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Kenneth Everett “Tony” Davis passed away on November 7, 2024. He fought a long battle with cancer, which he eventually lost.

He is left by his parents Arnold and Sue Davis, of Tempe, AZ, his sister Karen Davis (Nancy Pedersen) and his brother Craig Davis (Melanie). He is predeceased by his sister Carolyn Davis Gilson. Born as the youngest of four in 1963 in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

He learned to water ski at an early age and loved water all of his life. He was an avid fisherman, a passionate hunter and bowler. Ken lived his whole life in Arizona and loved the outdoors and all it had to offer him. Tony loved football, if the 49’ers were playing, he was watching. Ken was a loved son, brother and friend. He will be missed.

A public military service will be held on November 26, 2024, at 12:45pm at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/nmca.asp

Please see kiosk at main entrance for exact location.

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.

Patricia Ann Gibson passed away on October 23rd, 2024 in Mesa, AZ.

The first child born to O.E. and Georgiann Turner came into the world on a blistering hot day in Buckeye, AZ.  They named her Patricia.  By the age of 5 she was assisting in the war effort by rolling bandages at her church and collecting rubber and scrap to drop off at school.  At the age of 18 she graduated from South Mountain High School in Phoenix, where she excelled at debate and was head cheerleader.

It’s impossible to highlight 85-plus years of a life well-lived, full of travel and adventure.  She lived from San Diego to Puerto Rico, and from Detroit to Del Rio, Texas.  At the age of 40 she graduated from Arizona State University and became an educator and climbed to the top of a Swiss Alp at 80 years young.

Patricia, know to her family and friends as Pat or “Aunt Pat,” is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Willam B. Gibson, a son, William B. Gibson, Jr., and sister, Sharon Drummond.  She leaves behind a son and daughter, Daniel Gibson of Los Angeles, CA and Helen Chlupsa of Payson, AZ, a sister and brother, Donna Strait and O.E. Turner, Jr., 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

To all who knew her, Pat was gregarious, humorous, unparalleled, irreplaceable, and unforgettable.

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.

Our loving mother, Mariana Huish Francis, peacefully passed November 17, 2024 with her boys and family surrounding her.  Mariana was born July 13^th, 1932 to Beulah Haynie and Leo Nephi Huish in Douglas, Arizona. She was their seventh child of nine.  Her siblings were among her dearest friends.  Her two sons were her pride and joy.  Her grandchildren were her treasures.

Mariana attended school in Douglas through her freshman year.  She moved with her mother and siblings to Mesa, Arizona the Fall of 1946.  Mariana loved learning and graduated from Mesa High as a 16 year old, she was the Salutatorian, a member of the National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, Gash Tso Service club and was the editor of The Superstition yearbook.  She immediately started college and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1953, later obtaining a Master of Arts in Education in 1968 also from Arizona State University.

Mariana met the love of her life, Gene Hutchison Francis, at a church fireside.  They were married and sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on June 8^th, 1951.  Her husband only lived 9 more years and passed from a terminal illness leaving her with her two young boys.  Mariana, one of the strongest and educated women of her time, was able to provide for her family because of her education and her ability to teach.  She taught school for over 45 years. Gene Huish Francis was born August 14^th, 1953 in Mesa, Arizona and Bruce Rollins Francis was born February 21, 1957 in Ogden, Utah.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and spent her life serving others.  Christmas was one of her favorite seasons and we will miss her joyous laugh and her famous lemon merengue pie.   She had such a strong will and was a force for good.  Her grandchildren were so loved by her and she spent many hours playing marbles, Trouble, pick- up-sticks and hopscotch with them.   She loved holding all the grandbabies and had an endless supply of popsicles, crayons, colored pencils and markers.   She took pride in her home which was so well kept and her front yard was manicured perfectly. Family was so important to her and she kept in touch with so many loved ones and friends through the years.  She spent many hours organizing family records and hours and hours serving those around her.

