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Our wonderful, hard-working, loyal father passed peacefully from this life on Friday November 11, 2016. Kent Jensen Layton was born on April 25, 1942 in Sanford, Colorado with his twin brother Keith.

He is survived by his wife Kay, his children Shane (Jenni), Todd (Emily), Bryan (Natalie), and Melissa (Jay), and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Melva (Jensen) Layton.

He was known for his exceptional skill in basketball, playing for Sanford High, BYU, Adams State, and the Air Force. Kent worked at SRP for 25 years and then as a Realtor for the next 30 years. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many positions with his most influential as Scoutmaster.

We will miss our devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. We look forward to being with him again and eating big bowls of ice cream together.

Funeral services will be held Thursday November 17, 2016 at the LDS Church at 6001 S. Lakeshore Dr., Tempe, AZ, with the viewing from 5:00 to 6:45 PM and the funeral service following at 7 PM. Interment will be the following Saturday at 11am in Sanford, Colorado. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com

Gary R. Wilson, age 61, resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away Monday, November 7, 2016 at his residence.

Gary was born October 19, 1955 in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California, and grew up in California and Oregon. He was on the Sheldon High School swim team and won regional swim team awards in high school. He graduated from Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon in 1973 and attended the University of Oregon, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, and a member of the U of O cheer squad. He graduated from Portland State University with a BS degree in Speech Communications in March of 1979. He worked in sales and marketing for many years in Portland, Oregon and Phoenix, Arizona and was recently retired. Gary was an avid weight lifter, an expert snow skier and water skier and enjoyed outdoor activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward F. Wilson and Shirley L. Hummel Wilson, of Tigard, Oregon, a sister Julia Wilson Gage of Portland, Oregon and a brother Scott A. Wilson of Irvine, California. He is survived by a daughter Erin N. Graff of Gilbert, Arizona, a son Gregory R. Wilson of Mesa, Arizona, a nephew Zachary Gage of Portland, Oregon, a granddaughter Bella, age 10, and a grandson Troy, age 9. In the last five years of his life he shared many happy memories with Christine Shamrell, whom he loved very much.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 18, 2016 at 10 AM at 1010 S. Recker Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85296. Friends and extended family are invited to attend.

Barbara Ann Dachtler Loof, age 68, passed away in Mesa, AZ after a long battle with Aplastic Anemia on 11/12/2016.  She was born June 24, 1948 to Maurice and Margaret Hansen Dachtler in Sioux Falls, SD.

On April 3, 1971, she married Wayne Loof.  They lived in Rapid City, SD for the next 46 years, to this union their awesome son, Kevin was born.

She is survived by her husband Wayne Loof; son Kevin (Christina) Loof; sister Julie (Tom) Terlisner, sister Donna Dachtler; and brother Dale (Susan) Dachtler.  She was preceded in death by her parents, twin brother Robert, nephew Scott and brother-in-law Calvin.  She will be cremated and interned at the National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD at a later date.

Kenneth David Thompson, 70, of Laveen, Arizona passed away November 7, 2016 in Sacaton, Arizona.

A traditional overnight service will be held Friday, November 18, 2016 beginning at 4 PM, at 5909 W. Squawberry Drive, Laveen, AZ. Graveside services will be held Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 10 AM, at the Co-op Cemetery in Laveen, Arizona.

Rose Marie Wakefield, 80, passed away November 4, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Graveside services will be Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 10 AM at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ.

Services for Beverly Sue Wilkinson, 63, who died Saturday, November 5, 2016 at home, will be Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lazona Ward, 1500 E. 6^th Avenue, Mesa, AZ. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at the Valley of the Sun Cemetery.

Beverly Wilkinson was born in Utica, NY and came to Mesa with her family in 1960. She attended Mesa schools and graduated from Mesa High in 1972. She worked for Motorola until the plant closed. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her two sisters, Carolyn Burns-Tharp of Mesa and Debbie Flowers of Thatcher, and several nieces and nephews.

