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Amelia Fifita Taumalolo passed away peacefully on Sunday March 13, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Amelia was born to Taani and Ane Nanasi Lupe Taumalolo on March 13, 1934 in Kolovai, Tonga and moved to the United States in 1964. She resided in Gilbert and enjoyed a happy life filled with family and friends.

She enjoyed crocheting, watching football (Arizona Cardinals fan), attending her many grandchildren’s football games, spending time with her family and attending church activities.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 18, 2016 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation starting at 8 AM, at the Gilbert Stapley Stake Center, 1100 N. Cooper Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85233. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

George Richard Webb (Dick), 78, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away at home on Wednesday, March 9, 2016.

He was born March 2,1938 in Melba, Idaho to Edmund Layton Webb and Glyda Luella Johnson Webb. Dick grew up in Melba where he was a well-known high school sports star, winning awards in baseball, basketball and football. He was also an “A” student, graduating with honors as valedictorian of Melba High School. He attended Brigham Young University (BYU) for a year before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in the Southern States Mission. It was there he met Leona Lilly who would later become his wife. They were married in the LDS temple in Salt Lake City on June 12, 1961 and remained married for the rest of his life, nearly 55 years. Dick served in the US Army Reserves and attended both BYU and the University of Utah. He became an electrical engineer working for Sperry Univac in Salt Lake City, Utah and in Weisbaden, Germany, Western Electric in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and General Instruments and Medtronics in Mesa, Arizona until his retirement in 2000.

Dick loved church service and scripture study. He was an LDS bishop twice and served faithfully in many other callings. His favorite calling was as a Sunday School teacher, but he also had a passion for family history. Even though he was nearly blind from macular degeneration near the end of his life, he performed countless hours of genealogical research. Dick was also fascinated with languages and studied German daily until his death. He was a wonderful father and husband and devoted his life to the betterment of his family.

He is survived by his wife Leona; his sister Julia Frost, Nampa Idaho; his brother Edmund Layton (Betty) Webb, Nampa, Idaho; his son, David (Linda) Webb, Kaysville, Utah; his daughter, Denise (Shawn) Leckington, Shelley, Idaho; eight grandchildren: Matthew Leckington, Laura Rummler, Kevin Leckington, Catherine Webb, Jason, Chad, Brian and Alexis Leckington; and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law Annette Rock (Ted) Webb, his brother-in-law Orren Duane (Julia) Frost, and his sister, Leslie (Sid) Sagers.

Ross LeRoy Wells, 72 of Gilbert, AZ passed away on March 10, 2015 at home with his family.

He was born in Albany, CA to Leroy Wells and Adele Ruth Scofield but lived most of his young life in Prescott and Phoenix. At 15 he moved to Elfrida, AZ, where he lived with his great uncle Colly Wells. Ross was active in sports and lettered all four years in 3 sports. He graduated with honors from Valley Union H.S. in 1961. He chose A.S.U. to further his education. While there he met and married his wife, Linda Fuller on Jan. 18, 1963, later sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, AZ Temple on Sept. 7, 1963.  After college they moved back to Elfrida so he could raise hogs. During this time he went to work for Arizona Electric Power Co-Op. He worked in the power industry for about twenty years, living in many different states before moving home to Arizona, where he went to work for the U.S. Postal Service. In 2011 he retired as a rural mail carrier, working in N Scottsdale Kachina Station. He really enjoyed all of his careers. Ross always loved being out in nature including camping, hunting and working in his garden.

He is survived by his wife Linda of 53 years, 2 daughters, Melissa (Roger) Elmer, Collyne (Bart) Myers and 1 son, Kenyon (Angela) Wells, 10+1 grandchildren and 9+1 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Lina, Nicole and Barb from Hospice of the Valley for their loving and compassionate care.

There will be only one viewing prior to the services from 9:00 – 10:30 A.M. on, Tuesday, March 15,2016 with the funeral service at 11:00, Services will be held at the Cullumber Ward meeting house of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 220 E. Cullumber, Gilbert AZ 85234. Internment will follow at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 4310 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042.

Henry R. Ryberg, Jr. passed away on March 10, 2016, just days after his 81st birthday. He spent the last 13 years in Mesa, active in Masonic Lodge, Toastmasters, and his church.  Although blind since birth, he held a Masters Degree in Blind Rehabilitation and worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor in Florida and Texas, distinguishing himself as an outstanding asset until retirement.

He was the oldest son of Henry and Agness Ryberg, who preceded him in death along with his younger brother, David. He is survived by four sisters, Janice Palmer in Phoenix, Linda Arnold in Happy Jack, Karen Schultz in Mesa, and Elsa Weiss in The Dalles, Or.

Henry was very proud of his Swedish heritage, traveling to Sweden after he retired to visit family and explore his roots there. He was a lifelong learner. Additionally, he was a frequent speaker on behalf of the blind community and felt a personal responsibility to represent them and their needs in society.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Trinity Church, 2130 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

Betty Noel McGee, 93, passed away peacefully following a very brief illness on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 19^th at 800 W. Chandler Heights Boulevard in Chandler, Arizona at 11 a.m.

She was born June 20, 1922 in Fruitland, New Mexico to Hamilton Bridger Noel and Eva Foutz Noel.  Betty married Clifton Ferron McGee on June 3, 1940 in Gallup, New Mexico.

She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities, including 20 years of service in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  Betty constantly focused on self-improvement.  She enjoyed reading many types of books, taking art classes, writing notebooks full of her powerful positive thinking and motivating thoughts.  She loved to play her organ, dance, play cards and bingo and to shop.  She was always in fashion from head to toe.  She created a warm and loving home and her family loved her cherry pies and homemade Christmas candies.  Betty extended her love to all she came in contact with.

Survivors include her four children: Ferron (Dorothy) of Gold Canyon, Bruce (Marlene) of Mesa, Beverlee (John) Kay of Snowflake and Ron (Nanette) of Holbrook; 18 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, her parents and siblings: Edmund Noel, Joy Noel, Clara Atwood.  She is survived by a brother Leland Noel in Farmington, New Mexico.

Funeral arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel.

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.