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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 28th. There will also be a one hour visitation on Saturday, October 29th 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 15th, 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 22nd, 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.
Ltc. Donald L. Elwood, USAF (Retired), has taken his final flight. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2016, in the afternoon hours.
Don was born on October 4, 1928, in Minneapolis Minnesota. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946 also in Minneapolis. He entered the United States Air Force in 1951 and became a pilot. He earned a Command Pilot rating with over 5000 flying hours and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross along with several other air medals. He married Patricia Ann Richter Elwood in 1957. He earned a B.S. in Military Science from the University of Omaha in 1964. The family moved throughout his Air Force career seeing many countries and experiencing many cultures. After retiring to Arizona in 1975, Don and Pat spent time in the mountains and built a beautiful cabin in Heber. Throughout his life he always looked for ways to help others. He volunteered for Civil Air Patrol as one of his passions. He enjoyed working with youth and motivating them to join the Air Force by taking them on field trips that included airplanes, simulators, and various unique aviation experiences. Don taught them they could do and be anything they believed in. We trust his incredible time here has had a lasting impact on all the people he knew.
He is survived by children, Dana Ward (& Carl Ingersoll), Rock Springs, WY; David (& Sally) Elwood, Brooklyn Park, MN; and Holly (& Ed) Davey, Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Kelly Qwayne, Pine Haven, WY; Amy Gilmore, Green River, WY; Christopher Elwood, San Antonio, TX; and great-grandchildren, Dallis, Angela, Colin, Zoie, Wyatt, Seth and Candace.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pat; parents, Eleanor and Leonard Elwood; and brothers, John Elwood and Ralph Elwood.
A military service with honors will be performed at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 22, 2016; at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to AASK (Aid to Adoption of Special Kids) or Hospice of the Valley.
James Vernon Johnson passed away peacefully on October 14th, 2016.
James celebrated his 80th birthday on July 2nd of this year.
He was born in Elbow Lake, Minnesota in 1936 to Emil Johnson and Celia Thomason and was the 2nd of 4 children and the only son. He is preceded in death by his eternal companion Margie Luneil Morris, his parents and his youngest sister Cecelia Johnson. He is survived by his sisters Eleanor Estes and Ruth Cardona and his children, Aletha (Jeff) Jolley, Jeffery (Rhonda) Johnson, and Markley (Shellee) Johnson, 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
James was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in many callings throughout his life. He loved working with the youth, especially in the scouting program. He was an example to many young men and very instrumental in helping many of them achieve their Eagle Scout Rank. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and enjoyed camping, and cooking. He truly was a gentle giant who quietly served God and his fellow man.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday October 18th from 6-8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85213. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday October 19th, 2016 at the Sonoran Springs Ward LDS Chapel 3025 S Hawes Rd Mesa, AZ 85212. A viewing will also be held at 9:00 am preceding the funeral.
Frank Booth, 78, passed away on Oct. 7, 2016 in Mesa, AZ. He was an amazing man. He was proud of his service to the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He earned a B.S.E.E. from California State University Los Angeles. As an electrical engineer, he participated in programs from Apollo 1 through all of the moon landings including Apollo 17, to the development of the B-1 Bomber, and every iteration of the AH-64 Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter. He was especially proud of working on the Apache, and was known to some as the “Godfather of the Apache.”
He usually worked long hours, but when he wasn’t at work, he enjoyed painting with oil paints or acrylics. Golfing was another life-long passion and when he first retired from Boeing, he spent as much time as possible enjoying the sport he loved the most.
He enjoyed taking summer vacations with his family, and camping in different national parks – Yosemite was a favorite. His wife, Eva, passed away in 2010. Frank is survived by his oldest daughter Suzanne, his son Terry, and his youngest daughter Cheryl. He also has 3 grandchildren, Jonathan, Rebecca, and Benjamin. Frank’s easy manner and sense of humor will be missed by his surviving family, friends, and colleagues.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Monday, October 17th with Funeral Services at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 18th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.
David Lawrence Roberts, 81, born September 15, 1935 in Mesa AZ, passed away October 12, 2016, 2nd child of Howard LaVarr and Margaret Standage Roberts.
David married Junith Dawn Hancock June 17, 1955, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He graduated MHS in 1953, received a Bachelor of Science degree (with distinction) in Accounting from ASU in 1960, was a CPA, and received a Doctorate of Law degree from U of A in February 1961, graduating top in his class. He practiced law with Johnson, Shelley & Roberts for 20 years, was Mesa Assistant City Attorney for 19 years, President of Mesa Kiwanis Club, and served as Maricopa County Superior Court Judge for 20 years. He was an accomplished dancer, pianist and gardener, and was well known for his “Mr. Rogers” impersonations
Family and Church service were his life. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had a strong testimony of the Gospel and served as President of the Mesa North Stake for 9 years. David served a 2-year mission in the Northwestern States and served with his wife Junith as full-time missionaries in Albania. They both served together at the Mesa Regional Family History Center, and later served together as Area Family History Advisors. David also served in the Mesa Temple as an ordinance worker and sealer.
