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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.

William (Bill) H. Zea, went to be with the Lord on November 25, 2015, at the age of 97.  Born in Hammond, IN on July 2, 1918, he was the sixth of nine children born to George D. and Etta V. Zea.  He married his sweetheart, Mary E. Blanchard, on Jan. 6, 1939. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a 1^st Lieutenant in the Army of Occupation in Kyushu, Japan. Before and after his military service, he worked for American Steel Foundries in Hammond, IN, and Chicago, IL, and later as General Manager of General Bearing in Farmington, MI, until his retirement. As a committed Christian he was deeply involved in ministry, teaching adult Bible Study Classes, directing music, singing in choirs and ensembles, and serving as a Deacon and Trustee.  Bill is survived by his wife of almost 77 years, four children, eleven grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.  Visitation will be at Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 3-5 p.m.  Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Grace Church, 8701 E. Brown Rd., Mesa. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a ministry that was dear to his heart: Jews for Jesus, at www.jewsforjesus.org.

Daniel Elijah DeWitt, 52, a man worthy of remembrance, returned home Thursday, November 19, 2015. Danny is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lisa, and children Kami (Damon) Stratton, Chelsi (Cameron) Hein, Capri (Willie) Price, Chandler (Cooper) Waite, Stetson DeWitt, and 2 grandchildren, Brandon Stratton and Jaylin Price.

Danny often spoke fondly of his full time mission served in Venezuela for the LDS church and enjoyed hunting, family, friends, and his work in the landscaping industry.

Visitation is Monday, November 30, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 848 N. Westwood, Mesa, AZ.

Francis Marvin Hathcock, Sr., 88, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Marvin served in the US Navy as an Instrument Repairman, later to become a Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service. He willingly gave of his time and resources to others. He enjoyed outdoor activities with family and playing golf.

He is survived by his 8 children and their spouses, 40 grandchildren, and a continually growing number of great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce Louise Phillips and his son Charles Scott Hathcock.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 10:oo AM, with visitation at 9:00 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2152 E. Adobe Rd., Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.

Jesus Sanchez-Vaquera, 59, passed away November 16, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 1 PM, with visitation from 11 AM to 1 PM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Westwood Ward, 848 N. Westwood, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Sherry Lynne Blankenship, 58, passed away November 14, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Sherry was born April 30, 1957 in Lexington, Tennessee. Funeral services and interment will take place in Tennessee. For additional information, contact Pafford Funeral Home, Lexington, Tennessee, 731-968-2544.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Winona Fish Green, 90, passed away November 14, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Emerald Acres Ward, 1415 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ.

Randall “Randy” Jay Hamilton, 67, passed away November 16, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Monday, November 23, 2015 at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 480-696-6883.

Abraham Gabriel Vicente, 82, passed away November 12, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Abe was born in the Philippines on March 7, 1933 to Canuto and Cornelia Vicente. He served honorably in the United States Navy and was a member of the Gateway Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife Sally Vicente and his six children: Abe Vicente Jr. (wife Karen Vicente) of Gilbert, Arizona; Rosemarie Amey (husband Maurice Amey) of Mesa, Arizona; Josie V. Navarro (husband Martin Navarro) of Oxnard, California; Robert Vicente of Summerville, South Carolina; Junie Vicente of Oxnard, California; and Michael Vicente (wife Susan Vicente) of Camarillo, California. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren, Travis Vicente, Ryan Vicente, Jordan Vicente, Martin Navarro Jr., Justin Navarro, Kevin Navarro, Kayla Vicente, Dominic Vicente, Leilani Vicente, Jared Amey, and Daylan Amey, and his five siblings, Santiago Vicente, Benjamin Vicente, Lolita Ugalde, Rosario Manglicmot, and Rosita Rojas.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 6-9 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

On Friday, November 20th at 9 AM, a graveside service will be held prior to the funeral service. The graveside service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ. Those wishing to participate in the funeral procession to the cemetery, please arrive at Bunker’s Garden Chapel by 7:30 AM. Following the interment on Friday, funeral services will be held at 11 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 480-696-6883.

Teresa Louise Fox, 71, passed away November 7, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 13, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Ignacia Rodriguez, 92, passed away November 9, 2015 in Chandler, Arizona. Visitation will be Sunday, November 15, 2015 from 6-8 PM, with Rosary at 7 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Monday, November 16, 2015 at 10 AM at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 141 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery.

Trevor Jared Slawson, 23, passed away November 4, 2015 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Funeral services are Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Corona 1^st Ward, 1111 East Knox Road, Tempe, AZ 85284. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.