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Lifelong Mesa resident, W. Curtis Dana, born June 14, 1928, lost his defiant battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at home with family at his side Thursday, February 18, 2016.

He is survived by his wife Lola (Gylling) of 66 years and his two sisters, Bonnie Workman and Lanny Hogle. Left to carry on his tradition of generosity and making friends wherever he went, are his six children with respective spouses, Marla Dana, Trisha Steffey (Wayne Steffey), Joan Grimes (Dr. Roger Grimes), Robert Dana (Jacque Gross), Julie Nevitt (Monte Nevitt Sr.) and Gail Dana (Holly Lake). His legacy will continue through his 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who were blessed by his love, humor, songs, nicknames and sayings.

He owned and managed Dana Cattle Company, which was renowned for its proprietary pellet mix that produced grand champion beef. A portion of the farmland that served as Dana Cattle Company was later developed into Dana Park Shopping Center in East Mesa. Mr. Dana had a passion for flying. He was an SRP Council Member for District and Division Seat 9 for 46 years, helped establish the Mesa Sports Hall of Fame and was active in the LDS church. He will be remembered mostly by his giving nature, “sugar shakes,” and sorely missed by all who knew or associated with him.

There will be a visitation / viewing, Friday, February 26th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa from 6pm – 8pm. Funeral services are Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 12:00 pm, preceded by a visitation at 11:00 am at the LDS Chapel located at 825 S. 32nd^nd Street, Mesa, AZ 85204.

Shirley J. Bishop, 80, passed away February 21, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. There are no services planned at this time.

June Marie (Galley) Contis, born October 12th, 1932 in Niagara Falls, NY, peacefully left this world on Saturday, February 13th, 2016.  She was one of seven children born to William and Dorothy Galley, also of Niagara Falls, NY.

June’s life was rich and full of adventure.  In her early career, she practiced nursing and health care and then pursued a bookkeeping career.  She was a voracious reader, lover of good music, a world traveler, loved the beauty of the ocean and being at the beach.  She made friends everywhere she went.  June was a fun-loving, curious adventurer who was full of life and always went after her dreams.

Later in life, she chose to devote her faith to that of Mormon.  She was a devout temple servant and found profound joy in her genealogy work and research and also enjoyed the Family Home Evening nights held at The Orchard with home teacher, Elder Fines.

After a long illness, she was preceded in death by her parents: William and Dorothy Galley, sisters, Eva, Doreen, Janet and brother, Bill.  She is survived by her children:  Richard Parzynski (Mary), Deborah Uttaro, and Tina Contis.  She is also survived by 6 grand-children and  7 great grand-children, a host of nieces and nephews and her two, life-long best friends, MaryKay DiVerdi and Carol Weatherspoon.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, February 19th 2016, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Greenfield Ward, located at 3920 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ  85205.  Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at this time.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Serenity Hospice and Copper Village Memory Care Center and their staff for their help, care and support of our mother during her remaining time, and everyone who has been a blessing to our family in the homegoing of our beloved mother, June.  Your expressions  of kindness and sympathy have been deeply comforting to all of us.  May God bless and keep each of you in His care.  With love and appreciation, the Family of June Marie Contis.

Dorothy May Hughes, 78, passed away peacefully in the company of family at her Mesa home on February 15, 2016. Dorothy was born in Mesa in 1937 to William and Ada Dobbins. A lifetime Mesa resident, Dorothy was born the youngest of 5 children including two sisters, Evelyn and Pearl, and two brothers Jack and Gene. She is survived by Gene. Dorothy’s marriage to the late Ozia Hughes gave her two loving children, and she is survived by Sherrie Farrell and Keith Hughes, grandsons Michael, Danny, Jesse, and Cory, and nine great grandchildren. Dorothy was loved by, and will be missed by us all.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Evelyn Maxine Sayers (Maxine) loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully Monday morning February 15, 2016 at 87 years of age.  She will live on forever in our hearts.  A visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. with services held at 12:00 Noon on Friday February 19, 2016 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Robert Brent Sirrine, age 54, suddenly passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016. Robert was born on October 30, 1961 in Mesa, Arizona to wonderful parents, Gail and Nola Sirrine. He was the youngest of 6 children and dearly loved his family. His siblings and their spouses are Dennis and Liz Sirrine, Linda and Guy Hatch, Steven and Alisa Sirrine, Michael and Pam Sirrine, and Diane and Brad Taylor.   Robert was very proud of his heritage and was grateful for his ancestors who helped settle Mesa Arizona.

On May 12, 1983 Robert married his eternal companion, Annette Lunt, for time and for all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple. For almost 33 years they have loved and dedicated their lives to each other, the Lord, and their family. They have three amazing children: Amber and her great husband Karl Bolinder, Kendall, and Parker. He also loved his dog, Bolt.

