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Gary Morgan Wheeler…

…was a strong, kind and wise man who in his gentleness was larger than life and touched the hearts of all he met in a special way.

He began working as a copper miner after moving to Globe, Arizona in 1970 where he met and married the love of his life Nikki Latendresse, a cute, young waitress.  Next month would have marked their forty fifth wedding anniversary.

A year passed and the newlyweds welcomed a son Dan followed by the birth of little brother Chris five years later.  Over the next fifteen years, they lived throughout the Southwest and finally settled in the Valley of the Sun where after the purchase of some land in Apache Junction, Sun West Mobile Modular was born and remains the family’s business.

Gary’s most well-known hobby was Pool and he belonged to several leagues such as BCA and APA.   For many years he played about four nights a week, so recently he and Nikki joined a couples league because after all, what wife wouldn’t want to spend evenings with her husband after working with him all day every day? Gary was a team captain for many years and his son Dan had also been playing league with him for about 10 years (so naturally his wife Candace joined too!)  Gary also bowled a few seasons with the family.

During Gary’s rich life his hobbies were not limited to indoor sports for he had a spirit that longed to be outdoors and spent as much free time as possible with friends and family while he pursued passions such as fishing, duning, boating, deep sea fishing and photography.

In his 64 years Gary made many friends, all who probably think they were his best.   His presence will be missed, but his essence will stay in the hearts of those whose lives he touched in his special, gentle way.

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Gary was born July 23^rd 1952 in Los Angeles, California.  His sister Frieda, and brothers Ronny and Skip preceded in Gary’s passing.  He is survived by his wife Nikki Wheeler, and sons Chris, Dan and daughter-in-law Candace. Gary was cremated and his wishes were to have his ashes spread over Roosevelt Lake, one of his favorite fishing spots near Globe, AZ where much of his family’s reunions, holiday outings, weekend getaways and cherished memories were created over the last forty fun filled years.

George William Myers, 76, of Mesa Arizona passed away peacefully at his home, Saturday, August 20, 2016 surrounded by his family.  George fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for the last 18 months.  He was born March 19, 1940 to Cecil and Bernice Myers in Huntington, Indiana.  George married Donna Jean Earlywine May 2, 1959  and was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple June 15, 1971.  George served his country in the United States Air Force.  He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings including that of Bishop of the Huntington Ward from 1983-1987.  George worked most of his life for Triad-Utrad/Litton Industries in Huntington, Indiana.  After George retired, he and Donna served an LDS Mission in Knoxville, Tennessee.

George is survived by his wife Donna and their five children: Ronald Myers, Renee Emmons, Dr. Rochelle Myers, Rita Myers, Ryan (Lisa) Myers, eight grandchildren: Michele, Marisa, Megan, Seth, Quentin, Quianna, Ariana, Milan, five great-grandchildren: Tori, Tavis, Takara, Keegan, Cadence, and two brothers: Jim Myers and Jon Myers.  He is preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Bernice, his son Randall Myers, and a sister Sherry Huffman.

There will be a viewing on Friday August 26, 2016 from 6-8pm at the Bunker Family Funeral Home – 3529 E. University Drive Mesa, Arizona.  Funeral services will take place Saturday August 27, 2016 at 2pm with a viewing prior to the service from 12:30-1:30pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel – 825 S. 32nd Street Mesa, Arizona.  Burial will be on Monday August 29, 2016 at 11am in the National Memorial Cemetery – 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, Arizona.

Lawrence Alfred Silva, age 57, passed away August 18, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

A visitation will be held Friday, September 2, 2016 from 7-9 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 3,  2016 at 11:00 AM at the same location. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Charlene Louise Lewis, age 60, of Mesa, Arizona passed away August 20, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Graveside services will be held Friday, August 26, 2016 at 9 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona.

Peter Hubert Reis, 83, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on August 18, 2016. Peter Hubert Reis died peacefully in the arms of beloved wife Anne.

Beloved husband of Anne for 63 years. Devoted father to Donna Raftery and husband Jim, Susan Patrik and husband Antoni, Dawn Stark and husband Eric, Peter and wife Cyndi and Leslie Abney and husband Jason. Sweet grandfather to Jessica, Josh and Katie, Brian and Ali, Madi, Mason and Mallorie, and Haylee, Tucker, Brinley and Baylor. Proud great-grandfather to Ryleigh, Raegan, Della, Watson, Tatum and Maven.

A visitation will be held Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 6 to 8 PM, at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Friday, August 26, 2016 at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mountain Vista Ward, 6655 E. Preston St., Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

June M. Fleming, 73, joined her beloved husband, Mike, in heaven on August 16, 2016. She passed peacefully in her home after battling kidney cancer.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael (Sheri) and Patrick (Karen); four grandchildren Michael (Santana), Kristy, Sean, Kelly and great-grandchildren, Reese & Mikey.

