Find An Obituary

Shannon Taylor Hall was born on December 14th 1985 and passed away on Friday, June 17th 2016. She was a loving mother to her son Tyler and the daughter of Gordon and Stacy Hall.  She leaves behind her siblings: Mario, Alicia, Ashley, Benton, and Allie.  She is proceeded in death by her siblings, Audrey and Adam.  She will be dearly missed by all.

Richard Donald Johnson, 41, passed away unexpectedly from health complications June 18, 2016 in Queen Creek, Arizona.  He was born in Logan, Utah on September 8, 1974.  He attended schools in Logan, Utah and Vienna, Virginia and graduated from James Madison High School in 1993.  He was an Eagle Scout and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served an honorable mission in the Hungary Budapest Mission.  He loved serving people through the callings he held.  He truly displayed Christ-like attributes.

He attended Utah State University and graduated in May 2000 with a degree in accounting and a minor in finance.  He met his eternal companion Jennifer Farnsworth at Utah State where they became True Aggies.  They were married August 12, 1998 in the Logan, Utah Temple.

Rich loved music and played the trombone and guitar.  He was a member of the James Madison High School Symphonic and Marching Bands and continued at Utah State University in their Symphonic, Marching and Pep Bands.  He was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan.  He worked at Avnet for 15 years, first in accounting and recently as a senior financial analyst.

He touched the lives of everyone he met with his contagious smile.  He was an incredibly kind, tender, generous man who genuinely cared about people and was happy in life.  His wife and three girls were the light of his life and he loved them deeply.  He is survived by his wife Jennifer, his girls, Abigail (15), Paige (12), and Maren (10); his parents Don and Ellen Johnson of North Ogden, Utah, and Sheryl and Jerry Spriet of Smithfield, Utah; siblings Jennifer Perales (Fred), Stephanie Garaycochea (Damien), Lynn Stratton, Jesse Johnson, Todd Spriet (Nicole), Jennifer Dalton, Travis Spriet, and Eric Spriet; his in-laws, Scott and Leita Farnsworth, and all his wife’s family.  He was preceded in death by his brother David Pierson, grandparents Richard and Evalyn Yeates, Harold and Lola Johnson, Julius and Margaret Spriet, and Norman and Evelyn Moore. Funeral services are Saturday, June 25, 2016, at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation from 9 to 10:45 AM at the Queen Creek West Stake Center, 19730 East Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek.  Interment will be in the San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek.

Harriet Gloria Scanlon, age 66, passed away on June 11, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Harriet Gloria was born to Albert and Rachel Abramowitz on Saturday May 27 1950 at Union Hospital in Brooklyn NY. Harriet was so ready for the world that she arrived three months early! Harriet graduated Canarsie High Class of 1968 with honors.

Harriet had two beautiful girls whom she cherished. At the age of 21 Harriet had her first daughter, Shera, who was born January 26 1972, and at the age of 25 Harriet gave birth to her “BABY” as Sharon was born July 8 1975. In late 1982 Harriet met the love of her life Danny J Scanlon JR. On May 26, 1983 Harriet and Danny married, they moved their family to Arizona March 17 1985. Out of this union Harriet was bestowed two more beloved children, Dorothy Scanlon and Danny Scanlon III. “Little Dan” blessed us with his wonderful wife Michiko in 1985.Harriet and Danny were blessed when they became Grandparents for the first and second time with their Grandchildren Jimmy Scanlon on April 21, 1986 and Jennifer Scanlon on November 23, 1987.  Harriet was blessed with Stacey Alison on September 7, 1989 and blessed again with her name sake Stephen Harrison on September 15, 1990. The blessings continued when Shambree Cecilia-Renee on October 29, 1991 and blessed with Kaylee Faith on October 11, 1994.

Harriet always loved God in everything she did. She was very proud of her Jewish heritage and played the role of the Jewish Mother quite well.

