Find An Obituary

Beth Payne Haws passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, October 11th, in Mesa AZ. She was born in Safford to Harry Lorenzo Payne and Ethel Cholerton Done. She was the youngest of 13 and glad that her parents wanted a baker’s dozen.

Beth loved being with her mother, learning to cook and to sew by her side. It was during her high school years that she met Ross Haws, who was the love of her life. They were married for time and all eternity and began life together. They were blessed with eight children, and Beth always said, “motherhood was her favorite calling.” Job opportunities took them to California where Beth began teaching kindergarten and did so for 23 years. Upon retirement, Beth served two missions with Ross and then returned to Arizona where she enjoyed being close to family, doing family history and working in the LDS Temple. She was always the “Beth” that she could be!

She is survived by her children Robert (Lorraine) Haws, Kathleen (Mark) Moffitt, Paul (Patti) Haws, Nancy (David-deceased) Mann, Sheryl (Kent) Stewart, Jerry (Coleen) Haws, Dennis (Angel) Haws, Marshall Haws, 35 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday October 16th from 6-8 PM at the LDS Chapel at 3920 E. Brown Road, Mesa. Services will be held at the same building on Saturday October 17th at 11 AM with a viewing prior the service at 10 AM. Burial will be at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Robert “Bobby” Dale Ethington, 67, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away at home surrounded by family on October 8, 2015. Bobby was born in Tempe, AZ on November 7, 1947 to Leonard and Eloise Ethington. Bobby spent his childhood working alongside his dad and brothers on a neighbor’s dairy in Chandler, AZ. Bobby married his eternal companion, Sally Harris, in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple on March 19, 1976.

Bobby loved to spend time with family and was always supportive when it came to his children and never missed a family reunion with his siblings. Bobby loved to work on his dairy in Idaho where he milked cows and raised calves. For the last 20 years he has worked alongside his brothers in concrete construction in Arizona. Bobby was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bobby was preceded in death by both parents, Leonard and Eloise, and three sisters, Barbara, Ruth, and Betty. He is survived by wife, Sally, six children, Bryan (Rennae) Ethington, Tauna (Kent) Coombs, Melissa (Tres) Franklin, Sara (Paul) Johnson, Jessica Ethington, Jimmy (Amanda) Ethington, two granddaughters, Shelby and Ashliegh. He is also survived by four brothers, Larry (Pat) Ethington, Daryle (Brenda) Ethington, Jerry (Kat) Ethington, Dean (Lorraine) Ethington and three sisters Dorothy (Ron) Moore, Debbie (Roger) Holappa, and Terri (Andy) Sabin.

Funeral services will be held at the LDS Church building located at 1430 N Recker Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205 Friday October 16, 2015 at 10am following a viewing at 9-9:45am. A viewing will also be held Thursday October 15, 2015 at the Bunker Funeral Home located at 3529 E University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213 from 6-8pm.

Orville Wellington (Wells) Allen, 98, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at his home in Gilbert, Arizona. He was born October 8, 1916, in Thatcher, Arizona to Orville Allen and Sarah Diantha Curtis Allen.

Orville was predeceased by his first wife, Dece Rogers, a son, Jonathon, his oldest daughter, Linda Faye Allen Starks, and a grandchild, Trent Curtis Allen. He is survived by his second wife, Dorothy Parker Eck Allen, children, Roger (Susan Moody), Kathryn Pidd (John), David (Kim Daley), and Jeffry (Jackie Jones). Also surviving are beloved stepchildren, Arthur Eck (Susan) and Alice Eck Johnson (Don). He is also survived by 44 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Before his lifetime career of insurance sales, Orville served his country as a Sgt. in the Army Air Force throughout WWII.

Funeral services are Wednesday, October 14 at 11 am at the LDS Pioneer Ward Chapel, 2700 E. Guadalupe, Gilbert, AZ 85234. Visitation will be at 10 AM on Wednesday at the church and from 6-8 pm Tuesday at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Burial is at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Born September 1, 1981 in Phoenix AZ. Seth began his journey home on October 4, 2015 in Sedona AZ. Seth was a graduate of Mesa High School class of 2000 and served a mission to the Tacoma Washington mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also a member of the Salt River Indian Community. Seth was a very active and creative person who achieved many talents such as musician of acoustic, electric and bass guitar; he played piano as a young man. He was avid at rollerblades, skateboard, snowboard and anything else that would allow him to soar. Seth was a gifted visual artist in ink in which he designed sacred geometry that was evolving into his own abstract native style. Seth most recently enjoyed RC helicopter competition but his greatest gift was that of sharing his love and spiritual ideas with good friends, family and many new acquaintances.

Seth is preceded in death by his younger brother David A. Killian and uncle Robert Kyle Dudley Survived by his father E. David Killian, mother Susan Jean Dudley Killian, and brother Jacob William Killian

Services and Internment will be10:00 A.M. Saturday Oct 17, 2015 at Lehi Cemetery “Xalychidom Piipaash Nyvaash” (Towards the Water People’s House) 3660 North Horne Road Mesa, AZ 85203

Arrangements are being handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ

On October 7, 2015, Pauline left the loving arms of her children to be reunited with her sweetheart Glenn. Born April 29, 1929 in Payson, Utah, Pauline was the youngest of six children born to Elmer Woodruff Gale and Belva Madge Erickson Gale. Her childhood home was a happy place where she learned to love and look for the good in others. As a young woman she earned a degree in elementary education from the University of Utah and later taught school in Utah, Georgia, and Wyoming.

