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Norma K Bougie (Melgard) 93, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016 in Mesa AZ.

Norma was born December 16, 1922 in Leeds ND, the daughter of Louis and Nora Kubousek. The family moved to Grand Forks where Norma attended school, lived and worked until her retirement. She married Ralph Melgard in May, 1947. He died in March, 1976. She married George Bougie in June, 1978. He died in February 1987. She retired from Northwestern Bell after 37 years of service. Norma loved traveling, dancing, golfing, needle work and most anything active and social. She was admired and respected by all who knew her.

She is survived by sisters Betty Lund of Brooklyn Park, MN and Marlene Barton of Mesa AZ as well as step children Paul (Deborah) Bougie of Bernalillo, NM, Mary Jo (Henry) Miller of Paynesville, MN. Also several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lester (Sonny) and Morris Kubousek and sister Evelyn Vanyo. Per Norma’s request, no services will be held. Burial will be in Grand Forks ND.

Peggy Joyce Oliver, 84, passed away on September 18^th 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Born in Holbrook, AZ on April 4^th 1932 to Clyde and Grace Oliver, she was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved and cared for her parents, brothers, sisters, and their children at various times throughout her life.

She is survived by her son Brent Oliver (Klaudette), granddaughter Tara Foote (Mark), four great-grandchildren: Tessa, Mallory, Marin, and Simon. Also survived by her sisters Gerry Bigelow, Clydene Mizer, Cherie Hathcock, Sue Hundley and brothers Larry Oliver and Ronnie Oliver. Preceded in death by her parents and sister Bonnie Miller.

Funeral services are Saturday, September 24^th 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by visitation at 9 AM, at Mesa North Stake Center at 933 E. Brown Rd. Burial at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Alva Holyoak, age 94, passed away September 16, 2016 in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Meridian Ward, 2520 E. Old West Hwy 89, Apache Junction, Arizona. Interment will be at the Emery Cemetery in Emery, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel.

Joyce Cogswell, 88, passed away in Mesa, Arizona on September 14 after a short illness.

Joyce was born in Antlers, Oklahoma on May 3, 1928. She moved to Mesa shortly after WWII and married Harold Cogswell. They raised a family among the citrus groves of the east valley. Joyce was active in church, sold Avon, and loved photography.

She is survived by three sons, Denny, Tom, and Darryl; their wives, Gayle, Lorna, and Linda; 8 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Joyce was dearly loved by all and will be missed.

Services will be held Tuesday September 20 at 12 noon, preceded by a viewing at 11 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery following the funeral.

Ellen Suzanne Thomas, 75 passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

Ellen led an adventurous and independent life filled with family, friends, teaching, and her books. She left Detroit, Michigan for adventure in Europe, returning years later to the snowy Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and ultimately landing in Arizona.

She is survived by her husband John, children Kirsten, Karin and Steve, 11 grand- and great-grandchildren and 4 grand-dogs.

Funeral services are Friday, September 16, 2016 at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, www.bunkerfuneral.com

Justin Morgan Allen, age 38, passed away September 9, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will be held Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Friday, September 16, 2016 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1430 N. Grand, Mesa, AZ.

Esperanza Preston, age 90, of Mesa AZ, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and loved ones on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016. She was born Feb. 26,1926 in Compostela Nayarit Mexico, to her parents, Enriqueta de la Mora and David Pina.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years Ralph Preston and her children, Anne Kowalski (Allen), Gary Farnsworth (Frances), Nancy Tafoya (Terry), Elizabeth Sowards (Tommy), Jeannette Corolis (David) and Alan Farnsworth (Veronica). She was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Alonzo L. Farnsworth, her daughters Carole Cresap (David) and Pearl Furse (David) and granddaughter Patricia Espiriti. She is the grandmother of 32 grandchildren and 72 great-grandchildren.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings including 3 foreign missions, to Guatemala, England and Mexico City. She was a 30-year survivor of cancer and finally succumbed to failing health.

A viewing will be held Thursday from 6-8pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Mesa AZ. There will be a viewing at Adair’s Caroon Mortuary in Nogales AZ on Friday from 6-8pm. The funeral will be Saturday the 17th at 10am at the LDS Church in Nogales, followed by interment at the Nogales Cemetery.