Services for Mariana will be December 7^th, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel located at 2424 N Old Gilbert Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85213.  A viewing will be held at 9:00 am with services beginning at 10:00 am.   The internment will be at the South Morgan Cemetery in Morgan, Utah.

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.

William Sevey Sherman, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024. He was born September 6, 1949, in Gallup, New Mexico, and moved to Phoenix during childhood. He graduated from Maryvale High School in 1967. His working years were in warehousing and truck driving.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Margaret (Bartkoski), brothers Matt Sherman, Mark Sherman, and John Sherman, and sisters Sandi Brower, Patricia Rais, and Linda Sherman. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Bonifacio Sherman, his mother, Ruth Rais, and his brother, Luke Sherman.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 22, 2024:  9:00 a.m. visitation and 10:00 a.m. service at Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ  85201, with burial in Thatcher, Arizona at 3:00 p.m.

Sevey loved to ride on his motorcycle with Margaret (Maggie), and he bought his first Harley in 2000. It was a pretty rough ride, so in 2001 he traded it for a Softail and enjoyed riding it mostly for day trips. In 2006 he decided to buy a 2007 Harley Classic.

By 2008 he and Maggie decided they had room to pack and left on a 4,000 mile adventure. They left Arizona on Highway 89, going right up the middle of Utah, into Wyoming, back down through Colorado into Gallup, New Mexico, then back home to Phoenix. It was two weeks of beautiful sights, great weather, and no close calls on the road. So in 2009, he and Maggie did the adventurous 4,000 mile trip again. He kept the Harley until May 1, 2017, going on a lot of shorter adventures over the years.

Some of Sevey’s favorite places to visit were Williams, Arizona (he loved Bearizona Wildlife Park), Kanab, Utah (they had great classic car shows, where one year he found his 1967 Impala that he and Maggie enjoyed for four years), and Alpine, Arizona (he and Maggie loved sitting on the porch at Escudilla Mountain Cabins, watching for the motorcycles to go by).

Sevey loved Mexican food, especially Popo’s or anyplace someone recommended. He loved cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and watching Hawaii Five-O. Most of all, he loved his wife Maggie, and all of the fur babies that adopted them over the years.

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.

Christine Franklin, 80, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away on Nov. 12 with her beloved husband, Robert, by her side.

She was born on Oct. 15, 1944 in Southington, Conn., to John Tedesco, a partner in the family automotive spring manufacturing business, and Tekla Tedesco, a homemaker, avid gardener and member of the Cheshire Garden Club.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Central Connecticut College before landing her first job as an assistant handbags buyer at the prestigious G. Fox & Company in Hartford.

It was there she met the love of her life, Robert Franklin. The connection was instant, and the two married on Valentine’s Day 1967.  Five years later, the couple welcomed daughter Kimberly to the family, and she became the center of their world.

At the time, Franklins resided in Rhode Island before making the trek west in 1981, where they built a new life in sunny Arizona, owning and operating two successful small businesses. Franklin quenched her thirst for all things fashion by working part-time at what would become Macy’s Department Store. She would spend the next nearly 30 years with the company, eventually serving as the full-time executive assistant to the Arizona division president.

Franklin’s zest for life was contagious. She was up for anything – from attending a professional football game in Arizona’s sweltering summer heart to pedaling down Maui’s Hana Highway to eating her way through Italy with her family. Her love for cooking was driven by a simple truth: Franklin loved to eat. Her baked stuffed shrimp and prime rib became staples during the holidays.

Franklin’s kindness, generosity and tender heart made her a cherished friend to many. She had a knack for making those around her feel special, listening to them without passing judgment and celebrating their achievements as if they were her own.

She is survived by her husband, Robert, brother William Tedesco of Smethport, Pa., and daughter Kim Franklin Withee (Eric) of Hermosa Beach, Calif.

A celebration of Franklin’s life will take place at Desert Botanical Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org/) or Hospice of the Valley (https://www.hov.org/).

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.

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.