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Lyle Alton Riggs Jr., born September 27, 1925, in Mesa, Arizona, reunited with his sweetheart Trelva Mae Merrill Riggs on July 28, 2016.

He was a child of Lyle Alton Riggs and Goldie Motzkus Jones and the oldest of 3 brothers, Robert Riggs (deceased), Claude Hathcock, Jay Hathcock, and a sister, Sandra Morris. He is survived by 8 children: Deborah Wood (David), David Riggs (Donna), Rebecca Allen (David), Mark Riggs (Suzie), Deena Heap (Bob), Paul Riggs (Mary Ann), Matthew Riggs (Dawna), Kimberly Boynton (Matthew); 43 grandchildren; 75 great-grandchildren (with 3 more expected by year’s end); and 1 great-great grandchild.

Family, church & community service were his life’s center. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maplewood Ward, but spent most of his adult life as a member of the Mesa 4th Ward, where he served as Bishop. A WWII Army Veteran, who fought in Battle of the Bulge, he returned and served an LDS mission in the North Central States. He practiced accounting, taught school and then practiced law for over 50 years. He was active in civic affairs: Mesa City Council (Vice Mayor); Optimist Club (International Vice President); Little League (Coach); Boy/Explorer Scouts and published poetry books and music. He was optimistic, gentle, kind and accepting of all people and was the biggest fan of his grandchildren’s athletic, music and other events. In his later years, he was eternally grateful for the love and service rendered by so many.

Funeral services will be Saturday August 6^th at the LDS Chapel 3301 S. Greenfield Rd, (next to Gilbert Arizona Temple) at 10 AM. Viewing Friday August 5^th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa and Saturday 9 AM prior to the funeral in Gilbert.

Larryce Arlene Williams, age 85, passed away July 28, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3940 N. 44th Place, Phoenix, Arizona 85018. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

The family of Victoria Ann Serna is saddened to announce her journey to Heaven. She stayed with us until July 22nd, 2016. She was loved by so many people and she returned that love and affection to everyone who was fortunate enough to be blessed by her presence.

Vicki (Kiki) was born on March 3rd, 1962 in the small mining community of Morenci, AZ. She attended Morenci schools and graduated from Morenci High School in 1980. She participated in many school activities such as marching and concert band. She was a member of the tennis team. She received most of her sacraments from Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morenci. After graduation, she moved to Mesa to continue her education at Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. She was employed in local print medias, including the PennySaver, East Valley Tribune, Clipper Marketplace and at Tucson Local Media until the time of her death. Vicki was loved by hundreds of co-workers. 

Vicki loved her faith, her family and friends and her dog, Theo. She was an excellent cook. We loved her surprise dishes at family gatherings and football Sundays. She loved movies, but just the funny ones that made her laugh. Forget the tear-jerkers. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band was her favorite rock group, though she loved all types of music. She never missed the Boss when he played in town. She attended his most recent concert in March of this year with some dear friends. She loved to play card games with anyone willing to compete against her, mostly her little nephews and nieces. She was funny and witty and always ready to exchange jokes and riddles.

Vicki was part of a “bigger than life” family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Reyes and Julieta Serna. She is survived by her brother, Larry Serna and her sisters, Patricia Hernandez and Christine (Bud) Corn. She was loved by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and their families. Her friends numbered in the hundreds. We will miss her so much but we will be better people in this life because she so lovingly touched ours.

Her life will be celebrated with a visitation on Thursday, August 4th, 2016 from 6-8 pm, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, and a funeral mass on Friday, August 5th, 2016 at 9:30 am, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1730 W Guadalupe Rd., Mesa. Burial will follow on Saturday, August 6th at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Morenci/Clifton. Arrangements entrusted to Bunker Family of Mesa.

Her family encourages donations in her name to the National Stroke Association, 9707 Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112.

