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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.

Eugene Walter “Walt” Buehner born December 7, 1925 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Otto and Ruth Folsom Buehner, passed February 4, 2016 at his home in Gilbert, Arizona. Walt was preceded in death by his parents and missionary son Jeff. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Joanne Neeley Buehner, daughter Jody Clawson (Randy), sons Jon (Shelly) and Jim (Richelle), foster son Dubin Sandoval, 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and his beloved sister Janice Duffin (Tom).

Walt grew up in Salt Lake City, learning the block and precast stone business from his father. He served during WWII, and later fulfilled a mission to New Zealand for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Walt was fortunate to extend his mission service for 1 year by helping to build the Church College and prepare the New Zealand Temple site. His mission and the Maori people profoundly affected his entire life. Walt had secured a promise from Joanne she would wait for him, and after his return they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. After Jody and Jeff were born, the family relocated to the Phoenix area to begin what was to become a prosperous precast business, which is evidenced by buildings throughout the west, including Chase Tower, The Arizona Senate and House buildings, Chase Field, Suns Arena, ASU entry signs, and more. Walt was a lifelong member of the LDS Church, serving in many positions, but most of all was a devoted Husband and Father. Walt also loved spending time at his cabin near Yellowstone.

Walt and Joanne relocated to Gilbert in 1978 from the Arcadia district to allow space for growing family, horses, citrus trees, and vegetable garden. He was proud of his pioneer heritage and loved relating stories to all he would come in contact with. Many welcomed to his home were served soft serve ice cream. Walt made friends wherever he went and will be dearly missed. There will be a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday February 10, 2016 at Bunker’s, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa and Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the LDS Chapel, 234 N. Greenfield Road in Gilbert with a viewing one hour preceding the service. There will be a visitation on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, and Interment will be at noon on Saturday, February 13^th at the Wasatch Memorial Lawn cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Roger Lee Williams Sr., 84, passed into the presence of his Savior on February 2, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born in Tulsa , Oklahoma, to Edgar Roger and Mildred Alberta (Bardwell) Williams.   He is survived  by his dear wife, Donna, of 60 years, his children, Roger (Linda) Williams, Scott (Regina) Williams, Linda (Doug) Dueck, Dale (Shirley) Williams, Todd (Shannon) Williams, Jeannette (Mike) Clark, his seventeen grandchildren, Daniel, Melissa, Morgan, Matthew, Jill, Lisa, Tyler, Tabitha, Brenna, Eric, Philip, Nicholas, William, Lee, Anna, Joshua, Faith, and his fifteen great-grandchildren, Holden, Bristol, Jaelynne, Timothy, Abrielle, Clara, Owen, Lucas, Noah, Alivia, Kadence, Andrew, Emmaline, Isaiah, and Susanna.  He is also survived by his brother Steve.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Joyce Smith, Sunny Whan Turner, David Williams, Larry Paul Williams and many other family members and friends.

Roger was raised outside Grove, Oklahoma and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1941.  He went on to attend the University of Illinois before graduating from Moody Bible Institute of Chicago in 1955.  He ministered as an Associate Pastor at Belden Regular Baptist Church from 1957-1960, as Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin from 1960-1970, before moving to Arizona and founding Calvary Baptist Church in Mesa where he pastored from 1970-1998 when he retired.  He joked about “flunking” retirement and went back to work as a small engine mechanic, working for Gothic Landscape before finishing with Green Innovations in the fall of 2015.  Over the years he served on the board at Shepherd’s Home and School in Union Grove Wisconsin. He was also actively involved in the ministries of  Camp Manitoumi (Illinois), Camp Fairwood (Wisconsin), and Camp Tishomingo in northern Arizona.  He led his churches through numerous building projects.  He actively supported the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, and faithfully served in the State church fellowships wherever he was ministering.

Roger loved the Lord and preaching God’s Word.  He thoroughly enjoyed working with his hands, planting flowers, a good hand of Rook, and taking care of whatever car he owned at the time.  Roger also liked the menu at Taco Bell, and a cold Dr. Pepper after a hot day of work.  He was not a talkative man, but many people appreciated his wise counsel, wry sense of humor, and consistent example of fidelity, integrity, humility, and service.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 from 5-8 PM. Flowers can be sent there on his behalf.  The Funeral Service will be at 10 AM on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Calvary Baptist Church, 3810 E. University Drive, Mesa Arizona 85205, with Rev. David Swope officiating. Memorial gifts could be made to Camp Tishomingo C/O Jim Rakoci 10075 N. Scott Dr. Casa Grande, AZ 85122. “Camp Tishamingo”, is a ministry to which Roger was deeply committed over the years. The graveside service will be at Mesa Cemetery.

