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Donald LeBran, 88 passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on October 13, 2024.

He was born to Lionel and Mary LeBran of Bradley, Illinois in 1936.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved spending time at a good fish fry, a beer tent and at the Milwaukee State Fair. He was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan as well as any other Chicago sports team.

He is survived by his 4 children, Linda(Colin)Vaughn, Fountain Hills, AZ, Donald J. LeBran, Bourbonnais, IL, Brent(Diana)LeBran, Queen Creek, AZ, and Lori(Ed)Jones of Gilbert, AZ. Also surviving, are his 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who meant the world to him.

Don was retired for 26 years from the Village of Bradley and also loved being a dispatcher for the Bradley Fire Department. He was part of the Bradley Historical Society which was dear to his heart. He could tell a lot of stories about the history of Bradley and loved doing so.

He is proceeded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan(Boudreau) LeBran, his parents, Lionel and Mary LeBran, his brother, James LeBran, sister, Carol Travis and sister, Francis JoAnn who passed away as an infant.

A Memorial service will be held at the Gilbert Memorial Park and Cemetery, Gilbert, AZ on November 15, 2024 at 11:00AM.

Memorials can be made to EnHabit Hospice, 1635 N. Greenfield Road, Ste 126, Mesa, AZ 85205

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Mingo C. “Bud” Atkinson Jr. passed away on October 7th, 2024, just weeks before his 81st birthday. He is preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Atkinson, as well as his parents and sisters , Mingo C. Atkinson Sr., Myrtle A. Crawford, Judy C. Spence and Anita L. Love.

He is survived by his two sons, Christopher and Jared Atkinson; his sisters Myrtiss J. Houston and Angela L. Atkinson; his brother Stephen W. Atkinson; his great-granddaughter Eris Arena; his four granddaughters, Stephanie and Kristina Atkinson, Dorian Arena, along with Brittany Moon; his two grandsons, Kaivon and Geoffrey Atkinson and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mingo was born on October 20, 1943, in Oklahoma City, OK. He joined the Air Force in 1972 after marrying his beloved wife on July 4, 1965. While serving in the Air Force, he received his Associate in Arts Degree from Belleville Area College in 1976; he finished his Active Duty term in 1981 as a Master Sergeant.

He was known for being a goofy, fun-loving grandfather who wanted nothing more than to make all of his grandchildren and great-grandchild happy. We will all miss him dearly.

“Grief is love with no place to go. It is the absence of presence, the hole left behind by the love, once shared never truly dies.” -Jamie Anderson.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

John W. Goings, Jr. was born February 16, 1933 in Godfrey, Illinois. He left this life on October 13, 2024 at the age of 91 years old. John, known to everyone as Jack, led a full and very happy life. He attended Godfrey Grade School and graduated from Alton High School. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he served for 6 years. It was during this time that he met Rosemary Broadie and they were married on September 10, 1957. They were married 67 years at the time of his death. After they married, they moved to Kansas where Jack attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Upon his graduation, they moved to Ashland, Kansas where he began working at the Citizens State Bank. During this time, he also attended the University of Wisconsin where he received his Graduate School of Banking degree. He worked there until 1985 when they moved to Mesa, Arizona.

During his years in Ashland, he was an active member of the community. He coached little league football and baseball for many years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, County Fair Board, Ashland Hospital Board, Masons and Shriners. He also refereed high school and college football for over 25 years.

In 1985 they moved to Mesa. Arizona to be closer to their children. He worked for Valley National Bank for a few years in their Agricultural Lending Department. He loved to travel around Arizona and experience the beauty and history of this wonderful state. He also spent hours with friends and family attending sporting event, especially the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, John and Minnie Goings. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Goings of the home, sisters Helen Montgomery, Carol Diehl, and Betty Howland, daughter Marianne Griffin and husband Alan, son John W Goings, III and wife Margaret, grandchildren Robbie Edelman and wife Cayti, Felicia Goldbar and husband Harry, Todd Edelman and wife Rachel, Josh Edelman and partner Katie, and Kyle Goings and wife Katie. He also has 10 great-grandchildren. He also has 8 nieces and nephews.

