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Dorothy “Dot” Beer, 88, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2017.

She enjoyed baking, reading, traveling and volunteering at the library. Dot loved her dogs and valued their companionship. She is survived by her husband John, children Kim Paltz and John Michael, her sister Cathy Hutchison and 5 grandchildren. Memorial services are Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 1 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

A. Kent Carpenter, 91, passed away February 3, 2017 surrounded by loved ones at his home of 57 years in Mesa, Arizona.

Born in Central, Arizona on May 15, 1925, he was the second son of Lester Carpenter and Elizabeth Fuller, and a brother to Weston, Iva, Mary Lou, Bessie, Nellie and Rosealie. He was raised in Eden and Ashurst, Arizona and graduated high school from Fort Thomas High.

Kent was a WWII veteran, drafted into the Army after high school. He served in Germany as a combat infantryman in the 330^th Infantry and was part of the infantry liberating the Jews after the Battle of the Bulge. On April 10, 1945 he was wounded and was awarded the combat infantryman’s badge and the Purple Heart while in a hospital in Vittel, France and spent many months recovering in a California Army hospital.

Throughout his life Kent worked in construction, was employed with the U.S. Post Office, Sperry Rand, Motorola, and retired as the Chief Building Inspector for the City of Mesa.

On September 17, 1946 he married his sweetheart, Alice Nulton for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They were married for 60 years before her passing in 2007.

As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the gospel, service and missionary work, and his family were his priorities. He and Alice served in the Mesa Arizona Temple for seven years.

Family members describe him as generous, dedicated, honorable, patriotic, loyal and humorous. He loved country music, the guitar, Andy Griffith, ham radio, was a ‘Jack’ of all trades, and his wife, not necessarily in that order.

He was a dedicated father to his seven children, Stephen K. Carpenter (Sandi) of Mesa, AZ, Melvin J. Carpenter (Laura) of Mesa, AZ, Marie Meacham (Ed) of Ketchikan, AK, Elaine Hill (Ed) of Mesa, AZ., Stanley F. Carpenter (Allison) of Mesa, AZ., Leann Shelley (Norman) of Mesa, AZ, and Lori E. Carrillo (Andy) of Mesa, AZ. Thirty-three grandchildren were blessed to call him grandpa or papa. His legacy continues on thru his 34 great-grandchildren.

Kent was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother, who was his best friend, and all his sisters except Bessie.

Funeral services are Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 613 N. Stewart St. in Mesa. 

James Neslen Chapman, 90, passed away February 2, 2017 surrounded by loved ones at his daughter’s home in Gilbert, AZ.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 15, 1926, he was the son of Isaac Earl Chapman and Althea Ferrell Orr, and a brother to Althea Virginia Alley, Earl “Bud” Isaac Chapman, Elwin “Lee” Leland Chapman Sr, and Rodney Orr Chapman.

He was raised and educated in Magna, Utah. He loved the quaint small town of Magna and upon his return from the Navy, started a family there. He later moved to Pomona, California and Mesa, Arizona.

James was a WWII veteran after joining the U.S. Navy at the young age of 17. He served on a PT boat in the South Pacific. Throughout his life he was employed by Kennecott Copper Company, the LDS Church Offices, the Department of Defense, among others.

On July 25, 1947 he married his sweetheart, Carol Beth Larson. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple. They were married for 55 years (passing away on the same day, 14 years apart).

As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the gospel, service and missionary work were his priority. He was called to serve in the New Zealand mission for three years, leaving behind his dear wife and two small children. His passion for missionary work continued as he and Carol served in the England Manchester Mission, working in Manchester, on the Isle of Man, and in Northern Wales. They also served together on a full-time mission at the Family History Center in Mesa, Arizona.

Family members describe him as generous, a gentleman, reflective, honorable, patriotic, loyal and witty. He loved music, sports, western movies and his wife’s good cooking.

