Find An Obituary

Joyce Louella Namoki Osife, 72, of Tempe, Arizona, passed away March 6, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 1:00 PM, preceded by a visitation at 12:00 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Billy Gene Lacey, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away of natural causes, Sunday, March 6, 2016, at his home in Gilbert, AZ.  He was 85 years old.

Billy was born August 14, 1930, in Oronogo, Missouri to parents, Rollon Algie Lacey and Margaret (Maggie) Stults.  He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Marie Lacey; his parents; his older brothers, Bernard Rollon, Bobby Stults, and Don Linford; and his sisters, Ruth Alice and Nita May.

Billy served in the United States Marine Corps.  Staff Sergeant Lacey served with the 11^th Marines, 1^st Marine Division and was assigned to communications, receiving a Good Conduct Medal Ribbon.

Billy had a successful career spanning 35 years with Conoco Oil. He served the community of Ponca City, Oklahoma as City Commissioner, Branch President and Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Billy G. Lacey is survived by his five daughters, Victoria Lacey (Joseph Johansen), Susan Olivia (Philip Bates), Terry Lynn (Stath Karras), Tamara Jo (Phillip Beard), Lori Ann (Colby Ballew) and is the grandfather of 19 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 45 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services for family and friends will be held, Saturday, March 12, 2016, 11:00 AM, at the San Tan Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 22425 East Cloud Road, Queen Creek, AZ  85142.  Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Deryll WAYNE Phelps, 74, passed from this life of cancer on March 3, 2016, in Mesa, Arizona. Wayne was born February 2, 1942, in Mesa, and it was here he grew up, made his home, raised his family, lived and worked. Wayne attended Mesa High School where he graduated in 1960, followed by service in the Marine Corps.

He was preceded in death by a young son, Devry, and his parents Orson A. and Lorraine (Sorenson) Phelps. He is survived by his wife Donna Rae (Mayer) Phelps, daughter Nicole (Jay) Curtis, brother Richard Phelps of Scottsdale, sister D’Ann (Lynn) Davis of Mesa, and 6 grandchildren. Wayne loved hunting, shooting, and spending time with his friends at Haigler Creek.

VIEWING & FUNERAL:  Thursday, March 10, viewing at 10 AM and services to follow at 11 AM at Bunker Family Funeral’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa.  Interment to follow at the Mesa Cemetery.

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Laura Knaperek on March 3, 2016 at her home surrounded by her devoted husband, Robert and six children.

Beloved wife to Robert (Bob “K”) for 38 years and cherished mother of Jeshiva (Rik), Christopher (Ellen), Beth (J.R.), Sarah Jo (Edward), Phyllis (Spencer), Anthony (Jessica), Laura is survived by her family and brothers, James (Ana) and John (Lynzie), her 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is predeceased by her mother, Phyllis Rita and father Giacamo (James) Salvatore Daidone.

Born in Chicago, IL she spent her childhood in Park Forest, IL where she attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Crete Monee high school. In 1977, Laura and Robert married in Park Forest, IL where they raised their eldest children, Jeshiva and Christopher before planting roots in Arizona in 1978 where they continued to grow their family with Beth, Sarah Jo, Phyllis and Anthony. Together, Laura and Robert created their family filled with love, compassion, tradition and faith.  Her greatest love was always her family.

Laura was a relentless advocate for the most vulnerable in our society always putting the needs of others before herself. She was respected voice in the state legislature. Laura was first elected to the Arizona State House of Representatives in 1994. She compiled a conservative record while taking an avid interest in youth and family issues. A natural born leader, faithful member, devoted wife, loving mother and nana, daughter, sister-in-law, aunt, niece, cousin, friend and colleague, Laura will deeply be missed and fondly remembered for her strong values and morals, faith, selflessness and service.

A visitation will be held Tues., March 8, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Wed., March 9, 2016 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 8:30 AM, at the LDS Lakeshore Ward, 6001 S. Lakeshore Dr., Tempe, AZ.

Susan Franks, 56, of Mesa, Arizona passed away February 29, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 10 AM, at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona.

Ruth Eleanor Knibbs, 83, passed away February 28, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Evergreen Ward, 700 S. Evergreen Road, Tempe, Arizona 85281.

Louise Estelle Millett, 77, passed away February 25, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2015 at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gilbert 12th Ward, 1483 N. Driftwood, Gilbert, Arizona.

Betty Marie Clark Lacey, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away of natural causes on February 27, 2016 at her home in Gilbert, Arizona. She was 84 years old.