Harriet had the biggest heart she would give you the shirt of her back, the last meal in her refrigerator or the last dollar in her wallet.  Harriet had a way about her where you felt like you were the most important person in the world every time you were around her. One of Harriet’s passions were animals, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rats, etc., she ALWAYS had a spot of them in her home. Harriet loved all music and baseball.

Harriet was the best Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Cousin and FRIEND to those that came into her path. Harriet has left quite a legacy to all of those she has left behind. Her family now has a new angel to watch over them, until we meet again.

Graveside services were held Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 10:00 AM, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Our patriarch Vernon passed away on Saturday morning, surrounded by his family who deeply loved him.

Vern will be remembered as the king of steady, patience and perseverance. As love stories go, this is a pretty great one. With his wife of just nearly 66 years, Vern and Helen were a romance of real “Notebook” fame. Their journey together started in the hills of Tennessee from where Vern enlisted in the Navy. He just didn’t feel cut out for farming. After 3 years of mostly floating out at sea, Vern transferred to the Air Force where he went on to complete a 20-year career. Vern followed that with another successful career with ASU.

Vernon was an accomplished plumber, golfer (9 holes-in-one), husband, father and friend. He modeled integrity in everything he did. Those who knew him could always count on that. Vernon and Helen have nearly outlived most of their friends and family, but their way of living will always be passed on to those they affected.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Helen, son Mark, daughter Pam and sisters Alene and Betty, as well as 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Vern and Helen also survived the passing of their son Mike at 6 years old.

A military graveside service will be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 10 AM. Vernon’s desires were for any money spent on flowers to be donated to your favorite charity. Vernon gave a lot to others in many ways; his wishes would be for you to carry that on.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Edward Raymond Zaleski, 73, passed away on June 16, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Edward was born on February 17, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio. Memorial services may be scheduled at a later date.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Calvin Burnham Decker, 87, passed quietly from natural causes on June 15, 2016.  He was married to Norma M. Breisch (deceased), and they had six children: Joseph J. (Jean) Decker, Gail E. Pittard (Gary), Terry L. Doran, Janice L. Schenk, Laurie L. Strasser (Gerry) and George C. Decker (deceased).  He was also married to Elizabeth B. Grigsby and Maxine G. Decker (both deceased).  Calvin was born in Aripine, Arizona on June 11, 1929 to Jesse Nathaniel and Bessie Burnham Decker and spent his entire life as an Arizona resident.  He lived in Aripine, Snowflake and Mesa, where he spent his working years as a mail carrier until retirement and then worked as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Temple for 18 years.  A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, June 24^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2152 E. Adobe in Mesa.

Shirley Lee Montgomery, age 55, passed away June 16, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2016 from 7-9 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pioneer Ward, 1050 S. Hobson, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Hoffman, Suzanne Ruth (Sue)

Sue Hoffman, 78, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, June 11, 2016 in the presence and comfort of her loving family. She was the daughter of Arthur Marchant and Gertrude and Wes Anderson of Toledo, Ohio.

Sue is survived by her loving husband, Bill Hoffman, of 58 years of marriage, her children, grandchildren and great grandchild. The love of her family was the center of her being and greatness. Her expressed kindness and affection to others will be held in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Sue was a cheerleader and graduate of Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio and a resident of Temperance, Michigan for over 40 years.  She was a retired school bus driver with the Bedford Public Schools for 29 years and an active member of the Temperance-Bedford community and a charter member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

Following retirement, Sue and Bill moved to Mesa, Arizona to live closer to their children and grandchildren. While in retirement, Sue participated in several women’s clubs and neighborhood organizations. She was a board member of the Sunland Village Women’s Club, an active swimmer and a contributor to the community newsletter.

Her love of family, friends and pets will be a lasting memory of this very beautiful and dear woman, wife and mother. Her time with us was a true blessing and gift.

Visitation will be held at Bunker Funeral Home, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213 on June 16, 2016 from 6 to 8 PM.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206 on June 17, 2016 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Arizona Humane Society.

WADDELL, LeMoyne C., 81, Command Sgt. Major (1953-94), died June 7, 2016 in Mesa, AZ. Born Dec. 8, 1934, in Idaho Falls, ID to D. Keith and LaRena Waddell. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Waddell, 12 children, 25 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by 2 children.