Scott Anthony Norton, 34, passed away February 3, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Citrus Heights Stake Center, 2549 N. 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona. 85213. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Izaya Xavier Ruiz, 9, passed away January 14, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 6 PM, preceded by a visitation at 5 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Caroldean McDonald, born October 11, 1938, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2016 at her residence in the Goodyear Village on the Gila River Indian Community.

She was born to James and Jennie Allison in Stotonic Arizona. She was “Stha” to most of her friends and relatives. Stha led a happy, active life filled with family, friends, and many activities which included her grandchildren.

In 1960, she married Everett Leslie McDonald and they were lucky to have celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Caroldean is survived by her husband Everett, daughter Cheryl Wells and her husband Lance Wells Sr. her second daughter Lynette McDonald, grandchild Carrie McDonald and her significate other Luis Gutierrez, other grandchildren Lance Wells, Tiffany Enos, Jesse Valencia, Justin Wells, Andrea McDonald, great grandchildren Nicholas Gutierrez, Adrian Gutierrez, Anahi Gutierrez, and Emma Enos.

She was preceded in death by her son, Duane Everett McDonald, daughter Jeryln Faye Holmes, and granddaughter Mary McDonald.

Our mom, our Lil Grams will be missed by all of us.

Wake services are Friday, February 5, 2016 at 6pm to 10pm at the Goodyear Presbyterian Church in Goodyear Village, Gila River Indian Community.

Funeral services are Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 8am at the Goodyear Presbyterian Church in Goodyear Village, Gila River Indian Community.

James Mitchell Gifford, 91, passed away January 29, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Elbert (“Al”) W. Gardner passed away on January 28, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Al was born on May 15, 1931 in Ely, Nevada and grew up on his family farm in Lund, Nevada. During his senior year at the University of Nevada, Al was selected from the ROTC program to attend pilot training school. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and began his fighter pilot career. During his first assignment at Williams Air Force Base, he met and courted Kathleen Dewitt. The couple was married in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1957 and had two children. Al loved his aviation career as a fighter pilot serving in Vietnam War, a pilot instructor, a liaison officer to the Air Force Academy, a commercial pilot and a leisure pilot, up until his passing.

He was also a successful real estate investor and developer. Al was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities and contributing generously to the missionary program and BYU. Al’s great love was BYU Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center where he used his talents and treasures to help young people from Asia and the Pacific Islands obtain scholarships, and fulfill their dreams. Al’s generosity blessed generations of people around the world. Al loved his family, his pioneer heritage, golf, traveling, and mentoring those of future generations.

Al is survived by his beautiful wife of 58 years, Kathleen Gardner; two daughters, Robin Juvan and Kelli (Todd) Shell; six grandchildren, Donny (Jessica) Juvan, Tanner Shell, Lyndi (Matt) Cardall, Krystal (Jason) Arnett, Cami (Ryan) Tolley and Brady Juvan; and 14 great-grandchildren. Al is also survived by two sisters, Sherril Passey and Mary Ann Hearn and sister-in-law, Sherrill Crouch. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Helen Gardner; sister, Vesta Gardner; brother, Robert Gardner; and brother-in-law’s, Jim Crouch, Jim Passey and Jerry Hearn. Visitation will be Thursday, February 4, 2016, 6-8 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona and from 9:00 to 9:30 am, prior to funeral services at 10 am on Friday, February 5, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house, 3920 E. Brown Rd, Mesa, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Al Gardner be made to the Polynesian Cultural Center “PCC Talent Award”, 1450 N. University Ave., Provo, UT 84604 or https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/donations/byu-hawaii/pcc-talent-award.html. The PCC Talent Award was established by Al at President Grace’s request and assists in providing educational scholarships to talented students working and performing at the PCC. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Lula Bell Stephens, 82, passed away January 29, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. There will be a visitation held on Monday, February 15, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 10 AM at the College View Baptist Church, 1810 S. Longmore, Mesa, Arizona. Interment at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona.

Jerome (Jerry) Davis, 84, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Born in Glendon, NC, Jerry lived and raised his family in Claymont, DE and Elkton, MD and moved to Arizona in 2010. He enjoyed a 33 year career with Boeing Vertol in PA and after retirement traveled throughout the country with his wife, Mary and their precious pup Fuzz. They spent most summers in their homes in Mrytle Beach, SC and Pinehurst, NC where Jerry was an avid golfer.