Betty was born December 21, 1931 in Pineville, Missouri to parents, Ira Eldon Clark and Polly Ann Bugher Clark. Preceding her in death were her parents, older brothers, Luther James and Howard Edward, and sisters, Alice, Norma and Littie Belle.

Betty Marie is survived by her husband of 67 years, Billy G. Lacey, and their five daughters, Victoria Lacey (Joseph Johansen), Susan Olivia (Phillip Bates), Terry Lynn (Stath Karras), Tamara Jo (Phillip Beard), Lori Ann (Colby Ballew) and is the grandmother of 19 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 45 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services for family and friends will be held Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 10 AM at the San Tan Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 22425 East Cloud Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

Millicent Heaton Turley passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at the Dobson House of Hospice of the Valley in Chandler, Arizona.

Milli was born in Fredonia, Arizona May 20^th, 1947 as the youngest of ten children to C. Leonard Heaton and Edna Hoyt Robertson. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school at the age of 16. She continued on to Dixie College and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in elementary education and a minor in astronomy. During her time at ASU she met and fell in love with W. Alan Turley from Mesa, Arizona. Alan proposed and she accepted, but they had to wait to get married as Milli had already signed a teaching contract in southern California for one year. They were finally married and sealed in the St. George Temple on May 29^th, 1969. She had 6 daughters and was a very loving and dedicated wife and mother.

Her smile could cheer anyone up and she was generous with everything that she had whether it be time, hard work, or even just being a good listener. She had many talents and hobbies and lived a life of tremendous service. She loved to garden both vegetables and flowers. She also loved the stars and planets. Milli was able to be stay at home to raise her children. When her youngest was in high school she went back into the work force by helping in the daycare services and classes at the same high school. She then moved on to teach 1^st grade at Meridian Elementary in Mesa, Arizona. In October of 2006, Milli was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy in February of 2007. Through the radiation and chemotherapy, Milli continued to teach the 1^st grade. Two years later, the cancer was beaten into submission. In 2009, Milli and two of her daughters participated in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day event. There she walked 60 miles over 3 days to help raise funds for breast cancer research. In 2012 the cancer cells became active again and this time on the surface of her bones. She started different treatments that began to take their toll. Milli officially retired from teaching in December of 2013.

Through the years Milli did her very best to be the amazing Grandma she wanted to be remembered as. Regular gingerbread house decorating, sewing lessons, gardening, games and story time allowed her to create many wonderful memories with her 22 grandchildren. In 2014 a cancer spot was found and removed from her liver. After that surgery, her interminable energy started to fade. She continued to care for everyone around her even when she was exhausted. She helped her husband with unconditional love as he went through a difficult healing process from multiple back surgeries.

Milli is a wonderful example of grace, hard work, and dedication to her family and anyone who met her. She always put her family first and had a tremendous love of the gospel.

Milli is survived by her husband Alan Turley, her 6 daughters Shelley (Nathan) Carroll, Melissa Klein, Rachel (Michael) Hanchett, Heather (Matthew) Weir, Jessica (Joshua) Nickerson, Joanna (Jared) Brimhall, 22 grandchildren, 6 brothers, and 1 sister. She is preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother and 1 sister.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services, with a nursery provided, will be held on Friday, March 4th at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at the Queen Creek Stake Center 22035 E. Octotillo Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142. Graveside services will follow at 12.30 PM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201

Dear Milli,

I want you to know how much you mean to me and how much I love you. You are the right person in my life to remind me to live righteously and be obedient to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. I miss you and look forward to being with you again.

All my love,

Alan

James Craig Runnels, 73, passed away February 25, 2016 from cardiac arrest.  He was born on July 15, 1942 in Eudora, Arkansas to Audie Morris Runnels and Helen Dean Forrer.  He graduated from Weber High School.  After high school he joined the Army.  He married his high school sweetheart Bonnie Williams on January 19, 1962.  He served in the Naval Reserves. He worked at Hill Air Force Base for 35 years.  He lived in Plain City most of his married life.  He moved to Mesa, Arizona August 2000.  He is survived by his wife Bonnie, sisters Jeanne Jensen (Vern), and Cathy Runnels.  His children Kenneth Runnels (Brenda), Peggy Heinze (Jeff), and Brian Runnels (Marybeth).  His grandchildren Briana Charnetzki, Shaylin Bell, Tyson Runnels, Alicia Stanger, and Tyler Runnels; great grandchildren Evelyn and Ellanore Bell.  He was greeted in Heaven by his oldest grandson Scot Heinze as well as his parents and brother Jay Runnels.  A viewing will be held at Myers Mortuary on Thursday, March 3 from 6 to 8 pm.  The funeral service will be at the Plain City Cemetery on Friday, March 4 at 11:00 am.

Jay was a current resident of Mesa, Arizona and was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. After a strong three year battle with cancer, Jay passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Hospice of the Valley Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona.

He was one of three children born to Sylvia Koppen and stepfather, Larry Koppen. A beloved father to his three children Anastasia Moneymaker (21), Corinne Moneymaker (16), and James Cash Moneymaker (1 yr), Jay will be forever missed by his wife Shanelle Moneymaker, and his two stepchildren Georgia Schaeffer (3 yrs) and Lincoln Peglau (8 yrs). He leaves behind his two treasured baby sisters, Colleen Zinn (30) and Cortney Casey-Sanchez (28).

Jay touched the lives of many people, and was truly loved by so many. He was known for his trademark sense of humor and a laugh that could be heard across a football field; he surely carried this through with him until the end.

A celebration of life will be held March 5^th 2016 at 1 PM, with visitation at 12 PM, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 2122 S Goldfield Rd, Apache Junction AZ 85119. Reception immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be sent to a PayPal account under LK@aimwholesale.com for Jay’s son, James Cash Moneymaker. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Thomas H. Hesse, age 78, beloved husband of Maureen (O’Brien) Hesse, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family.  Mr. Hesse was born in St Albans, NY to the late George and Mary (McCarthy) Hesse.

Tom attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where he developed an interest in computers and love for the Brooklyn Dodgers, before transferring to Wantagh High school, where he graduated in 1956.  Following high school, Tom joined the Air Force as a demolition specialist and trained on Nuclear Weapons, furthering his passion for computers.  While stationed with the 3118 Squadron in England, he met and married the love of his life, Maureen.

Following his 4 years in the Air Force, he returned to Long Island, NY to start his family and pursue his passion for computers.  In 1961, he began a career with IBM, fixing typewriters in the Empire State Building. Over the next 19 years , and as many promotions, he held increasing responsibilities in the areas Computer Service, Sales Training, Sales, Sales Management and  European Major Account sales based in England.  His technical training allowed him to excel in Sales and Major Account. After leaving IBM, he held leadership positions in several technical companies including ITT Courier, BlueLynx and NCT, before decided to build his own company.  After purchasing a University of Essex patent, he launched Active Noise and Vibration Technology (ANVT), developing and launching the first noise quieting headphones. On behalf of ANVT, Tom was named an Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY). After receiving his award, Tom continued to support EOY as a Judge.  Following ANVT, Tom launched MTI, a company that developed and marketed video conferencing solutions, before Alzheimer’s sidelined his business career.

Tom’s was an artist, dancer, collector, teacher, mentor, salesman, entrepreneur chess master, treasure hunter,  fan (Spring baseball, Washington Redskins, Monty Python, 50/60 music, oreo cookie, root beer and Ted’s hot dogs), father, dad, grandfather, (pop pop), husband and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Maureen; his son George Hesse and his wife, Doreen, of Trumbull CT; daughters, Patricia (Hesse) Cox and her husband, John, of Queen Creek AZ, and Pamela (Hesse) Gulsvig and her husband, Doug, of Tempe, AZ.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Nicholas Colacurto and his wife, Jessica, Tori Cox,  John Cox, Thomas Hesse, Andrew Hesse, Chloe Gulsvig, and Logan Gulsvig, as well as many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews in the US and England.  Besides his parents, Tom was predeceased by his brothers, George and Charles.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 2 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

The family would like to thank the Oakwood Creative Care staff for all of their wonderful care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Oakwood Creative Care,  oakwoodcreativecare.org/ or Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org .

Kevan Leroy Smith, 60, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on February, 22, 2016, but is now free from it. He passed away peacefully with his daughter Charity by his side.

A longtime Mesa resident, Kevan was born on Valentine’s day in 1956.  He is survived by his 5 sisters: Trella Trone McLouth, Loella Curtis Hemming, Alene Jackson, Jackie Madsen, and Loretta Broughton. He is also survived by his wife Cheri Arnow Smith and 4 children as follows: son Kylan Smith and 3 daughters, Kimarie Tryon (Jacob Tryon), Charity Smith, and Caitney Smith. He was also blessed with two grandsons, Jaicek Tryon and Keddrick Tryon.

Kevan was raised by goodly parents; Nello Rue Smith and Arminta Echols Smith who preceded him to heaven. He was also preceded by his older brother; Dennis Rue Smith.

Kevan owned and operated his own pool service & repair business, Sparkling Pool Service, since 1978, and had recently sold it.

He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He faithfully served 2 years as a  missionary in the Idaho -Pocatello mission. A missionary at heart, he loved serving others and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He married his sweetheart bride Cheri on September 19th, 1980, in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Kevan had love and compassion for others and was most often thinking of others before himself. He had a contagious smile and a big heart. His business motto was “Service with a Sparkle and a Smile” Kind, yet independent and strong, he is an enduring strength to his family. He is dearly missed. It is the hope of his loved ones to carry on his legacy of selfless service and love.

A memorial service for Kevan will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 10 am at the LDS church building located at 3920 E Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205.

Charles Marion Dickens, 88, of Mesa, passed quietly early February 23rd, 2016. He was born July 23rd, 1927 in Bonnieville, Kentucky. Charles was a veteran of WWII and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Charles is preceded by his loving wife of 64 years, Elizabeth. Charles was a loving husband, father, uncle and friend. Charles was also preceded by a son, Michael Francis Dickens. Charles is survived by his son Charles (Patti) Dickens, daughter Mary (Matt) Bauer, son Robert (Kamela) Dickens, all of Arizona. Charles is also survived by his nephews Robert (Sandy) Doyle, Tom (Micki) Doyle and Jim (Ann) Doyle, all of Kentucky. Charles leaves behind grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Massey, Charles K. Dickens, Miranda Jessup, and Tanner Jessup as well as several great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Charles will be missed dearly, but he will be reunited with his wife and son in eternal rest.

Charles will be laid to rest Monday February 29^th, 2016 at 10:30 at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Joseph Gerald Johnson mostly known throughout his life to all his friends and work associates as “Jerry” and to his family as “Dad”, “Padre”,  “Grandpa J”, “Pops” and “Uncle Jerry”.   He was born on Oct 26, 1939 in Prescott, AZ.  Jerry was the 2^nd son to his parents Rachel (nee Thompson) and Lars Marcus “Swede” Johnson who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife Judith Turley Johnson who he loved and cherished for over 50 years.  Jerry is survived by his wife Marilyn Hudson Johnson and their six children, spouses, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren which totals 31.  

Jerry loved sports as a youth and competed with his older brother Lars Marcus Johnson II and especially excelled on the football field as a speedster running back.  Work in road construction took his family all over the state of Arizona and parts of New Mexico where he attended 27 different schools from the time he started grade school until he finished High School in Wickenburg, AZ graduating in 1957.  His last two years of high school he was able to remain in Wickenburg as he lived with Paul and Beth Ellsworth family.  The Ellsworth family was a great influence on Dad’s life as they activated him in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also introduced him a few years later to Judy in Holbrook, AZ. Jerry & Judy were married and sealed for time and all eternity on August 16,1960 in the Mesa, AZ Temple. Their oldest child Joline was born in Wickenburg, AZ. She is married to Richard King and their family includes Matthew & Kirsten and great-grandson Nolan King; Jennifer & Cody Crawford and great-grandson Cohen; and Bryant & Morgan King. Todd was born in Holbrook and his family includes wife Janis; Chanelle & Eric Crocker with great-grandchildren Nixon and Kennedy; and their other grand-children Tyler, Blake and Celeste Johnson. Janea was born in Casa Grande and is married to Stuart Waite with grandson Jaymison. Daughter Joy was also born in Casa Grande and is married to Michael By Whiting with granddaughter Cambria.

Judy passed away in 2011 after a long and courageous battle with various diseases that made Dad her primary caregiver for over 14 years.  Judy & Jerry raised their children in Northern Arizona primarily in Williams and Snowflake. In Williams, Dad served as Branch President for many years. In Snowflake, Dad served in many callings including bishopric and youth leader.   Dad loved the outdoors, including water skiing, snow skiing, hunting and especially fishing with his buddies who call themselves the “Fibbin Five.” 

In 2012 Dad married our “Second Mom” Marilyn Hudson (nee Bergman). With the addition of Marilyn our family grew to include Michael & Danette Hudson and grandson Brendan and Michelle & Daniel King and grandson Benjamin. One of Dad’s greatest accomplishments was the mission to Martin’s Cove/Willie Crossing in Wyoming, where he served with his sweet companion Marilyn. Marilyn has been gracious, caring, kind and loving to our family. She was a devoted companion and by his side every day during these last few challenging weeks.

We will miss you Padre!  Until we meet again at Jesus feet.  Your loving family. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 5-7 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1720 S. Ironwood, Apache Junction, AZ 85120.

Cyrus L. Lewis, age 47, passed away February 18, 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wake services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 5:00 PM at 3623 N. Longmore Road, Scottsdale, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 8:00 AM at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.