Ramon M. Pena Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones September 9, 2016.

Ramon “Ray” was born on December 31, 1962 to Ramon M. Pena Sr. and Rosalie M. Pena.  In 1995, Ray married the love of his life Corinne and raised two daughters Randi (Mike) Briseno and Sammi Pena.

Ray was employed with The Boeing Company for 32 years where he was well known for his humor and kind heart.  Ray loved spending time with family and friends and leaves behind sisters Rebecca (Victor) Encinas, Renee (Kris) Quintana, Patricia Gonzales and, grandchildren Shaw, Sebrina, Gabrielle, Mikel, Grace and, Nathan and many nieces & nephews.  Ray touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. He was a true blessing as a loving husband, father, tata, son, brother, tio and, will be greatly missed by all.

Services will be held September 16, 2016, beginning with a viewing at 9 am and Rosary at 10:30 am at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ. Mass will be at Queen of Peace Catholic Church at 12:00 pm, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Mesa.

Ronald W Hunt of Mesa, Arizona passed away on September 7, 2016 at the age of 74. Ron was born on March 16, 1942 to John and Mathilda in Phoenix, Arizona. He served an LDS mission in the Eastern States as a young man. In 1966 he was sealed to his beloved wife of 50 years, Jeanne (Pace), in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Ron and Jeanne were blessed with four children Stacey (Jim Ball), Tim (Nancy), Crystal (Matthew Brown) and Bryan (Sarah) and 19 grandchildren.

Ron received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and his master’s degree from Arizona State University. Ron was a coach and P.E. teacher for nearly 40 years in the Mesa Public Schools District (Mesa Jr. High, Dobson and Mesa High School). Friday nights were a big deal at the Hunt home for many years. Ron forged lifetime friendships with the coaches he worked with and influenced hundreds of young men throughout the years to be the very best they could be both on and off the field.

After retiring, Ron served a mission with Jeanne in the Washington D.C. temple. Ron really enjoyed fishing and loved spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother Elwood and is survived by his sister, Barbara Johnston (Ken) and Rosemary (Elwood’s wife).  A celebration of his life will be held at the Mesa East Stake Center at 2228 E Brown Road, Mesa, on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Bunker’s Garden Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Paul Jean Buckmister born September 22, 1946 in Mankato, Minnesota to Harry and Matilda Ball Buckmister. He peacefully passed away September 7, 2016 after a two year battle with cancer. When Paul was born he was only given about three days to live due to his injury at birth. With his mother feeding him around the clock with an eye dropper, love and a strong spirit and will to live, Paul missed his 70th birthday by 15 days.

Paul brought great joy to his family and all those that had the privilege to know him. He was kind, tender and loved people and had a great love for children and animals. Whenever there was a new niece or nephew born into the family, Paul wanted to spend as much time with them as he could.

He enjoyed Christian and Country Western music, movies, and watching television. He had a great love and faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

Paul enjoyed keeping up with current events by reading the newspaper and watched the news. He had a great memory, and could recall people and events from long ago with fondness.

He was blessed to have the opportunity to go to the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Disney World in Orlando with a group of friends.

As a family we spent many years taking trips to Rocky Point and Lakeside and share many cherished memories of Paul. He was the “fun” in our family.

He fought a courageous battle with cancer with little or no complaining and was at peace that he would be returning to his home in heaven to be reunited with his mother, nephew and other loved ones.

Paul participated in the MARC Community Resources program where he made many friends and enjoyed outings such as bowling, dances, parties, arts & crafts, cooking and endless other activities.

Paul is preceded in death by his mother, Matilda and nephew Brett Buckmister. Survived by his father Harry Buckmister, brothers Doug (Cathie), Kevin (Laura), John (Sharon) and sister Amy (Mark),13 Nieces and nephews and 33 great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please donation to Hospice of the Valley or MARC Community Resources in Paul’s name.

Services will be held September 17, 2016 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3345 E. McLellan Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Margarete Anna Cook was born February 2, 1928 in Maywood, Nebraska and passed away September 5, 2016 in Mesa, AZ, at the age of 88.  She was a resident of Mesa, AZ for 59 years, where she worked for Paul Shank’s Restaurant for 16 years, and Motorola for 11 years.  She is survived by three siblings, Beverly Kissell and Harold Bosch of Colorado and Darlene Paynter of Mesa, AZ and her two sons, Jerry Wheeler and Ancil Cook of Mesa, AZ. She has 5 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Buck Clarence Cook, four brothers, and her loving parents. 