Some of the other joys in Robert’s life were working with young men in Boy Scouts and at church, singing with the East Valley Millennial Choirs and Orchestra, and working with the Mesa Easter Pageant back stage crew. He enjoyed photography, grilling, landscaping, traveling, four-wheeling, reading, games, music, and getting together with family and friends. Robert was a hard worker, very patriotic, he had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He truly was an extraordinary husband, an amazing father, a loving uncle, a dedicated friend, and a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed by all!

There will be a viewing held on Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 N. Harris Mesa, Arizona 85203. The funeral will be held at the same location on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 10:00 am. All are invited to come.

Willard Robert (Bob) Skousen, Jr., born February 9, 1939, was called home Friday, February 12, 2016. There to meet him were his parents Willard and Ruthe Skousen. Left to carry on his traditions are his wife Tonia Gale and his children, Dayna Porter (Steve), Robert Jeffery Skousen (Jan), Lisa Latham (Don), Bryan Skousen (Jessica) and his sisters Sherri, Patti and Jenny. His legacy will be continued through his 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Bob was a highway contractor, rancher, pilot, golfer, art collector and dealer, business man, athlete, BYU basketball legend, llama breeder, treasure hunter, world traveler, animal lover, missionary and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, parents, sisters and friends. He loved to serve. There are no words to describe how much he will be missed.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 19^th, 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services are Saturday, February 20^th, 11 AM at the Citrus Heights Stake Center, 2549 N 32^nd Street, Mesa, Arizona.

Genevieve (Genny) May Bryant Clark, born December 25, 1943 entered the Kingdom of Heaven on February 11, 2016.  Genny was born in Tucson, Arizona.  She was the 4^th of 5 children of Wilmer and Juanita Bryant.  Genny was raised in Tucson, Arizona and graduated from Amphitheater High School.  Genny and Jerry Clark had two fabulous sons.  She spent the biggest part of her life in the service of friends and family who all benefited from her willingness to lend a hand, sharing her time, positive energy, kindness and selflessness with all she knew.

Genny was preceded in death by her loving parents: Wilmer and Juanita Bryant; brothers: Danny Wayne Clark and Jerry Lee Bryant (Dorothy).  Genny is survived by her two sons: Shane Gebo Clark (Lori), and Allen Arnold Clark (Dena); along with her six grandchildren: Mitchell Clark, Sierra Clark, Kendall Clark, Anthony (AJ) Marson, Gabrielle (Gabby) Marson and Sylvia Clark; two sisters: Elaine (Bryant) Burdett and Marca (Bryant) Epps and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 20^th 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1430 N. Recker Road, Mesa, AZ at 10:00 am, with a viewing at 9:00 am.  A memorial service and graveside burial will be the same day at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S. Park Ave, Tucson, AZ at 3:00 pm.

Janet (Albert) Johansson returned to her Heavenly Father on Friday, February 12, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona.  She was born on June 28, 1941 to Howard G. and Dorothy (Andersen) Albert in Ogden Utah.  She married her high school sweetheart in the Salt Lake Temple on December 15, 1966.  Her children, granddaughters and great-granddaughter were the focus of her life; she was everyone’s best friend.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Carl H. Johansson in 2010.  She is survived by her children, Kathy (Johansson) Blake, Carl H. and Amy (Singley) Johansson; granddaughters, Alexis Blake (and James Frazer) and MegAnn Gladden, great-granddaughter Janelle Frazer; sister Kathy (Albert) and Kev Palmer.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the LDS Church on 1155 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, Arizona at 10:00 a.m.  Family and friends are invited to a viewing held an hour before the service.  She will be interred next to her husband at the National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Mary Dineen, age 66, passed away on February 10, 2016. She was born in Yonkers, New York on February 7, 1950 to the late John Dineen and Jean Dineen Texter.

She is survived by her mother Jean Dineen Texter, sisters Peggy Dineen Kervella (Tim Kervella), Debra Lauren Dineen (Tom Kilwein), Christine Edwards (Robert Edwards) and Jean Dineen Heichemer. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and loving relatives.

Mary brought laughter to our lives with her legacy of expressions. We can all recall the infamous “Das-Right”, “uh sista”, “those my kids” and her signature on all of those birthday cards, “Mary D.”

Mary lit up the room wherever she went, from the grocery store to the Bingo Hall, makingfriends all along the way. We will not soon forget her love of life, her love for the Broncos and her beloved Firebirds. An innocent soul taken too soon who will surely brighten up the days for all of the lucky souls she will meet in heaven. Mary was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Margaret Henning (O’Brien), 71 passed away peacefully on February 10, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.  Margaret was born to Clinton and Edna O’Brien on February 23, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois.  Margaret is survived by her beloved husband: Raymond; her brother: Patrick.  Margaret will be joining her sisters: Joanne, Rose and Sue; her brothers: John and Eugene; and her son: Howard.  As a testament to her loving nature as a mother; Margaret is survived by her four ever-caring children: Mike (Patty), Rachel (Steve, late), Paul (Marcy), and Eileen (Ruben).  With a seemingly endless amount of love to give, Margaret is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.  Funeral Services will begin at 3:00 pm, preceded by visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.  As in life she was surrounded by angel figurines in her home, so too in death shall she be comforted by the angels in Heaven.

