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Parker Lee Jones left his earthly home surrounded by his loving family on December 7, 2015. Every day of Parker’s 10 years of life was a gift. Parker had a perfect spirit and was loved by all who knew him. He had the ability to bring out the best in everyone around him. Parker was born on October 21, 2005 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was loved by his parents Jacob and Natalie, brothers and sisters, Caleb, Amy, Chase and Katie. Grandparents Mel and Elise Jones, Chris and Pat Freestone, and his extended family will miss him greatly. A visitation will be held Friday December 18, 2015 from 6-8 PM at the LDS Chapel at 777 E. Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ. Funeral services are Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 10 AM at the same location.

“I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally ‘free at last.’”

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Doralie Estella Wakefield Johnson of Mesa, AZ; passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.

Dorie was born on February 1, 1932 in Baraboo, WI.  She was one of four children born to Lawrence and Estella Wakefield.  She is preceded in death by her parents, older brother Lawrence (Larry) Wakefield, and her husband of 56 years, John Johnson, Jr.

Dorie and John moved from Wisconsin to Arizona in 1958 and all their children still live in the Phoenix area. She is survived by her brother Bill (Joan) Wakefield, sister Lois Anderson; children: John L. (Mimi) Johnson, Linette (Robbie) Phillips, Kyle (Sherri) Johnson, Meri (Chris) Wiley and Jennifer (Tracy) Rothstein.  Her beloved grandchildren are Garrett (Leah) Johnson, Andrew (Andrew King) Johnson, Bryan Phillips, Daniel Phillips, Eric Johnson, Sarah (Christopher) Perry, Christopher Azimi, Caitlin (Cody) Jones and Abby Wiley, She had three Great Grandchildren.

Dorie was a talented watercolor artist, member and President of the Tempe Art League when she taught classes and sold many of her beautiful paintings.  She and John created a successful custom framing business in Gilbert, Frames by Dorie, of which she was very proud.  She expressed her artistic talents through drawing, painting, sewing and needlework.  She also participated in a Celtic re-enactment group with her daughters, demonstrating at the Arizona Renaissance Festival.  She enjoyed many adventures to faraway places, including England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Australia.

For the last few years she resided at the Citadel in Mesa, AZ and cherished the many friends she made there, especially her “breakfast ladies” and Bingo friends.

“Mothers hold their child’s hand for a moment and their heart for a lifetime”

There will be a private family ceremony.  Special thanks to the staff at Banner Baywood Hospital.  In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Hospice of the Valley.

Ivar Gene Fowkes of Mesa passed away December 9, 2015 at age 78. A devoted family man, Gene was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was born on Christmas Eve in 1936 in Evanston, WY. He grew up working his parents’ sheep ranch with his two brothers in Almy, Wyoming. After graduating from Evanston High School, Gene attended Brigham Young University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He later earned his Master’s Degree in the same field from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1970.

Gene married his college sweetheart Deanna Tolley in the Salt Lake Temple in 1959 and the couple had six boys. He began his career in San Diego, CA in 1959 at Convair Astronautics where he worked on the Atlas missile. In 1965 he moved his family to Connecticut where he worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. In 1976 another move brought the family to Arizona and employment successively with AiResearch, Garrett, and AlliedSignal, retiring in 2000 from Honeywell. During his career in aerospace engineering, Gene developed new engine technologies and holds several patents in his name.

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gene served most of his life in various callings including ward clerk, bishopric counselor and stake executive secretary. A quiet and gentle man, he set an example of faithful Christ-like service throughout his life. Gene loved to play basketball and did not throw in the towel until he was 60 years old. He passed this love on to his five living sons, his own personal basketball team. Gene was a sports fan who also enjoyed reading, listening to music and tending the flowers in his back yard.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Signe Fowkes, brother Bill Fowkes (Ft. Worth, TX) son Erik Scott Fowkes, and great-granddaughter Moira Kathleen Knight.

Gene is survived by his wife of 56 years, Deanna Tolley Fowkes; sons Gary (Ann) Fowkes of Gilbert, AZ, David (Leilani) Fowkes of Elk Grove, CA, Roger (Kathy) Fowkes of Mesa, AZ, Brian (Kristy) Fowkes of Gilbert, AZ, and Kevin (Laura) Fowkes of Parker, CO; brother Jay (Ione) Fowkes of Santaquin, UT; 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2015 from 7-9 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services will be held on December 18, 2015 at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4640 East Holmes Avenue, Mesa. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9-9:45 AM at the church.

Gene’s wife and family extend their deep gratitude to Silver Creek Inn Memory Care Center and East Valley Hospice for their excellent and loving care during Gene’s long journey with Alzheimer’s.