Sharon (Sheri) Ann Lee, age 73, of Pagosa Springs, CO, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2016, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on November 11, 1942, in Mauston, Wisconsin, the daughter of Robert and Vesta (Barto) Hendricks of Tomah Wisconsin. Sheri grew up in Tomah and graduated from high school there in 1960. Upon graduation, she attended Marquette, LaCrosse State College and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, studying chemistry and pharmacy. While at the UW, she met her future husband of 51 years, Robert Hugh Lee. They were married on February 6, 1965, in Tomah.  Bob’s career first took them to Rochester, Minnesota, where Sheri worked for Northwest Bell Telephone Company.  They next moved to San Jose, California, for several years and then on to Tucson, AZ. While living in Tucson, Sheri sold real estate and returned to school at the University of Arizona earning a mechanical engineering degree.  After retirement, they moved to Pagosa Springs, CO. Through the years Sheri has enjoyed many interesting hobbies. She spent many hours researching both her and Bob’s family genealogy.  Sheri was a member of the Mayflower Society and DAR. Sheri enjoyed tennis, skiing, and camping in her younger years and more recently spent many hours doing quilting projects. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Pagosa Springs and served as chairperson of the church council. Sheri is survived by her husband;  mother;  sister, Suzie Janney of Tomah; niece, Danñe Parker; nephew, Blake Herlick; and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father. A celebration of Sheri’s life will be held at Community United Methodist Church in Pagosa Springs, CO on August 6, 2016, at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Memorials may be made to the Community United Methodist Food Pantry, PO Box 300, Pagosa Springs, CO  81147 or to Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County, 703 San Juan Street, PO Box 2827, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. A memorial service will be held at United Methodist Church in Tomah, WI at a later date.  On line condolences may be made at www.bunkerfuneral.com, Bunker Family Funeral, Mesa, AZ.

Peter E. Pinsonneault age 83, husband of Esther Lever Pinsonneault, passed away after a brief illness and into the arms of his Lord on Wednesday, July 20^th in Mesa, Arizona.  Peter was born in Bennington on July 1, 1933 to Edward and Alice Pinsonneault.  Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Esther; children: Dan (Glenda), and Tim (Teresa) of Mesa, AZ, and Judy Pinsonneault of Veneta Oregon, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews in VT and all over the US.  Peter was predeceased by his brothers Edward, Raymond and Hector.  Friends and family gathered Friday, July 22^nd at the Bunker’s University Chapel in Mesa, Arizona to celebrate the life of Peter.

G. Robert Meko of Mesa, Arizona passed away suddenly on July 19, 2016.  He was the son of the late Anna and John Meko of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters Teague and Kellan, brothers John of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, Michael of Nipoma, California, and brother-in-law, Lawrence Seder of Damascus, Maryland.

Bob had been an educator for 45 years, the last 37 years in the Mesa area. He was a teacher, principal, and mentor. His passion, enthusiasm and love for his work permeated throughout his schools as he made the love of learning exciting and fun for his students.

Bob’s schools won prestigious awards such as A+ School and Blue Ribbon School awards.

He and his wife Sharon founded Ballet Etudes. He was also a board member of the Mesa Civic Ballet, presently Ballet Arizona. For 25 years, he performed the role of Mother Ginger in the Ballet Etudes production of The Nutcracker.

Bob was an avid baseball fan. He was a charter season ticket holder of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was Golden Glover and a lifetime 3rd baseman. Bob was also an accomplished fly fisherman even having fished with grizzly bears in the streams of Alaska.

Lover of life, larger than life, Bob left a legacy of love, laughter and learning. He will be missed by all.

A viewing will be held at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ on Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 6 to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held at the LDS Church at 1054 W. 2nd Pl, Mesa, AZ on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 1 PM.

Carl William Stine passed at the age of 93 on July 15, 2016 at the Citadel in Mesa, AZ.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Orville Stine, and two sisters, Lela and Loretta. He was born in Lincoln, NE. Carl is survived his wife Betty of 72 years, 5 children, Linda, Karen, Steve, Jim and Mark, 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren and his sister, Wilma.

He served in World War II and was a recipient of medals. Carl and Betty retired to Mesa 25 years ago. Carl was loved by all and a devoted husband and father. He will be greatly missed.

The viewing will be Friday, July 29^th from 7-9 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. The funeral service will be Saturday, July 30, at 10 AM at the LDS Chapel, 2220 N. Harris Dr, Mesa 85203.

Priscilla K. Renner passed away at the Villa in Mesa, AZ on July 16, 2016.

She was the daughter of Walter and Clara Kieback. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Lt. Col. S.G.Renner, and son Scott Renner, and is survived by her son Todd Renner of Tempe, AZ.  She is lovingly remembered by her sister Phyllis and husband Vern Eklund, of Rockford IL, nephew Paul Eklund of Mt. Airy, MD, niece Amy Poehlman of Bloomington, IN, and good friend Lorraine.

She graduated from the University of Illinois in education and taught school in Hawaii and Alaska.  Her love for learning continued in Tempe where she taught home-bound students. She had a passion for research on personal healthcare, was an avid reader, and loved dogs.

A celebration of life for close family and friends will take place on August 14 in Tempe.  She will be interred at Mt. Hope Mausoleum in Champaign, IL.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to NAMI (http://www.nami.org/), or the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (https://bbrfoundation.org/).  Please add an online condolence below.

