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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.

Howard J Scott, 84, passed away October 7, 2024, at home surrounded by those he loved. Howard was born in Mesa, Arizona to William Walter and Mary Coons. He was a friend to all who knew him. He was a talented woodworker, favorite Scoutmaster, and beloved father. He was devoted to serving others the way Christ would.

He is survived by his sister Ina Ray, brother-in-law Reed Done, his children Jason (Traci) Scott,  LeGay (Scott) Burrell, Teresa (Patrick) Cluff, Robert (Misty) Scott, Thad (Tori) Scott, Shelly (Cale) Morris, twenty-two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Maricopa Stake Center, Friday October 11, at 7:00 pm. The burial will be Saturday, October 12 at 8:30 am at the Mesa City Cemetery with funeral services to follow at 10:00 am in the Maricopa Stake Center of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Maria Virginia Aguero age 87, daughter of the late Gustavo Rascón and Demetria Peralta, passed peacefully to our Lord on October 10, 2024 surrounded by family.  Virginia was born on November 15, 1936, in the small mission town of Bacoachi, Sonora, Mexico and was baptized in Bisbee, AZ.

Virginia moved to Douglas, AZ, with her mother and three sisters and attended Catholic school there. The family later moved to Tucson during her junior high years, where she attended Tucson High School and began learning English.  After high school, Virginia attended Cosmetology school, modeled for Montgomery Ward and went on to Mesa Community College to earn her degree in Library Science.  She graduated in the Top 20 of her class and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society.

Virginia went on to attend Arizona State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.  At the time, ASU was the center of many civil rights movements for Mexican-Americans, which Virginia was quick to participate in.  She became an activist for equal pay and equal hiring practices for staff at the University.  Virginia became so involved with the movement that Governor Babbitt appointed her to the Arizona Civil Rights Board.  She served two terms, where she helped ASU, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona reach more equal representation and better communication.

Virginia was a proud member of Tucson’s Alianza Hispano-Americana, a mutual aid benefit society. The society hosted altruistic events through their scholarship club which she loved being a part of – especially the dances they had. That is where she met her husband, Jesus Agüero.  They married in 1958.

In 1969, Virginia and her husband came to Mesa and moved to the Second Street Historic District.  Their home, which was built in 1948 is one of 15 on the Mesa Historic Home tour and is filled with Virginia’s artwork.

As an artist, Virginia was featured in an exhibit at Mesa’s Arizona Museum of Natural History called “Chicano Art for our Millenium,” which was the museum’s first time displaying Latino Art.  She was instrumental in educating staff, volunteers, and the community on why Latino Art is indeed true American art and why there should be no delineation between the two.

Virginia’s inspiration for her art originated from her beautiful hometown of Bacoachi, Sonora, Mexico and the surrounding area.  For two decades, she partnered with the Mesa Arts Center and Chandler Center for the Arts to put on an extensive Dia De Los Muertos exhibit for the community, which featured specially designed altars.

In addition to her art, Virginia has compiled a long list of community achievements.  She was instrumental in obtaining Mesa’s Light Rail through Downtown, serving on the commission for two years.  She held a seat on the state Library, Archives and Public Records Board, the Tri-City Mental Health Board, the Salvation Army Board and the Artistas Sonorenses Intercultural Exchange.  She also was a genealogist and the Peralta Family historian.

Virginia is survived by her two children: Jess Aguero and Patricia Aguero (Steve Marciano); granddaughters Alyssa Esparza (pre-deceased), Victoria Watts (Jacob Watts), Christina Esparza, Olivia Esparza, and Yesenia Rojas; great granddaughter Josephine Watts, ex son-in-law Chris Esparza, many nieces and nephews, sisters, and close friends.  She is predeceased by her loving husband of 44 years, Jesus Agüero and sister Antonia Rascón Mena.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley’s Lund Home for the care shown to Virginia her last few days.

We love and will miss you deeply…you are truly one of a kind!

Funeral Services will be held on October 16, 2024, at 11:00am at Bunker Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Dorothy Joan Farnsworth (Joani) passed away at the age of 72 on October 2, 2024.  She was born April 7, 1952, in Memphis, TN.  She was an EMT and Respiratory Therapist.

Joani is survived by her husband of 45 years, Tom Farnsworth; her parents John and Catherine Neidergeses of Huntsville, AL; and son Jeremy (Christine) of Lake Havasu City, AZ; 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by brothers Jack and Jim Neidergeses.

No services are planned.  Donations may be made to any no-kill animal shelter.

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.

Ruel Christian Hyer, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born to Clester Hyer and Ercille Larsen Hyer in Lewiston, Cache County, Utah on February 11, 1933.  Ruel led a very happy, active life surrounded by the love of family and friends.  On March 1, 1960 he married Alice Ann Morris in the Logan Utah Temple, and together they shared a deeply fulfilling and joyful marriage for more than 64 years.  Together they raised their six wonderful children on the family farm in Quincy, Washington, and Ruel made a positive impact in the lives of countless others through his kindness, generosity and pleasant demeanor.

Ruel was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shared his strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ by serving in numerous callings including as Bishop of the Quincy, Washington 2^nd Ward. As a young man, Ruel faithfully served a mission to the South Africa Mission and later with his beloved wife, Alice, to the Singapore Mission.

Ruel’s true passion and talent lay in farming. As a skilled farmer, he had a deep love for the profession and he took great pride in cultivating the land, nurturing his crops, and contributing to the community through his hard work and dedication. He was especially pleased when two of his sons chose to join him in farming, which led to his transition to farming in Moses Lake, Washington.

Ruel had an enduring love for travel, embracing the opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures. Travel for him was not just about seeing new sights; it was about creating lasting memories with family and friends, broadening his horizons, and deepening his appreciation for the world around him. Ruel shared his love of travel with his children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories through countless family adventures and instilling a shared sense of wonder and discovery.

Ruel is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Alice; children Chris Hyer (Nancy) of Moses Lake, Washington; Lynn Hyer (Cyndi) of Marietta, Georgia; John Hyer (Debbie), of Moses Lake, Washington; Lora Wood (Joseph) of Moses Lake, Washington; Jill Caldwell (Guy), of Mesa, Arizona; Kathy Fowers (Jason) of Fountain Hills, Arizona; 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; and his brother Paul Hyer.  Ruel was preceded in death by his parents, Clester and Ercille Hyer, and siblings Wallace Hyer, Nedra Hyer Muir, and David Hyer.

Arrangements are made by Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.  Services to be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 AM at Sunland Spring Village’s San Tan Center, 2820 S. Springwood Blvd., Mesa, Arizona 85209.  Ruel will be interred at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona.  For more information, see www.bunkerfuneral.com.

For those unable to attend the service in person, you will be able to join online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82502210967?pwd=PvxkIqBG8ePE71O40PNcYetKVrSOgL.1

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.

Robert Lloyd Taylor, 86, passed away on October 5, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona. He was born November 22, 1937 to Lamar Arwell Taylor and Ione McClellan in El Paso, Texas, where he later attended Austin High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from BYU, during which time he married his childhood friend, Bonnie Jeanne Reaves, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They were married for over 67 years. Together, they moved to Houston, Texas, where Robert completed dental school at the University of Texas. Robert then practiced dentistry in the United States Air Force in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He and Bonnie eventually settled down in Tempe, Arizona to raise their four children, Kathleen Jeannette Taylor Banister (Christian), David Alan Taylor (Connie), Michelle Taylor Bailey (Curt) and Michael Lloyd Taylor (Michelle). They later retired to Gilbert, Arizona.

Robert always loved trains, from his high school job working on the ice docks to his summer job during his undergraduate and dental school working as a fireman on the railroad. He collected trains his whole life and liked to set them up around the Christmas tree and show them off to his grandchildren Max Banister and Anika Banister (Kathleen); Amanda Taylor (David); Kayla MacNeille, Taylor Bailey, and Tori Clouse (Michelle); Emily Udall, Finn Taylor, and Avery Taylor (Michael).

Robert loved to host parties and go on outings with the church youth groups. He had many good friends and loved to share his time and money generously with his family, friends, and community. He and Bonnie loved to travel. Together they explored Alaska, the Panama Canal, New England, Hawaii, South Africa, and many other places.

Robert and Bonnie served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Palmyra, New York as church site tour guides. Robert thrived making friends with the other missionaries and teaching people they met from all over the world. Later they served a mission at the Tempe Institute of Religion on the ASU campus providing a safe place for those young adults as they worked their way through their college years.

After Bonnie passed away in 2021, he began struggling with his memory and day-to-day tasks. He moved into assisted living where he made good friends and was well loved and taken care of. He was always cheerful and made the most of his last few years before he could be reunited with his beloved Bonnie and family that preceded him. We love him, and he will be dearly missed, but we find joy in knowing that this reunion has finally taken place.

There will be a viewing held on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church building at 495 S Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296. The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 12, at the same church building, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service from 9:00 to 9:40am. Interment will be at the Mesa Cemetery. The family is grateful for the reverence and respect that Bunker Family Funerals has had for Robert in their care. Flowers are welcome and may be sent to their garden chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. If you would rather make a donation, please do so to a charity or organization of your choosing on his behalf.

If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the link for livestream to view: https://zoom.us/j/92948517113#success

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.

Michael Pierson, born July 18, 1944, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27^th at his home in Mesa, AZ while being cared for by his family and Hospice of the Valley.

Mike worked for 64 years in the family business that he owned with his son, Arizona Auto Parts and Pull-n-Save.  He loved the business world and he made many lifelong friends through his love and dedication to his work.

Mike was so proud and thankful for his family.  He was married 55 years to his dedicated wife, Patty.  They have 6 children; Sally LeBlanc, Tricia Dayton, Michael Pierson II, Melissa Black, Emily Rooney, Liz Eaton.  They have 22 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Mike was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints throughout his life.  Mike loved life and all people, always having a “hello” for anyone and everyone.  He will be missed by family and friends.

Family graveside services were held Friday, October 4, 2024.

In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.

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.