Raised in Alta, WY and graduated from Teton High in Driggs, ID where he participated in sports, choir, band, Quill & Scroll (Pres.), plays, and the school paper.  Enjoyed mountains, hunting, skiing, baseball, and golf. Loved family, scouting, and LDS service in wards and temples where he had leadership responsibilities in the Boise, Dallas, and Mesa Temples.

Graduated from the Sgt. Major Academy in Fort Bliss, TX and trained at Fort Ord and Fort Knox.

As Command Sgt. Major, he ran the National Guard in Driggs. He was on active duty at Ladd AFB in Alaska and Fort Lewis, WA and took the Driggs unit to Viet Nam and brought them all back although 28 of the 44 men received Purple Hearts. In Boise he participated with the Colonel in running the Idaho National Guard.  He developed a software program he installed in 25 state units. His military career spanned 41 years

Memorial services will be at the Driggs Idaho LDS Stake Center June 30, 2016 at 10:30 AM. Interment at the Pratt Cemetery in Alta, WY with full military honors.  Visitation one hour prior to service.

Donna Lynch MacArthur, (nee: Bingham) age 97 of Gilbert, AZ, formerly of Danville, CA, passed away on June 8, 2016 in Mesa, AZ.

Born February 19, 1919 in Vernal, Utah to Charles Bingham and Alice (Gardner), she was a homemaker her entire life.

Donna was married to Randall Lynch, Sr., the owner of Lynch Foods in Oakland & Walnut Creek, CA. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Donna is survived by her daughter Maureen Rascon of Gilbert, AZ; daughter Maxine Lynch Malta (Dana) of Oroville, CA; son Randall W. Lynch (Lisa) of Paradise Valley, AZ; daughter Marta Lynch of Salt Lake City, UT; brother Frank Bingham (Pauline) of Las Vegas, NV; sister Wilma Snyder of Salt Lake City, UT; sister Afton Brighton of Gilbert, AZ; 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 1 daughter, Marilyn Fontana, in 2008.

Graveside services will be conducted Friday, June 17 at 1 PM at Mountain View Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bunker Family Funeral Homes, Garden Chapel, Mesa, AZ & Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, Mountain View, CA

David Curtis Jones passed away on June 7, 2016 in Glendale, AZ. He was born to Richard and Mae Jones July 10, 1952. Curt graduated from Tempe High School in 1971, where he was actively engaged in football and track. He loved sports and enjoyed watching and talking about car racing. He spent several years in Alaska where he worked as a heavy equipment operator building the pipeline.

He is survived by his mother, Ula Mae Jones; brother, Richard E Jones Jr.; two sisters, Pam Butler and Debbie Vest; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many close friends that he loved dearly. He joins his father, Richard E Jones, and is sure to be celebrating their time together. He was loved by his family and will be missed.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Burial will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Barbara Ann “Richards” Lemons passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, Arizona on June 6, 2016 at the age of 81 surrounded by loving family and friends.  Barbara, a lifelong Arizona native, was born in Joseph City.  She spent most of her formative years in Safford and graduated from Safford High School.  Following high school she married Lawrence “Paul” Lemons and their whirlwind life  began.

Barbara’s greatest desire in life was to be a wife and mother.  Together, she and Paul, adopted 5 children, William, Scott, Vincent, Cecily and Jody.  Barbara spent her life caring for, nurturing, and teaching her children.  As Barbara’s children grew her desire to teach not only her children but all children sent her back to school to obtain an Elementary Education degree from Arizona State University.  She spent the next 20 years as “Mrs. Lemons” educating hundreds of 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd graders in Miami, Arizona.  Barbara retired from teaching in 1993 but remained active in the lives of her children, her family, and her church.  She was well known for her active humanitarian work, producing countless items (blankets, rattles, infant hats, hospital bags, picture books and stockings) to comfort and assist those in need.