He was a dedicated father to Rodney Kent Chapman (Cheryl) of Mesa, AZ, Randy Kay Judkins (Jim) of Tucson, AZ,  Richard Kevin Chapman (Lori) of Liberty, MO, and Robyn Karol Reynolds (Dale) of Gilbert, AZ. Fourteen grandchildren were blessed to call him grandpa: Stacey (Jake), Tammy (Andrew), Kenny (Dori), Katie (Ryan), Jeff, Ryan (Amy), Whitney (Evan), Derek, Alissa (Brad), Kailey (Matthew), Kristen, DJ (Leilani), Sarah (Matt) and Kelsie. His legacy continues on thru his 23 great- grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister Virginia, brothers Bud and Lee, and son Kent.

Funeral services are Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 11AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1155 E Ray Rd. in Gilbert.

Donald L. “Dutch” Crandell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather was born May 24, 1926, and left this life January 11, 2017, 10 days short of 10 years after his beloved wife, Emma.  He was a man of deep faith, physical strength, and endless service to family and friends.  He was unapologetically friendly saying he never met a stranger, only friends he hadn’t met yet (one of his many “Dutchisms”).  He was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and wit, coupled with a unique ability to tell stories; he left many a listener wanting more.  Dutch was a member of the “Greatest Generation” having enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and served as Gunners Mate aboard a Liberty ship until his discharge in 1946.  He was trained as a diesel mechanic specifically working on aviation refuelers for Standard Oil until his retirement in 1978.  His expert welding skills proved valuable as he blessed the lives of many from California to Arizona to Illinois.  Dutch and Emma served two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in Mesa, Arizona at the Family History Center and then in Nauvoo, Illinois.  He is missed by his four children, Donna Flake (Bill), Marsha Jarman (Doug), Paul Crandell (Jennifer), and Barbra Bradford (Terry); surviving siblings, Kay Morris, Julia Uchytil, Delbert Crandell, Harriet Rush, Donavon Crandell,  and J.R. Crandell; as well as 22 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, all of whom were a blessing of great joy and support to him.

A viewing will be held Thursday January 19, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bunker Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centenniel Way, Mesa.  Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa East Stake Center, at 2228 E. Brown Rd, on Friday January 20^th at 2:00 pm, with a visitation 1-1:45 pm. Interment will be in Heber, Arizona next to the love of his life, Emma.

Osceola Mary Weingard (1928-2017)

“Auzzie”

Osceola Weingard was born September 6, 1928 and died on January 30, 2017 at the age of 88.  Auzzie married Thomas Leroy Weingard on January 16, 1950.  Tom and Auzzie had three girls: Peggy Toole (Chris), Bev Korsen (Jim) and Jennie Bradfield (Robert) seven grandchildren: Natalie Blackmarr (Ryan), Mike Nobriga, Michelle Nobriga, Jessica Bradfield, Jason Bradfield, Erin Tinker (Jared) and Emily Bradfield as well as four great-grandchildren: Seth and Jamie Doyle, and Reed and Lucy Tinker.  Auzzie has a surviving brother and sister; Spence Stimler and Helen McEvoy.

Auzzie was born in Foley, Minnesota to a large family of ten.  She had six brothers and two sisters, and as the oldest girl she was the caretaker of all, especially to her disabled brother Jr. who she loved with all of her heart. She graduated high school in 1946, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1949 where she served for 3 years.  She met her husband of 52 years, Tom, while they were both in the Navy. Together they traveled to and lived in a number of places, the furthest of them the Philippine Islands.

Auzzie loved life and had great talents which she exhibited by the quilts that she made, the sweaters she knitted, the clothes she sewed, the pies she baked, the snowball cookies she perfected and especially the people she loved. Auzzie loved going for walks, spending time with her family, kissing grandbabies, playing games, Chocolate, and peanut butter and marshmallow whip on toast.

Auzzie joined the LDS church in 1972, she loved the gospel and was dedicated to serving the Lord in whatever capacity she was called to. She served in many callings in the Relief Society, and genealogy. She loved the women of the church, and served as Relief Society President in Poway, California where she was greatly loved. When she and Tom retired to Washington she endeared herself to everyone in the Steilacoom ward. She and Tom served for many years as temple workers in the Seattle Temple, and she perfected the art of the ward bulletin, serving in that capacity for nearly 20 years. Auzzie spent her last 5 years in the Elliot ward, making friends, sharing her testimony of Jesus Christ and serving in whatever way she could.