Royce E. Beydler, 90, of Mesa Arizona passed away December 8, 2015. He was born in Roswell, New Mexico. Royce was a proud member of the US Navy and served in the South Pacific during WWII. He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, primarily in Winslow and Phoenix. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served diligently in various callings including as a Bishop and Patriarch. Royce’s warm and good natured optimism was a much appreciated guide to all who knew him.

Royce was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 64 years, Joyce, and 1 grandson. He is survived by his children, Royce Jr. (Mary), Lisa (Jim) Bloomer, 5 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel located at 1249 S. 48^th St. Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Ryan Daniel White, 42, passed away December 6, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85201. Funeral services will be Friday, December 11, 2015 at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3775 South Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona, 85297. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Arizona.

JoAnn Weibel passed away on December 3, 2015, after a brief illness.  She was born in West Phalia, Kansas on July 17, 1933. Her parents were Ralph and Louise Brubaker. Her dad worked for the railroad and they moved frequently. They settled in Minnesota where JoAnn attended and graduated from high school. JoAnn worked for several prestigious companies in Minneapolis, and at the age of 23 met and married Stan Weibel. Their first child, David, died at birth. A daughter, Susan was born in 1959 and Becky in 1964. After their divorce, JoAnn moved and lived the rest of her life in Mesa, Arizona.

She loved to travel and spent a few years in Colorado Springs, Colorado. JoAnn loved Hawaii and visited the islands 3 times. She worked the latter part of her years as a caregiver, work which she really enjoyed. She lived for the last 14 years at Centennial Village in Mesa, where she had many friends. JoAnn sold her car years ago, and used the bus, cabs and the “Buzz” to go all around the town. She loved the zoo, shopping, music, walking, and eating out. Her favorite food was anything with chocolate!

JoAnn is survived by her sister Kay Christopherson (Donny) and her daughters Susan Ray (Steve) and Becky Wallace (Russ). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Caleb Wallace (Jessica), Tyler Wallace (Sara), Susan Gwinn (Jamai), Tina Dean (Caleb), Angelica Ray, and Alicia Mason and her great-grandchildren Haylee Dean, Alayna Dean and 2 more on the way!

A very special thanks to all the caring nurses and physicians who cared for JoAnn during her illness and for the kind and thoughtful care she received at Mesa Christian Health and Rehab. She appreciated them all very much.

JoAnn made many dear friends at Centennial Village. She enjoyed and cared very much for them. Thank you for giving her your friendship and care for 14 years.

Though she has left this earthly life, JoAnn is reunited with her parents and loved ones and many friends that awaited her. For this knowledge her family is grateful and this gives us the peace and courage to continue on.

The Hayden family sadly announces the death of their patriarch, Scott M. Hayden (born June 23, 1912), at the age of 103.

A longtime educator in Williams and Scottsdale, he passed away, peacefully, at his home in Tempe, of natural causes, on November 28.

While a student at what is now NAU, in 1939, he met Jewell Carney, at the Grand Canyon, where they both worked for Fred Harvey –she was a “Harvey Girl”, he was a tour bus driver. They married and settled in Williams and ultimately had five children.

On summer breaks from teaching, he was a railroad dispatcher, coinciding with his fascination for trains and thence for model railroads. He also designed and built model airplanes.

During WWII he helped survey and design the Navajo Army Ordinance Depot at Bellemont.

He lived a full, multi-disciplined life; a consummate jazz musician, he was a pianist, trumpeter and banjo player, as well as a vocalist.

With Morse code as a second language, he was an avid ham-radio buff. In recent years, he was known as one of the oldest participants in the Daily Arizona Weather Net and for his almost daily quip, “The bucket is dry”. In ham radio jargon, “the key W7SMH is silent.”

In the 60s, many of his articles, with accompanying photographs, were published in Arizona Highways Magazine.

Preceded in death by a daughter, JoAnn, he is survived by four children: John Hayden (NM), Bruce Hayden (TX), Mary Virginia Hayden (MI), and Cynthia Hayden Day (AZ); four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Those wishing to memorialize Scott can do so by supporting: Williams High School Alumni Memorial Scholarship and/or the Daily Arizona Weather Net – Wildflower Mt. Repeater.   Please contact misterjohnhayden@live.com for details.

Private services were held by the family at Tempe.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Margaret Lydia Feldkamp, 93, passed away November 25, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. She was a retired registered nurse, a member of the Church of Illumination, and a life member of the National Health Federation.

Services and interment will be at the Beverly Hall Memorial Gardens, Beverly Hall Corporation, Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

Arrangements were handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, Mesa, Arizona.

Obdulia Imelda Gibson, 44, passed away November 29, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on February 17, 1971 in Nuevo Casas Grande, Chihuahua to Jose Arturo Lom Anaya and Imelda Lom. She was a graduate of Brigham Young University, a homemaker, and the most wonderful mother.

