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Norval Craig Jesperson, 86, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully in his home on September 27, 2016.

Norval was born on September 30, 1929 and led an amazing and full life.  In 1952, he married the love of his life, Sybil Norma Lamoreaux, for time and eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  He traveled the world and spoke several languages.  He was a successful Attorney and Judge, and was passionate about Missionary work.  He was very active in the LDS church and held many positions throughout his life including serving as a Mission President in Peru from 1977 -1980.

He is survived by his three children, Jennifer Scott (Raymond), Jill Mowery (Jim) and Spencer Jesperson (LoraLee), fifteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and siblings Beverly Porter, Lauralee Sorensen, LeLand Jesperson, David Jesperson and Pamela Rarick. He was preceded in death by his wife Sybil Jesperson, parents William Leroy Jesperson and Grace Mae Jesperson and siblings Bill Jesperson, Ronda Puckett, Grace Despain and Arlyn Jesperson.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the LDS church located at 933 East Brown in Mesa. The viewing will be at 9 AM and the services at 10 AM. He will be laid to rest in the Central Arizona Cemetery.

The family of Irving J and Ethlyn Ray announce their joyous reunion in heaven after she slipped peacefully from mortality on Friday, 23 September 2016. The daughter of Hans and Mynoa Richardson Andersen, she was born in Thatcher, AZ on 15 December 1925 but lived most of her life in Mesa, AZ where she met and married Irving and with him reared their ten children:  Kenneth (Tina), Melvin (Sonya), Cynthia (Dale Flake), Mynoa (Alan Williams), Marlene (Gary Hinton), Juanita (Jeff Hill), Ilene, Ruth Ann (Michael Petramalo), Jenise (Bill Zundel), and Christine (Michael Hitchcock).  She has 85 grandchildren and 290 great-grandchildren (today’s count).  She is adored by all of them.

Ethlyn, a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, found great joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ, her family, music, and service as she shared her blessings with everyone she knew and some she didn’t. She worked hard, loved deeply, gave generously, and cheerfully handled life’s challenges in a way that inspired us.  We are so happy for her safe return to her sweetheart, her daughter, Juanita, and multitudes of other precious and beloved family and friends.  To quote her 16-year-old friend, Noah, “The angels got one of their best back.”  Good job, Mother!

Visitation will be Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 6-8 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, September 30, 2016 at 10 AM, with a visitation at 9 AM, at the same location.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Monte Kay Tingey was the 3^rd child born to Carmon (Hap) Riddle and Genevieve Turner Tingey in Preston, Idaho on January 28, 1938. The family lived on a cattle ranch in Wayan, Idaho where Monte began his formal education in a one-room school house. Summers were spent at the ranch; during winter months, the family moved to Grace, Idaho for the children to attend school. Monte graduated from Grace High School.

During the 7^th grade school year, Monte met Miss Linda Rae Ashbaker; he was smitten by the beautiful, dark-haired girl, with deep dimples and captivating smile. He liked her so much they exchanged Christmas gifts! Linda was more than a high school sweetheart, they were soul mates. They were sealed for time and all eternity on December 18, 1959 in the Logan LDS temple in Logan, Utah.

Monte worked as a carpenter, home builder, master craftsman and cabinet maker in Bountiful and Centerville, Utah. After a wonderful vacation to Hawaii—they couldn’t get enough of the ocean, beach and beauty there, so they sold nearly everything and moved to Kona, Hawaii. After a few short years, love of family—especially the grandkids—brought them back to the mainland—Arizona. An injury caused Monte to retire early which lead him to expand his creative and artistic talents even more. He focused on turning artistic bowls and vases which were featured and sold at Work of Artists in Scottsdale for over 20 years.

Monte passed away at home on September 23, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children Todd Carmon (Annette) Tingey, Kellee (Alan) Howell; Guy Mont (Diana) Tingey; grandchildren, Amanda (Aaron) Cromar, Emilie (Todd) Sallee, Mitchell Todd Tingey, Kaycee Rae Howell, Cody Robert Howell, Elizabeth Diana Tingey, Alexander Guy Tingey, and Gracie Sue Tingey; great-grandchildren, Anna Cromar, Ty Sallee and Tad Sallee; sister Carma Latvala, brother Stephen (Brenda) Tingey and sister-in-law Ruth Tingey.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Bonnie Wolf and Gary Tingey; and grandson, Zachary Mont Tingey.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at www.jdrf.org

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.