Auzzie’s greatest calling in life was as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her daughters completely and dedicated her life to raising them and making a home for her husband and children. She was a dedicated grandmother always going out of her way to make sure she was actively involved in their lives. She was greatly loved by her daughters and all of her grandchildren who feel blessed to have been her family.

Services will be held Wednesday February 8, 2017 at 10:30 am at the LDS Chapel on Greenfield Road, in Gilbert, Arizona. (234 S. Greenfield Rd.) We welcome all who would like to come help us celebrate her life

Osceola M. Weingard will be laid to rest in the Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 Southeast 240^th Street, Kent, King County, Washington 98042

Arrangements are under the care of Bunker Family Funerals 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa AZ 85213 480-830-4105 www.bunkerfuneral.com

Lana Tucker, 71, passed away peacefully on January 29th, 2017 surrounded by her loving husband and children after spending the afternoon with her entire family. She died of causes incident to Scleroderma and kidney failure.

Lana grew up in Snowflake, Arizona as the youngest of seven children, where she enjoyed cheerleading, western dancing, and socializing with her many friends. She loved to play the piano, violin, and sing in the school choir. Lana graduated from Snowflake High in 1963 (she loved the Lobos). After graduation she attended MCC, ASU, and BYU. On June 14th 1974 she married her devoted husband of 42 years, Terry Tucker. Lana and Terry lived in Mesa all their married life raising four wonderful children. (Ryan, Rachel, Holly, and Natalie) Lana was a loving homemaker and found great joy in serving and raising her children. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving as Relief Society President and especially in the Young Women’s. Lana and Terry served two service missions to the Young Single Adults. She enjoyed shopping, fashion, traveling (especially cruises), and family vacations at the beach. Lana always remembered birthdays and enjoyed taking her children and grandchildren birthday shopping and to lunch. Lana was the life of the party and loved to entertain her family with her dance moves, made up songs, and corny jokes. She loved talking on the phone, painting her nails, writing thank you notes, and watching wheel of fortune.

She is survived by her husband Terry, her son Ryan (Jennifer), her daughters Rachel Cunningham (Brett), Holly Gibb (Ryan), Natalie Todd (Dave) and 16 beautiful grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Dale and Hal and sisters Flora Porter and Janell Daves. She was preceded in death by her parents Orlando W. Hatch and Viva Gardner. She was also preceded in death by her brother Larry and sister Velma Jennings.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 3rd from 6-8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Services will be Saturday, February 4th at 10am at the LDS chapel, 1415 E. Southern Ave, Mesa, with a viewing one hour before the service. Graveside service and interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery after the funeral.

Bradley Burton Moore, 29, passed away January 24, 2017. He was born on August 15, 1987 in Safford, Arizona.

Brad was a very friendly loving guy and was kind to everyone. He had a big heart. Brad loved music and books and was a deep thinker. He loved to spend time with his family. He was amazing with his nephews and nieces. He was very athletic and he loved the outdoors. Brad had a contagious laugh and smile. He was loved by everyone and will be deeply missed.

Brad is survived by his parents Larry and Kim, sisters Kortney (Garrett) Sparks, Lyndsey (Jeremy) Stalter, nieces Sienna and Scarlett Sparks and Jaxxie Stalter, nephews Wyatt Ferguson and Carter Sparks, grandparents Art and Linda Moore and Stan and Lynn Smith, and girlfriend Aleksandra Tesanovic. He also leaves behind a huge extended family. He was preceded in death by his Mimi Pat Moore and his uncles Art Moore Jr. and Tanner Smith.