She is survived by her husband Brent Gibson, her children Lynx Brenton Gibson (age 6) and Reo Gibson (age 3), her sister Monica Salas, and her brother Gustavo Lom.

Funeral services are Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 at 3 PM at the LDS Chapel, 3010 E. Thunderbird, Phoenix, AZ 85032. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Warren Don Woodbury, age 58 passed away Sunday, November 29, 2015 in Gilbert, AZ after a long, brave battle with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy (MMD).

He was born January 22, 1957 to the late Donald and Thelka (Flake) Woodbury in Murray, Utah; the fifth of six children. Warren was very proud of his deep Arizona roots being the great grandson of William Jordan Flake, founder of Snowflake, Arizona. He moved to Mesa in 1975 in time to graduate from Westwood High School; he then served a two year mission for his church in the Missouri – Independence Mission.

He married his sweetheart Joycene (McAtee) Woodbury in the Mesa LDS temple for time and all eternity August 10th of 1979, and together they had three children while he worked for UPS (22 years). Warren completed Woodbadge which earned him a Beaver in scouting and enjoyed road trips, camping, marveling at the beauty of nature, as well as sharing childhood stories, singing and playing games with friends and family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years Joy; his children: Stephanie (Keith) O’Hare, Brittany Woodbury, Douglas (D.J.) Woodbury; his two granddaughters Lilith and Lotus O’Hare; three Sisters: Myrna Jensen, Marvella Bath, Connie Kelly; brother: Jerry Woodbury; his cherished dog’s: Buster and Mr. Darcy; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest sister Loris.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11 A.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building on 1150 W. Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ, 85233, with a public viewing prior at 9:00 AM with burial to follow immediately after at the Mountain View Memorial Gardens. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please donate to www.myotonic.org to help fund research for MMD.

Donald Peter Krakauskas, 68, beloved father, husband, and friend passed Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Scottsdale Osborn Hospital in Scottsdale, from a motorcycle accident.

Donald was preceded in death by his mother and father, Adele and Alfonse Krakauskas. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Skaife, his 2 daughters Chris Lingelbach and Jennifer Baker, his son Chad Krakauskas, 3 stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, his sister Patricia Moorman, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Donald was born in Cleveland, Ohio, served in the Navy, and had a long career in avionic software development at Hamilton Sundstrand. Up to his passing, Don was an avid member of Biker’s Against Child Abuse (BACA). Donald also enjoyed and was a licensed member and operator of ham radio.

Donald was a member of Red Mountain United Methodist Church, 2396 N. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ, where services will be held on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to BACA through bacamaricopa@gmail.com.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Ralph Earl Shill, 57, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on November 21, 2015 in Mesa.  He was a delivery driver in California and Arizona.  He loved singing, cooking, reading, and collecting antique watches.  Ralph is preceded in death by his Parents: Darrell F. Shill and Lillian A. Shill; Brother-in-law: Reed M. Perkins.   Those who remain to miss him are his Sister: Rosemary D. Perkins and Niece: Kristi Perkins Bray (Jason); Brother: Larry F. Shill; Great Niece and Nephew: Olivia Lauren Bray & Joseph Reed Bray; and his cat Farina.  A private memorial will be held.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 5025 Washington St. #112, Phoenix, AZ 85034.  Bunker’s University Chapel handled arrangements.

“J” Stanton Porter passed away on Monday, November 30, 2015.  He was born on February 20, 1933, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to his father, Hyrum Preston Porter and his mother, Jane Elizabeth Jolley.  He always had a great love for the state of Idaho, where he spent his early years.  After a brief stay in California, the family, father, mother, Stan, and brother, Gordon, settled in Salt Lake where Stan attended local schools and graduated in 1951 from South High and later from the University of Utah.  While at the University, he majored in business and minored in Naval Science and upon graduation, received his commission in the Navy as an Ensign from N.R.O.T.C.  He served two years in the Navy stationed at Bremerton, Washington, and the C.V.A. Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Lexington.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many capacities in the Church.  Stan had a great love of the Gospel and had a deep understanding of it.   He served a mission to England in the Southwest British Mission.  He met and married Mary Ellen Chadwick in the Salt Lake Temple on March 16, 1964, and together they raised their family in Salt Lake City, Utah.  After moving to Mesa, Arizona, they served a mission in the Omaha Nebraska Mission and also one for the Nauvoo Temple open house and opening of the Nauvoo Temple.   He and Mary Ellen served in the Mesa Temple for many years and also they are long-time Family Search Indexers.

After his mission, Stan worked for a time at Utah Idaho Sugar company, then as an insurance salesman and finally into his life’s work of real estate and home building with his brother, Gordon, and life-long friend, “J” Merrill Funk.  It was a work and association that he loved.

His one great hobby was horses, and he owned and cared for several in his lifetime.  His current horse and good friend, “Bob” will surely miss him!

His children and their spouses and his grandchildren were the light and treasure of his life, and he loved them so much. Their memories of him will be precious to them.  His Bishop said of him, “He was faithful to his family and to his priesthood covenants to the very end of his life.  He is an example of faithfully enduring to the end with joy and happiness in his heart.”  He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, brother, R. Gordon Porter,  (Susan) son, Reed Porter (Sabrina), son, Wayne Porter (Julie), daughter, Amy (Robert Riding), and ten grandchildren, Erik, Alexander (Lindsey) , Preston, Katie, William, and Anna Porter, Adam, Ellen, Rebecca, and Ethan Riding.  Visiting hours will be Friday, December 4, from 5 to 7 p.m., and funeral, Saturday, December 5 at 10 a.m. with prior visiting at 9 a.m., both at the LDS chapel on 40^th Street and Brown, in Mesa, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humanitarian fund through your local LDS ward or at www.give.lds.org

Suzanne Woolsey Gherkins, 75 passed away peacefully on November 28, 2015 in her home surrounded by family. Suzanne was born to Joseph and Dorothy Woolsey in Safford, AZ in 1940. She lived an idyllic childhood and graduated from Safford High School in 1958. Suzanne married John Robert Gherkins in 1959. They raised three sons, Gregory (Sherrie Ricks) of St George, UT; D. Cory (Debra Walker) of Mesa, AZ; Timothy (Kathleen Stapley) of Gilbert, AZ and daughter, Kristin (Kent) Adams of Mesa, AZ. Suzanne’s treasured joys were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Suzanne had a great appreciation for the beauty in the world, loving music, art, and nature. With a wonderful sense of humor, Suzanne was a light to all as a trusted friend and counselor. She loved the Savior, Jesus Christ, radiating His light through her constant care for others and service in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, Joseph and Dorothy Woolsey, brother, Jack Woolsey; and grandson, Lance Adams. Suzanne is survived by her sister Sheila (Craig) Nelson and brother, Wade Woolsey, daughter, sons and their spouses. Grandchildren: Derek and Drew Gherkins, Lindsie (Joshua) McDaniel, Kelcie (Kevin) Vance, Coryn Neumann, Shelby (Michael) Halcomb, Dallin, Madelyn and Ally Jo Gherkins, Suzanne (Thomas) Knox, Timilie, Jolynn, Shawn and Steven Gherkins, Alexandra (Christiaan) Schmid and Erika Adams. Great-grandchildren: Ava, Dexter, and Vivian McDaniel, Fisher Vance, Fredrick Neumann.  Services are Friday, December 4, 2015 at 10 AM at the LDS chapel located at 3920 E. Brown Rd. (Brown & 40th Street), Mesa, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM. Visitation and viewing on Thursday, December 3, 2015 from 5-7 PM at the same location.  Funeral arrangements through Bunker’s University Chapel.

Virginia Sorensen Nielsen passed away peacefully in her home on November 28, 2015 at the age of 91. She was born November 23, 1924 in Murray, Utah to Ulrich Andrew and Fannie Boam Sorensen.

She dedicated her life to her husband Neal and 4 boys, Jordan (Marsha), Tim (Barbara), Paul (Deborah), and Todd (Kathy). She taught school for 18 years in the Tempe Elementary School District and led a life of service for the LDS Church, including 2 missions with Neal in London South and Temple Square.

Her husband C.W. “Neal” Nielsen, her brother Lincoln Sorensen and her sister Mary McInnes preceded her in death. She is survived by brothers Lynn Sorensen and Richard Sorensen (Salt Lake City), 19 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services to be held Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 11 AM, with visitation at 10AM, at the Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 N. Harris, Mesa, AZ. Interment in Salt Lake City, UT. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the LDS Missionary or Perpetual Education Fund, www.ldsphilanthropies.org. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

John Harold Burton, 83, passed away November 27, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. John was born December 13, 1931 in Wichita, Kansas. He served in the US Navy and later became a pharmaceutical salesman. He enjoyed camping, tennis, biking, music and church service, including his service as an LDS Bishop.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Helen Burton. He is survived by his wife, VerJean; his sons, Dan (Lisa), David (Jana), and Steve (Melanie); and his daughters, Cathy Smith, Carol Ann Boyd (Richard), MaryAnn Kaberry (Anthony), and Allison Fleming (Damon).

Visitation is Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Coronado Ward Chapel, 2204 N. 74^th St., Scottsdale, AZ.