Find An Obituary

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.

Tony Steven Vincent, 64, passed away on October 29, 2016.

He was born in Evansville, Indiana to Tony and Estella Vincent. The family moved to Mesa, AZ where Tony graduated from Westwood High. He was an entrepreneur and it was often said he could sell “snowballs to an Eskimo.” He was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed time in nature fishing, hunting, camping and exploring.

Tony was loved by his family and friends; his good nature, easy laugh and stories will be missed by all. He is survived by his sisters Dollye Enlow and Linda Biddy, nephews and nieces. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date.

James Gus Corolis, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona.  A native of Chicago, Illinois, James raised his family in Addison, Illinois where he served his community as a police officer for 20 years.  Upon his retirement 33 years ago, he moved to Mesa, Arizona with his wife Dorothy Corolis.  He is preceded in death by his parents Gus and Katherine and his daughter Jennifer Rivera. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his children Kathy &(Bob) Cortese, Gus Corolis, John Corolis, David & (Jeannette) Corolis , his 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  Graveside services to be held at 12:30 pm, Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona.

Paul Bunker, born 10/26/1930, passed away peacefully at home on Sat., 10/29/2016. Born in SoCal, Paul later attended the U of A, receiving a bachelor’s degree and an MBA. After serving as a Tank Battalion Commander in the U.S. Army, Paul spent 25 years in the banking industry and later became President & CEO of Mesa Pacific Financial. Paul embraced his wife’s love for music and participated in many church choirs. He also served in many positions for his church, most notably as a Bishop and served two missions with his wife, in Tulsa, OK and Nauvoo, IL. Our sweet “Grampy” was a perfect example of kindness and patience and always had such a gentle disposition. He is survived by his lovely wife of 61 years: Karen Sue Bunker; 4 children: Brent Bunker (Margie), Carolyn Clifford (Jeff), Matt Bunker (Deborah) and Mike Bunker (accepting applications); 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The viewing will be held Fri., Nov. 4^th at 6pm at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. A celebration of his life will be held on Sat., Nov. 5^th at 10 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 1911 N. 24th St., Mesa, AZ 85213, preceded by a viewing at 9am.

Julio Adalberto Hidalgo, 72, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on October 31, 2016.

Julio was born in Tierra Blanca, Veracruz, Mexico in 1944. He loved tennis and baseball growing up in the Mormon Colonies and had many dear friends and memories from those times. He attended BYU in Utah and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business from the University of San Francisco.

Julio was a true captain of industry and ran many businesses over the years, including working in management for Levi’s Strauss in Mexico City in the 70’s, soon after he started the Hidalgo shoe factory in Leon, Guanajato, Mexico. He then came to live in Arizona with his family in the mid-80’s and had multiple Mexican food restaurants, most notably Ciscos near ASU, as he had a passion for cooking for large groups of people.

During the last 25+ years, Julio worked in both the real estate and construction industries and had taught many of his children to work in those same fields.

Julio is survived by his father, “Don Julio” Hidalgo Nieto (age 95); his wife of 42 years, Maria Engracia; his 6 children, Jay, Julio, Carlos, Cristina, Albert, & Becky; his 7 siblings, Thelma, Harold, Miguel, Blanca, Jorge, Jaime, & Patty; and his 21 cherished grandchildren.

Services will be held to say goodbye this Friday, November 4, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2300 W Javelina Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202. Final place of rest: Resthaven Cemetery, 4310 E Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.

Frederick Vernon Visina was born August 22, 1933 in Duluth MN. He was one of 5 children born to CD “Bud” and Jean Visina. He spent his childhood in Duluth. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1951. He continued his education at St Thomas College in St Paul MN where he graduated with a degree in Political Science. After serving in the US Army alongside his brother, Bob, he attended William Mitchell Law School.

Fred married Frances Mullin on August 24, 1957 and they started their lives together in the Twin Cities area of MN. Later, they moved to Minot, ND where they raised their six children. After retiring, they moved to Mesa, AZ to spend their golden years together.

He spent his career working in the banking industry, with the majority of his time at First Western Bank in Minot, ND.

Fred was the consummate sportsman. His love of sports had him competing in football, hockey and basketball for Cathedral High School. He went on to play football in college and was invited to a tryout with the Baltimore Colts of the NFL. Professional sports didn’t pay much back then, so he declined the offer.

He continued to enjoy playing sports throughout his life. Bowling, softball, golf, fishing and hunting were his favorites. He also spent many hours as an armchair sports fan. His true love of sports came with watching his children compete. That is where he found his real joy!

Fred was a deeply religious man who found great comfort and peace in his faith. He enjoyed a long and successful life, but was never afraid of death. He looked forward to the day he would finally meet God.

Along with his wife Fran, Fred shared his life with children: Mark, Jeanne, Rick, Ryan, Patty and Julie; Sons-in-law: Randy Jaeger, Jim Hausauer and Ron Kudrna; Daughters-in-law: Karen (Spletstoser), Peggy (Reinarts) and Pam (Aasen). Fred and Fran have 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren with another on the way. He is also survived by his brother Chuck and sister Ramona. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, sister Claudia, his wife of 58 years and his son, Rick.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 2nd at 11:00 am at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 2213 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa, AZ. There will be a visitation prior to the service at 10:30am. A reception will follow the service at the home of Mark and Karen Visina at 12443 E. Haymore Ct, Chandler AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to “Hospice of the Valley Dobson Home” 1188 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, AZ 85224

Russell Edwin Valenzuela, Sr., age 53, passed away October 24, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona.

