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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.

Daniel “Dan” Gene Collins, 82, Mesa, AZ, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a friend to everyone he met, passed from our presence on Saturday, April 1, 2017 after a sudden illness.  

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Jennie Collins, sisters June and Katherine, brother Elmer, first wife Nancy B. Platts Collins, second wife Norma Nelson Brooks Collins, and daughter Penny Rose.

He was survived by his brother John Collins, wife Anneva Whipple McCain Collins, children, Alice Ormiston, Chuck and Kathy Collins, Kirk and Sue Collins, 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Dan was born in Neodesha Kansas, but spent a fair amount of time in Oregon as a child. Dan served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He raised his 4 children with his first wife, Nancy, in Washington. Dan met Nancy when they both worked at Boeing. For a while Dan worked at the Hanford Nuclear Power Plant in WA. Dan retired from Boeing in 1997.

After the passing of Nancy, Dan married Norma. They split their retirement days between Mesa AZ and Burien WA. They welcomed their beloved dog, Charlie. Dan and Charlie were travel companions and made many airplane trips together. Dan married Anneva after the loss of Norma.

Dan was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for over 50 years. He loved doing genealogy and had served at the Seattle Temple.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 11 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 5620 East Adobe Road MESA, Arizona 85205 Interment will be in Everett WA.

Mark Arlo Davidson, passed away, peacefully in his sleep, from Congestive Heart Failure at his home in Gilbert, Arizona on March 26, 2017, at the age of 44. He was born in Provo, Utah on November 12, 1972 to J. Stephen and Judith Davidson and was the third out of eight children. When Mark was a baby the family moved to San Diego, then Fairfield, and finally settled down in Vacaville, CA in 1975 where they stayed until the children were grown. Mark graduated from Vacaville High School in 1990 and soon after served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints In San Antonio, Texas (Spanish Speaking) from 1991-1993. As a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mark willingly served as a volunteer in many different capacities, including countless years in the church choir , ward mission leader and as a Sunday school teacher. His faith was strong and his heart was big. If there is one word that best describes him it is : Passionate. From a young age, one of Mark’s greatest passions was music. Starting at the age of 11 through age 18, Mark sang baritone then later bass, in his family barbershop quartet (The Davidson Forever Family), with his dad and two sisters, Wendy and Lisa. They performed opening day at Marine World Africa U.S.A. (now Six Flags Discovery Kingdom) in Vallejo, California and continued performing there for seven years. He continued this singing tradition, started by his father, by singing bass in many different barbershop quartets and choruses throughout his life in the different places he has lived.

Mark married “The Love of his life” Bridget Ann King, on January 11, 1997 in the Portland, Oregon LDS temple. He and Bridget welcomed three beautiful children into their lives in October 2008: Monique (11), Marcus (9), and Michael (8), and anxiously anticipated when they would permanently become a part of their family. Soon after, their family was complete with the birth of Darrigan in November of 2009. The three oldest children were officially adopted in November of 2010 and then the pinnacle came when they were sealed together forever as a family in the Sacramento LDS temple in February 2011. His family was his EVERYTHING!!!

Mark had a love of driving and made it his career of choice. The majority of his career was spent driving for Brinks Armoured Trucks. He also enjoyed driving limousines and for Uber. The last few years of his life, he became extremely passionate about the dangers of texting and driving. He founded and was CEO of the non-profit organization, DRIVE CELL FREE, and spent much of his time traveling and educating others on the risks of distracted driving.

Life changed drastically for Mark and his family, when he was diagnosed with familial Cardiomyopathy in November of 2014. He soon was unable to work and his quality of life deteriorated progressively until it was recommended that he get evaluated for a heart transplant. Unfortunately, due to health insurance issues, he was unable to receive a heart transplant in time.

Mark is survived by: wife Bridget Ann King Davidson; 4 children: Monique Ann (Oliver) Ames; Marcus Anthony, Michael Arlo, and Darrigan King Davidson; 1 Brother and 6 sisters; Angela (Evan) Weinzinger, Wendy (Russ) Gentry, Lisa Davidson Maslen, Melia Davidson Peterson, Char (Oliver) Tanner, Trent (Emily) Davidson, and Mary(Justin) Prillwitz; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: J. Stephen and Judith Davidson.

Funeral service on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 10 am (viewing at 9 am) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2958 S. Recker Road Gilbert, AZ

Graveside Service Immediately Following Final Resting Place:

Valley of the Sun Cemetery 10940 East Chandler Heights Road Chandler, AZ

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Mark Davidson Children’s College Fund Payable to Bridget Davidson (wife) 3610 S. Winter Lane Gilbert, Az 85297 or Bridget Davidson on Venmo

Barbershop Harmony Society:
Payable to Harmony Foundation International  harmonyfoundation.org or by mail: 110 7th Ave. North Ste. 200
Nashville, TN 37203