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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.

Ryne Starr Zahner, 26, passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2017 in Tempe, AZ.

He was born in Peoria, Illinois on February 28, 1990 and moved to Arizona in 1999. He attended Skyline High School where he played baseball and graduated in 2008. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in both History and Math from Arizona State University in 2012. He earned his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University in 2015 and recently received his Principal certification. He was currently in his 5^th year of teaching Math at Mesa High School. He loved being a teacher and the impact he had on his students.

Ryne was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed watching USC football and Duke basketball. He loved country music and hanging out with family and friends.  He was well respected and a friend to everyone. He was often described as outgoing, caring, funny, and charismatic.

He is survived by his parents Brett and Karla (Schaufelberger) Zahner (Mesa, AZ); siblings Brooke and Skyler Zahner (Mesa, AZ); grandparents Elmer and Sandra (Clauson) Schaufelberger (Peoria, IL/Mesa, AZ); aunts and uncles Keri Schaufelberger (Mesa, AZ), Mark and Kim (Schaufelberger) Larsh (Mesa, AZ), John and Crystal (Zahner) Ott (Peoria, IL); and cousins Jeffrey and Brittney Larsh (Mesa, AZ), Luke, Jake, Drew, and Jennifer Ott (Peoria, IL).

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Dave and Nancy (Schoch) Zahner (Peoria, IL) and his uncle Bart Zahner (Bartonville, IL)

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mesa High School gymnasium on Saturday January 28, 2017 at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ryne may be made to the Ryne Starr Zahner Scholarship Fund c/o Mesa Public Schools, Accounting Department – 63 E. Main St. #101 Mesa, AZ 85201.

Contributions can also be made online at  https://mpswebpay.mpsaz.org (Create a Guest Account, Search field type: Zahner )

Donald “Dutch” LaRue Crandell, 90, of Mesa, Arizona passed away January 11, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona.

There will be a visitation Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Friday, January 20, 2017 at 2 PM, with a visitation at 1 PM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona. Graveside services will be Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 12:30 PM at the Heber Cemetery, Heber, Arizona.

Durant “Randy” McNeil Morris, 62 of Gilbert Arizona passed away on January 9, 2017 from complications of respiratory infection.  Randy was born September 3, 1954 in Mesa Arizona.

Randy had a love for everything fast-paced and exciting.  He was a daredevil who loved to climb high, drive anything very fast and be in the great outdoors.  In October of 1977 Randy was diving off cliffs at Blue Point Bridge in Arizona, when he hit a rock under the water and broke his neck and some of his vertebras.  Randy was paralyzed from the neck down.  He spent the next 39 years of his life in a wheel chair.  He was comical and an inspiration to many.  He loved the White Mountains and camped there a lot with his family.  He had a love for his God and his country, he served in the Army where he was stationed in Germany.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert “Tink” McNeil Morris Jr.. He is survived by his Mother, LaReece Bybee Morris and his siblings, Lonnie Morris (Georgia), Shanna (Fuller) (Terry), Jay Morris (Georgene) and Cinda (Rohan) (Bill).  He is also survived by his 71 nieces and nephews.

His service will be held on January 17, 2017 at the LDS Church on 26023 S. Lemon Ave. or (180^th) Queen Creek AZ 85242 at 9:00 am.  A viewing will be held at the same building at 8:00 am.

He will be laid to rest at the Military Cemetery located in Phoenix on Carefree Road.

A go fund me page has been set up for Randy at:  www.gofundme.com Randy Morris.

Hubert Dale Hinkle, 87, of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Anderson, IN passed away peacefully January 5^th, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 48 years. A memorial service was held at Velda Rose United Methodist Church January 10^th, 2017 officiated by Pastor Larry Norris. Another memorial service will be held at a later date in Anderson, IN.  Donations can be made to Velda Rose Church. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals, www.bunkercares.com.

Audrey Armina Rawlins, 102, passed away January 10, 2017 in Gilbert, Arizona.

