like Bloodsport and Kickboxer every time he saw them on.  His favorite television show was It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and he quoted from it daily   and watched it before bed almost every night.  BJ was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan and had passionately followed them since childhood.

A devoted husband and father, BJ enjoyed spending time with his family watching football, golfing, going to movies, comedy shows, concerts, and spending time in Greer, AZ.

With his big heart and love for people BJ never passed up an opportunity to help others.

A Celebration of Life for BJ Garcia will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 1:00 until 4:00 PM at Together at The Landing, 2613 Thunderbird Circle, Mesa, AZ.  Please wear Hawaiian or San Francisco 49ers attire.

As BJ frequently quoted from Frank Reynolds of It’s Always Sunny, “Well, I don’t know how many years on this earth I got left.  I’m gonna get real weird with it.  Meanwhile, block the wind, I’m gonna roast this bone”.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

A Tribute to Karen Atwood West.

Today, we gather with full hearts to celebrate the life of Karen Atwood West, a remarkable woman who exemplified Christlike love and devotion throughout her time on this earth.

Karen’s life was a testament to her deep faith, her selfless service and her abiding love for her family and community. Her dedication to her church was unwavering and she found great joy in serving countless ways; always willing to lend a hand and uplift others with her kindness and compassion. Her faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ guided her every step and illuminated her path, inspiring all who knew her.

As a nurse, Karen carried that same spirit of service into her professional life. She had a gift for comforting others, for being present in their moments of need and for offering healing – not just through her skills but through her warm and empathetic presence. Many were touched by her and she became a source of hope and strength for countless individuals and families.

But above all, Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished her loved ones and built a home filled with love, laughter and faith. Her devotion to her family extended beyond this life, as she held a steadfast belief in the eternal nature of families. She found peace in the teachings of the Book of Mormon, particularly in the promise of eternal families. As we read in Mosiah 2:41 : “Consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end, they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.” This sacred truth gave Karen hope and it gives us hope today that we will be reunited with her again in a state of never-ending happiness through the eternal bonds of family.

Karen’s legacy is one of love, faith and service. Her life touched so many and her memory will continue to inspire us to follow her example of selflessness, kindness and devotion. We honor her today and we look forward with faith to the day when we will be reunited with her, embracing the eternal promise that she cherished so deeply.

We love you, Karen. Until we meet again.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Cynthia (Cindy) Lynn Rogers Decker, age 56, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 21, 2024, after a five-year journey with ovarian cancer, which she faced with courage, faith, kindness, humor, and grace. Cindy was born March 5, 1968, in San Diego, California to Harlon H. Rogers and Sharon Veneta Green Rogers. She married her eternal sweetheart David Lee Decker on July 31, 1987, by being sealed together in the Mesa Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Cindy developed a deep love for seeking truth through reading, research, and education.  This passion led her to graduate from Snowflake High School in 1986 with distinction, attend Brigham Young University (BYU) from 1986-1987, graduate from BYU Idaho Pathway in 2017, graduate with an associate’s degree from BYU Idaho in 2019, and then graduate with a bachelor’s degree in professional studies from BYU Idaho in December 2022, summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA.  She passed this love of learning along to her five children through her tender and selfless decision to homeschool her children from 1994-2003 and then again from 2008-2012.

She was a prolific researcher and writer and prepared several extensive books and manuscripts that she shared with friends and family including The Odyssey – Journal of a Homeschooling Mom (2017), A World Chronology of Ancient Civilizations (2017), The Words of Jesus of Nazareth (Extracted Textually from the New Testament) (2019), The Words of Jesus Christ (Extracted Textually from the Book of Mormon) (2019), On Eagle’s Wings: My Ovarian Cancer Journey (2021), REVERSAL: My Ovarian Cancer Journey, Part II (2024), and Isaiah in the Book of Mormon (2024).

Cindy grew to love family history and during her five-year cancer journey added countless memories to Family Search and other family history sources including several recorded and transcribed interviews with her parents, parents-in-law, and grandmother-in-law. She loved music and was an accomplished musician on both piano and guitar. She was an all-around outstanding athlete, having played on Snowflake High School’s first state championship softball team in 1986, several city and church championship softball teams, and in later years taking up golf.

Her steadfast faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ was a key foundation of Cindy’s life. She served with dedication as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as ward Young Women’s President, ward Relief Society President, Relief Society, Primary, and Sunday School teacher (including serving at her death as a Primary teacher with her husband Lee), ward Scout Committee Chair, stake Girl’s Camp Director, ward and Primary accompanist, and Primary chorister.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Lee Decker; her five children, Keri Ford, Camille Carrasquillo, Nikole Squires, Justin Decker, and Bryce Decker; her six grandchildren, Audrey Ford, Benson Ford, Bentley Carrasquillo, Max Ford, Isaac Carrasquillo, and Gwen Decker; her parents, Harlon Rogers and Sharon Green Rogers; and her two sisters, Suzie Webb and Karen Wood.