The celebration of life memorial service will be held on October 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 161 North Mesa Drive, Mesa, AZ 85201.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to the Shriners Hospital.
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Nancy Ann Gafford was born September 3, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona, she peacefully walked into the arms of Jesus on October 14, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona. Nancy married Jerry Gafford, the love of her life and best friend, on November 2, 1974, and was a proud mother to her only child, Sean Gafford.

Nancy cherished her family and held a special bond with her sister Chris, who was not only her sibling but also her best friend. A woman of deep faith, Nancy loved Jesus and embraced her Nazarene heritage with pride. Known for her gentle spirit, she loved fiercely and made a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know her. She shared her musical talent by playing the flute in church for worship services; she especially loved playing alongside her sister.

Professionally, Nancy worked in the banking industry for about 30 years, followed by 11 years at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she developed several friendships over the years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Anthony T. Mandese and Mary Louise Martin. Nancy is survived by her husband Jerry, her sister Chris (Jack), her son Sean (Shannon), and her beloved grandchildren Allison, Cody, Troy, and Leyton, along with several cherished nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at 2 PM at Journey of Grace Church of the Nazarene, located at 955 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203. An interment service will follow on October 22nd at 11 AM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Bernadette. Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico she was a long-time resident of Mesa, Arizona

Beset by many health challenges, she lived a life of courage and determination. Even when confronted with heart surgery she faced it with a positive attitude and a deep sense of faith.

At the time of her passing she was surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Michael, her children Jennifer Samars (Justin) and Andrew; 4 grandchildren, Jocelynn, Josephine (JoJo), Josette and Jameson. Her siblings Msgr. Jerome Martinez y Alire, Greg, Patrick and Emelda (Patrick)

She is preceded in death by her parents Gregorio and Nelda and brother-in-law Morrie Apodaca.

Funeral mass will be celebrated October 17^th at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Rd., Mesa AZ at 10 AM. Reception to follow.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Howard J Scott, 84, passed away October 7, 2024, at home surrounded by those he loved. Howard was born in Mesa, Arizona to William Walter and Mary Coons. He was a friend to all who knew him. He was a talented woodworker, favorite Scoutmaster, and beloved father. He was devoted to serving others the way Christ would.

He is survived by his sister Ina Ray, brother-in-law Reed Done, his children Jason (Traci) Scott,  LeGay (Scott) Burrell, Teresa (Patrick) Cluff, Robert (Misty) Scott, Thad (Tori) Scott, Shelly (Cale) Morris, twenty-two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Maricopa Stake Center, Friday October 11, at 7:00 pm. The burial will be Saturday, October 12 at 8:30 am at the Mesa City Cemetery with funeral services to follow at 10:00 am in the Maricopa Stake Center of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Maria Virginia Aguero age 87, daughter of the late Gustavo Rascón and Demetria Peralta, passed peacefully to our Lord on October 10, 2024 surrounded by family.  Virginia was born on November 15, 1936, in the small mission town of Bacoachi, Sonora, Mexico and was baptized in Bisbee, AZ.

Virginia moved to Douglas, AZ, with her mother and three sisters and attended Catholic school there. The family later moved to Tucson during her junior high years, where she attended Tucson High School and began learning English.  After high school, Virginia attended Cosmetology school, modeled for Montgomery Ward and went on to Mesa Community College to earn her degree in Library Science.  She graduated in the Top 20 of her class and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society.

Virginia went on to attend Arizona State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.  At the time, ASU was the center of many civil rights movements for Mexican-Americans, which Virginia was quick to participate in.  She became an activist for equal pay and equal hiring practices for staff at the University.  Virginia became so involved with the movement that Governor Babbitt appointed her to the Arizona Civil Rights Board.  She served two terms, where she helped ASU, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona reach more equal representation and better communication.