She was born March 20, 1914 in Turner, Idaho to Brigham McCann and Susan Elnora Egbert. On February 21, 1931 she married Geraldus Rawlins. They farmed in Idaho until 1956, then moved to Arizona. They had 3 sons and 4 daughters.

She was preceded in death by her 3 sons:  Ronald Glen, Jerry Alden, and Leon. She is survived by her 4 daughters:  Karen Ashbaker (Philip), Fae Flowers (Dwain), Rae Kimbrew (Robert), and Jan White (Richard).  She also has 18 grandchildren and 62 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 12 PM, with a visitation at 11 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Higley Groves Ward, 234 N. Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, Arizona. Interment will be at the Turner Cemetery in Grace, Idaho.

Richard M. Walters of Casa Grande, Arizona died on January 3^rd, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.  Richard was born on March 27, 1944 in Litchfield, Minnesota and raised in Watkins, Minnesota, the son of Norbert and Lucetta Walters (Neu).

Richard was retired from IBM.  He had lived in Honolulu, HI, Pierre, SD, Highland, NY, Renner, SD, and Plattsmouth, NE, prior to retiring in Arizona.  He was an avid family man and sportsman.

Survivors include his wife, Judith (Piontek) of 48 years, daughter Andrea Walters of Gilbert, AZ, son Aaron Walters, daughter-in-law Abigail (Cooper), grand-daughters Lucy and Alice of Needham, MA, three sisters; Maxine Billey and Mary Walters of Watkins, MN, Doreen Walters (Jerome Eridau) of St. Louis Park, MN, and three brothers; John Walters of Kimball, MN, Kenneth Walters (Glennis) of Easley, SC, Donald Walters of Watkins, MN, and many nieces and nephews.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Debbie Manuel.

A memorial mass will be scheduled in June of 2017 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Watkins, MN.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the American Lung Association 1661 Worcester Rd, Ste. 301, Framingham, MA 01701, or donated through the website at www.lung.org.

Larry Thurman Upton, 76, beloved husband and father, passed away on December 20, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Memorial services to be held in Phoenix, AZ at 3:00 pm on January 21, in the Washington 2 Room, Hilton Garden Inn, 15 East Monroe, and in Pima, AZ at 11:00 am at the Relief Society Building and at 12:30 pm at the Pima Cemetery on February 4.

Larry was born to Lattney and Elizabeth “Betty” Upton on December 13, 1940 in Morgantown, Kentucky. He spent his childhood in Bowling Green, Kentucky and Pima, Arizona. He graduated from Pima High School in 1959, attended Eastern Arizona College, graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1980 and the American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School at the University of Oklahoma in 1985 where he was elected class president and received honors.

He is survived by his wife, Judy McDonald; four children, Justin Upton, Stephanie Espinoza, Heather Evans, Corbett Upton, and step-son, Steve Alford; seven grandchildren: Derek and Trevor Espinoza, Haley, Ryan, and Hilary Evans, Katie Alford, and Shannon Upton; and great-granddaughter, Lyla Espinoza. He is also survived by his siblings, Melanie Sumner, Janet John, Pam Jones, and Sadie Blind.

Larry was a man of many talents and interests. In addition to spending a career in banking at Valley National Bank, First Interstate Bank, and Chase Bank, he was also an financial advisor for Primerica and an amateur dirt-track stock car racer (http://www.uptonracing.com). But, an accomplished storyteller, his favored passions were history and literature. He was an amateur historian (“Who Robbed Major Wham? Facts and Folklore behind Arizona’s Great Paymaster Robbery” with Larry T. Ball, which appeared in The Journal of Arizona History, which was awarded the Arizona Historical Society’s “Journal Article of the Year,” Bowling Green Stock Car Racing, The Historic Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix, Memory is a Wonderful Thing, Perspective: One Family’s Journey Across America), and an author who expressed himself in several genres (http://larrythurmanupton.com): drama (Great Trial of the Wham Robbers), memoir (A Bowling Green Boy), and fiction (The Cocopah Murders and Sugar Doll). His most fervent wish was for “ordinary” people to record their stories, thoughts, and personal narratives.