A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint chapel on 7752 E. McDowell Rd, Mesa, Arizona.  A family only viewing will be held Friday evening, November 29, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr, Mesa, Arizona.

If you are unable to attend the services, please click on the following link to livestream the service: https://zoom.us/j/97247984464

The following is a YouTube link to a slideshow:  https://youtu.be/ty2zOQLQOIE

Please click on the following link to view a video recording of Cindy’s funeral service:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QICGoVapbS894cCv4IXGZlFNJAVm2-8T

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Grant Durfee, 81, of Mesa, AZ, passed away on November 9, 2024. Born on July 28, 1943, in Vernal, Utah, Grant was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. He dedicated his life to his passion for mechanics, running a successful mechanics shop for many years.

Grant was known for his profound kindness and generosity. He was deeply dedicated to taking care of his family and was always willing to help anyone in need, reflecting the genuine love he had for others.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharlett Durfee; four children, Morris Durfee, Verl Durfee, Cory Durfee, and Tammy Cline; and nine grandchildren, Mark Durfee, Stephan Durfee, Brian Durfee, Kristen Page, Jacob Cline, Joshua Cline, Samuel Cline, Alyssa Elman, and Sara Dohm. He also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren, who will all cherish his memory.

A viewing will be held at Bunker Family Mortuary on November 22, 2024, from 6-8 PM, located at 3529 E University, Mesa, AZ 85213. Funeral services will take place at the LDS Church, located at 618 S. Signal Butte, Mesa, AZ 85207, at 10 AM, followed by a burial service at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201, at 12:30 PM.

Grant will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Kenneth Everett “Tony” Davis passed away on November 7, 2024. He fought a long battle with cancer, which he eventually lost.

He is left by his parents Arnold and Sue Davis, of Tempe, AZ, his sister Karen Davis (Nancy Pedersen) and his brother Craig Davis (Melanie). He is predeceased by his sister Carolyn Davis Gilson. Born as the youngest of four in 1963 in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

He learned to water ski at an early age and loved water all of his life. He was an avid fisherman, a passionate hunter and bowler. Ken lived his whole life in Arizona and loved the outdoors and all it had to offer him. Tony loved football, if the 49’ers were playing, he was watching. Ken was a loved son, brother and friend. He will be missed.

A public military service will be held on November 26, 2024, at 12:45pm at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/nmca.asp

Please see kiosk at main entrance for exact location.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Patricia Ann Gibson passed away on October 23rd, 2024 in Mesa, AZ.

The first child born to O.E. and Georgiann Turner came into the world on a blistering hot day in Buckeye, AZ.  They named her Patricia.  By the age of 5 she was assisting in the war effort by rolling bandages at her church and collecting rubber and scrap to drop off at school.  At the age of 18 she graduated from South Mountain High School in Phoenix, where she excelled at debate and was head cheerleader.

It’s impossible to highlight 85-plus years of a life well-lived, full of travel and adventure.  She lived from San Diego to Puerto Rico, and from Detroit to Del Rio, Texas.  At the age of 40 she graduated from Arizona State University and became an educator and climbed to the top of a Swiss Alp at 80 years young.

Patricia, know to her family and friends as Pat or “Aunt Pat,” is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Willam B. Gibson, a son, William B. Gibson, Jr., and sister, Sharon Drummond.  She leaves behind a son and daughter, Daniel Gibson of Los Angeles, CA and Helen Chlupsa of Payson, AZ, a sister and brother, Donna Strait and O.E. Turner, Jr., 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

To all who knew her, Pat was gregarious, humorous, unparalleled, irreplaceable, and unforgettable.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Our loving mother, Mariana Huish Francis, peacefully passed November 17, 2024 with her boys and family surrounding her.  Mariana was born July 13^th, 1932 to Beulah Haynie and Leo Nephi Huish in Douglas, Arizona. She was their seventh child of nine.  Her siblings were among her dearest friends.  Her two sons were her pride and joy.  Her grandchildren were her treasures.

Mariana attended school in Douglas through her freshman year.  She moved with her mother and siblings to Mesa, Arizona the Fall of 1946.  Mariana loved learning and graduated from Mesa High as a 16 year old, she was the Salutatorian, a member of the National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, Gash Tso Service club and was the editor of The Superstition yearbook.  She immediately started college and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1953, later obtaining a Master of Arts in Education in 1968 also from Arizona State University.

