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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.

By the Grace of God, Yolanda (Yaya) Eigenmann, a loving Mom and Grandmother was peacefully called to Heaven on Monday, September 23, 2024. Her parents Lila and Antolin and her favorite dog Bam Bam are there to greet her. She is survived by her former husband Andrew, her sisters Alicia, Cristina, and Hilda and her son Alexander. She is also survived by four grandchildren that loved her and will miss their Oma very much! She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law and several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Yolanda was born in 1942 in South America where she lived her early years. With her free spirit, she followed her childhood dream of moving to the United States. She arrived in 1965 working as a governess for a family that owns a multinational chocolate and confectionery company. Shortly thereafter she got married and had her only child. She then dedicated her life to her family including coaching her son’s sports teams and liked watching football and baseball as an avid sports fan. She was fun-loving, enjoyed reading, music, and going to concerts to see her favorite artists. She loved animals and spent her working years as a groomer. She had an appreciation for nature, mountains, lakes, and oceans, enjoying family trips to some of her favorite places including Mystic CT, Newport RI and Sedona AZ.

We will miss her kind heart, her smile, her laugh, her independence, her passion for the things she loved, how she found joy in the simple things in life, and her compassion for her family, children, nature, and animals. She will now show this same compassion as a Guardian Angel to those she loved. The best way to show your condolences for Yolanda and her family are by volunteering at your local animal shelter or making donations to the Humane Society.

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.

Viva Cluff Whetten passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, AZ on September 24, 2024. Viva was born on December 24, 1924, so she lived to be exactly 99 years and 9 months old.

Viva was the eighth and last living of eleven children born to Heber and Amanda Cluff. She was born in Colonia Pacheco, Chihuahua, Mexico.  She met her husband, Carl, in high school in Colonia Juarez. They married in 1945 and became the parents of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. She was a truly devoted wife and mother and frugally cared for her family.

She made all her daughters’ dresses and always had homemade bread and a pot of beans on hand to feed her family. She was a believer in healthy eating and grew a garden to supply fresh vegetables for her table. She always used her food storage and taught others how to use theirs as well. Viva loved family history and wrote ten family history books about her family and ancestors.

The last ten years of her life, she spent hours each day indexing names for FamilySearch. Among her family’s prized possessions are the beautiful handmade quilts she made for her children and grandchildren. With scraps of material she had been given, she pieced and tied over 100 quilts for humanitarian aid. Viva also loved to paint. She painted an eagle for each grandson who achieved the honor of Eagle Scout. She also painted beautiful pictures of homes and places she remembered as a child. Viva was an avid scouter. She helped many young men receive the rank of Eagle Scout and then gave them a memorable Court of Honor to receive that award. She planned and helped to carry out numerous day camps. Because of her valuable service in scouting, she was awarded the Silver Beaver Award. She loved her Savior, Jesus Christ and used every opportunity to teach her posterity to love Him as well. She was unwavering in her beliefs and in her values of right and wrong.

Viva is survived by her husband of 79 years, E. Carling Whetten, and by her children, Kenny (Pam), LeRoy (Irene), Clarence (LeeAnn), Annette Haws (Kayle), Rex (Dorothy), Amanda Schoof (Larry), Ross (Susan) and Andrew (Jennifer). Besides Viva’s nine children, she has 49 grandchildren, 92 great-grandchildren, and 9 great, great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Dorel (but we still have Janet), one grandchild, one great-grandchild, her parents, and all of her siblings. What a happy reunion she is having!

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Fiesta Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 616 S. Extension Rd., Mesa, AZ. There will be a viewing at 9:00 a.m. followed by the funeral services at 10:00 a.m.

Those not able to attend may watch the service on Zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/93617885319?pwd=dXlZV2grZ3YyOCswQ3gzSEZrYkFIZz09

Meeting ID: 936 1788 5319
Passcode: 414421

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.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jaret Lott Denham, a beloved father, son, brother, grandfather, a dedicated 21-year veteran Border Patrol Agent, and a friend. Jaret Lott Denham died September 16, 2024, in Ajo, Arizona.

Jaret was born on May 29, 1975, in Mesa, Arizona, 4 minutes before his life-long side kick and twin sister. He was the fourth out of five children born to Jackie Howard and Sherry Ann Walker Denham.

Jaret attended and graduated from Westwood High School in 1993. He served a two-year LDS mission in Paraguay, where he learned to speak Spanish.

He left a wonderful legacy. Jaret has three beautiful children: Tayler (Noah) Hartkopf, Ammon, and Jalee. He was also blessed with one adorable grandson, Oakley, whom he adored. Jaret is survived by his parents, siblings Daryl (Lydia) Denham, Lisa (William) Orr, Jamin (Betsy) Denham, and his twin sister Jolet (Ren) Ibarra, his children, and grandson, plus many nieces and nephews.

Jaret was the best of us. He was always quick with a smile, a friendly “hello”, or a funny quip or joke. He served as a quiet example of what “serving others” means. His extreme kindness, charity, and happiness will be greatly missed and forever cherished. His unwavering service to our country, guarding its borders, is a testament to his strength and loyalty. We find peace in knowing that he will continue to protect us on the other side.

Celebration of Life details

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 9:30AM followed by a service at 10:30 AM.

Location

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
1911 N. 24th St., Mesa, AZ 85213.

For those who cannot attend, the service will be live streamed:  https://zoom.us/j/98879293967

We invite all who knew and loved Jaret to join us as we honor his memory, and bid farewell to a brave, strong, and loving man.