A life-long learner himself, Larry was an enthusiastic advocate for education, funding/supporting scholarships and endowments for community colleges in Arizona. He saw education as a vital tool to understand the world and oneself and to contribute to one’s family and society.

He loved to spend time and travel with Judy, the love of his life, visiting many states and Europe. He also enjoyed spending time at their second home or “retreat” in Show Low, Arizona, visited often by friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Eastern Arizona College (Alumni Library, History Programs, English and Language Programs, https://eacalumni.org/donate) and/or Special Collections Library, Western Kentucky University (http://www.wku.edu/library/development/donate.php).

Adelia Esther Shumway passed away peacefully on January 5, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona, just weeks after a happy, family-filled 89^th birthday.  She was born December 17, 1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Everett Bentley Huggins and Laura Sheppard.

The eldest of three children, Dede learned about hard work and self-reliance while living as share croppers on a farm during The Depression. When she and her brother, Harold, were not helping with the chores or attending school in the one-room schoolhouse, they were exploring the wilderness, dodging snakes and catching fireflies.

When World War II began, the Huggins family had left the farm behind and was living in Gary, Indiana.  There they welcomed a new baby brother, “Billy,” when Dede was 16 years old. Dede attended Portage High School where she lettered in basketball, baseball and track. She also played a role in the school play, reported for the school newspaper, and sang in the choir even though she never considered herself to be much of a singer.

Just after graduating high school, Dede moved with her family to Tucson, Arizona where she would meet her eternal companion, Richard Shumway.  On June 27, 1947, they were married in Winslow, Arizona. After Dick graduated from the University of Arizona, they set off to California to start their life together and raise a family of their own. Eventually settling in San Lorenzo, Dede raised 5 children and made many life-long friends. On June 4, 1955, Dede was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has since always had a strong testimony of the gospel and played many roles in serving others including den mother, young women’s leader, and the bishop’s wife for their ward. In 1990, Dick and Dede served a 2-year mission for the church on the very small island of Niue in the South Pacific.

In their golden years, Dick and Dede retired in Mesa, Arizona near many of their family members. Dede took on the role of grandmother, making each grandchild feel special with family holiday parties and summers spent at the cabin in Pine, Arizona. She honed her photography skills by capturing each memory she created in volumes of books for us to now treasure.

Dede is survived by her 5 children; Randy Shumway, Mike Shumway, Marsha Crosby, Steve Shumway (Pat), Debbie Whetten (James), 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and her brother, Bill Huggins (Kay). She is preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Laura Huggins, her husband, Richard Shumway, and her brother, Harold Huggins.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 11 AM, with a visitation at 10 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 532 South Greenfield Road, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Dede requested donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.

Alberta (Hawkins) Hathcock, 95, of Mesa Arizona, passed away after a brief illness on January 8^th 2017 in Mesa Arizona.

She is the daughter of Albert Wesley and Mary Jane (Kempton) Hawkins, and was born in Mesa on December 11, 1921. She attended Mesa Schools and graduated from Mesa High School. She later attended the Lambson Business College. She married David Stanley Hathcock on August 6, 1942 and together they raised six children; Karen Tyler (Ross) of Mesa, David Stanley Jr., of southern California, James Edward (Donna) of Orange California, Jane Garvin (Kirk) of Running Springs California, Robert Keith (Leslie) of Mesa, and Jean Smith (Thane) also of Mesa.  Dave and Alberta were happily married for 53 years.

Alberta was a stay-at-home mother; she loved to cook, sew, paint, garden and play with the grandchildren. She kept books for her husband’s custom trailer business and ran a Diet Center from her home.

Alberta was preceded in death by her husband David Sr., daughter Karen, son Dave Jr., brothers Derral (Norma Lee), Kenneth (Jean), Max, Grant (Happy), Donnie, Clyde, and sister Beulah Mae Cox (Edward). Alberta had 24 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A public visitation will be Monday January 16, 2017 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.  Family graveside services will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 11 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery.