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Sherrol Fuller Horton of Mesa, Arizona passed away October 30, 2024 at the age of 90. Sherrol was born in Mesa, Arizona on December 14, 1933. She was born in her Grandmother Millet’s home across the street from where her family was living.  Her Father was Elvin Byron Fuller and her Mother was Alberta Amanda Millet.  Sherrol had lots of family on both sides of her family close to where she lived.

Sherrol had three sisters and one brother: Eloyce, Elva, Yvonne, and Byde, all of whom have preceded her in death.  Sherrol’s Father and Mother owned a bakery in Mesa as she grew up.  Her parents were often gone much of the day at work at the bakery.  Sherrol’s childhood was affected by World War II.  During the war years sugar and flour were rationed by the government and it become very difficult to keep the family bakery in business.  Her father sold the bakery and got a job at another bakery in Prescott, Arizona.  The family moved there in November 1945.

Sherrol and her family first lived at a place called the Burnt Ranch, just north of Prescott.  Her grandfather Thomas Fuller owned it.  Soon her parents bought a home in Prescott on Miller Valley Road.

Sherrol attended Prescott Junior High School for three years and then went to Prescott Senior High School.

Sherrol loved her English and Penmanship classes.  She also took Latin and Spanish.  While at high school she met Vern Lewis Horton in her junior year.  Since Vern had a car, Sherrol did not mind letting him drive home from school each day.  They soon began dating.

After graduation in 1952 Sherrol moved to Mesa with her family and Vern followed. He lived with his sister Alice on her farm in Phoenix and worked for her husband Ted until he got a job as a roustabout working for Arizona Public Service. Vern and Sherrol were married on January 2, 1953. They had three sons, Michael, Gregory and Rickie.

Sherrol and Vern’s first house was just west of Central Ave. on St. Anne. They moved there in June 1954.  They moved to North Phoenix in 1960 to be closer to Vern’s work.  They lived there until 1973 when they moved to Flagstaff, Arizona.

Sherrol went to work part time in a school cafeteria while the kids were in school.  She attended Glendale Community College in 1964 and studied Philosophy, writing skills and shorthand.  Before moving to Flagstaff she worked for an insulation company.  In Flagstaff she worked for CPA firms and at Northern Arizona University. They moved back to Phoenix in 1979 again for Vern’s work at APS.

Sherrol quit working in 1984.  She was able to help Rick and his wife Christy.  They were expecting twins and Christy needed help to watch their daughter Heather and to care for Christy.  She loved helping Christy and being with Heather.

In 1993 Vern and Sherrol accepted a call to serve in the Calgary Alberta Canada mission for 18 months. Vern and Sherrol moved to Mesa in 2001 to be closer to Rick’s family. Each summer Sherrol and Vern loved to visit national parks and their children and grandchildren. Together they traveled all over the western United States and Canada.

Vern passed away on December 6, 2021. They were married almost 69 years.

Sherrol enjoyed her callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She served in the Primary and the Relief Society.  She also loved being a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.  She served as Captain many times and enjoyed meeting with the women and sharing their stories.

She is survived her sons Michael Vern (Mary), Gregory Thomas (Robyn) and Rickie Lewis (Christy), and 18 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

We invite all who knew and loved Sherrol to come celebrate her life with us. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 16^th at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building at 532 S Greenfield Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206. Visitation will precede the funeral at 9:00 am and interment will be at the Mesa Cemetery following the funeral.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Gracey Anna Makil 19, of The Gila River Indian Reservation died on 10/29/2024.

Gracey was born in Mesa, Arizona on September 10, 2005, to Raul Makil and Renee Luna.

Gracey had a big heart full with love, joy and happiness. She loved spending time with family and hanging out with friends. She loved to watch football with her dad, she was a Packers fan, and loved when we would have cook outs. She loved  listening to music. She loved spending time with her siblings, cousin, and nephew. She was loved by so many people.

Survivors included her parents Raul Makil and Renee Luna, her daughter Aria Lynn Makil, and her siblings: Monique, Alissa, Jaden, Isreal and Shawn Makil.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Katharina Bellinger passed away on October 19, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Katharina led a happy, active life. She loved to travel. She enjoyed various arts and crafts, especially knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, and embroidering. She took great pleasure in her plants, flowers, gardening, and enjoying her beautiful backyard. She loved to exercise at the Mesa YMCA and the downtown Mesa Senior Center. She was a huge water aerobics enthusiast and she enjoyed sharing her own pool with friends and neighbors. Lastly, everyone delighted in Katharina’s baking, especially her traditional German Christmas cookies.

