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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.

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.