Virginia was a proud member of Tucson’s Alianza Hispano-Americana, a mutual aid benefit society. The society hosted altruistic events through their scholarship club which she loved being a part of – especially the dances they had. That is where she met her husband, Jesus Agüero.  They married in 1958.

In 1969, Virginia and her husband came to Mesa and moved to the Second Street Historic District.  Their home, which was built in 1948 is one of 15 on the Mesa Historic Home tour and is filled with Virginia’s artwork.

As an artist, Virginia was featured in an exhibit at Mesa’s Arizona Museum of Natural History called “Chicano Art for our Millenium,” which was the museum’s first time displaying Latino Art.  She was instrumental in educating staff, volunteers, and the community on why Latino Art is indeed true American art and why there should be no delineation between the two.

Virginia’s inspiration for her art originated from her beautiful hometown of Bacoachi, Sonora, Mexico and the surrounding area.  For two decades, she partnered with the Mesa Arts Center and Chandler Center for the Arts to put on an extensive Dia De Los Muertos exhibit for the community, which featured specially designed altars.

In addition to her art, Virginia has compiled a long list of community achievements.  She was instrumental in obtaining Mesa’s Light Rail through Downtown, serving on the commission for two years.  She held a seat on the state Library, Archives and Public Records Board, the Tri-City Mental Health Board, the Salvation Army Board and the Artistas Sonorenses Intercultural Exchange.  She also was a genealogist and the Peralta Family historian.

Virginia is survived by her two children: Jess Aguero and Patricia Aguero (Steve Marciano); granddaughters Alyssa Esparza (pre-deceased), Victoria Watts (Jacob Watts), Christina Esparza, Olivia Esparza, and Yesenia Rojas; great granddaughter Josephine Watts, ex son-in-law Chris Esparza, many nieces and nephews, sisters, and close friends.  She is predeceased by her loving husband of 44 years, Jesus Agüero and sister Antonia Rascón Mena.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley’s Lund Home for the care shown to Virginia her last few days.

We love and will miss you deeply…you are truly one of a kind!

Funeral Services will be held on October 16, 2024, at 11:00am at Bunker Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Dorothy Joan Farnsworth (Joani) passed away at the age of 72 on October 2, 2024.  She was born April 7, 1952, in Memphis, TN.  She was an EMT and Respiratory Therapist.

Joani is survived by her husband of 45 years, Tom Farnsworth; her parents John and Catherine Neidergeses of Huntsville, AL; and son Jeremy (Christine) of Lake Havasu City, AZ; 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by brothers Jack and Jim Neidergeses.

No services are planned.  Donations may be made to any no-kill animal shelter.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Ruel Christian Hyer, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born to Clester Hyer and Ercille Larsen Hyer in Lewiston, Cache County, Utah on February 11, 1933.  Ruel led a very happy, active life surrounded by the love of family and friends.  On March 1, 1960 he married Alice Ann Morris in the Logan Utah Temple, and together they shared a deeply fulfilling and joyful marriage for more than 64 years.  Together they raised their six wonderful children on the family farm in Quincy, Washington, and Ruel made a positive impact in the lives of countless others through his kindness, generosity and pleasant demeanor.

Ruel was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shared his strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ by serving in numerous callings including as Bishop of the Quincy, Washington 2^nd Ward. As a young man, Ruel faithfully served a mission to the South Africa Mission and later with his beloved wife, Alice, to the Singapore Mission.

Ruel’s true passion and talent lay in farming. As a skilled farmer, he had a deep love for the profession and he took great pride in cultivating the land, nurturing his crops, and contributing to the community through his hard work and dedication. He was especially pleased when two of his sons chose to join him in farming, which led to his transition to farming in Moses Lake, Washington.