Esther Saltzman (89) passed away peacefully in Ephraim Utah. Esther was born in Santa Barbara, California. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in June 1948 and was a teacher during her professional life.

She married her sweetheart, Dale Saltzman in 1952. She and Dale farmed in Montana during the early years of their marriage. In 1962 the family moved to San Luis Obispo, California after living in Glendale, Arizona for just over a year. Esther taught Special Education in the San Luis Obispo County School System. Esther loved raising her family in SLO. They were there for 46 years. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After retirement Esther and Dale spent many years dedicated to family history and traveled extensively. They also served a mission for the LDS church.

Esther is remembered by her family and many friends for her kind and loving heart. She is survived by her children: Laura (Gary), Don (Lesa), and Richard (Jeanette), 14 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Saltzman, and her sister, Marjorie Allison. Funeral services were held in Arizona.

The family would like to thank all those who gave so generously of themselves towards Esther’s welfare-her many friends and neighbors, the wonderful and loving caretakers in Mesa Arizona and in Ephraim Utah, the medical providers who cared for her in her final days and the many kind members of her church who extended love and support.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883

Gerald Clark (Jerry) Hornbeck, was born May 8, 1942, in Greybull, Wyoming. He passed away July 2, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah, of heart failure.

He was a Viet Nam veteran, with a Purple Heart. He owned his own construction company. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, papa and great papa. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, 5 grown children, 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, one sister and one brother, and many friends. You were loved by all, and will be missed by all. You will be in our hearts forever; be at peace my love.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 23, from 10 AM to noon, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. A Patriot Guard escort to the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona will take place on Wed., July 27, leaving Bunker’s Garden Chapel promptly at 7:30 AM.

Celebration of Life will be on July 29^th at 6 PM. Please contact JoAnn Hornbeck for further information at 480-586-0449 or 480-291-3991.

Gene Harlan Bohnee (Dawuqtsi – Sweet Corn), 50, a resident of Chandler, AZ, O’odham/Hopi, and a member of the Gila River Indian Community was called to his heavenly home on July 14, 2016. He was born December 20, 1965 in Phoenix, Arizona.

He is survived by his fiancé, Josie Gaisthea, his parents Ruth and Harlan Bohnee, his brother Gary, sisters Kay, Jean, and Elizabeth, and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Ruth and Eugene Bohnee and his maternal grandparents Amy and Reverend Daniel Schirmer.

Gene had a genuine passion for life, love for others, caring, giving, and kind to all. He had a special heart for the elderly and children. This zest for life touched many people. He was an all-around handyman and self-taught artist and chef which he enjoyed sharing most with family and friends. He also loved sports, particularly auto racing and golf. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation and funeral service will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016, from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Graveside service and internment will take place on Saturday, July 23 at 7 AM at Mesquite Cemetery, Stotonic Village, District 4, Gila River Indian Community.

Wilma Alzada Brundage Beeler, 84, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Mesa, Arizona, on July 10, 2016.

She was born October 24, 1931, in Roosevelt, Utah, to Christina M. Giles Brundage and William Alma Brundage. She grew up in Bridgeland, Utah, and attended high school in Roosevelt, Utah, where she met and fell in love with her husband of almost 63 years, Danny Adwin Beeler. They were married November ­­­23, 1950, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, and were happily married for almost 52 years. He preceded her in death on August ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­14, 2012.

They lived in LaHabra, California, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Phoenix, Arizona, but were most happy during the last 21 years of their lives in Santa Clara, Utah, where they loved their neighbors and members of their ward. During Danny’s Air Force career, they moved to several states, with her traveling with him until he was sent to Korea. When he went to serve in Korea, she lived with his family and grew to love them even more. During her life, she worked in several different capacities and had a great talent for bookkeeping. Wilma loved camping, golfing, working in the yard, and playing with her grandchildren. She also loved reading until it became too hard on her eyes. She loved being a member of the LDS church and served in many positions in her lifetime.

Later in life, she and Dan served a mission at the St. George Tabernacle as member location missionaries. She loved her many friends and neighbors and stubbornly refused to leave them and her home for several months when she became too ill. She had experienced heart trouble culminating with 2 mitral valve replacements during her life and finally a stroke in 2014 which limited her love of working in the yard. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and will be remembered for her kindness and selfless service to others, always making sure everyone was taken care of before herself. She will be dearly missed and will be forever in our hearts.