Landon Jakob Ventura of Chandler, AZ. 9-27-2010 to 11-1-2016, beloved son of Christy and Carl Fagerberg of Chandler, AZ and Rene Ventura of San Jose, CA.  Survived by sisters Renil Pagtakhan and Jada Ventura of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. and brother Arthur Fagerberg of Chandler, AZ.  Grandparents; Josefa Ruiz Castillon of Dipolog, Philippines, and Virginia and Franco Ventura of Salina, CA, numerous aunts and uncles and cousins in the USA and the Philippines.

Landon passed away of a sudden illness, he is missed by all, He loved going to K4 and Kindergarten at Tri City Christian Academy where he was a very good student. He attended Awana club at his church and loved to participate in all the activities.

Landon was much traveled in his short life; he didn’t complain too much on long road trips and loved to sing with the radio especially “There is Power in the name of Jesus” on KLOVE and other CD’s. Flying cross country was fine as he’d twice flown to the Philippines to visit family, Just recently he’d been on a trip to bring his grandmother Lola home after a year in the US with her daughter Christy. He had a wonderful time seeing cousins and Aunts and Uncles. Going on boat trips and seeing whale sharks up close.

We will all miss him tremendously, his charm, his bright smile, his caring for his younger brother can never be replaced.

Kuya we miss you and love you, please rest with Jesus till we see you again.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Landon Jakob Ventura memorial fund at Tri-City Christian Academy 2211 W. Germann Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286.

On Saturday, November 5^th, 2016 Richard James Wilcken went into the arms of his Heavenly Father, joining his grandfather and uncle.  He was born January 18^th, 2012 to Jared and Josephine Wilcken of Mesa, Arizona.  He was a rambunctious, curious, and adorable little boy who was loved deeply by his family, teachers, and anyone who knew him.  His time on this earth was short but sweet and he left a giant, cuddly, and wriggly hole in the hearts of his parents, his sister and two brothers.  He will be deeply missed by his grandma, cousins, aunts and uncles.  Until we meet again and rejoice, sweet Richard!  Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, with a visitation one hour prior; Friday, November 11^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 745 N. Val Vista, in Mesa.

Chris Hildebrand passed away on November 3, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

He was born to Elaine Helen and Christian Madison Hildebrand in Prineville, Oregon on September 6, 1951.  He had been living in Mesa for the last 30 years where he was a heavy equipment operator.  He is survived by his 2 children Shawn and Crystal, his brothers Gary, Phil and Mark and his sister Cora Raye.

Larry Milton Lines, 79, passed away peacefully in his home on November 2, 2016, in Gilbert, Arizona, in the company of close family members.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bette Marie (Davis) Lines, and his children Bradley Lines (Julie), Shellene Garner (Michael), Deniece Galvan (Michael), Catherine Lines, Jonathan Lines (Kimberly), Wade Lines, Mason Lines, Mark Lines (Raquel), Steven Lines (Jennifer) and Mary Lines.  Preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Maxine Lines, his sister, Carole Augustin, and his youngest son, Robert Phelps Lines.  He has two living brothers, Wayne and Alan Lines.  Larry was grandfather to 33 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

He was born in Maryland in 1937 where his father was attending law school.  His family moved back to their native state of Arizona, where he spent his younger years living in Graham County.  After his father returned from service in the war, they moved to Mesa, Arizona, which became Larry’s life-long hometown.

He graduated from Mesa High School in 1955, where he met the loving woman who became his wife and the mother of their 11 children.  After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Larry attended Brigham Young University graduating with a degree in finance.  He attained his master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University and spent his career employed with the City of Mesa, where he eventually retired having served over 30 years in various administrative positions.