Katharina was born on March 28, 1940, in Poppitz, Czechoslovakia during World War II. Her father was a prosperous blacksmith. Her mother was a homemaker and business partner. After WWII, her family was forced from their home in Czechoslovakia and shipped via freight train to Giebelstadt, Germany. She grew up in the dark times of post-war Germany.

In Giebelstadt, Katharina earned a degree in accounting. She then moved to Würzburg, Germany where she worked at the University of Würzburg. She met her future husband Donald Bellinger (U.S. Army) at a local dance in Giebelstadt. They married in Germany,  had a son (Johnathen), and when Donald’s service time was over, they moved to the United States with their six-month-old son. When she left Germany, she made a promise that she would return to Germany every two years and with determination, she managed to keep that promise. It was a difficult transition from Germany to the United States, but she eventually flourished. They initially lived in Massachusetts, then moved to southern California and finally in 1980, the family moved to Mesa, Arizona. In Arizona, Katharina worked in the accounting department for the Mesa Country Club and ended her accounting career with the Arizona State Prison System.

Katharina is preceded in death by her husband, parents, four siblings, and two nephews. She is survived by her son Johnathen and many nieces and nephews in Germany and the United States.

Katharina may have been small in stature, but she had a big heart. She will be missed by all.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Joseph Marvin Davis passed peacefully through the veil on October 29th, 2024. Marvin was born February 12, 1935, in Prescott, Arizona to Joseph E. Davis and Alice Scott. He attended elementary school, junior high, and high school in Prescott.

After graduating from high school, Marvin joined the Arizona National Guard. In 1954 his family moved to Ehrenburg, Arizona where the family built and ran a Chevron service station. After the business was running well, Marvin went to work for El Paso Natural Gas. In April 1957, Marvin was drafted into the U.S. Army as an infantryman and stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington for two years.

While stationed at Ft. Lewis, Marvin met Wanda Snyder at a young adult dance. After courting for a year, Marvin and Wanda were sealed in the Mesa Temple in April 1959. They moved to Duncan, Arizona where Marvin worked for El Paso Natural Gas and their infant son, Joseph, was born but passed shortly after birth.  Work transferred them to Marana, Arizona where Perry was born. Shortly thereafter, work transferred them to Williams, Arizona where Jean was born.

In 1964, the family moved to Puyallup, Washington where Kent and Paul were born. While in Washington, Marvin became the first “Glass Doctor” for the newly formed business, “The Glass Doctor.” In 1971, the family moved to Mesa, Arizona where Emily was born. In Mesa, Marvin worked with his brother, John, at Canyon State Awning until 1996, when he went to work for Farnsworth Homes until he retired in 2003.

Marvin was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During his lifetime, he served in many positions in the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Explorer programs, including Cub Master, Scout Master, Explorer Advisor, etc. Marvin was known for his strenuous, challenging, but fun 50-mile hiking adventures that challenged the young men under his tutelage. Marvin served in many church callings, including Sunday School presidencies, branch presidencies, ward clerk, ward executive secretary, multiple bishoprics, the first bishop of the newly formed Mesa 76^th Ward, high counselor, stake missionary, Stake Patriarch, Temple Ordinance Worker, and Temple Sealer.

Marvin cherished the opportunities he had, both as a temple sealer to seal hundreds of couples in live sealings (including some of his own grandchildren) and thousands of couples in proxy sealings, and as a stake patriarch to welcome into his home over 2,000 individuals (including many of his own grandchildren) for patriarchal blessings.

Marvin is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brothers, John and Norman, and his infant son, Joseph. Marvin is survived by his wife, Wanda, and their five children – Perry (Molly) Davis, Jean Davis, Kent (Joy) Davis, Paul (Wendy) Davis, Emily (Russell) McElhaney, 17 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Payne; his sisters-in-law, Loretta Haynie Fulk and Diana Davis; and his brother-in-law, Buck Snyder.  

Marvin was a true disciple of Jesus Christ, a wonderful son, husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, and cousin. During his life, he touched so many lives. In the end, he slipped peacefully through the veil with his family around him. Though he will be missed, we know he is having a marvelous reunion with his parents, brothers, son and so many others.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Charles Blake Bentley, also lovingly known as; Blake, Blakey, Blakers, B-lock-A, King Charles, Boss Man, Supervisor and Elder Bentley returned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, October 23rd, after a short battle with pneumonia.  His parents, Robert and Rebecca Bentley, his sister Rebecca Diane Bentley, and his niece, Jenna Lee preceded him in death.

Blake is survived by 7 siblings, many nephews and nieces and hundreds of friends who were given the opportunity to live and think more celestial as they were with him. He especially loved his co-workers from Higley Unified School District Transportation Department and his dear friends from SNAP (Special Needs Activity Program).

Blake LIVED BIG and LOVED BIG.    He was most known for his infectious positive smile, his loud happy voice, and his thoughtful big hugs.   He considered everyone a friend and if he was invited and wanted, he would go anywhere, try anything, and bring an added measure of happiness to the journey.   He was quick to smile, quick to love, quick to forgive, and quick to testify of Jesus Christ.

Blake’s greatest love and joy was serving Jesus Christ.   He served as service missionary when he was 21 years old  and he was awaiting another service mission call upon his death.   He told family, “I want to be remembered as one that sacrificed everything for Jesus Christ and for my family.  I know that God lives! I know our Savior lives! I know them! I love them! “

– Viewing November 8th from 6pm-8pm at Bunkers Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297

– Graveside service November 9th at 9:00am at The City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ, 95201

– Celebration of Life November 9th at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building, 21320 S Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ

In lieu of flowers, a donation to these programs serving special needs kids and their families would be appreciated ❤️

https://www.act-today.org/

https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/ff40f2db-50ee-4c06-b5a5-5d4303c8fc75

If flowers are preferred, please deliver to Bunkers Gilbert Memorial Park on Nov 8th, OR The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the morning of Nov 9th. (addresses above)

On October 22nd, my baby girl Alex was found lifeless in a park due to a self- inflicted gunshot. She came into this world to forge a new path and open the minds of those who rejected the LGBTQ community, as well as those within the community who turned against each other. She understood that this journey was difficult, unfair, and filled with heartbreak and suffering, yet she chose to push forward.

I envision her as a bull in a Spanish bullfight. Like the bull, she kept running and fighting even as the torero and his assistants inflicted wounds upon her. Ultimately, the final sword pierced her heart, tearing apart the three components of her being: her body, her soul, and her spirit. At that moment, everything was broken, and she took her last breath. I hope, with a sincere and heavy heart, that this event won’t be in vain. I wish that, with her passing, others will realize that when we leave this 3D dimension and earthly life, it won’t matter what our gender, race, social status, or beliefs are. Where we are headed, there are no such titles; it is a place of love and happiness. We are all connected and come from the same source. I will miss her so much, I will miss her saying or texting “I love you, Mom”. I am glad I could save some of the messages she left, I will be able to hear her physically which will give me comfort or a reason to cry when I am alone. Either way, it will help me to stay strong.

深雪 Brean

Sherry Lynn (Kanaga) Harmon, 71, passed on to Paradise surrounded by most of her close family members on October 18, 2024. She was a loving, generous and talented daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and associating with her throughout her life.

Sherry was born at Luke AFB in Glendale, Arizona on November 23, 1952, the first child of Robert and Maudene (Schnepf) Kanaga. She grew up in Chandler and then Mesa, where the family moved when she was in fifth grade. She graduated from Mesa High in 1970, having won numerous awards for her art, and then attended Brigham Young University for three years, studying interior design and art. In 1973 she married Richard B. Harmon Jr. of Mesa, whom she had met that first year living in Mesa at Longfellow Elementary School. They began dating at the end of their Junior year at Mesa High and celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage together last December. She was the mother of six children, the grandmother of seventeen and great-grandmother of 5, all of whom loved her dearly.

Sherry was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many capacities, blessing the lives of numerous people, especially in Relief Societies and Primaries both here in Mesa and also in Okinawa, Japan; Riverside and Redlands, California; Midland, Texas and Cortez, Colorado. She also made and donated hundreds of quilts, baby blankets, booties and other items to a number of charities. Anyone who knew her will attest to how talented, loving and generous she was.