Barbara is survived by her five children, their spouses, 18 grandchildren and a growing number of great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Paul, her parents, Doc and Merle Richards, and her eldest brother, Richard.

Interment was on June 11, 2016 at Mountain View Cemetery, Mesa, Arizona alongside her husband, Paul.  Paul and Barbara, as they were for 58 years, are together once again.

Barbara lived her entire life as a wife, mother, teacher, and humanitarian.  No greater titles exist, in this world or the next.  She was loved by all who knew her.  Barbara lived her life in such a way that her legacy will live on for many generations through her posterity and those whose lives she touched.

Barbara Lemons, Wife, Mother, Teacher, Humanitarian; rest in peace until we meet again.

Tracy Dieffenbaugh, 48 passed away on June 6^th 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.  Tracy enjoyed a full life filled with family and friends.  She enjoyed traveling, crafts and baking.  Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Mike Dieffenbaugh, son Joshua Knudsen, daughter-in-law Jessica Knudsen, granddaughters Danica, Cali and Chloe. She is also survived by her brother Sean Larsen, sister Kelly Keller, parents Nels and Kay Larsen, Sandy Kelly, Leola and Bernie Farrar and Earl Dieffenbaugh.  She was proceeded in death by her daughter Nichole Knudsen, Beverly Larsen, Barbara Dieffenbaugh and Bill Hober. Funeral services will be held at Bunker University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, on Tuesday, June 14 at 2:00 pm.

Craig Douglas Walker was born July 25, 1957 In San Jose, California, to his proud parents, Robert and Helen Walker.

Craig grew up in San Jose, playing soccer through grade school and junior college. He continued to enjoy soccer, tennis, and golf most of his adult life.

Craig obtained his Business Degree at Fresno State. After college, he was hired at Graybar Electrical in south San Francisco, transferred to Cleveland, Ohio and then to Mesa and Phoenix to finish 36 years with the company. He was a hard-working, loyal employee. Craig also enjoyed playing in local bowling leagues, traveling to Hawaii and Alaska.

Craig had one older sister, Diane, and two nieces and one nephew that cared for him greatly. He also had a caring wife, Amy, of seventeen years.

Craig was a lover of nature and people. He especially loved black labs. He loved plants, and anything in the woods and by the sea. Craig loved people and relationships more than any hobby or possessions.

Craig lost a short battle with cancer on June 7, 2016, but will see his Savior’s face before us all.

Funeral services will be Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Joanna Dees Leavitt, 80, passed away in her home surrounded by family June 8, 2016. Joanna was born and raised in Mesa. She served in many capacities as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Primary President, Relief Society teacher, Compassionate Service Leader, and lifelong Visiting Teacher.

In 1955 Joanna married her eternal companion, Laurel D. Leavitt, who preceded her in death in 2007. They spent their early life on the University of Arizona Experimental Farm, where they raised their 6 children. A homemaker and entrepreneur, Joanna enjoyed selling World Book encyclopedias, tomatoes, and hay from their later home near Westwood High School.

Joanna was well known for her strong faith in and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Her family claims that her prayers were a hotline to Heaven. She had many passions and hobbies, including finding great deals, finishing crossword puzzles, and singing happy birthday medleys to her 27 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Joanna is preceded in death by her parents, R. Preston Dees and Zina Adell Harper Dees; her brothers, Darwin, Varis and Naris; and her sister Naydell Ball.

She is survived and missed by her two sisters, Arthella Berg and Ludene Carling, and brother, Leslie Rice; as well as her children: Laurel Ann (Eric) Strate, Linda (Stephen) Hartmann, Sterling (Sheleen Rogers), Wayne (Charlys Swift), Suzanne (Kevin) Shreeve, and Brent (Jenni Giles).

Viewings will be on Friday, June 17 from 6 to 8 PM and Saturday, June 18 from 8:30-9:30 AM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 18 at 10 AM. Viewings and funeral will be held at the LDS Maricopa Stake Center, 611 N. Stewart, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Susan Lee Kaufman, 67, passed away June 6, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.