Jerry’s loved country music and the Dallas Cowboys. He created beautiful oil paintings and fabulous meals in the kitchen. Anyone who knew him knew that he was an incredible gardener and his yard was meticulously maintained.

Jerry loved his family and was their biggest supporter in whatever they did.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Mary Davis, his three children, Donna Field, Barbara Egbert and Lance Davis, his granddaughters, Robin Angeletti, Lauren Angeletti, Devin Egbert and Paige Egbert, and two great granddaughters, Rogue Heikkila and Isley Angeletti and a brother, Jon Davis.  He is proceeded in death by his parents, Jerome and Gertrude Davis and so many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 1, 2016 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 at 10 am with a service to follow. Flowers can be sent there on his behalf.  He will be laid to rest at the beautiful  Mesa Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona, close to his idol, Waylon Jennings.

Bonnie Katherine Hancock Peterson, age 88, passed gently from this life to the next on Tuesday morning, January 26, 2016. Born November 29, 1927 in Hawthorne, California to loving and hard-working parents, Oliver Perry and Lora Aseneth (Lisonbee) Hancock. Bonnie was raised in Pinedale and Mesa Arizona. While a student at Brigham Young University, Bonnie met her future husband, Marion G. Peterson M.D., one Christmas break when they both shared the same ride home from Utah to Mesa. They were married the following August 28, 1947, starting a love affair that would span over fifty years and raising their children in a home filled with love and happiness. Their children are: Sharilyn (David) Wilson, Susan (Stanley) Martineau, Klay (Cindy) Peterson, Kathryn (Scott) Blackham, Annette (Terry) Hill, Howard (Julie) Peterson, Marvin (Patricia) Peterson, Mary (Bruce) Kiene, Marion (Christy) Peterson, Steven (Ginger) Peterson. Bonnie was very proud of her posterity—she has 65 grandchildren and 121 great grandchildren (and still counting). She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion, her brother, Joseph Hancock and her sister, Delite Gaddie. She is survived by her sisters Dixie Krauss, Dorene Smith, Carlene Curtis, and Lora Sue Allred.

Bonnie had many interests and talents. She traveled the world and lived in Japan, China, and Mexico. She was a skilled genealogist, seamstress, gardener, cook and musician. To the very end of her life, she had a sharp intelligence, a keen sense of humor and a fearless outlook. She was adored by family and friends alike and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services are Saturday January 30, 2016 at 12:00pm, preceded by a viewing Friday evening January 29, 2016 from 6-8pm and a viewing Saturday morning from 10-11:30am. All services will be held in the LDS chapel on 933 E. Brown Road, Mesa Arizona.

Doris Marie Lightfoot went home to be with The Lord on January 19, 2016 at The Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona. Doris was born Doris Marie Applegate on September 15, 1926 in Farmington, Missouri. Her parents were the former William Sidney and Emma Josephine (Allgier) Applegate.

Doris grew up on the family farm in Risco, Missouri. She went to school and graduated from Risco High School in 1942. One of Doris’ fondest memories was dancing at the USO with soldiers who came through Malden, Missouri Army Airbase for training. Upon graduation from high school, she passed a civil service exam and went to Washington, DC to work as a stenographer at The Pentagon during World War II. When the War was over, she returned to Southeast Missouri and attended Southeast Missouri State University where she met the love of her life, the former Edward Sebastian Lightfoot who passed away February 5, 2002. They were married on August 23, 1947.

Ed and Doris made their home in Jefferson City, Missouri for 44 years where Doris was a homemaker and volunteered at many community activities. They were also long-time members of The First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City. They retired to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2000. Doris then moved to Tempe, Arizona to be near her son in 2014 and lived happily at The Friendship Village retirement complex where she enjoyed bridge, serving at numerous functions, as well as making many close friendships during the short time she lived there.

Doris is survived by 4 children;  Cydney Lee Hafner (Steve), Alan Edward Lightfoot (Sharon), Susan Marie Springer (Mark), and Lynn Lightfoot Platter (Scott); 10 grandchildren; Eric Hafner (Jenn), Lesley Maturo (Anthony), Sara Villareal (Armando), Jessica Byrne, Ben Lightfoot, Alison Finch (Michael), Lindsey Springer, Jason Springer, Alan Platter, and Alek Platter; 9 great grandchildren; Rylee and Samantha Hafner, Joe and Jacqueline Maturo, Gia and Seth Villareal, Kaison Byrne, and Channing and Cameron Finch.

Graveside services will be held on January 27, 2016 at 2 PM at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico with French’s Funeral Home handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Doris Lightfoot to www.USO.org or Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo Del Norte Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87122, where Doris and Ed were members.