Funeral services will be Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1521 E. Bella Vista Road, Queen Creek, Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Martha Ellen “Marty” Mabry Crookston, 78, passed away peacefully at home in Tempe, AZ on January 27, 2017 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Childress, TX on September 17, 1938 to James Vance and Reba Irene Riddle Mabry. Marty lost her parents by the age of two and was raised by her grandmother, Nannie Nickell Riddle. She lived in Arizona most of her life and attended Phoenix Union High School and Phoenix College. Marty worked many retail and administrative jobs throughout her life, but the titles she loved most were devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her life was spent in service to others and the Lord. Her Christ-like love for her family and friends was admired by all who knew her.

Marty is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Stephen Thomas Crookston; her four daughters: Nancy Ellen Skidmore (Brett), Terri Ann Crookston, Cindy Lynn Jimenez (Mario), and Stacy Jane Crookston; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and a large extended family.

Funeral services are Saturday, February 4, 2017, at 11:00 AM, preceded by visitation at 9:30 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4525 E. Knox Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044.

Alan Mark Seiter, born Sept. 17, 1975, passed away January 24, 2017. He was born to Steven and Shara-Dee Haddon Seiter. He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Tucker Seiter and by his children Kiersten, Carson, Halle, and Ryan.

Alan has 6 brothers, Bret, Paul, Nathan, Jonathan, Brandon, Aaron, and three sisters, Jana Lindberg, Juliana Miller and Liann Seiter. Alan would want to pay tribute to his supportive in-laws, Stephen and Kathy Tucker, who loved him dearly.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 933 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ.

Richard “Dick” Earl Gadberry, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2017 in Mesa, AZ.

Richard was born on April 25, 1932 in Sullivan, Indiana to Angelo Burr Gadberry and Lucille Irene Hutchison Gadberry.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lois Allene (Germaine) Gadberry, his daughter, Jana Crowe, his brothers, Ernest, William, Claude, Harvey, and Wilford Gadberry, and his sisters, Mary Riedell, Ruth Corbin, Mildred Cordes, Catherine Sargent, Barbara Bruce, Betty Pope, and Sharon Fischer.  He is survived by his sister, Alma Lufcy, his five children, Robert Gadberry, Jeri Weathersby (Scott), Michael Gadberry, Patricia Oliver (Michael), Richard Gadberry (Angie), 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Dick loved hard work and was always found to be busy.  He was intelligent, creative, and determined—qualities that would serve him well as one of the top electronic engineers in the field.  He was kind, caring and generous and used these virtues to bless the lives of many, both within and outside of his family.  Dick was an Indiana farm boy to the end, but he developed a great love for the Sonoran Desert and could tell you at first glance the name of any desert bush, tree or plant.  He loved the outdoors!

While Dick will be sorely missed by all who knew him, his legacy, stalwart example and generosity of love and spirit will live in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 2, from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services will be Friday, February 3 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Church building, 1150 N. Lindsay Rd, Gilbert, AZ.

Michelle Alvis-White, 33, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017 after a car accident. Michelle was born in Mesa, AZ on October 11, 1983. Michelle lived a life of service from a young age and was the Citywide Volunteer Coordinator for the City of Mesa.  Michelle loved giving back to the residents of her hometown and organized volunteers and events which served the entire community.  She never met a stranger and helped all who crossed her path.

Michelle’s love of animals began through her involvement in 4-H as a young child.  She raised horses, cattle, chickens, turkeys, guinea hens, and she loved her dogs.  She has passed this love of animals to her young son, her cowboy in training.

She is survived by her husband David, son Zane, parents Mike and Pat, sisters Beth (Domingo) and Samantha, niece Anna, Uncle Dell (Beverly), grandmother Pat and many cousins.  She was proceeded in death by her Grandmother Mary Edith, her Uncle Joe, father-in-law Frank, and her beloved Callie.

A celebration of life is planned for Friday, January 27 at 2:00 PM at the Kimball East Stake Offices.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Michelle’s honor for her 2-year old son Zane has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/michelle-alviswhite-memorial-fund.

Lloyd David Smith, 85, passed away January 24, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Friday, February 3, 2017 at 11 AM, with a visitation at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3920 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Bonnie Lee Small passed away peacefully on January 24, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.  She is survived by her husband Robert Small and three sons, Robert Jr., Douglas and Keith Small.  Three Sisters Gwendolyn Locke, of W. Brookfield, MA, Carole Lopez of Oakley, CA and Linda Soboleski of Spencer, MA.