David is preceded in death by his parents and two grandsons. He is survived by his wife Junith of 61 years; 10 children, Linda Kennedy (Terry), Barbara Porter (Ryan), Donna Millett (David), Douglas Roberts (Pam), Brenda Hatch (Joe), Russell Roberts (Teresa), Stanley Roberts (Crissie), Daniel Roberts (Susanne), Sharla Jordan (John), Spencer Roberts (Brandy); 45 grandchildren; and 29+ great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Howard Jr. and Stephen, and his sisters, Anne Berryman, Jane Millett and Kristen Rogers.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 6-8 PM at the LDS Mesa North Stake Center, 933 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Humanitarian Services, c/o LDS Philanthropies, 1450 N. University Ave., Provo, UT 84604 or United Way, 137 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85201.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883
Gordon Lavar King died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on October 8, 2016, in Mesa, AZ. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his battle and ultimately gave him peace.
Gordon was born on May 5, 1954, in Douglas, Cochise, Arizona to Dale Glines King and Frances Merrell. As a child, Gordon was always involved in many things, enjoyed life to the fullest, and made many friends.
Gordon helped in many ways at the Circle K Ranch (family youth summer camp in Colorado). As a very young boy he was known to cut a willow branch, attach a few hairs he jerked out of a horse’s tail, attach a bent safety pin and attach a fresh dug worm. He could pull many cutthroat trout out of the small mountain streams and put the city guys with their fancy fishing gear and bait to shame. As he got older he was especially handy in helping his father in construction and repair work around the camp. This ingenuity and ability were exhibited in all of his business and service endeavors throughout his life.
In school he was active in chorus and wrestling. He really excelled in football at William S. Hart High School in Newhall, California.
Gordon served in the Washington Seattle Mission. After his mission he helped his mother manage the Circle K Ranch. There he got reacquainted with Nancy Elin Davies from Newhall, California. They were married that fall on September 10, 1976, in Los Angeles, California.
He excelled in his role as father by spending a great deal of time with his five children, teaching them and playing with them. They lived in Texas, Utah, Nevada and Arizona.
Gordon has been a hard worker throughout his life. He had many interesting jobs over the years including hog farming, construction, working on an oil rig, digging worms, shooting training bombs at military planes, commercial fishing, operating a plant nursery, owning a flower shop, managing a produce warehouse, mining, selling medical devices, and inventing new plastic composites.
Gordon was blessed with numerous opportunities to travel. He especially loved traveling to China on business trips. He also traveled a great deal to Shipshewana, Indiana, to visit an Amish community to buy horses and developed close friendships with many people there.
Gordon was great fun to be around. He loved playing practical jokes and teasing everyone around him. He loved working with animals and liked to go fishing at any opportunity.
Gordon is survived by his children; Elin (Richard) Daniel, Bryan King, Randy (Vanessa) King, Bradley (Socorro) King, Lizzy (Brian) Cupples; 8 grandchildren: Gerrit, Hadley, Henry, Peyton, McKenna, Ephraim, Julia, and Jane; and spouse Kimberly King. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dale & Frances King, and his brother, Val King.
A funeral is scheduled for October 22, 2016, 11:00am, preceded by a viewing from 9:00am-10:30am at the Mesa Arizona Lehi Stake Center, 1430 N Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gordon’s life. In lieu of flowers please donate to LDS Philanthropies (https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/).
Vernetta Kay Giguiere, age 67, passed away surrounded by family on October 11, 2016.
She was born February 26, 1949 in San Antonio Texas to Grace Elizabeth (Warner) and Carl Vernon Jewell. She is the second of four children and their only daughter.
She was married to James Earl Giguiere on June 20, 1970. They were sealed for Time and All Eternity in the Oakland California LDS Temple.
She is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Grace, her father-in-law William Hawkins Giguiere, and her grandson Charles Aaron Giguiere.
She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years James, her five children Laurie Kay Schmidt (Roger), Rebecca Lynn Travis (David), William Vernon Giguiere (Rhonda), Jacob Everett Giguiere (Anna), and Andrew Michael Giguiere (Allie). Her Grandchildren Jayson Scott, Tiarra Rose, Andrea Payge, Gracee Roze, Keegan Scott, Lylee Ann, and William Hawkins. Her three Brothers James Jewell (Nancy), Rick Jewell (Sharon), and Michael Jewell (Sharon). Her mother-in-law Rosalie Giguiere. Many brothers/sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ray 2nd Ward, 1115 E. Ray Road, Chandler, Arizona. A processional and graveside service will follow at 1 PM. Interment will be at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ.
Aaron Dale Heller, age 46, died Sunday, October 9, 2016 at his home in Phoenix.
Born July 27, 1970 in Garland, Texas to Stephen and Marilyn (nee Matthews) Heller, Aaron was an IT manager in the medical field.
Along with his parents, Aaron is survived by his wife Malynda; three sons, Jaavon Samuel, Nathan Daniel, Trentin Gabriel; and two daughters Sarah Jane and Sabrina Phyllis. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Shanna Hyatt, Derrick, Kelly and Brian. Aaron was preceded in death by his daughter Olivia Alice.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 15 starting at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3527 W. Happy Valley Rd., Glendale, AZ. Services will be conducted at 12:00 Noon in the Chapel.
Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Everett, WA at a later date. Arizona arrangements under the direction of Bunkers Garden Chapel, Mesa, AZ 480-696-6883. Washington arrangements under the direction of Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, Seattle, WA. 206-362-5200
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