Sherry was preceded in death by both of her parents and her younger brother Curt Kanaga. She is survived by her husband Richard Harmon of Mesa, her younger sister Tracy (Kanaga) Grace (Kevin) and younger brother Bob Kanaga (Sydney), also of Mesa, as well as daughters Tawna Mower (Nathan), Taya Goodwin, Summer Armstrong and Jade Jarvis (Jeff), sons Richard Harmon III (Stacie) and Robert Harmon (Julia), plus grand-children Kaitlin (Goodwin) Solari (Will), Daron Goodwin (Kacey), Taylor Talerico, Jordyn Talerico, Megan (Harmon) Medina (Aaron), Rylee (Talerico) Lawrence (Blake), Austin Harmon (Melanie), Rylan Harmon (Maddy), Faith (Mower) Guilliam (Dillion), Madison Phelps, Jaxon Jarvis, Ryker Jarvis, Aaron Jarvis, Chance Mower, Carson Harmon, Lauren Goodwin and Emersyn Goodwin, and also great-grandchildren Millie May Medina, Sophie Solari, Stella Solari, Nora Goodwin and Hudson Goodwin.

The family all affectionately call her Granny and she will be sorely missed until we are all united once again in Heaven with our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. We will see you again Granny!

Frances Marlene (Mish) Anderson, who went by Sister to her siblings, Marlene by all, and Gramcracker to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was surrounded by her loved ones as she passed away peacefully on 20 October 2024 in her home in Mesa, Arizona. She was 85 years old.

Marlene was born in Coaldale Alberta Canada on 26 May 1939 to Mae and Frank Mish and has 1 brother, Lloyd (deceased), and 2 sisters, Karen Bushman and Rayma Moore. She has a large posterity and is beloved by all because of the tender care she gave to each and every one. She is survived by her husband Robert Jay Anderson with whom she married 21 June 1957, her 6 children Jay (Jennifer), Nola Reader (Brett), Gwen Kartchner (Kelly), Donna Ellsworth (Chris), Ron (Kris), and Bobby (Misty). Marlene and Bob also have 32 Grandchildren, and 56 Great-grandchildren.

While attending Mesa High School, Marlene was on the spirit squad called the Rabbettes, won awards for her painting and drawing abilities, was athletic and played softball, and had a “Dead Eye” in archery. With her many talents, Marlene could have chosen and found success in multiple life paths, however she chose the divine calling of motherhood by first marrying her high school sweetheart and then devoting her life to nurturing her growing family. She has blessed the lives of every one of her children, who hold her in high esteem. She was the heart and hands for Jesus Christ and lived a selfless life. She loved everything about being a mom and grandma and had endless ideas for creative fun and industry. Marlene also had a love for all of God’s creations and found joy in caring for her plants, yard, garden, and animals. Marlene and Bob served as a senior missionary couple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Fresno Mission (2004-2005).

Funeral services will be held Friday, 25 October 2024 at 10am. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 933 East Brown, Mesa AZ 85203.

MarJo (Buckley) Compton passed away on October 20, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. MarJo loved so many different aspects of life: Escaping the Arizona heat and enjoying cooler weather part of the year in Colorado with her husband, Ron; traveling America and seeking out antiques; decorating her living spaces and making them a home for herself and family; gardening and flowers; and being with family and boisterously enjoying her four sisters.

MarJo was born August 17, 1938, in Kilgore, Texas, and moved to Mesa with her family when she was four years old. MarJo often fondly recollected her younger days in the cotton fields and farmlands of the West with Ron and her family.

Many will remember MarJo’s kind heart. She was often known for helping the friend, neighbor or family member in need. Often, she gave when it was least expected or when she had little for herself. In this regard, MarJo carried Christ’s example through her behavior. She knew acts were more important than words, and for this, she will be greatly missed…until we meet again.

MarJo is survived by her spouse of 69 years, children Catherine Dressler (Kevin), Ron (Lisa) and Brooke Gunn (Blake), 15 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:30 A.M., at the Mountain View Stake Center, 1550 N Val Vista Dr., Mesa, Arizona. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Manuel Mendoza Sr. passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, surrounded by his family that loved him.

He was born December 28, 1965, and preceded by his mother Gloria Duque, his brother George, his Grandma and grandfather.  He leaves behind his wife, Sylvia, his son’s Samuel and Timmy Mendoza and two daughters; his brothers Lalo and Dodo Cañez, and his sisters Naomi Garcia and Zina Espinoza, and 5 grandkids; and a host of nieces and nephews and cousins he worked with in shipping and receiving.

Viewing will be at family residence overnight service at 11025 E. HUNT HWY. CHANDLER AZ  and burial at 7am at St. Ann’s cemetery in Sacaton AZ.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

John Carl Wilcken passed peacefully on October 15th, 2024, after an 18-month struggle with pancreatic cancer.

John was born April 21st, 1952, in Rexburg Idaho to Millie Lyman and Lane LaGrand Wilcken.

He attended elementary school in St. Anthony, Idaho; Twin Falls, Idaho; and Mesa, Arizona. He spent his junior high years in Mesa on double sessions at Mesa Junior High as a Kino Colt, while Kino was being built.  He began his Sophomore year at Westwood Highschool. When his parents divorced in 1968, he went to live with his uncle Asael Lyman in Sugar City, Idaho and attended Sugar-Salem Highschool. In the middle of his Senior year, he moved to California where he graduated from Vacaville Highschool in 1970.

As a teenager, John excelled in swimming, diving, gymnastics, football, art, acting, and singing. He also earned his Eagle Scout award with his father as his Scout Master.

In August of 1971, John began a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints in California, in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. He served faithfully for two years. When he returned home, he spent one semester at BYU in Provo, Utah. In January of 1974, he transferred his schooling to Mesa, Arizona where he met Jerrilyn Hall in an LDS Institute class and fell “like a ton of bricks” in love. They were married June 4th, 1974, in the Salt Lake Temple. He was happy they were recently able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

John and Jerrilyn lived in Logan, Utah; Smithfield, Utah; St. Anthony, Idaho; Rexburg, Idaho; Newbury Park, California; and finally Mesa, Arizona where they lived and raised eleven children in the 46th ward of the Mesa East Stake for over forty years. His cancer diagnosis necessitated a recent move to Queen Creek, Arizona to be closer to several of their children.

John is preceded in death by both of his parents; brothers, David and Willis; sister, Mary Landreth; and granddaughter, Sasha. He is survived by his wife, Jerrilyn, and their eleven children– Christi (Ryan) Alder, Melissa (Shay) Tyler, Tiffany (Danjee) Moser, Emily (Brad) Welchman, Scott (Becky) Wilcken, Katie (Mike) McAllister, Heidi (Robert) Richardson, Preston (Sharon) Wilcken, Breanna (Jordan) Taylor, Aubrie (Cameron) Cortez, and Logan Wilcken, 47 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Burnett; sister-in-law, Millie Wilcken, and brother-in-law, Bill Landreth.

We will miss his larger-than-life personality, his booming laugh, his love of people, and his example of faith and goodness.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Jerrilyn at the following link:

https://www.venmo.com/u/Jerrilyn-Wilcken

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Donald LeBran, 88 passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on October 13, 2024.

He was born to Lionel and Mary LeBran of Bradley, Illinois in 1936.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved spending time at a good fish fry, a beer tent and at the Milwaukee State Fair. He was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan as well as any other Chicago sports team.

He is survived by his 4 children, Linda(Colin)Vaughn, Fountain Hills, AZ, Donald J. LeBran, Bourbonnais, IL, Brent(Diana)LeBran, Queen Creek, AZ, and Lori(Ed)Jones of Gilbert, AZ. Also surviving, are his 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who meant the world to him.

Don was retired for 26 years from the Village of Bradley and also loved being a dispatcher for the Bradley Fire Department. He was part of the Bradley Historical Society which was dear to his heart. He could tell a lot of stories about the history of Bradley and loved doing so.

He is proceeded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan(Boudreau) LeBran, his parents, Lionel and Mary LeBran, his brother, James LeBran, sister, Carol Travis and sister, Francis JoAnn who passed away as an infant.

A Memorial service will be held at the Gilbert Memorial Park and Cemetery, Gilbert, AZ on November 15, 2024 at 11:00AM.

Memorials can be made to EnHabit Hospice, 1635 N. Greenfield Road, Ste 126, Mesa, AZ 85205

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Mingo C. “Bud” Atkinson Jr. passed away on October 7th, 2024, just weeks before his 81st birthday. He is preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Atkinson, as well as his parents and sisters , Mingo C. Atkinson Sr., Myrtle A. Crawford, Judy C. Spence and Anita L. Love.