Bonnie was a bookkeeper at Sun Country Aviation owned by her and her husband.  Bonnie led a very happy and active life filled with family and friends.  Bonnie loved the ocean, going to the casino, watching the Arizona Cardinals, thrift shopping, and caring for her two little dogs, Baby and Missy.  No calling hours.  Services are private.  Contributions may be made in her name to a charity of your choice.

EDWARD DAVID THIEL

Born in Detroit, Michigan, March 17, 1949.  Died January 18, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by his family after his short fight with pancreatic cancer.  Ed was predeceased by his parents, Albert Herman Thiel & Germaine Janette (Doucette) Thiel.

Ed served in the Air Force from September 16, 1968 to June 2,  1972.  He served one year as a medic in 1970 where he received an accommodation and silver star while stationed at Da Nang, Viet Nam and remained in touch with many of his military friends.

Ed resided in Traverse City, Michigan after his return from the service.  He retired from Sara Lee Bakery after 33 years.  He met the love of his life, Sharon (Flora) in Traverse City, Michigan.  They married May 15th, 2001 and moved to Mesa, Arizona in 2007.

Ed’s love of sports led to his coaching his sons in baseball and football for many years.  It also led to  his being able to half finish a dream of visiting all major league baseball parks with Sharon.  Ed was also able to complete another of his dreams by working for the Arizona Diamond Backs and Phoenix Suns for eight years.  He was also very happy about being able to make contact and staying in touch with many of his boyhood friends from his days in Detroit, MI.

Ed is survived by his wife Sharon, children, Mark Edward Thiel, Phoenix, Arizona; Thomas Ryan Thiel, Flagstaff, Arizona; Teri Lynn (Flora) Selick (Steve), Watetown, New Jersey; Richard James Flora (Mel) Traverse City, Michigan; sisters Janet Ann Thiel, Sierra Vista, Arizona; Elaine Marie Glowacki, Traverse City, Michigan and nine grandchildren.  Kayden Lugo; Abram Thiel; Xavier Selick; Xander Selick; Lillyan Flora; Zoey Flora; Jade Neahr; Brooke Zalokar; Ashtyn Platko.  Nephews Frank Glowacki (Kim), Charlotte, North Carolina; Michael Glowacki (Gail) Traverse City, Michigan; Sheryl Glowacki (Shapp, Bryan).  Nieces & nephews Amanda Glowacki; Heather Glowacki (LeCureux, Jonathan); Brandon Glowacki (Jessica); Scott Shaff (Morgen) and Keith Shaff.

He was a member of Christ the King Church, Mesa, Arizona.  Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at the church Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 10:00am.

Dorothy Lorraine Shimkus, 82, passed away January 23, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will be Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 5-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Friday, January 27, 2017 at 1 PM at the same location.

Paula Jean Ballard was born January 15, 1960 in Whiteriver, Arizona.  She was a proud member of the White Mountain Apache tribe from the Biszaha clan.  She passed away unexpectedly January 17, 2017.  She was the daughter of William Ballard, Sr. and Roxy Amos.  After her parent’s death Paula lived with her older brother, William Ballard, Jr. and Sharon Gray, in St. Johns, Arizona.

She was a graduate of St. Johns High School then continued her education at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.  She successfully served a Mission in Independence, Missouri for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She was employed by the Mesa School District in 1998 until the present.  She loved working at Franklin East Elementary School.

She loved the mountains for camping, fishing and reading. She was a fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Arizona Cardinals.

She is survived by her sisters, India Williams, of Kingman, Arizona, and Rebecca Vernon and husband Michael of Maple Ridge, BC, Canada as well as all her many nieces and nephews and their families.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and both brothers, William Ballard, Jr. and Ronald Scott Ballard.

Paula will be remembered for her everlasting faith.  Paula was loved by her friends and her family.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel, 422 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona at 11:00 am.