Ruel had an enduring love for travel, embracing the opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures. Travel for him was not just about seeing new sights; it was about creating lasting memories with family and friends, broadening his horizons, and deepening his appreciation for the world around him. Ruel shared his love of travel with his children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories through countless family adventures and instilling a shared sense of wonder and discovery.

Ruel is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Alice; children Chris Hyer (Nancy) of Moses Lake, Washington; Lynn Hyer (Cyndi) of Marietta, Georgia; John Hyer (Debbie), of Moses Lake, Washington; Lora Wood (Joseph) of Moses Lake, Washington; Jill Caldwell (Guy), of Mesa, Arizona; Kathy Fowers (Jason) of Fountain Hills, Arizona; 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; and his brother Paul Hyer.  Ruel was preceded in death by his parents, Clester and Ercille Hyer, and siblings Wallace Hyer, Nedra Hyer Muir, and David Hyer.

Arrangements are made by Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.  Services to be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 AM at Sunland Spring Village’s San Tan Center, 2820 S. Springwood Blvd., Mesa, Arizona 85209.  Ruel will be interred at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona.  For more information, see www.bunkerfuneral.com.

For those unable to attend the service in person, you will be able to join online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82502210967?pwd=PvxkIqBG8ePE71O40PNcYetKVrSOgL.1

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Robert Lloyd Taylor, 86, passed away on October 5, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona. He was born November 22, 1937 to Lamar Arwell Taylor and Ione McClellan in El Paso, Texas, where he later attended Austin High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from BYU, during which time he married his childhood friend, Bonnie Jeanne Reaves, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They were married for over 67 years. Together, they moved to Houston, Texas, where Robert completed dental school at the University of Texas. Robert then practiced dentistry in the United States Air Force in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He and Bonnie eventually settled down in Tempe, Arizona to raise their four children, Kathleen Jeannette Taylor Banister (Christian), David Alan Taylor (Connie), Michelle Taylor Bailey (Curt) and Michael Lloyd Taylor (Michelle). They later retired to Gilbert, Arizona.

Robert always loved trains, from his high school job working on the ice docks to his summer job during his undergraduate and dental school working as a fireman on the railroad. He collected trains his whole life and liked to set them up around the Christmas tree and show them off to his grandchildren Max Banister and Anika Banister (Kathleen); Amanda Taylor (David); Kayla MacNeille, Taylor Bailey, and Tori Clouse (Michelle); Emily Udall, Finn Taylor, and Avery Taylor (Michael).

Robert loved to host parties and go on outings with the church youth groups. He had many good friends and loved to share his time and money generously with his family, friends, and community. He and Bonnie loved to travel. Together they explored Alaska, the Panama Canal, New England, Hawaii, South Africa, and many other places.

Robert and Bonnie served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Palmyra, New York as church site tour guides. Robert thrived making friends with the other missionaries and teaching people they met from all over the world. Later they served a mission at the Tempe Institute of Religion on the ASU campus providing a safe place for those young adults as they worked their way through their college years.

After Bonnie passed away in 2021, he began struggling with his memory and day-to-day tasks. He moved into assisted living where he made good friends and was well loved and taken care of. He was always cheerful and made the most of his last few years before he could be reunited with his beloved Bonnie and family that preceded him. We love him, and he will be dearly missed, but we find joy in knowing that this reunion has finally taken place.

There will be a viewing held on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church building at 495 S Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296. The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 12, at the same church building, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service from 9:00 to 9:40am. Interment will be at the Mesa Cemetery. The family is grateful for the reverence and respect that Bunker Family Funerals has had for Robert in their care. Flowers are welcome and may be sent to their garden chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. If you would rather make a donation, please do so to a charity or organization of your choosing on his behalf.

If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the link for livestream to view: https://zoom.us/j/92948517113#success

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Michael Pierson, born July 18, 1944, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27^th at his home in Mesa, AZ while being cared for by his family and Hospice of the Valley.

Mike worked for 64 years in the family business that he owned with his son, Arizona Auto Parts and Pull-n-Save.  He loved the business world and he made many lifelong friends through his love and dedication to his work.