Mariana met the love of her life, Gene Hutchison Francis, at a church fireside.  They were married and sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on June 8^th, 1951.  Her husband only lived 9 more years and passed from a terminal illness leaving her with her two young boys.  Mariana, one of the strongest and educated women of her time, was able to provide for her family because of her education and her ability to teach.  She taught school for over 45 years. Gene Huish Francis was born August 14^th, 1953 in Mesa, Arizona and Bruce Rollins Francis was born February 21, 1957 in Ogden, Utah.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and spent her life serving others.  Christmas was one of her favorite seasons and we will miss her joyous laugh and her famous lemon merengue pie.   She had such a strong will and was a force for good.  Her grandchildren were so loved by her and she spent many hours playing marbles, Trouble, pick- up-sticks and hopscotch with them.   She loved holding all the grandbabies and had an endless supply of popsicles, crayons, colored pencils and markers.   She took pride in her home which was so well kept and her front yard was manicured perfectly. Family was so important to her and she kept in touch with so many loved ones and friends through the years.  She spent many hours organizing family records and hours and hours serving those around her.

Services for Mariana will be December 7^th, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel located at 2424 N Old Gilbert Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85213.  A viewing will be held at 9:00 am with services beginning at 10:00 am.   The internment will be at the South Morgan Cemetery in Morgan, Utah.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

William Sevey Sherman, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024. He was born September 6, 1949, in Gallup, New Mexico, and moved to Phoenix during childhood. He graduated from Maryvale High School in 1967. His working years were in warehousing and truck driving.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Margaret (Bartkoski), brothers Matt Sherman, Mark Sherman, and John Sherman, and sisters Sandi Brower, Patricia Rais, and Linda Sherman. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Bonifacio Sherman, his mother, Ruth Rais, and his brother, Luke Sherman.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 22, 2024:  9:00 a.m. visitation and 10:00 a.m. service at Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ  85201, with burial in Thatcher, Arizona at 3:00 p.m.

Sevey loved to ride on his motorcycle with Margaret (Maggie), and he bought his first Harley in 2000. It was a pretty rough ride, so in 2001 he traded it for a Softail and enjoyed riding it mostly for day trips. In 2006 he decided to buy a 2007 Harley Classic.

By 2008 he and Maggie decided they had room to pack and left on a 4,000 mile adventure. They left Arizona on Highway 89, going right up the middle of Utah, into Wyoming, back down through Colorado into Gallup, New Mexico, then back home to Phoenix. It was two weeks of beautiful sights, great weather, and no close calls on the road. So in 2009, he and Maggie did the adventurous 4,000 mile trip again. He kept the Harley until May 1, 2017, going on a lot of shorter adventures over the years.

Some of Sevey’s favorite places to visit were Williams, Arizona (he loved Bearizona Wildlife Park), Kanab, Utah (they had great classic car shows, where one year he found his 1967 Impala that he and Maggie enjoyed for four years), and Alpine, Arizona (he and Maggie loved sitting on the porch at Escudilla Mountain Cabins, watching for the motorcycles to go by).

Sevey loved Mexican food, especially Popo’s or anyplace someone recommended. He loved cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and watching Hawaii Five-O. Most of all, he loved his wife Maggie, and all of the fur babies that adopted them over the years.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Christine Franklin, 80, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away on Nov. 12 with her beloved husband, Robert, by her side.

She was born on Oct. 15, 1944 in Southington, Conn., to John Tedesco, a partner in the family automotive spring manufacturing business, and Tekla Tedesco, a homemaker, avid gardener and member of the Cheshire Garden Club.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Central Connecticut College before landing her first job as an assistant handbags buyer at the prestigious G. Fox & Company in Hartford.

It was there she met the love of her life, Robert Franklin. The connection was instant, and the two married on Valentine’s Day 1967.  Five years later, the couple welcomed daughter Kimberly to the family, and she became the center of their world.

At the time, Franklins resided in Rhode Island before making the trek west in 1981, where they built a new life in sunny Arizona, owning and operating two successful small businesses. Franklin quenched her thirst for all things fashion by working part-time at what would become Macy’s Department Store. She would spend the next nearly 30 years with the company, eventually serving as the full-time executive assistant to the Arizona division president.

Franklin’s zest for life was contagious. She was up for anything – from attending a professional football game in Arizona’s sweltering summer heart to pedaling down Maui’s Hana Highway to eating her way through Italy with her family. Her love for cooking was driven by a simple truth: Franklin loved to eat. Her baked stuffed shrimp and prime rib became staples during the holidays.

Franklin’s kindness, generosity and tender heart made her a cherished friend to many. She had a knack for making those around her feel special, listening to them without passing judgment and celebrating their achievements as if they were her own.

She is survived by her husband, Robert, brother William Tedesco of Smethport, Pa., and daughter Kim Franklin Withee (Eric) of Hermosa Beach, Calif.

A celebration of Franklin’s life will take place at Desert Botanical Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org/) or Hospice of the Valley (https://www.hov.org/).

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Evelyne A. Gunderson born on August 9th 1935 in Kentucky. She was the daughter of Martha and Benjamin Clark.  She passed away peacefully on 11/ 06/2024.

She was dearly loved by her 7 children: Janet West , Mark West, Kootela Mikels, Jack Payne, Jerry Payne, Sherry Cheek, Mitchell Payne, stepdaughter Kelly Gunderson and 24 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Evelyne will be laid to rest beside her husband Raymond Gunderson on 11/20/24 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Visitation is on 11/20/2024 from 10 am to 12 pm at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 North centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Everett Raymond Amundson (78) of Queen Creek, AZ passed peacefully on November 8, 2024, attended by his devoted wife, Kathleen (Gacek) Amundson at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, AZ.

Everett, known as Ev or more affectionately by his family as D, Gramps or (his favorite) Grandfather Sir, was born to Dorothy Mae (Robbins) Ebetsch and Elven John Amundson on July 18,1946 in Chicago, IL.

He was a man of many talents and interests. He studied music at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and played in the Marching Illini marching band (Oskee wow-wow!), as well as a variety of rock bands including Fat Water (who pressed an album – check it out on Spotify or Apple Music). His entrepreneurial nature led him to start his own businesses, the most successful of which (and the one he retired from) was Amundson & Associates working with state legislatures and courts to promote traffic safety.

In his retirement, interested in his wife’s quilting hobby, he took up long arm quilting, providing beautiful finishes to his wife’s quilts as well as others, but spent most of his quilting time donating his services to finish patriotic quilts made for veterans by quilt volunteers. He was a man of strong opinions and sharped tooth sarcasm that somehow just made him more charming.

He loved bantering and people enjoyed engaging with him and the chance to give back what he was dishing out. He could also be serious on occasion, caring deeply for the wellbeing of his family and his dogs. He was king of handing out nicknames that stuck like super glue, whether you liked it or not.

He is survived by his wife Kathy (Ume), their 2 children Kristin (Daw) and husband David, and Nils (Boy) and wife Charlotte; 4 grandchildren Erik (Yak) and wife Aly, Nicole (Coley), Ryan (BR) and Keira (Beulah); and great granddaughter Lilly (ZuZu). As well as his siblings Elven (Wad), Kenneth (Kenno) and Ellen (Enna).

He had a few traditions he liked to follow and the one he most insisted on is the annual Christmas Eve viewing of the film It’s a Wonderful Life (IN BLACK AND WHITE, DAMMIT) with much good-natured eye rolling, sarcastic comments and heartfelt appreciation from his family. His last words “It’s been a good life.” is a comfort and reminder to all of us to choose what matters to us everyday and don’t let anything stand in your way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at one of his favorite places, Lake Wildwood in Illinois, on his birthday weekend July 18, 2025, with more details forthcoming.

Donations in memory of Everett Amundson are requested to be made to the Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Blaine Langerman, born in Rapid City, South Dakota, and a resident of Mesa, Arizona, passed away surrounded by family. Blaine spent his career in construction, serving as a project manager for several notable buildings in the Phoenix area after a long tenure with Rhino Construction. He retired ten years ago and found his greatest joy in his family, who knew him lovingly as Grandpa, Paw Paw, and Goofball.

Blaine is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pam, and his two children, Lisa Self and Tom Langerman. He also leaves behind his brother, Mike Langerman, and sister, Cindy Bojack, as well as five adoring grandchildren: Hendrix Blackburn, Rosemary Blackburn, Jack Self, Reese Langerman, and Hudson Langerman.

Blaine, who never met a stranger, cherished the outdoors and was always the life of the party. A celebration of his life will be held on November 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Mi Amigos in Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Blaine’s memory be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

H. Gordon Shields died November 5, 2024. He was born in in 1932 in Seattle, Washington, to Murray William and Helen Brock Shields. He grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, and after World War II, the family moved to Florida. He graduated from Gainesville High School and the University of Florida. He was very involved in school activities in both high school and university. At the University of Florida he majored in industrial and mechanical engineering and was a member of the Sign Chi fraternity (Life Loyal Sig) and the Florida Blue Key Honor Fraternity, among others.

