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Wayne H Mecham passed away at the age of 97 on May 17, 2016, in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on December 9, 1918 in Mountain Home, Utah. As a young man, he fulfilled a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Central States mission. He served in the U.S. Army and was a World War II Veteran.

He married Geneva Seamons on Dec. 29, 1942. They had been married for 54 years at the time of her death in 1997 and there is no doubt that they had a joyous reunion upon Wayne’s passing.

He was a successful dairy farmer in Hunt, Idaho. In 1956, the family moved to Glendale, AZ, where Wayne became an auto dealer with his brother. This was his profession until retiring in 1984.

Wayne had a sense of civic duty. He was active in the political process and involved in his community. Wayne was especially known for his service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many positions, including bishop and stake president. Among his many fine characteristics, he was noted for his integrity, service, generosity, patriotism, devotion to family, work ethic and leadership qualities. He was a strong force for righteousness.

He is survived by his 9 children, 61 grandchildren, 171 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is loved and revered by his posterity. His presence will be sorely missed.

Services will be Saturday, May 21st at the LDS chapel located at 5250 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale, AZ. Public viewing will be at 9:30 AM and the funeral will begin at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Brian Challinor, born May 13, 1938, passed away May 15, 2015. He is survived by his wife Anne, and his son Christopher of Mesa, and other members of his family elsewhere.

Brian, along with his wife and son, immigrated to the USA in 1965. During his lifetime, he spent 30 years in the automotive industry, as well as five years in the aircraft braking world, before changing careers completely to the electronics field.

He also volunteered with the BSA and become the Council Community SME Chairman for the Clinton Valley Council in the late 1970’s. In his working years, he became a Vice-President of Sales, Marketing, and Engineering Development for a major seating manufacturer, as well as a President and part-owner of three corporations in partnership with his wife.

During a 25-year period, Brian and his family moved 13 times around the States, but finally settled down in Mesa in 1986. Brian was a Fencing and Judo Sports alternate participant in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. His other interests included building model aircraft, jive dancing with the “love of his life” Anne, teaching the art of fencing around the States, and enjoying life on ocean and river cruise vessels.

No services will be held, but condolences may be sent c/o Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Nee Joan Adele Hanney

9/16/1926 ~ 05/15/2016

Joan Salter Wierson passed away May 15, 2016 after a four month illness. Of Welsh and English descent, she was born and raised in Hiawatha, Kansas. Joan moved to Winter Park, Florida at the age of 14. She attended Rollins College and Florida State University, where she was “Miss Co-educational” as FSU and UF became coed. It was here that she met UF student Richard Sexton Salter, Jr., married, and moved to Phoenix in 1947 where they raised three surviving children. Divorced after nearly 25 years, Joan remarried Rudolph (Rudy) Wierson for 28 years.

Joan retired from the Arizona Department of Education after thirty years as an executive assistant. She loved horses, dogs, camping, reading, shopping, traveling, friends of Bill W., her family, and most of all, her God. Called the “Prayer Warrior” by family, Joan’s inner and outer spirit were truly beautiful.

She is survived by her children, Richard Sexton Salter III (Norma), Scott Edward Salter (Pamme’), and Sue Salter Dietrich (Thomas), grandchildren Kimberly Cortright, Ryan Murphey, Richard S. Salter IV, Stephen Salter, Christine Salter, and Diana Salter Stack. Joan loved and prayed for nine great grandchildren. Her family may miss her presence but is comforted knowing she is with her Father, in whom she trusted completely.

Joan’s Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. May 19^th at St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church in Paradise Valley, AZ. Visitation from 9:00-9:45 a.m. Friday, May 20^th is followed by her Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. in the Music Center at St. Barnabas.

Loraine Kimbrough Dotson, age 97, died peacefully at home in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 1, 2016. Born to Cora Lucille and King Alphonso Kimbrough, and raised in New Castle, IN, she moved to Chicago for nurse training at Provident Hospital.

Loraine was married to Robert Dotson for 59 years. They raised son Michael in Chicago; then moved to Miami, FL and Mesa, AZ. Loraine was a dedicated and caring nurse for 56 years.

Memorial service Wednesday, May 25 at 11 a.m., visitation one hour prior, at First United Methodist Church of Mesa, 15 E. First Avenue, Mesa, AZ. Burial following at Mesa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to a hospice in your area.

Jack Garland Naegle, Jr., age 61, passed away May 11, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 11 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Beverly Ward, 1054 W. 2nd Place, Mesa, Arizona. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery.