He is survived by his two sons, Christopher and Jared Atkinson; his sisters Myrtiss J. Houston and Angela L. Atkinson; his brother Stephen W. Atkinson; his great-granddaughter Eris Arena; his four granddaughters, Stephanie and Kristina Atkinson, Dorian Arena, along with Brittany Moon; his two grandsons, Kaivon and Geoffrey Atkinson and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mingo was born on October 20, 1943, in Oklahoma City, OK. He joined the Air Force in 1972 after marrying his beloved wife on July 4, 1965. While serving in the Air Force, he received his Associate in Arts Degree from Belleville Area College in 1976; he finished his Active Duty term in 1981 as a Master Sergeant.

He was known for being a goofy, fun-loving grandfather who wanted nothing more than to make all of his grandchildren and great-grandchild happy. We will all miss him dearly.

“Grief is love with no place to go. It is the absence of presence, the hole left behind by the love, once shared never truly dies.” -Jamie Anderson.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

John W. Goings, Jr. was born February 16, 1933 in Godfrey, Illinois. He left this life on October 13, 2024 at the age of 91 years old. John, known to everyone as Jack, led a full and very happy life. He attended Godfrey Grade School and graduated from Alton High School. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he served for 6 years. It was during this time that he met Rosemary Broadie and they were married on September 10, 1957. They were married 67 years at the time of his death. After they married, they moved to Kansas where Jack attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Upon his graduation, they moved to Ashland, Kansas where he began working at the Citizens State Bank. During this time, he also attended the University of Wisconsin where he received his Graduate School of Banking degree. He worked there until 1985 when they moved to Mesa, Arizona.

During his years in Ashland, he was an active member of the community. He coached little league football and baseball for many years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, County Fair Board, Ashland Hospital Board, Masons and Shriners. He also refereed high school and college football for over 25 years.

In 1985 they moved to Mesa. Arizona to be closer to their children. He worked for Valley National Bank for a few years in their Agricultural Lending Department. He loved to travel around Arizona and experience the beauty and history of this wonderful state. He also spent hours with friends and family attending sporting event, especially the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, John and Minnie Goings. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Goings of the home, sisters Helen Montgomery, Carol Diehl, and Betty Howland, daughter Marianne Griffin and husband Alan, son John W Goings, III and wife Margaret, grandchildren Robbie Edelman and wife Cayti, Felicia Goldbar and husband Harry, Todd Edelman and wife Rachel, Josh Edelman and partner Katie, and Kyle Goings and wife Katie. He also has 10 great-grandchildren. He also has 8 nieces and nephews.

The celebration of life memorial service will be held on October 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 161 North Mesa Drive, Mesa, AZ 85201.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to the Shriners Hospital.
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Nancy Ann Gafford was born September 3, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona, she peacefully walked into the arms of Jesus on October 14, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona. Nancy married Jerry Gafford, the love of her life and best friend, on November 2, 1974, and was a proud mother to her only child, Sean Gafford.

Nancy cherished her family and held a special bond with her sister Chris, who was not only her sibling but also her best friend. A woman of deep faith, Nancy loved Jesus and embraced her Nazarene heritage with pride. Known for her gentle spirit, she loved fiercely and made a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know her. She shared her musical talent by playing the flute in church for worship services; she especially loved playing alongside her sister.

Professionally, Nancy worked in the banking industry for about 30 years, followed by 11 years at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she developed several friendships over the years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Anthony T. Mandese and Mary Louise Martin. Nancy is survived by her husband Jerry, her sister Chris (Jack), her son Sean (Shannon), and her beloved grandchildren Allison, Cody, Troy, and Leyton, along with several cherished nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at 2 PM at Journey of Grace Church of the Nazarene, located at 955 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203. An interment service will follow on October 22nd at 11 AM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Bernadette. Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico she was a long-time resident of Mesa, Arizona

Beset by many health challenges, she lived a life of courage and determination. Even when confronted with heart surgery she faced it with a positive attitude and a deep sense of faith.

At the time of her passing she was surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Michael, her children Jennifer Samars (Justin) and Andrew; 4 grandchildren, Jocelynn, Josephine (JoJo), Josette and Jameson. Her siblings Msgr. Jerome Martinez y Alire, Greg, Patrick and Emelda (Patrick)

She is preceded in death by her parents Gregorio and Nelda and brother-in-law Morrie Apodaca.

Funeral mass will be celebrated October 17^th at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Rd., Mesa AZ at 10 AM. Reception to follow.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.