Larry was a dedicated provider, gifted musician, avid reader and truly a man of many talents.  For a time, he co-owned a hardware store with his brother, Wayne Lines, in Mesa, Arizona.  With his wife, they built several homes, including a family cabin in the mountains near Prescott, Arizona.  He enjoyed yard work and gardening, raising a variety of animals (large and small), listening to jazz music, keeping his tools organized and being “Fun Guy” at family gatherings.  Larry was a faithful member of his church, holding numerous callings during his lifetime of church service.

His viewing will be held on Friday, November 11, 2016, from 6 – 8:00 p.m., at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona.  Funeral services will be Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 10:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 1150 N. Lindsay Road, Gilbert, Arizona.  Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Ephriam Herschel Johnson, age 82, passed to his Heavenly Father’s Kingdom on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This man was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He worked as an air traffic controller for 30 years. He served many callings for his church; working with the missionary program was his favorite calling. Being an Eagle Scout, he worked with the Scouting organization for many years. He also loved prospecting for gold. Hersh spent 12 years at the OS & SO Home in Xenia, Ohio. He was in the ROTC as it was also his desire to learn a trade and experience that he could use in his future career.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; his four children, Tamara, Jeff, Beth and Marsha; and his sister, Shirlee DeChiaro. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The services will be Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6365 N. 82^nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ. The Viewing will be at 9 am followed by the Church Service at 10 am.  Graveside services will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the renovation of the Chapel Fund. This is the chapel where Hersh and I were married.  Association of Ex-Pupils Chapel Fund, 650 Elliott Dr., Xenia, OH 45385 In the name of “Ephriam Herschel Johnson”.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Robert Edward Shields passed away on November 3, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

He was born on May 31, 1923 to Claude B. and Elizabeth Oney Shields. Robert was a WWII veteran and worked at Williams Air Force Base for 35 years. He was awarded the Civilian Employee of the Year in 1978. Robert was preceded in death by Dorothy, his wife of 56 years and is survived by an older brother, Howard, two sons, Michael and Christopher, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, November 11, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 10 AM at the same location.

Louella Ann Barehand, 61, passed away October 27, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Wake services will be held Friday, November 4, 2016 beginning at 6:30 PM at the District 6 Service Center, 5230 St. Johns Road, Laveen Village, Arizona. Graveside services will be Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 10 AM at the Gila Crossing Cemetery, South 51st Avenue & Beltline, Laveen, Arizona.

Jason (Jay) Raymond Hardwick, age 33, ended his battle with cancer November 2, 2016.

He was born January 11, 1983 in Mesa Arizona, youngest of five children. Jason had what he would describe as the perfect childhood. He had the honor of serving an LDS mission in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

He married his wife Sasha Wermuth, on June 29th, 2006, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He is a loving and devoted father to his three beautiful children, son Steele (8), daughter Cecily (6) and baby boy Ridge (1). He dedicated his life to working hard and providing for his family. He will be remembered and admired for his commitment to support and provide for his family, even throughout periods of extreme cancer pain. Jason loved football and the outdoors. He especially had a passion for the White Mountains and fly fishing. Jason was loved by all those who knew him. He was humble and eager to please others. He had a great sense of humor and the best laugh. His high standards and desire to live the Gospel never wavered. He was a good man, and always did what was right to the best of his abilities.

He is survived and missed by his wife Sasha, his son Steele, his daughter Cecily, his son Ridge, his parents Dan and Ann Hardwick, his brothers Daniel, Michael and Matthew, his sister Michele, as well as many other family members and friends. Thank you to all who have shown their support and love for Jason.