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.  There will be a viewing from 8:30-9:30am with the memorial service beginning at 10am.

Paul Bryant Phinizy at the age of 96 peacefully passed away on August 30, 2016.   Bryant was born in Lumpkin Georgia but has lived in Arizona for the past 84 years.  Bryant is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Violet Post, his parents and sisters.  He is survived by his second wife Ella Gilmore and his five children: Gretna & (Tom) Palmer, Pam & (Ken) Crosby, Helen & (Glen) Kennedy, Pauline & (Dana) Holgate, Paul & (Ollie) Phinizy. Bryant also leaves behind 27 grandchildren, 110 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, his brother Robert Phinizy.  Services for Bryant will be held at the LDS church; 7145 E. Monterey Ave. in Mesa on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 with a viewing at 9:00 a.m. and services beginning at 10:00 a.m.  His body will be laid to rest in the Mesa Cemetery.

Gloria Halverson Gleave passed away on August 26, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona, following an extended illness.

In death she was reunited with her husband Charles L. “Bud” Gleave, whose passing preceded hers by five months. It was their longest separation in 63 years of marriage.

Gloria Halverson was born January 5, 1927 in Gunnison, Utah, the third of six children of Harold Clinton Halverson and Margaret Johanna Louisa Johnson. Her family was rooted in the tide of immigration that came from Scandinavia to Central Utah at the end of the nineteenth century, and she always cherished memories of the distinctive culture and intimacy of her small town upbringing. As a teenager she moved with her family to Salt Lake City, where she graduated from East High School and Stevens-Henager Business College, then worked for the IRS during World War II.

After the war, she travelled and job-hopped in cities across America from Denver to Miami to Havana. Back in Salt Lake, following a blind date and an ensuing romance, Gloria married former East High classmate Bud Gleave. In 1960, Bud and Gloria moved their young family to Arizona, where they remained as long-time residents of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Mesa. She worked for many years as a secretary for the Salt River Project. Among many interests, she had a lifelong passion for visual art, devoting countless hours to her study of watercolor and oil painting. For Gloria there could not be too much chocolate, too many vitamins or too many art books. We will miss her generosity and unswayable love for her family.

Gloria is survived by sons Joseph (Janet), Robert (Stacey) and Kelly (Karen), 11 grandchildren, and by her sister Hallie Halverson and brother Jay Halverson. She was preceded in death by her husband, and by brothers Claire and Jimmy, as well as a sister JoAnn who died in infancy. Our sincere gratitude to the doctors and staff of the Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City, and the Scottsdale Mayo Clinic, who kept Gloria’s illness at bay until age could take her gracefully home.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elmwood Ward, 925 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona.

Lanette Rencher Bienz, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2016. Lanette, also known as Mrs. Bienz, taught 1 year in Thatcher, Arizona, and 39 years at Hawthorne Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona.

Mrs. Bienz touched the lives of many generation of students. Lanette was known for her dedication to education, her work ethic, independence, and service to others. Lanette loved her family, friends, neighbors, God, country and the outdoors.

Lanette is preceded in death by her husband Wallace Earl Bienz and 5 siblings. Lanette is survived by her son Wallace Lynn Bienz (Laura); grandchildren, Daniel Bienz (Jillian), Jared Bienz (Amber), Kyle Bienz, Lacey Bienz, Camille Bienz; and great-grandchildren, Tyler Bienz, Tiffany Bienz, and Belle Bienz. She is also survived by her sisters JoAnn Pearman (Ed) and Viola Paschal, brothers Larry Rencher (Deanna) and Joseph Rencher (Lorraine), sister-in-law Louise Rencher, and many nieces and nephews. Lanette will be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation is Friday, September 2^nd from 6-8 PM at the LDS Barkley Chapel, 1500 E. 6^th Ave., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Saturday September 3^rd at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the same location. A memorial service, followed by interment, will be held Monday, September 5^th at 10 AM at the Centennial Chapel in Taylor, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.