Elizabeth “Betty” Muriel Lilas Spence Briggs was born November 15, 1921 in Tuxford, Saskatchewan, Canada. One of three living children born to William J. Spence and Elizabeth M. Fennell, she passed away February 9^th, 2016. She was 94 years young. Her love of life was contagious.

Betty married her sweetheart Ernest S. Briggs – April 25, 1945. They were married 65 loving years before her husband passed. They were parents of 7 children: William Azer Briggs of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; Victoria (David – deceased) Sweat of Salt Lake City, Utah; Patti (David) Petersen of Mesa, AZ; Rosemary (Paul) Burt of Gilbert, AZ; Margaret (Margie) (Jay) Kocherhans of Maricopa AZ; Nora Jane (deceased) (Kemp) Farnsworth of Mesa, AZ; Spence (Marla) Briggs of Peoria, AZ; and had a posterity of 30 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren.

After farming in Alberta, Canada for 25 years the family sold the farm and moved to Mesa, AZ. Betty was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Betty served in many auxiliary callings and was an avid genealogist. Betty was a talented, quilter, cook, hostess extraordinaire. She love entertaining her family and friends. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her influence for good will be treasured. She blessed so many lives with her caring, kind, accepting and fun personality.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday February 13, 2016 from 11am – 12:30 pm @ the LDS Miller Ward, 933 E. Brown road, Mesa, AZ. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

Carma Rasmussen Combs, age 88 years. Born September 13, 1927 in Mink Creek, Idaho. Passed away February 8, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.

Carma was preceded in death by her husband, Jack D. Combs, a daughter, Kristy Combs Valentine, and a granddaughter, Aimee Nicole Garrett. She is survived by her four daughters – Nancy Combs Garrett, Penny Combs Willis, Karry Combs Merrill, and Darcy Combs; three sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Her life’s work was her family and her church callings. She held and magnified many callings in the LDS church.

Services will be held in the Lazona Building at 1345 E. University Drive, on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m., prior to the service.

Arrangements handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel on 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85213. Telephone: 480-696-6883.

Eleanor Callahan, 96, passed away February 8, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Belcrest Memorial Park, 1295 Browning Avenue South, Salem, Oregon. Arrangements in Arizona by Bunker’s Garden Chapel. Arrangements for services to be held in Oregon by Fisher Funeral Home, Albany, Oregon.

Garry Lou Haltigan, age 82, passed away February 5, 2016 in Chandler, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 1:30 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

David Leroy McBrayer, age 65, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2016. He was born on September 13, 1950 to James Leroy McBrayer and Norma (Johnson) McBrayer. He was proud to be born and raised in Arizona, except for a few years he lived in California to meet the love of his life and bring her back to Arizona. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma, California in 1968.

He met the love of his life, Pat, at a church young adult conference the beginning of February 1971 and they had their first official date on Valentine’s Day that year. It was love at first sight for Dave and after some persistence, Pat finally agreed to say yes if he formally proposed. Three short months later they were married in Cypress, California on May 29, 1971, and then sealed in the Los Angeles Temple for time and all eternity on July 15, 1972. They were blessed with two children, Todd and Deeanna. They raised their family in Lake Havasu City, Arizona and lived there until 2000 when they relocated back to the Mesa area.

Dave worked hard to provide for his family and modeled by his example the importance of caring for others as he and Pat became the primary caregiver of his mom during the last years of her life. For years Dave enjoyed his work as a tour bus driver and an over the road truck driver. His children have fond memories of the time he spent with them. He loved to bake homemade carrot cake for his daughter and talk NASCAR with his son. He never met a stranger and could always strike up a conversation with everyone. He loved going out on drives and sight-seeing. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and his four legged children, Pixie and Max. He faithfully supported his wife as she successfully battled breast cancer last year. He will be deeply missed by all!

He was preceded in death by his father, James Leroy McBrayer, and his mother, Norma (Johnson) McBrayer. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia (Stephens) McBrayer, and his sister Joan (John) Collins and his brother Carl (Patricia) McBrayer, his son, Todd (DeAnna) McBrayer, his daughter, Deeanna (Dustin) Crook, and his 13 grandchildren: Kelsea (Rob) O’Brien, Hannah McBrayer, Amaya Crook, Jarrett McBrayer, Maggie Crook, Damian Crook, Lissy McBrayer, Trey Crook, Lilly McBrayer, Gabrielle McBrayer, Asya McBrayer, Isaiah McBrayer, and Isaac McBrayer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 10:30 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM, at the LDS Sierra Vista Ward Chapel, 2717 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, AZ, 85142. Interment will be at San Tan Memorial Gardens, 22425 E. Cloud Road, Queen Creek, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.