LaVon Mitchell passed away peacefully in her sleep, May 11, 2016, at the age of 88. She was born in rural Franklin County, IA; near the town of Thornton.  She is survived by her two sisters, Lois Smith of Memphis, MO, Lucille Campbell of Des Moines, IA,  sister in law, Felicia DeWitt of Tucson, AZ,  and LaVon’s twins, Ralph Mitchell of Phoenix, AZ and Phyllis Kesterson of Mesa, AZ.  LaVon’s parents moved the family to Missouri, where LaVon graduated from Loe Elementary School in Western Scotland County, Missouri.  During high school years, LaVon played the drum in the marching band and was a clerk at the Ben Franklin Store in Memphis after class.  Due to the distance between the farm she grew up on and town, she would stay in town during the week and come home on the weekends while going to high school. She graduated from Memphis (MO) High School with the class of 1946.  Her first love was reading. Her second was Gordon Mitchell, whom she married at the age of 19 at the Naval Station in Corpus Christi, Texas April 5, 1947.  LaVon worked various accounting jobs and worked her way up the ladder to bookkeeper in charge of an accounting department for a property management company in Santa Ana, CA.   After retiring, Gordon and LaVon moved to Arizona and traveled around the country in their RV visiting local attractions in various states which they both thoroughly enjoyed.  LaVon also loved to talk and tell jokes to make people laugh.  The family would like to thank Copper Heights Assisted Living and Aviant Hospice for taking care of her.  A memorial service will be held at the Bunker’s University Chapel in Mesa, AZ at 11:00 AM on May 25, 2016.

Aubrey Catherine Norrick, (Katie) 39, of Phoenix, AZ.  passed away on May 6^th 2016, after a brave battle with Cancer. Aubrey was born in Stamford Connecticut on November 26th 1976, the daughter of George Clayton and Catherine Clare Norrick. She spent her early years living in New Canaan, Connecticut before moving to Scottsdale Az at the age of five.  Katie always held strong beliefs. She believed fervently in equality among people, and that discrimination in any form is abhorrent. She supported charities that cared for the less fortunate, and often worked as a volunteer feeding the homeless, and packing food at local food banks.  Nine years ago Katie met the love of her life, Kevin Rozwens.  Their love and devotion to one another has been an inspiration to all who knew them.  Katie had a successful career in the financing and debt recovery business.  She was an officer of the court.  In 2011, Katie joined KJK  Financial, which later became known as Equity Auto Finance. She became a Vice President and Litigation Manager of the company, as she represented the firm in court.   She worked tirelessly to do a good job and always protected the company and its owner from liability.  Katie is survived by her Father G. Clay Norrick, her Mother Catherine C. Norrick, her Sister Jennifer M. Norrick, her brother, George (C.J.) Norrick.  Her extended family includes her partner, Kevin Rozwens, Kevin’s Mother Patty Napoleon & her husband Ray, Kevin’s Sister, Lisa Rozwens, and her 3 daughters, Makayla Merchant, Carly Merchant and Dominique Lundin.     Katie will be remembered among family and friends in a private Celebration of Life, on Sunday, May 15^th, 2016. Flowers will be accepted at: 4148 East Des Moines St. Mesa, AZ 85205 beginning Friday, May 13^th. Those that prefer may still give to the “Katie Norrick Cancer Care” campaign, in lieu of flowers. https://www.gofundme.com/59zjzj93

Andrew Scott Ashment, 19, passed away May 7, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation from 10:30-11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, McDowell Ward, 3344 E. McDowell Road, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Mae Belle Lantz passed away suddenly on May 9, 2016 in Chandler, Arizona. She was born November 1, 1931 in Parkville, Missouri and moved to Arizona in 1961. She worked at Mesa Community College for 32 years. She also worked at the Family History Center for many years.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Tom, her sons Tom (Mikki) and Brett (Barbara), 14 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She was loved by all.

Funeral services are Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 1 PM, preceded by a visitation at 12 PM, at the Tempe South Stake Center, 1111 E. Knox Road, Tempe, Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Walter Frank Larson (97) was born July 5, 1918 in Harmon, North Dakota and peacefully passed away April 18, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Walter was educated in Bismarck, ND and then moved to Missoula MT.  He attended high school and a business college in Billings, MT while also attaining his pilot’s license. During World War II, Walter served in the Army Air Corps as an AT-6 and B-25 pilot flight instructor. He taught Chinese pilots and also was an expert in short-field takeoffs as used in the Doolittle Raid.  He was stationed in Sacramento, Phoenix, and Douglas, Arizona. Walter married Eleanor Weston in 1944 and they had two children Douglas and Janis. Subsequently Walter spent his entire business career based in Montana as an appliance salesman while traveling throughout Montana and Wyoming. He later bought into the White Refrigeration Corporation in Great Falls which he managed until his retirement.  He was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Great Falls serving as an elder and also a member and officeholder of a number of charitable organizations such as the Elks, Lions, and Kiwanis Clubs.  Through these organizations, he was committed in providing medically related appliances and procedures to the needy. In September of 1969 he married Marian Falkner and moved to Arizona. He is survived by his son and daughter, Douglas (Sharon) Larson and Janis (Charles) Hammond, their four grandchildren; Rier Larson, Kaare Larson, Aspen Ginnetti, and Erik Larson, and four great grandchildren. Walter was preceded in death by his wife Marian and Marian’s children Chuck Falkner, Marilyn Smith, and Doug Falkner and survived by Kathleen (Richard) Coleman, and five grandchildren; Randy Smith, Jodi Oglesby, James Tyler Falkner, Katie Worthen and Patrick Falkner.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday June 11, 2016 at Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23^rd St, Tucson, AZ 85713.

Gregory Kent Swain “Greg”, age 65, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2016, after declining health the last few years.  He was born in Phoenix into a loving family who will miss his smile and generous nature.  A graduate of Maryvale High School, he still proudly wore his class ring.  Greg spent many years as an industrial painter sandblasting and painting offshore oil rigs, bridges, and tanks.  He was often working high overhead and took pride in doing work some in his profession were not willing to do.  Greg was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He leaves behind 4 brothers; 2 sisters; and many nieces and nephews, many of whom got to know and love him.  He will be welcomed by his parents Vernon and Cherril, and his loving wife Caroline, who preceded him in death.  He is free from the pains and sorrows of this life and is in the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.  Funeral Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 1249 S. 48th St., Mesa, AZ.  Viewing at 9:00 AM followed by the Funeral Services at 10:00 AM, Saturday 14 May 2016.

Ray Brady Miguel Murgia, Jr.,  passed away April 20, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2016 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2016 at 7:00 AM at the Blackwater Cemetery, Blackwater, Arizona.

Jack Allen Wright, 87, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2016. He was born in Dallas, Texas on October 1, 1928.

He graduated from the University of Arizona and worked for Arizona Public Service for 36 years, retiring in 1988. He was very active in and an advocate of the YMCA. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and received great joy in serving in the Mesa Temple. Jack touched many lives and was loved by all.

He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie, son Kevin Wright (Sandy), daughters Darlene Wright and Debby Ide (Ken), and step-grandchildren, Tristen and Ethan Chen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lottie and two infant children who were sealed to Jack and Bonnie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your local YMCA. Services will be held Monday, May 9, 2016 at 11AM with a viewing one hour prior at 10AM at 1345 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ (Lazona Ward Building).

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Nadene Janson, universally acclaimed as the kindest, sweetest, gentlest, most positive person people had ever met, died peacefully on Monday, May 2nd.

Survivors include her children, Brenda Janson, Lynda (Greg) Anderson, Sherry (Brad) Warren, and Charles (Marilynn) Janson; 12 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

Services are set for Tuesday, May 10th, 11 AM, with a 10 AM viewing, at the Salt River Stake Center, 6942 East Brown in Mesa.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Cornelis “Casey” Jacobus Schreur, born February 19, 1947, was called home to his Heavenly Father on Friday, April 29, 2016. Casey joins his beloved wife Sally of 43 years and his loving parents Cornelia and Gerhardus Schreur.

Casey migrated from Holland to the US in 1950 when he was only 3 years old. At the age of 19 he was drafted in the U.S. Army where he served his country from 1966-1968. Casey raised his family in Phoenix Arizona where he worked as a brick layer and later became a high school history teacher at South Mountain High School. Casey loved storytelling and the outdoors, especially, camping, fishing and taking long rides on his ATV or Ranger. He was an avid reader and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Casey is survived by his 2^nd wife Angie Harper Schreur, his two children Stacey Holmes and Devin Schreur, his two granddaughters Tayah and Jadyn Baumgardner, his two brothers Theo Schreur and Gerhard Schreur, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Casey was loved by all and he loved his family and friends very much. He will be missed by so many.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 925 N Harris Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203, Saturday May 7^th with viewing at 1 PM and service at 2 PM. He will be buried at the National Cemetery of Arizona, Monday May 9^th at 1 PM.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

On April 30, 2016 at his home in Mesa, AZ, God reached down and took Ricky L. Shaw home after his courageous and selfless battle with Stage IV cancer which was diagnosed in January 2014. Ricky was born on March 17, 1950 in Silverton, OR.

He is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Darcy Flahart, sister Marilyn, brother Ralph, his five children: Brandon (Erin), Carey (Ross), Lisa (Wes), Whitney (Corey) and Natalie (Nick) and his five cherished grandchildren Tanner, Dylan, Kaden, Brody and Faith Lynn, who he leaves in the loving hands of his family.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents Ralph Ray, Sr. and Thelma Louise, Uncle Elton Parrish, his brother Larry and sister Linda.

Ricky dedicated his life to helping people, starting with his service in Vietnam from 1968-1971. After leaving the battlefield he continued his service in the Army at Fort Lewis, WA as a drill instructor. He then moved to the City of Mesa as a firefighter for 32 years, retiring in 2008. His passions, besides creating a wonderful life with his wife and family, were raising his beloved World Champion American bulldogs, riding his Harley, fishing, helping his fellow rooks and restoring his beautiful ’65 Malibu named Elsie. He will always be known as Root or Bubba and all those he touched will never forget his stories, his boisterous presence, his advice (whether you wanted it or not), his caring heart and his love of God.

Rick’s service will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Central Christian Church, 933 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa, AZ 85213.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to Barrow Neurological Foundation at Supportbarrow.org – In Honor of Ricky L. Shaw.