She was born in Chicago on June 1, 1943. She married Mike on Sept 16, 1961. They moved to Arizona in 1978. June worked for Smitty’s Grocery from 1981 to retirement. They moved to Springfield retirement community and made wonderful friends there. Then June & Mike worked together on a demonstration team for Sam’s Club and traveled around Arizona. June & her friends recently enjoyed a trip to Europe. She also loved trips to Disneyland with her grandchildren. June loved playing dominoes, Farkel, going to theatre plays, bowling and golfing. She was a wonderful lady – she brightened up a room with her fantastic smile and friendly manner. She was always happy, positive and interested in other people. We love you June – you will be in our hearts forever.

Service will be on August 26, 2016 at 10:00am at St. Stevens Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Rd in Sun Lakes (Dobson & Riggs Rd) 480-895-9266. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in June’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656. (602) 530-6900.

Ronald K. Bretzing, 81 passed away suddenly of natural causes on August 13th while visiting family in Bountiful, Utah.  He was born on August 24th,1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Karl T. Bretzing and Afton Smith Bretzing.  Ronald led a happy and productive life filled with family, friends, and many activities.  He was an avid golfer and loved to hike and fish with his brothers in Wyoming. Ronald was also very proud of his military service, having served in the US Navy from 1951-1954 on the USS Mansfield (DD728).  He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; China Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; and National Defense Service Medal.  In 1958, he was married to LaVonne Hennessey Bretzing of Minnesota.  Ronald graduated from Arizona State University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and worked for more than 30 years in the building materials industry in Oregon and California. Left to carry on his traditions are his children Michael Bretzing, Donna (Johnson) Bretzing (Mike), and Jeffrey Bretzing (Nicole), all of California.  His legacy will be continued through his six grandsons Christopher, Brian, Justin, Joshua, Bradley and Gregory.  Ronald was preceded in death by his parents Karl and Afton Bretzing, his sister Joann (Mortensen) Bretzing of Phoenix, and his wife LaVonne Hennessey Bretzing.  He is survived by his brothers, Gordon Bretzing (Jeannie) of Colorado, David Bretzing of Scottsdale, Richard Bretzing (Dianne) of Utah, Randal Bretzing (Claudia) of Mesa, and brother-in-law Rudolfo Mortensen of Phoenix.  Funeral services were held on Friday, August 19th and Ronald was laid to rest at Greenwood Memory Lawn cemetery.

Darrel W. Hamblin, 65, of Mesa AZ, died unexpectedly at 1:36 a.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2016.

Darrel was born January 6, 1951, in Mesa, AZ and was a lifelong area resident. He was a retired plumbing contractor, a fabulous cook, and an avid fisherman with a love of camping and all things outdoors. Above all, he had a deep abiding love of family and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Bonnie Hamblin, children Amanda Hamblin and Christopher Hamblin, grandsons Alex Hamblin and Gage Halamka, brothers Kenneth Hamblin, Larry Hamlin and Dale Hamblin, and sister Mona Bratcher.  In addition, many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by parents Jerome and Goldie Hamblin and five brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday August 27 at the Highway Baptist Church at 10505 E. Brown Rd, Mesa Az 85207.

Saadil Masih, 14 passed away on August 13, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Saadil led a very active life filled with so many future dreams for school and college. He loved music, drawing cartoons, clothes, spicy food and chocolate. May his soul rest in peace.

Jo Lynn White, 63, passed away August 15, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.  Funeral services are Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lindsay Third Ward, 21320 S. Greenfield, Gilbert, Arizona.

Jan. 27^th, 1945 – Aug. 14^th, 2016

Cynthia was best known as Cindy. Cindy is survived by her loving husband Franklin “Bruce” Ross. Siblings: Patty Jamison Shultz, and Myrna Jamison Epperson. Children: Bryan S. Power, Matthew “Matt” C. Power, Jason P. Power, Christopher “Shawn” Ross, and Shane J. Ross.  Daughter-in-laws: Melissa “Misi” Power, and Jamie P. Power.   And her all-time favorite, her loving grandchildren (oldest to youngest): Brianne Power, Pace Power, Colton Power, Kali Power, Spencer Power, Makayla Ross, Mina Power, Jared Power, and Jaxon Power.  Also, numerous in-laws, and nieces & nephews.

Cindy was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth; it was more like a wooden twig.  This being said she was well loved and cared for as the baby of the family by her older siblings and a hard working mother. She was taught the value of honest hard work and charity.