Bunker’s Garden Family Funeral Home handled the arrangements alongside The Department of Homeland Security.

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.

Christine Wheeler Carson, 73, passed away peacefully in her home on September 18, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born May 26, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, and lived a life full of love, service, passion and dedication to her family, her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the world around her.

Christine married Baron Carson, on September 20, 1980, after meeting at a kissing booth at a single adult event sponsored by their church. Barry and Christine brought 3 boys each to the marriage to create an instant family. However, feeling that the family was incomplete, they added two beautiful baby girls into the fold. Together they built a home filled with warmth, love, and kindness. She was known for her selflessness and incredible sewing skills, crafting beautiful pieces that brought joy to those around her. Christine’s love for the outdoors reflected her adventurous spirit, and she found great happiness spending time with her family.

Christine is survived by her devoted husband, Baron, and their loving children: David (Kathryn), Baron Jr (Cindi), Craig (Deise), Ryan (Susie), Devon, Jeff (Aubrey), Courtney, and Missy. She was a proud grandmother to Taylor, Chase, David, Bryce, Jenna, Nichole, Kenzie, Brady, Jadie, Lily, Holly, Wes, Riley, Morgan, Forrest, Drew, Tatum, Avery, Hailey, Katelyn, Lauren, Adam, Aaron, Andrew, Scout, Rivers, Talon, Rainer, August, and Jackson, and the cherished great-grandmother of 12 great-grandchildren. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through each of them.

Christine is also survived by her loving siblings: Susan, Dennis, Gary, Greg, Leslie, Winn, Cheryl, Bryan.  She has been reunited with her parents: John Wayne and Pricilla Dean (Snyder) Wheeler and her brother Donny, all who passed before her.

Funeral services will be held on October 4, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5620 E Adobe Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205. A viewing will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. Christine will be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

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.

For those who were unable to attend the service, you are welcome to view it through this link: https://youtu.be/zzJXdJ4-Jhk?si=gPErNu7sl3Mk-uXc

Heaven’s Choir gained a beautiful and faithful voice this week with the passing of  Shelley Moore Ray, 72, of Pine, Arizona, who died September 20, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. The daughter of Thomas and Fay (Billings) Moore, Shelley married Delwyn Oakley Ray on June 10, 1977, in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were blessed with eight children, 32 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In all the world could offer, Shelley loved three things most: the Lord, her family, and music. She lived her life as a beautiful melody that people couldn’t help but be lifted by to join in and sing. She believed strongly in the power, spiritual healing, and conviction of music and in the ability of music to draw you closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

A believer in emulating the Savior through seeking out the one, Shelley always sought personal interaction and relationships with people. Everyone who knew her has a story about how she made them feel loved and special, none more than her thirty-two grandchildren, who all feel like they were “Grandma’s favorite.”

Shelley’s passing came after a nearly yearlong, stage four renal cancer battle, with the end hastened by a heart attack. That she ultimately died because of her heart is poetic, as that was the part of herself that she used the most.

As a mother, she loved fiercely and selflessly. She truly saw her children and listened wholeheartedly, always helping them turn their focus back to the Savior in solving life’s problems. Her laugh was infectious and the ultimate reward in any conversation. Teasing a laugh out of their mother almost became the goal for the joy it brought. She loved her many daughters-in-law as though they were her own, forming instant friendships and imparting valuable wisdom in motherhood.

Shelley was a living testimony. Bits and pieces of the gospel were woven into her daily conversations as effortlessly as breathing. It then follows that her sacrifice and service came naturally as well.

The stories of her acts of service are enough to fill a library. Babysitting her grandbabies, ministering to the sick, making meals, teaching early morning seminary for four years, becoming a foster parent, teaching music lessons so her children could have amazing experiences, and befriending the friendless was just the tip of the iceberg. If help was needed, Shelley was already there with her sleeves rolled up.

She served a mission in Dusseldorf, Germany, and was a frequent temple patron. No matter the calling, Shelley served faithfully, from Relief Society president to young women to primary — and, of course, as chorister, pianist, organist, and choir director.

Perhaps the luckiest of us all was her beloved husband, Delwyn, who she loved and knew best. Their adventures through parenthood, traveling the world, and the sacred memories made in the last months of her life will always be treasured. She will be dearly missed by all, and until we meet again, we’ll make time to sing just one more song and think of her.

Shelley is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, Delwyn Oakley Ray, daughter Katelyn Ray, and seven sons: Spencer Delwyn (Michelle) Ray, James Kendall (Emily) Ray, Jason Moore (Edythe) Ray, Tyler Moore (Chloe) Ray, Jared Oakley (Tamara) Ray, Joshua Moore Ray and Devon Moore (Alexis) Ray; 32  grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are sisters Janean Moore Call and Marilyn Moore Call and brother Thomas Harvey Moore, Jr.  Predeceasing Shelley are her parents, Thomas and Fay (Billings) Moore, sister Colleen Moore Jones, and granddaughter Gracie Belle Ray.

A visitation will be held on 9/27/2024 at 6:00-8:00 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel: 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213

The memorial service will be held on 9/28/2024 at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 830 E Lehi Road, Mesa, AZ 85203 with a visitation an hour prior.

Burial will be 9/28/2024 at 1:30 at the City of Mesa Cemetery: 1212 N Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201

For those who are unable to attend the service, you will be able to join via this link: Click to view the funeral service broadcast via Zoom

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.