Wilma is survived by her 2 daughters Cheryl Vowles, Mesa, AZ, and Trudy Curtis, St. George, UT, 3 grandchildren Jodi Goff (Mathew) Mesa, AZ, Tyler Vowles (Shannon) Gilbert, AZ, and Martin Beau Curtis, St. George, UT. She also had 4 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly and talked about pretty much non-stop. Wilma is also survived by 4 sisters and 1 brother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Danny A. Beeler; mother Christina Giles Nation, father Willam Brundage, and brother Kay Brundage.

The family would like to thank the wonderful neighbors and friends Wilma had, who went out of their way to ensure she was safe and happy. We would also like to thank the wonderful and loving caretakers from Zion’s Way Hospice in St. George, UT, and especially Emblem Hospice in Chandler, AZ. They were always available for help, advice, love, and hugs. They made Wilma’s last days as comfortable and peaceful as it could be.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 16, 2016, at the LDS Chapel, 3815 Rachel Dr., Santa Clara, UT at 11 AM, with a viewing for friends and family prior to the services at 10 AM. Interment will follow the services at the Santa Clara City Cemetery.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, Mesa, AZ, (480) 696-6883.

Marjorie Anna Havlena, 84, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on July 8, 2016.  She was born in Babcock, WI on July 9, 1931 to Charles and Elsie (Damme) Sanger.  A Visitation will be held at 10:00 am with Funeral Services at 11:00 am, Friday, July 15, 2016 at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 3257 E. University Dr. in Mesa.

Arthur R. Schmidt, 87, of Mesa, AZ, passed away on July 8, 2016.

Born in Santa Barbara, CA, he was raised and lived most of his life in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area. Arthur met his wife, Jean M. Ellingwood, while both were attending the University of Minnesota. They were married on March 21, 1953 in Minneapolis and later had their marriage sealed in the LDS Temple in Idaho Falls, ID. He was a graduate from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Together they had seven children. Arthur loved hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He was an avid skier and loved waterskiing and boating. He loved playing sports with his children and actively supported each one of them. With his family, he created many fond memories during family vacations, camping and canoeing trips.

Arthur remained a strong and devoted member of the LDS Church throughout his adult life, serving as Bishop twice as well as many other Ward and Stake callings. After an extraordinary career as a dentist, he retired and together with Jean moved to Mesa, AZ in 1999. After nearly 50 years of marriage, Jean passed away in 2002. Shortly thereafter Arthur married Peggy Ennis in the LDS Los Angeles Temple. Arthur served as an ordinance worker in the LDS Mesa Temple for 14 years, and was devoted to family history work. He and Peggy also served a mission to the LDS Washington D.C. Temple in 2005-2007. In addition to his many professional and personal accomplishments, he is best known and honored as a loving husband and father.

He is survived by his wife Peggy, and his seven children: James (Rosalyn), Mark (Tami), Steven (Leslie), David (Jinjer), Sandra Bishop (David), Daniel (Melanie) and Kathryn Hadfield (Greg), 36 Grandchildren and 39 Great-Grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Papke.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to the LDS Temple Patron Assistance Fund at www.ldsphilanthropies.org

Viewing:

Friday evening 6:00-8:00 pm at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Saturday morning 9:00-9:45 am at the LDS Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 North Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ

Cheryl Darlene Dreyer, 74, of Mesa, died Sunday, July 10, 2016 in Phoenix, AZ.

Born July 27, 1941 to Dewey and Vera (nee Whitmer) Jones in Hagerstown, MD she was then adopted by Clarence and Virginia Weller. She previously worked as a teller for Valley Bank.

Cheryl is survived by her husband John of Mesa, son Barry Clem of Gilbert, daughter Tracy Markovic (Mark) of Mesa, sisters Gloria Poffenberger of Eutise, FL, Joyce Felds of Hancock, MD, Kay Doris Clark of Hagerstown, MD and brother Gary Jones of Sherburne, NY. Her joy was her grandchildren, Chris Clem (Erin) of Morenci, AZ, Matt Clem of Gilbert, Lynsey Hall (Bryce), Adam Markovic, Cody Markovic, Heather Klepinger (Kohl), Blake, Hailee and Leah Markovic, all of Mesa, and her great grandchildren Colin & Ella Clem of Morenci, AZ, Maverick Clem of Gilbert, AZ, Bryln and Graham Hall of Mesa. Cheryl is also survived by her dear niece Kim Fitzpatrick, of Sparks, NV. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, adopted parents and sister Linda Earley.

Visitation will be Friday, July 15, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 16, 2016, at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3920 E. Brown Road, Mesa. Interment will be in the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Tracy Mae Smith, age 47, passed away July 1, 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wake services will be Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 6 PM at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 14th at 7:00 AM at the same location.