Mike was so proud and thankful for his family.  He was married 55 years to his dedicated wife, Patty.  They have 6 children; Sally LeBlanc, Tricia Dayton, Michael Pierson II, Melissa Black, Emily Rooney, Liz Eaton.  They have 22 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Mike was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints throughout his life.  Mike loved life and all people, always having a “hello” for anyone and everyone.  He will be missed by family and friends.

Family graveside services were held Friday, October 4, 2024.

In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Lola Mae Thomas Pool Bertalotto Sebring passed September 26, 2024 at Legacy Assisted Living Mesa, Arizona at the age of 93-plus years.  She was born May 8^th, 1931 at home in Clayton, Indiana, the fourth of seven children to Francis Leroy Thomas and Josephine Elizabeth Ford.  She was the last of her birth family to pass.

She is survived by four of her five children: SueAnne Wakeland, Salt Lake City, Utah (Steven Wakeland); Rebecca Pool, Seattle, Washington; Don Pool, Tucson, Arizona; Sarah Durrant, Gilbert, Arizona (Curt Durrant).

Her son, Paul W. Pool, Lynnwood, Washington (Lynetta Brattain), passed in July of 2009 in Redmond, Washington.  Her husband and the father of the children, Robert W. Pool, of Decatur, Indiana, passed in July of 2001, Salt Lake City, Utah.  She was married again later in life to Jimmie Ray Bertalotto, Washington State, who passed in 2001 in Idaho.  She then married Howard Sebring, who passed in 2018, Tucson, Arizona.  Lola is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Lola completed two Nursing degrees and served as the Director of Nursing and an Administrator in multiple states.  Her last employment was in Tucson, Arizona. Her first nursing degree was completed in 1967 at the age of 36 after she completed her GED.  She was married at the age of 16 and had not completed high school at that time.

She was a caring and supportive mother through all the many challenges of life.  She had a hilarious sense of humor and an outspoken personality.  She loved music, sang, played the piano, organ and B-flat clarinet, and was an excellent seamstress. She enjoyed and was amused by the miniature dog breeds she raised.  A major highlight of her life were the many friendships she enjoyed throughout her travels across the U.S.  She has lived in Legacy Assisted Living, Mesa, Arizona for over three years where she made additional close friendships.  Lola was raised in the Baptist Church but has been a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since June of 1979.

She is now joined with her large family of loved ones who have passed before her, relieved from care and worry, until that wonderful Resurrection Day when we will all be reunited.

There will be a future internment in Plainfield, Indiana where she requested to be buried beside her mother in Maple Hill Cemetery.  A graveside service will be held there at that time with all her favorite hymns and music.

We wish to thank the Nursing staff at Legacy Assisted Living and Aegis Homecare and Hospice for the assistance and kind care given to her.  We are also grateful for the services provided by Bunker Family Funerals of Mesa.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Brent Drew Miller, 49, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 29, 2024, in Gilbert, AZ.  He was born to Joseph and Judith Miller on June 7, 1975, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He is survived by his wife, Summer and children Ari (14) and Parker (12) as well as his parents Joe and Judy Miller, and his siblings Randy (Andrea) Miller, Alan (Hollie) Miller, Bryce (Celeste) Miller, JoAnn (Travis) Green, and Mark (Jamie) Miller.

Brent grew up in Sandy, UT, and graduated from Alta High School in 1993.  Brent served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Melbourne, Australia Mission from 1994-1996.

When he returned, Brent attended Utah Valley State College and graduated in Business.  His interest turned to IT, and he was working as a database developer when he passed. He was trusted by those he worked with to do a good job and to be a good person.

Brent met the love of his life, Summer Beck, in a student ward in Provo, Utah.  They were married in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple in 2004 and celebrated their 20^th anniversary this year.  They were blessed with 2 children, Ari and Parker.  Brent loved God and his family above all else.

Funeral services will be Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 11 a.m., preceded by a visitation beginning at 9 a.m., at the LDS church building at 5190 S. Recker Rd. in Gilbert, AZ.

If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the livestream link to view:  https://zoom.us/j/98812767772

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

**In Loving Memory of Sidney Ariel Cooley**
October 9, 1951 – September 13, 2024

Sid Cooley, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and lifelong team roper, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, he lived a life full of adventure, love, hard work, and devotion to his family and friends.

For 53 years, he was the beloved husband of Trenna Cooley, a marriage filled with unwavering love and dedication. He was the proud father of 4 children: Brian (wife Kady), Brett (wife Kristin), Bradley (wife Courtney), daughter Brittany, and a cherished grandfather to 12 grandchildren, who brought immense love and joy to his life.

He built his business and career from the ground up, with diligent hands and pure dedication for success. He was an inspiration to his family and friends for his ability to achieve his goals and dreams. He bestowed greatness into everything he did.

An avid team roper from a young age, he found a sense of peace and fulfillment in the sport and was a champion at it. He spent countless hours perfecting his craft, sharing his love for the sport with friends, family, and all who had the honor of knowing him.

He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, prosperity, tender-heartedness, and an unyielding love for his family. His laughter, wisdom, and the many stories will forever live on within his loved ones.

“It’s not about the rope; it’s about the ride.” His ride here on earth may be over, but his legacy will continue through the love he gave, the joy he brought, the comfort he provided, and the lessons he taught.

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, October 17th at Dynamite Arena in Cave Creek, AZ @ 11:00am.

27619 N 42nd St.
Cave Creek, AZ 85331

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for cancer @ stjude.org

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

JOHN EATON, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, waited until just after his 67^th birthday before passing away on September 30 during a short hospitalization.

John was born in Nebraska, and grew up with his parents and 3 siblings in Arvada, Colorado.

He loved to go fishing, hunting & camping in the mountains, and could fix anything that was broken.

After moving to Arizona in 2007, he spent his free time lounging next to the backyard pool & playing with his dog. John retired from the US Postal Service in early 2024.

John will be remembered for his devotion to his family and his good sense of humor. Among those left to mourn him are his bride of 44 years, Twyla, his daughters Savannah (Michael) Hanson of Gilbert, AZ, and Amanda (David) White of Rio Rancho, NM, and his grandson, Santos; he was very proud of them all.

John left this world way too young, and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Per his wishes, his ashes will be scattered in the Colorado mountains at a later date.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Jennifer Diane Adler, 64, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on September 6, 2024.

Jennifer (Jen) was born on January 7, 1960, the only child of Sherman Clarence Odom and Ettie Fay Odom in Russelville, Alabama.  After Jen graduated from Phil-Campbell High School in 1978, she went on to attend Norwest Junior College.  After college she worked as a Medical Transcriptionist and worked at Humana Hospital in Russelville.  On June 5^th, 1982, Jen married Jeffery Adler from Dyer, Indiana.  Jen and Jeff went on to raise two children, Megan Tyra and Jordan Adler.  Jen and Jordan moved to Arizona in April of 2005.

Jen, having been born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, was encouraged by her parents to be independent.  She was an advocate for equality for the disabled.  She formed support groups and even held meetings in her home.  Even though wheelchair bound, she wanted to be as independent as possible and drove with the aide of hand controls.  She loved cooking, not only for family, but friends and neighbors.  She also loved going to church and had a strong belief in Jesus Christ. Jen always loved butterflies and surrounded herself with pictures and wall-hangings of butterflies in her home.  She yearned for the grace and freedom butterflies represent.

She is preceded in death by Sherman and Ettie Odom.  She is survived by her former husband: Jeff Adler, Megan and John Tyra and their four children, Jordan Adler, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services will be held in Mesa at the Gateway Bible Church located at 1621 N. Pasadena on October 5^th, 2024 @11:00am.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.