After graduation, he worked for a short time as a test engineer for General Electric Company in Louisville, Kentucky. He then entered pilot training in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot on active duty and in the flying reserves for more than seven years after receiving his silver wings (Senior Pilot). After being released from active duty the first time, he worked as a process engineer for Aero-Jet General on the Navy’s “Polaris” submarine launched IRBM, and as a development engineer for Thiokol Chemical on the Air Force’s “Minuteman” ICBM.

He married Sharon Reneer in 1959, and four children were born to the couple. The four children include Shauna, Scott (Kimberly), Karin Myers (Mark), and Mark (Cami). Seventeen grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren also survive him. In addition, his brother Roger, Sharon, the wife of deceased brother Lamar, and Janet, the wife of his deceased brother, Clinton, and their families also survive him.

Shields received a J.D. degree from the University of Utah, and an L.L.M. degree from The George Washington University. In 1966, the family moved to Arizona. He received his fifty-year certificate as an active member of the State Bar of Arizona in 2019. He was admitted to practice before all Arizona state and federal courts, the Courts of Appeal for the Ninth and Federal Circuits, the United States Patent Office, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He practiced intellectual property law in Phoenix and Mesa before retiring. Shields was one of the founding attorneys of the Intellectual Property Section of the State Bar of Arizona and served as chairman of the Section.

He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and over the years he held many branch, ward, and stake callings, including an ordinance worker in the Mesa Temple.

Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 1455 North Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona, on November 30 at 10:00 a.m. A viewing will not be held, but the family would be pleased to welcome friends and family from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

If you are unable to attend the services, please click on the following link to livestream the service: https://www.youtube.com/live/xTOxhPuy1iU

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Victorio Varela Alonso, passed away unexpectedly on November 11, 2024, at the age of 80. He joins his wife Geronima Campos who passed this last December. 

Victorio was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He was a hard-working man. He loved his family very much and always was there when needed. 

Survivors include: 

Children: David Varela, Leonor Varela, Marcelina Varela,María de Jesús Varela, Geronimo Varela, Elena Varela, Jose Cleofas Varela, José de Jesús Varela, Catalina Varela.

Siblings: Jose Cruz Varela Alonso, Pedro Varela, Pascual Varela, Maria Yolanda Varela Alonso , Lidia Varela Alonso, Francisca Varela Alonso, Imelda Habertine Varela Alonso. 

Viewing Date: 11/20/2024

Viewing Time: 4:00 PM to 11:00 AM

Viewing Location: Residence – Mesa, AZ 

Mass Date: 11/21/2024

Mass Time: 12:00 PM

Mass Location: Christ The King Catholic Church 

1551 E. Dana Ave., Mesa AZ  85204

Service Date: 11/21/2024

Service Time: 1:00 PM

Service Location: Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery 

1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa AZ  85204

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Ernesto Chavez, known to many as Ernie or Teto, passed away at the age of 57 on November 6, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona. His departure was sudden and premature, but he was surrounded by his family—the people who mattered most to him.

Ernesto was born on May 16, 1967, to Rita Ibarguen and Hermes Chavez in Cali, Colombia. He spent the first 10 years of his life there before moving to California. In 1991, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a missionary in San Jose, California, from 1993 to 1995. He dedicated his life to serving God and was a devout disciple of Jesus Christ.

He married Julia Enriquez, for time and all eternity in the Mesa Temple on December 20th, 1996. Together they had three boys who filled his life with meaning, laughter, and chaos. He lived a selfless life dedicating most of his time to his wife, children, and their family business.

Ernesto was someone that could do it all; no challenge or task was too hard for him to complete. He loved fixing cars, cooking, gardening and even sewing. His best qualities were his patience, determination, and willingness to help others. 

Ernesto left an everlasting impression on those who knew him. He leaves behind his loving wife Julia Chavez, Esaias and Aubrey Chavez (Son/Daughter-in-law), Jojo and Elle Chavez (Son/Daughter-in-law), and Samuel Chavez (Son). He was reunited with his father, and leaves behind his mother Rita, two brothers and five sisters.

We will miss him deeply, but we trust in God, just like Ernesto did. His legacy of laughter and service will continue through his posterity. 

Funeral Service is Friday, November 15th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 10305 E Southern Ave Mesa, AZ 85209.

Viewing 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm and the Funeral at 1:30 pm.

Graveside service to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Ernesto’s family and can be reached here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ernesto-chavezs-family-in-their-time-of-need

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.