A wake service will be held Friday, November 4, 2016 beginning at 6 PM, at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 East Earll Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. Graveside services and interment will be Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 10 AM, at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, AZ.

David Taylor Bang was welcomed home to his Father in Heaven on October 23rd, 2016.

Dave was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 6th, 1952. Dave is survived by his wife, Linda, of 43 years, his five daughters; Aubrey Finlinson (David), Amber Wormell (John), Camaron Perkins (Jeff), Hayley Crandall (Keith) and Kelsey Harris (Jake), his 13 grandchildren, his brother Steven (Leanne) and his sister Linda Lee (Mark).

Dave was the founder and CEO of Dave Bang Associates established in 1979 and has lived in Mesa, AZ for the last 35 years.

He is preceded in death by his father Paul, his mother Cornelia Belle and his sister Sandra Rose. Dave had tremendous love for his family, the scriptures and His Savior Jesus Christ. His generosity and kindness will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him and he will be sorely missed.

The viewing will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel on Friday, October 28th, 2016 from 6-8pm. The address is 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213. The memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 10:00am on Saturday, October 29th, 2016. The address is 2549 North 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ 85213. Immediately following, the graveside service will be held at 12:00pm at the City of Mesa Cemetery located at 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Doris Kathryn Brown Carlson, of Mesa, Arizona passed away October 22, 2016  at the age of 84.  She was born on March 31, 1932 in Ogden, Utah to Laurel and Lola Brown.  She and her husband, Rey (deceased) moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1969.

Doris loved helping others and had a career as an English/Drama teacher for many years after receiving a Bachelor’s degree from Weber College (now Weber State) and a Master’s degree from Arizona State.

After retiring from teaching she enjoyed spending time with friends and family.  Doris is survived by: her four children, Christopher Carlson, Laurel Carlson, Reylene (Larry) Smith, and Kathryn (John) Marriott; her joy in life, six grandchildren, Hunter and Jordan Carlson, Chaz and Jensen Smith, Andrew and Marissa Marriott; sister, Margaret Shreeve (AZ).

A viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa from 6-8 PM on Friday, October 28^th. There will also be a one hour visitation on Saturday, October 29^th prior to the 10 AM funeral service, which will be held at the Elmwood Ward Chapel at 925 N. Harris in Mesa, Arizona.

The graveside dedication will take place at Mariposa Gardens on Power and Broadway in Mesa, Arizona.

Karin Jean Smith, 62, passed away October 18, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 8:00 AM, at the Lehi Cemetery, 926 E. Thomas Road, Mesa, Arizona.

Our beloved, Cameron Lane Allen, age 25, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 in his home in Mesa. He was in the loving arms of his mother and sisters at the time of his death.

He was born in Mesa, Arizona to Jonathan Allen and Karri Allen and was the youngest of three children. Cameron was a happy smiling sweet little boy. Despite the difficulties of being born with Cystic Fibrosis, an incurable genetic disease, he persevered through much pain and difficulty and was loved and admired by all who came to know him.

He was a pillar of quiet strength and will be greatly missed by his surviving family: his parents Jonathan Allen and Karri Allen, his sisters Chelsea Allen and Candice Halbert (Jared), and his nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Buddy: Abby, Maggie and Carter Lake and Jaxon, Connor, Cameron, and Maddison Halbert. Cameron will be remembered always as Bud, Uncle Buddy and most especially as our Superman.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 10:00 am (9:00 am viewing) at the LDS chapel, 1415 E. Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204. Our family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, October 24 at the Bunker Family Funeral Home on 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Lois Margaret Gardner Skrlec, 94, passed away October 19, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM, with visitation at 10:00 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, Udall Ward, 15 West First Avenue, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Marlene Jensen Alston, 85, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on October 15^th, 2016.

Marlene was born in Rexburg, Idaho on May 21, 1931, and was the fourth of five children to Alvin and Vida Fogg Jensen. She dearly loved her family and spent her life serving them and many others!

She is survived by her children, Kathy L (Gregg) Brooks, Teri J (Rocky) Turner, John K (Delia) Alston, Lori D (Steve) Rhoton, Steve L (Marcie) Alston, M Richard Alston, David L (Sandra) Alston; 41 grandchildren & 70 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 22^nd, 2016 at 11AM, with a visitation starting at 9:30 AM, at the LDS Chapel located at 1249 South 48th Street, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Victor Rohleder, 91, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. He is survived by his brother, Gene, his sister, Mary and granddaughters Jennifer and Heather.
If it’s one thing he was most proud of besides his family, was his time served in the U.S Military during World War II. He’d share his stories with whomever would listen.
He is now flying high with his wife and son. He is placed at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Cave Queek, next to his wife, Kathy.
Family is not accepting any donations but appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences.