Find An Obituary
Recent Obituaries
Evelyne A. Gunderson born on August 9th 1935 in Kentucky. She was the daughter of Martha and Benjamin Clark. She passed away peacefully on 11/ 06/2024.
She was dearly loved by her 7 children: Janet West , Mark West, Kootela Mikels, Jack Payne, Jerry Payne, Sherry Cheek, Mitchell Payne, stepdaughter Kelly Gunderson and 24 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Evelyne will be laid to rest beside her husband Raymond Gunderson on 11/20/24 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Visitation is on 11/20/2024 from 10 am to 12 pm at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 North centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Everett Raymond Amundson (78) of Queen Creek, AZ passed peacefully on November 8, 2024, attended by his devoted wife, Kathleen (Gacek) Amundson at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, AZ.
Everett, known as Ev or more affectionately by his family as D, Gramps or (his favorite) Grandfather Sir, was born to Dorothy Mae (Robbins) Ebetsch and Elven John Amundson on July 18,1946 in Chicago, IL.
He was a man of many talents and interests. He studied music at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and played in the Marching Illini marching band (Oskee wow-wow!), as well as a variety of rock bands including Fat Water (who pressed an album – check it out on Spotify or Apple Music). His entrepreneurial nature led him to start his own businesses, the most successful of which (and the one he retired from) was Amundson & Associates working with state legislatures and courts to promote traffic safety.
In his retirement, interested in his wife’s quilting hobby, he took up long arm quilting, providing beautiful finishes to his wife’s quilts as well as others, but spent most of his quilting time donating his services to finish patriotic quilts made for veterans by quilt volunteers. He was a man of strong opinions and sharped tooth sarcasm that somehow just made him more charming.
He loved bantering and people enjoyed engaging with him and the chance to give back what he was dishing out. He could also be serious on occasion, caring deeply for the wellbeing of his family and his dogs. He was king of handing out nicknames that stuck like super glue, whether you liked it or not.
He is survived by his wife Kathy (Ume), their 2 children Kristin (Daw) and husband David, and Nils (Boy) and wife Charlotte; 4 grandchildren Erik (Yak) and wife Aly, Nicole (Coley), Ryan (BR) and Keira (Beulah); and great granddaughter Lilly (ZuZu). As well as his siblings Elven (Wad), Kenneth (Kenno) and Ellen (Enna).
He had a few traditions he liked to follow and the one he most insisted on is the annual Christmas Eve viewing of the film It’s a Wonderful Life (IN BLACK AND WHITE, DAMMIT) with much good-natured eye rolling, sarcastic comments and heartfelt appreciation from his family. His last words “It’s been a good life.” is a comfort and reminder to all of us to choose what matters to us everyday and don’t let anything stand in your way.
A Celebration of Life will be held at one of his favorite places, Lake Wildwood in Illinois, on his birthday weekend July 18, 2025, with more details forthcoming.
Donations in memory of Everett Amundson are requested to be made to the Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Blaine Langerman, born in Rapid City, South Dakota, and a resident of Mesa, Arizona, passed away surrounded by family. Blaine spent his career in construction, serving as a project manager for several notable buildings in the Phoenix area after a long tenure with Rhino Construction. He retired ten years ago and found his greatest joy in his family, who knew him lovingly as Grandpa, Paw Paw, and Goofball.
Blaine is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pam, and his two children, Lisa Self and Tom Langerman. He also leaves behind his brother, Mike Langerman, and sister, Cindy Bojack, as well as five adoring grandchildren: Hendrix Blackburn, Rosemary Blackburn, Jack Self, Reese Langerman, and Hudson Langerman.
Blaine, who never met a stranger, cherished the outdoors and was always the life of the party. A celebration of his life will be held on November 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Mi Amigos in Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Blaine’s memory be made to the American Heart Association.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
H. Gordon Shields died November 5, 2024. He was born in in 1932 in Seattle, Washington, to Murray William and Helen Brock Shields. He grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, and after World War II, the family moved to Florida. He graduated from Gainesville High School and the University of Florida. He was very involved in school activities in both high school and university. At the University of Florida he majored in industrial and mechanical engineering and was a member of the Sign Chi fraternity (Life Loyal Sig) and the Florida Blue Key Honor Fraternity, among others.
After graduation, he worked for a short time as a test engineer for General Electric Company in Louisville, Kentucky. He then entered pilot training in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot on active duty and in the flying reserves for more than seven years after receiving his silver wings (Senior Pilot). After being released from active duty the first time, he worked as a process engineer for Aero-Jet General on the Navy’s “Polaris” submarine launched IRBM, and as a development engineer for Thiokol Chemical on the Air Force’s “Minuteman” ICBM.
He married Sharon Reneer in 1959, and four children were born to the couple. The four children include Shauna, Scott (Kimberly), Karin Myers (Mark), and Mark (Cami). Seventeen grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren also survive him. In addition, his brother Roger, Sharon, the wife of deceased brother Lamar, and Janet, the wife of his deceased brother, Clinton, and their families also survive him.
Shields received a J.D. degree from the University of Utah, and an L.L.M. degree from The George Washington University. In 1966, the family moved to Arizona. He received his fifty-year certificate as an active member of the State Bar of Arizona in 2019. He was admitted to practice before all Arizona state and federal courts, the Courts of Appeal for the Ninth and Federal Circuits, the United States Patent Office, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He practiced intellectual property law in Phoenix and Mesa before retiring. Shields was one of the founding attorneys of the Intellectual Property Section of the State Bar of Arizona and served as chairman of the Section.
He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and over the years he held many branch, ward, and stake callings, including an ordinance worker in the Mesa Temple.
Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 1455 North Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona, on November 30 at 10:00 a.m. A viewing will not be held, but the family would be pleased to welcome friends and family from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
If you are unable to attend the services, please click on the following link to livestream the service: https://www.youtube.com/live/xTOxhPuy1iU
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Victorio Varela Alonso, passed away unexpectedly on November 11, 2024, at the age of 80. He joins his wife Geronima Campos who passed this last December.
Victorio was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He was a hard-working man. He loved his family very much and always was there when needed.
Survivors include:
Children: David Varela, Leonor Varela, Marcelina Varela,María de Jesús Varela, Geronimo Varela, Elena Varela, Jose Cleofas Varela, José de Jesús Varela, Catalina Varela.
Siblings: Jose Cruz Varela Alonso, Pedro Varela, Pascual Varela, Maria Yolanda Varela Alonso , Lidia Varela Alonso, Francisca Varela Alonso, Imelda Habertine Varela Alonso.
Viewing Date: 11/20/2024
Viewing Time: 4:00 PM to 11:00 AM
Viewing Location: Residence – Mesa, AZ
Mass Date: 11/21/2024
Mass Time: 12:00 PM
Mass Location: Christ The King Catholic Church
1551 E. Dana Ave., Mesa AZ 85204
Service Date: 11/21/2024
Service Time: 1:00 PM
Service Location: Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa AZ 85204
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Ernesto Chavez, known to many as Ernie or Teto, passed away at the age of 57 on November 6, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona. His departure was sudden and premature, but he was surrounded by his family—the people who mattered most to him.
Ernesto was born on May 16, 1967, to Rita Ibarguen and Hermes Chavez in Cali, Colombia. He spent the first 10 years of his life there before moving to California. In 1991, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a missionary in San Jose, California, from 1993 to 1995. He dedicated his life to serving God and was a devout disciple of Jesus Christ.
He married Julia Enriquez, for time and all eternity in the Mesa Temple on December 20th, 1996. Together they had three boys who filled his life with meaning, laughter, and chaos. He lived a selfless life dedicating most of his time to his wife, children, and their family business.
Ernesto was someone that could do it all; no challenge or task was too hard for him to complete. He loved fixing cars, cooking, gardening and even sewing. His best qualities were his patience, determination, and willingness to help others.
Ernesto left an everlasting impression on those who knew him. He leaves behind his loving wife Julia Chavez, Esaias and Aubrey Chavez (Son/Daughter-in-law), Jojo and Elle Chavez (Son/Daughter-in-law), and Samuel Chavez (Son). He was reunited with his father, and leaves behind his mother Rita, two brothers and five sisters.
We will miss him deeply, but we trust in God, just like Ernesto did. His legacy of laughter and service will continue through his posterity.
Funeral Service is Friday, November 15th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 10305 E Southern Ave Mesa, AZ 85209.
Viewing 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm and the Funeral at 1:30 pm.
Graveside service to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Ernesto’s family and can be reached here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ernesto-chavezs-family-in-their-time-of-need
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
James “Jim” Keith Pinkerman, born on January 17, 1935, in Highland, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. He was 89 years old. Jim spent most of his childhood in Columbus, Ohio, where he forged the foundations of his deep faith and patriotism, values that guided him throughout his life.
In August 1968, Jim married the love of his life, Shari Malin, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together, they built a loving home in Mesa, Arizona, where they raised four beautiful daughters. As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jim’s life was marked by his profound love for his family and unwavering faith.
Jim’s love for his Savior was the cornerstone of his life. A man of deep spirituality and service, he had the privilege of sharing his faith through music as a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, even performing at the White House. His rich baritone voice touched countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy through music and testimony. He also served as a missionary for 2 years for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission.
A proud veteran, Jim served in the United States Army and had an immense love for his country. Following his service, he established his own carpet cleaning business, dedicating decades to his craft and serving his community with integrity and hard work.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Emory and Reta Pinkerman, and his brother, Gene Pinkerman. He is survived by his cherished wife, Shari; their four daughters and their spouses (Stephanie & Paul Eastman, Susan & Aaron Carr, Penny & Will Carey, and Kimberly & Chad Palmer); and ten adored grandchildren (Harrison, Rock, Brooke, Titan, Steele, Kimball, Elle, Sawyer, Alyssa, and Cougar), all of whom will carry on his legacy of love and faith.
Jim was greatly loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will remember his warmth, his service, and the way he lived his life in faith.
Services will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 9:00 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2549 North 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85213.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Jonathan “Jon” Bliven, 71 died peacefully on November 12, 2024 in Mesa, AZ.
He was born to Thomas and Adria Bliven in New London, Connecticut in 1953. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a Masters in Business.
Jon was a self made man who was successful in the real estate market as well as a true visionary seeking to help others in all he did. Jon led a very happy and active life filled with family and friends. Jon had a true appreciation of the outdoors and loved to hike, ski, and travel.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving son Austin. Survivors include his daughter Jenna (Chris), his 3 grandchildren, his siblings Tom (Vera), Debbie (Bruce), Jennifer (Terry), Chris (Kellie), Sarah (Charley), and his many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11AM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
James Leonard Robbins, Jr. of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family, November 8th, 2024. He died after a brave battle with cancer.
He was born in Greenbush, Illinois and got his beautiful blue eyes from Ellenore and James Robbins, Sr. on June 26th, 1947.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Iowa Wesleyan University. Following college, he briefly taught high school and then entered the Air Force becoming a fighter pilot. After leaving the military, he spent the rest of his career as a Captain for Northwest Airlines, retiring in 2003.
He lived in Mesa for the past 40 years and was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he alongside his wife, Joy, served three missions-the first at the ASU Institute, second in Nashville, and most recently at the Employment Services Center.
Jim had a great sense of humor, strong work ethic, and always made you feel truly heard. He had a deep love of history and encouraged everyone to “stay in school.” He never passed a historical marker without reading and learning. He loved camping, hiking, and all things outdoors. He was a sports enthusiast and loved his D-backs. He was good natured, charming, honorable, and charismatic. He will be truly missed by his family and friends. He was the strength of our family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joy Robbins, his children, Marci Curtin (Jim), Jennifer Holl (Brannon), Ben Robbins (Mary Ann), Suzi Pearson (David), Jennifer Davis (DJ), McKenzie Moffett (Shawn), nineteen grandchildren and his sister Linda Louthain (Jeff). He is preceded in death by his dear wife Mary Jane Robbins, mother Ellenore Robbins, father James Robbins, Sr., and his brother Scott Robbins.
The viewing will be held at the Bunker Family Mortuary at 3529 East University Drive, in Mesa from 6:30-8:30 PM Thursday, November 14, 2024. The funeral will be at the Mesa Thunder Mountain ward building at 7752 East McDowell Road at noon on Saturday November 16, 2024. Burial will be in the Mesa City Cemetery following the funeral.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Lurline Ray Russell, age 102, passed away on November 5th, 2024. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Cyrus C. Russell, her oldest son, Gary Russell, and her oldest daughter, Raylene Lavender, along with her parents, siblings, and many other loved ones. Our family was blessed to have her with us for so many years, and we dearly loved and cherished every minute with her. We will miss her beyond words. She is our own Wonder Woman – simply irreplaceable.
Lurline was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all her life. She was such an example of being a true follower of Jesus Christ and showed us how to faithfully endure to the end. She served and magnified many callings, including Young Women (she loved her Laurels!) and Relief Society President (at age 70). One of her favorite callings was Ward Librarian, which she held for 17 years. Oh, how she loved that library!
Lurline was always happy and had a positive influence on all who knew her. She had a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was an inspiration to all. She had a lot of wisdom to share!
She loved her family very much. She attended as many concerts, performances, sports games, etc. as she possibly could for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always had time to play card games with everyone! She loved to read books and also watch all kinds of sports on TV. She was a big fan of BYU, ASU, Arizona (Basketball!!), the Cardinals, the Diamondbacks, etc.
Lurline Ray Russell is survived by her daughter-in-law, Margie (Gary Russell), her children, Judy Russell Smith (David), Jonathan Keith Russell (Marsha), Alan Wayne Allred (Mary Ann), Donetta Russell Bowers (Russell “Rusty”), Kathy Russell Broughton (James), Rory Stephen Russell, Darren Eric Russell (Katy), 39 grandchildren, 131 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Thursday evening, November 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. On November 15, a viewing will be held from 8:00 to 8:45 AM at the Mesa Stake Center, 1050 S. Hobson, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will follow at 9:00 AM. Graveside services and interment will be in the Mesa City Cemetery. Here is a link for streaming the services at: Lurline Russell Funeral
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Dennis Franklin Dehart, 76, passed away peacefully in his home in Mesa, Arizona, on November 2, 2024. He was born to Charles W. Dehart and Betty Jane Smith in 1948, in Franklin County Pennsylvania. Dennis was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He married Joyce Lorraine Reynolds, of Waynesboro, Franklin County, PA, in 1977. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona temple in 2002. He is preceded in death by his mother Betty Jane and son Dennis Frederick Dehart. He is survived by two living sisters, Saundra Schriver and Cindy L. Chilcoat, his daughters Connie L. Lewis and Tina M. Hedley, and sons Scott W. and his wife Stephanie, Victor F and his wife Lisa, and Alan W and his wife Betsabe. He is also survived by grandchildren Hilary, Heather, Amanda, Donald Jr., Taryn, Ariah, Kyra, Sara, Rachel, Emma, Owen, and Alexa, and two great-grandchildren Dominic and Savannah.
Dennis was captain of the volunteer firefighters in Chandler, Arizona, from 1977 until 1981. He was awarded Firefighter of the Year by the VFW of Chandler, Arizona, in 1979. He expanded the volunteer firefighting program, and he also helped organized water battles and parades. He was under Captain Beckwith, and he fought the fire at Seton Catholic High School. He was a journeyman pressman for 5 years, and then was foreman of D. M. Bowman Trucking fleet in Williamsport, Maryland for 12 years. He did side work for independent truckers in his driveway. He retired in Arizona in 2001, and enjoyed smoking meat and feeding people, as well as spending time with his family and riding his motorcycle. Dennis enjoyed spending time woodworking and refinishing furniture in his garage.
Funeral services are to be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2520 N Hartford St, Chandler, Az. 85225, Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11 am, preceded by visitation at 10am. He will be interred at City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Az.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Our beloved sister, Teresa Ann Provencio, 84, of Mesa, AZ, passed peacefully on November 1, 2024, with her sisters by her side. Terry was born on May 24, 1940. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ignacio G. Provencio, Maria Bailon Provencio, and brothers Isaac Sr., Saul, Ignacio Jr., and Paul. She is survived by her sisters, Rose Ann Provencio, Ada Jean Cooper, her brothers, Jerry, Ben and Moses and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.
Terry dedicated her life to serving God and was baptized on January 9, 1966, in Clovis, CA. She had a passion for sharing her love of God with bible stories and crafts with her Sunday School classes for 40 years. Her class learned that with participation, there would be treats at the end of class and they were regularly instructed not to eat them in church. Terry also enjoyed planning Christmas programs for the children to present during the Christmas Eve service and baking cakes for the church.
Terry was a seamstress and made drapes for Montgomery Wards and JC Penney’s. She supervised the production of air bags for TRW until she retired early to help care for our mom and dad. As the oldest daughter, she helped care for her siblings. She would make stacks of tortillas and some of our brothers would sneak in and take some before she finished. In her younger years she took piano lessons from a teacher who lived quite a distance away. Our brother, Jerry, gladly accompanied her so she would not be alone. Although, we believe he was eager to help since the teacher always had home baked cookies. After our mom passed, she carried on the tradition of making empanadas and menudo. She was a great cook and baker and loved to share her baked goodies.
Terry was known for her great smile, kind and generous spirit and big heart. We will miss her greatly but are comforted knowing she is no longer in pain or in any discomfort. Rest now our dear and beautiful sister. We love you bunches and bunches forever and ever.
Visitation will be on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the Bunkers Garden Chapel from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., located at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.
Celebration of Life is Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Redeemer Apostolic Church located at 200 E. 1st St., Mesa, AZ 85201. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. is time set for family viewing. Service will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
There will be a police motor escort to the City of Mesa Cemetery, located at 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ, 85201. Graveside service will start at 1:00 p.m.
The Provencio family appreciates all the prayers, kindness and support during this time.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Marvin Eland Egan, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, at the age of 89 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on July 22, 1935, in Burley, Idaho, to loving parents who nurtured his strong work ethic and devotion to family. Marvin’s life was marked by dedication to service, work, and the care of his loved ones.
Marvin served his country with honor in the U.S. Army from December 6, 1957, until his honorable discharge on April 30, 1962. After his time in the service, he went on to work as a produce manager at Safeway, where his friendly demeanor and commitment to quality made him a respected figure in his community.
Marvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alberta JoAnne Egan, second wife LuJean Egan (married July 2000), and his children Marilyn Kay Fairbanks and Bryan Earl Egan. He is survived by his children: Marvin Keith Egan, Barbara Eileen Amberson, Amy JoAnne Collins, and Craig Ryan Egan; along with 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom were dear to him and provided him with much joy in his later years.
A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marvin’s strong spiritual convictions guided him throughout his life. His kindness, generosity, and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 618 S Signal Butte Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207. The service will be followed by interment at a local cemetery. The funeral arrangements are under the care of Bunkers University Chapel, Mesa, AZ.
The family requests that donations or flowers be sent to Marvin’s Arizona home at 1922 S Noble, Mesa, AZ 85209.
Marvin’s legacy of love, service, and integrity will forever be cherished by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Margaret Ellen Jensen, 78, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 in Gilbert, Arizona.
There to meet her were her husband Dennis, Parents Floyd and Margaret, and Brothers Richard and David.
She is survived by her 3 children, Amber, Cindy and Rex ; as well as her sisters, Naomi, Julia, Patricia, Arlene, Kristi, Donna, Becky, and Brother Shawn, and their respective spouses. Her legacy will be continued through her 10 grandchildren, Kade, Peyton, Sadie, Collin, Spencer, Garrett, Ethan, Janae, Aubrey, and Annabelle. Ellen led a productive life giving many years of service in her healthcare career as a registered nurse and to her faith community as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She enjoyed puzzles, reading, sewing, gardening, family history, and making, baking and eating sweets. She was a kind and generous individual who will be missed.
Services are Saturday November 16 at 1 PM in Queen Creek, followed by a visitation at 6 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ. Graveside Service will take place on Monday November 18 at 1:30 PM at National Memorial Cemetery 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix AZ.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
George Amos Hoy, 92, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home on November 3, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 19, 1932, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Roy and Grace Hoy.
George was a true blessing to everyone who knew him. His unwavering faith in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the cornerstone of his life. He dedicated himself to serving God and was a living example of His love and grace.
George was married to the love of his life, Victoria, with whom he shared 69 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised a loving family that includes his children: Alice Gibson, Randy Hoy, Andy Hoy, George Hoy Jr., Vickie Hoy and Robin Hoy. George also took great joy in his 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild who will carry forward his legacy of love and faith.
George is preceded in death by his cherished family members, His beloved daughter Vickie Hoy, Justin Mayo, Matthew Mayo, Rachel Gibson and Annamarie Jones.
In addition to his deep faith and commitment to family, George served his country honorably in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic. His service and dedication to his country were as commendable as his devotion to his family and faith.
We invite all who knew and loved George to celebrate his remarkable life with us. A funeral service will be held on November 18, 2024, at 10 AM at City of Grace Church, located at 655 East University Dr., Mesa, AZ. Following the service, George will be laid to rest at Mesa Cemetery.
George’s kindness, warmth, and love for others will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Cleveland Max Killian passed away peacefully on October 31st, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 98. Born on January 17th, 1926, in Safford Arizona.
Max dedicated his life to the practice of law, his family, faith and his community.
Max was a distinguished attorney and the founding partner of Killian, Legg, Nicholas, Fischer, Wirken, Cook and Pew in Mesa Arizona.
Known for his integrity and work ethic, he was the preeminent zoning attorney and one of the oldest practicing lawyers in Arizona until his passing. Known for his excellent legal skills he was admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1962. Because of his knowledge of agriculture, he represented many farmers and ranchers all over Arizona including the Arizona Farm Bureau in matters of agriculture taxation. His most notable zoning work was the creation of the Dobson Ranch development. Max began his illustrious law career in 1949 after serving honorably in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. Early in his law career he and Congressman John J. Rhodes were partners for many years.
Max helped create the 1st State Bank and the Arizona Bank. He served on the board of directors of the Arizona Bank, Security Pacific and Bank of America in Arizona. He served as the chairman of the audit committee for the Arizona Bank.
A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mesa, Arizona. Max served as Bishop of the Mesa 10th Ward, Transient Bishop and managing the Bishops Storehouse on Mesa Drive. He also held numerous callings within the church including a position on the LDS Church’s’ Farm Management Company Board of Directors overseeing all the Farms and Ranches worldwide. He and his wife Gay were called to serve a mission in Argentina to oversee several ranches in that country.
Max’s commitment to service was evident through his involvement with the Mesa Rotary Club, where he was the former president and achieved over 30 years of perfect attendance. He lived the 4-way test.
He was also a proud Eagle Scout with Triple Bronze, Silver, and Gold Palms and a supporter of the Boy Scout movement for many years. He has a camp site named in his honor at Camp Geronimo near Payson. His two sons, four grandsons, five grandsons-in-law and a great grandson are Eagle Scouts.
Max had a passion for farming and ranching, owning one of the largest registered Angus Cattle ranches in Colorado and owning additional farms and ranches across Arizona, New Mexico and Kentucky. He loved farming and in his later years created a partnership with his grandson Nathan Killian to farm cotton in Pinal County. He was also an owner of the Sunny Mesa Citrus Growers along with his father and several east valley farmers. He helped to create the Chandler Cotton Ginning Company.
Max attended Mesa Public Schools and graduated from Mesa High School in 1943. He attended and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin as part of the military V-12 program. He attended Harvard business school and graduated from Law School from the University of Arizona in 1949.
Max is survived by loving sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Nancy (Hoopes) Killian and David and Carol (Nichols) Killian, along with a legacy of 12 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren who will miss him dearly. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Gay Killian, his parents, Ray and Jessie Killian, and his sister and brother-in-law Marian and Glenn Stapley.
The viewing will be held at Bunker’s Funeral Garden Chapel 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa, Arizona 85201 on November15th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral service will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa Arizona Kimball East Stake Center located at 4640 East Holmes Avenue Mesa, Arizona 85206 on November 16th at 10 a.m.
Interment will follow at the Mesa City Cemetery. Max’s life was a testament to his faith, his love for his family and his dedication to his profession and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Arizona Obituaries And Obituary Archive
At Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation, we cherish each unique life, considering it special and sacred. Our obituary archive allows you to explore the obituaries of those we’ve had the privilege to care for, and gives you the chance to share thoughts, messages, or stories with their families.
Use our search function to find a specific obituary, or contact us if you’d like to have your loved one’s obituary hosted on our site.

Let us help you honor their legacy.
Celebrate your loved one’s life however you see fit. At Bunker, we’re committed to helping you. With decades of experience serving families like yours, we can guide you in the right direction to set up a fitting tribute to the special person you have lost.