Her tenacious personality was present at a young age and carried throughout her entire life.  She had many adventures in her life, journeyed down many paths and learned a great deal about life.  She was a hard worker and found the beauty in everything around her.  She was a very wise woman who spent a large part of her life doing for others.  She was blessed with the gift to recognize those in need and the ability to help them in just the right way.  She was very in tune with the Holy Ghost and always acted when promptings struck her without question or hesitation.  She blessed countless lives of strangers, neighbors, ward members and family.  She spent her life helping because it was the right thing to do, not to gain praise from others.  She may have done what she did quietly in the background but, when Cindy had something to say she made sure she was heard.

She spent almost thirty years as the companion and best friend of Bruce Ross.  They worked hard to make and achieve goals in their life to better themselves and their combined family. They lived each day by the words of the prophet Ezra Taft Benson “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives.”  They worked together as a team, but Bruce will admit that Cindy was very much the driving force behind their team.

Cindy leaves a giant whole in this world that can never be filled and an example of what to strive for.  She has a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings of temple marriage and eternal life. Her greatest desire was for her children and grandchildren to live in such a way that we could all be together in Heavenly Father’s presence someday. We are all sad for ourselves because we miss her here with us, but we know that we will see her again.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 19, 2016, from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Harris 2nd Ward, 1455 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona.

Interment will be at West Resthaven Memorial Park, 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale, Arizona.

Joseph Van Peterson, 85, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2016.

Joseph loved his family, his church, and dancing. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was diligent in all his callings. He was loved by his family and will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Arley and Coral Shumway Peterson, daughter Cindy Phillips, sister Arlie, brothers Leo and Max and sister-in-law Billie. He is survived by his wife Alicia, daughters Sherri (Garin) Abegglen, Joyce (Michael) Barker and Mary Ann (Jim) Everhart, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and many other family members.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 16, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation from 9 – 9:45 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel. Interment will be at the Lakeside Cemetery at 4 PM following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, Dobson House.

Kemp M Farnsworth, 62, of Mesa, AZ, passed away on August 9, 2016.

Kemp was born June 19, 1954 in Mesa.  He graduated from Chandler High School in 1972, and worked several trades in Arizona during his lifetime. Kemp served a mission for the LDS church in Guatemala and El Salvador in 1973-1975. He married his eternal sweetheart, Nora Jane Briggs on October 12, 1979.

Kemp is preceded in death by his bride Nora (1997). He is survived by his five sons Ryan (April), Kyle (Amber), Richard, Briggs (Emma), and Daniel (Chelsea), and his ten grandchildren, who he loved very much. Kemp was known as being quick to serve others and generous with his time and kind words.

Funeral services are Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 10 AM, at 1430 N. Grand, Mesa, AZ. They are preceded by a viewing on Monday, August 15, 2016 from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Tash Marie Two-Dreams Seota, age 23, passed away August 7, 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Friday, August 12, 2016 from 3-7 PM, at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Irvin Davis Smith, 81, passed away peacefully at his Mesa, AZ home on August 8, 2016 after a short battle with leukemia.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Christie Carver Smith, children Rod Smith (Marcea), Brad Smith, Brandi Jex (Vernon), Tyson Smith (Kara), Cody Smith (Brittney), Angie Draughon (Mike), 23 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and sisters Etha Clark, Juanita Chambers, and Barbara Walker.

Irv was born in Roswell, New Mexico the youngest of Clyde and Hazel Smith’s 8 children. He was raised in Phoenix, AZ where he spent his youth milking cows and playing ball. He moved back to New Mexico with his parents and graduated from Central High School in Kirtland in 1953. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1961, traveled the Western United States working in sales and settled in Phoenix where he started and ran Irvin D. Smith Pest Control for 40 years. Irv was an avid sports fan and spent many years and hundreds of hours coaching his children’s sports teams. He understood many important life lessons could be taught through sports and in his patient, caring, and loving way influenced hundreds.

He was a hard working, faithful man who loved his family, an ice cold drink, and two scoops of any ice cream available!

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 15, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kimball East Stake Center, 4640 E. Holmes Avenue, Mesa, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/2jemngd5

Spencer Carroll Kemp, 56, born October 9, 1959 passed away after a year long bout with cancer.  Spencer was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, camper, hunter and filled his life with many great trips to the wilderness of Arizona.  He was preceded in death by his brother James Melvin Kemp and his father Melvin Joseph Kemp.  He is survived by his mother, Diana Ellsworth and aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Funeral services will be Friday, August 12^th at 10:00 AM, with visitation at 9:00 AM at the Gilbert 4^th Ward building at Lindsay and Houston, Gilbert, Arizona