A viewing will be held Friday, November 4, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 N. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. The funeral service will be held Saturday, November 5,2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel located at 1455 N Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Following the funeral, the burial will be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Bernece I. Ryan-Hammer

August 7, 1924 to October 24, 2016

Bernece Irene Waterbury was born August 7, 1924 in Fairmont, Minnesota to Ralph and Grace Sheely Waterbury. Her mother died when she was 4 years old. She had an older brother, Forrest, and 2 younger sisters, Jeanne and Betty. Just before her 7th birthday, she was taken to Rose Hill, Iowa to make her home with her Uncle Warren and Aunt Hattie Gatton and their 2 sons and 1 daughter. She was soon calling them Mom and Dad and brothers and sister. Her siblings almost became strangers although she did have contact with Betty. Several years ago, the 4 of them and their spouses had a reunion and they shared some very happy times together. Her Gatton home was one filled with love and security and she became an active and out-going young woman. She graduated from high school in 1942 and that summer received her teaching certificate but did not begin her teaching career until 1945. She married Raymond Ryan from New Sharon, Iowa on Nov.21, 1942. They lived on the Ryan family farm where their children, Shirley and Lawrence, were born and grew up. Ray died on May 12, 1993. Bernece stayed on the farm for a year before moving to Oskaloosa, Iowa. In February, 2007, while vacationing in Arizona, she met, fell in love with and married Kenneth Hammer from Fort Worth, Texas. They became full time residents of Arizona in 2009. Bernece taught school for 31 years and after retiring operated her own tour business, Bernece Ryan Tours. She planned and escorted bus trips to all 48 lower states plus Alaska and most of Canada. She was a member of Brown Road Baptist Church in Mesa, Arizona and Chapter 10 of PEO in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

She is survived by her husband, Ken, daughter Shirley (Perry) Steward from Willowbrook, Il., son Lawrence Ryan and friend Joan Luckett from Baxter, Iowa. Grandchildren include Tamayra Steward (Terry) English, Angela Steward (Joseph) Adolf both from Chicago area, Vanessa Ryan (Rob) Facer from Maryland, Nicholas Ryan (Brittany) and Kayla Ryan (Eli) Wright both from Iowa. Great grandchildren are Madeline and Alyse English, Ryan and William Adolf, Caroline Hester and Jacob Facer and Kinsley Wright. Other survivors include Bob (Donna) Gatton, Jeanne Waterbury Keeler, Betty Waterbury Petersen, Ken’s children Diane and Gary and their families plus a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She was proceeded in death by her biological parents, her Mom and Dad Gatton, her husband of over 50 years, brother, Kelly Gatton and his wife Buelah, brother Forrest Waterbury and his wife Evelyn, Brothers-in-law, James Keeler and Gordon Petersen and sister Beulah Gatton Bunting and her husband, Dwight. Her cremains will be laid to rest at Friends Cemetery in New Sharon, Iowa

Memorial service to be held at Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa  at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 12, 2016.  It is Bernece’s family wish that all memorials go the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa.

Helen Rawls, 97, of Tempe passed away on October 31, 2016.

Born Helen Henrietta Waters on August 26, 1919 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Helen was the daughter of Irene Lewis Waters and Arthur Marquis Waters. The family – Helen, her parents, and her two brothers, moved to Boise, Idaho and then Salt Lake City for her father’s work. Following the death of her father in 1928, Helen, her Mom, and her two brothers returned to Indianapolis to live with her grandparents.  She spent the remaining years of her childhood in Indianapolis, graduated from Short Ridge High School, became a stenographer, and joined the Army. She was one of the first women (other than nurses), to be a member of the armed forces.

After the end of WWII, she attended Indiana University, where she met William Rawls. They married in 1949 and moved to Arizona. William was a member of the ASU faculty in the Physics department for 33 years. Helen was active in the Community Christian Church, as a member of the ASU Faculty Wives and the League of Women Voters. She was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, tutored at local schools, and worked with various other charities. She lived the last 29 years of her life at Friendship Village Tempe.

She is survived by her three children: James (Anne), Carol Smith (Barry) , and John (Nancy) , two grandchildren: Katherine Rawls Velez (Jose), and Kristopher Rawls. Also, brother Lewis (Anne) Waters, 5 nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by husband William (1996), and brother Robert (2015).

Services are at Friendship Village Care Center on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 2:30 pm. Contributions can be made to a charity of your choice, in Helen’s name.