Pauline married the love of her life, Glenn Wardrop, in 1953 in the Salt Lake City, Utah LDS Temple, and they were blessed with one daughter (Kari) and three sons (Brad, Lon, and Dan). Pauline and Glenn moved extensively in their marriage, living in Utah, Georgia, Idaho, Colorado, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Arizona. No matter where they lived, Pauline eagerly served in many capacities in the LDS church and community. She especially loved teaching music to primary children, working with the youth, and encouraging young men in the scouting program.

Always a missionary, Pauline was at Glenn’s side when he served as president of the LDS Oklahoma Tulsa Mission. She shared the gospel at all times, even in later years, from her hospital room. Her testimony of the gospel is the foundation upon which she built her life. Pauline lived with a cheerful disposition and befriended everyone in her path. She took the time to express love and genuinely cared about others.

Her greatest treasure was her family. She felt that she was, “the most blessed mother that ever lived.” Her children and grandchildren remember special times singing songs, reciting poems, reading books, swimming and playing games with her. Pauline’s final days were spent expressing gratitude and love for her family, with a few songs and poems thrown in for good measure.

Pauline is survived by her children Kari (Terrill) Clouse, Brad (Celeste), Lon (Sheryl), and Dan (Tami); her brother Jay Gale; her 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and newly obtained 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren from Kari’s marriage to Terrill. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters Shirley (John) Hippen, June (John) Hartman, Valerie Miner, and brother John Gale.

Funeral services for Pauline will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10^th at the LDS Chapel at 1483 N. Driftwood Drive, Gilbert, Arizona with viewings from 9:00-9:45 a.m. that day at the church and 6:00-8:00 pm the previous evening (Friday, the 9^th), also at the church. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, October 12^th at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 340 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Yes, Andy, because he will come after me if I write his “real” name that he never liked! He finished his trip here on this earth on September 30th at 11:30am peacefully and with a smile, as his wife was lying down with him, her arms wrapped around him.

His battle with cancer was the tool that he used to inspire people all over the world.  Since the minute that he found out he had cancer in 2013, he decided he was going to use this time and trial to make a difference in this world, with a permanent smile on his face.

In a Facebook post Andy said, ” ‘I will never quit…If knocked down I will get back up, every time…I am never out of the fight.’

Hope the real heroes don’t mind, but I’ve adopted parts of the Navy SEAL motto as my personal promise to myself and to all those who support me.”

Andy was born in Murray, Utah. A few years later he moved to Mesa, Arizona. He served his LDS mission in Veracruz, Mexico from 2003-2005 where he met his wife.

He was married to Leyla for nine beautiful, crazy, fun years! He has two amazing kids. Sweet active, daddy’s best friend, David who is 7 years old and daddy’s princess, Mia who is 4 years old. Andy was such a positive guy, he truly is a hero!!  He always put his family first and he believes that Heavenly Father has a plan for him. He believes that families are eternal and forever!  He dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He always knew that there was something bigger waiting for him. He truly understood the Plan of Salvation!

He was a wonderful loving husband, dad and friend. He was fun, loved sarcasm, loved music and sports…OH! How much he loved sports!!!! He played baseball all of his life and became a soccer maniac after his LDS mission in Mexico. He was the perfect friend and a great listener. He had a big passion for motorcycles and started a motorcycle club here in Arizona.

He always made sure to let you know how important you were and made you feel special. He never complained about anything in life, and he always found a positive way to see every single situation.

Through his cancer journey he was able to touch so many lives. He decided to write his bucket list after doctors told him he was close to the end. Two months before he died he was able to complete all of his wishes in just 3 weeks, including meeting David Beckham and his favorite band Zac Brown Band.

He loved sunsets; he said it was his way to remember that Heavenly Father gives you an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of life. You can find the hashtag #sunsetsforAndy on Facebook in honor of him.

In one of his church talks Andy said, “My hope is that to all who hear my words this day, walk away with no doubt in your minds that I know there is a God, who has a plan for each and every one of us. That His Son, Jesus Christ, came to this Earth to sacrifice himself for us that we may one day return to live with our families in His kingdom.”

He is survived and missed by his wife Leyla Moss, his son David, his daughter Mia, his parents Greg and Cheryl Moss, his sisters Nicole and Danielle, his brother Jeff and by thousands and thousands of people that followed his story through social media. *http://mossfamily1.blogspot.com/

Andy’s family would like to thank Ironwood Cancer Center in Chandler, Hospice of the Valley Lund home, the Mayo Clinic, all their loving doctors and nurses, Dr. Fitch and his team but especially his oncologist Dr. Estrella Carballido who fought his fight right next to him and ALWAYS believed in him.

A viewing open to the public will be held on Friday October 9th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. Another viewing will be held the morning of Saturday, October 10th from 10-11 AM, prior to the Celebration of Life service from 11 to 12 at LDS Guadalupe Building, 4629 E. Guadalupe Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234 (Guadalupe and Power). After this the burial will be held at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa AZ 85201. If you have a motorcycle you are invited to lead the funeral procession. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.

To make a funeral donation you can go to https://www.youcaring.com/leyla-moss-423938 WE MISS YOU, ANDY!!

John Larry McLaws, age 83, passed away on Oct. 3, 2015 in Gilbert, AZ. Larry was born in Mesa, AZ on May 3, 1932 to Franklin John McLaws and Marion LaPriele Pace. He lived in Mesa and Holbrook, AZ.

Larry graduated Holbrook High School May 26, 1950. He left Holbrook the next day and moved to Mesa where he attended ASU (then Arizona State College) for the next three years. In 1952 he was called to be a Stake Missionary in the Maricopa Stake. He applied to the University of Arizona Law School and was accepted without earning a 4 year degree because of his good grades. Thinking he would never be able to fill a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was preparing to move to Tucson, however in September 1953 he was called to serve a full-time mission in the Swiss Austrian Mission for 2 1/2 years, taking good advantage of his 2 years of German.

Upon returning from Switzerland he took up his studies to become an attorney at the U of A. Larry met Sonja Fuller in Tempe, AZ and they were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on August 16, 1958. They were blessed with 6 children. Larry was an excellent student, successful attorney, loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He endeavored to complete every assignment he undertook with perfection and exactness, including his church callings, art work, and as a stonemason.

In 1994 he and his wife Sonja served an LDS church mission together to Papua New Guinea where they had a grand adventure. In 1999 they served another mission together in Frankfurt Germany.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his dear friend and brother Monte Burr McLaws, and daughter-in-law Christine Klein McLaws. He is survived by 5 sisters, Lyndella, Caroline, Kathy, Gale and Mandy; 3 brothers, Frank, Otis and David; his wife of 57 years, Sonja Fuller McLaws; 1 daughter Marian Louise (Brent) Priday; 5 sons, John Aaron (Sharon Matsen), Andrew Fuller, Joseph Anthon (Dawnell Jones), Nathan Lee, Will Ashley (Kim Anderson); 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Larry had an indomitable spirit which was so evident in everything he undertook and especially as his family watched him fight Parkinson’s and Dementia (PDD). A very heartfelt appreciation goes to his son Aaron and wife Sharon who took such loving care of him for 10 months. Also, to his caregivers at Stonebridge Assisted Living Home where he felt loved and needed. His big brown eyes and ready smile will always remain with us.

The only viewing will be held Thursday evening October 8, 2015 from 6 to 8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services will be held the next day October 9th at 10 AM – Montecito Ward building 2835 Des Moines (on the corner of N. Lindsay & Des Moines) in Mesa. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Ronald Robinson, 84, passed away September 30, 2015 at his home in Mesa, where he lived with his life partner and caregiver Lethu Warren. Born Oct. 12, 1931 in Thatcher, AZ, Ron was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed traveling and exploring places he had heard of or read about.  Ron spent most of his career in asphalt sealant manufacturing and processing and retired from Crafco, Inc. as Vice-President of Operations.  He also owned and operated the Garden Spot and the Yucca mobile home parks in Mesa. He did all his own maintenance and upkeep, so he was a busy guy but always found time for his friends and family.

Ron is survived by 3 brothers Terry, Larry and Val Robinson, 1 sister Pam Whetten, 4 sons Chad, Randy, Mike and Ted Robinson, 2 daughters Jenny Burnham and Susan Birch as well as 21 grandkids and 8 great-grandkids.

A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6-8 PM at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, October 10th at 11 AM, with viewing at 10 AM, at the LDS Harmony Ward Chapel, 940 E. Southern in Mesa.

John Everett Wheeler, born January 23, 1934 passed away peacefully Sunday, October 4, 2015. He is survived by his sweetheart of 56 years, Marlene Ann Wheeler, their three children John, Rochelle and Steve, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After retiring from Motorola in 1988 he spent many years looking after his grandchildren and serving for 6 years in the Mesa LDS Cannery. He was a loving father the best “papa” and will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be held Saturday October 10, 2015 at 11am preceded by a viewing at 10am at 2228 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ 85213.

Newel Don Turley, 79 of Mesa, AZ passed away unexpectedly Saturday Oct 3^rd, 2015 at his home.

Newel was born on July 13^th, 1936 in Bountiful, UT to Harvey Cluff and Dora Sainsbury Turley. He grew up in Joseph City, AZ with his 7 brothers and sisters and spent most of his life in Arizona except for the 8 years he served in the Air Force.

He worked for Clover Club Potato Chips for several years, and then spent a few years as an Arizona Highway Patrolman.  Wheeling and dealing was always in his blood and he purchased the Pacific Motel and Turley’s Mobil gas station in Joseph City where he was in his element. That business was sold in 1985 when he moved to Mesa, AZ and spent most of the remainder of his life operating his towing company “Tow N Go”. He loved what he did for a living and knew he had the best job on earth! He passed away with his boots on, just the way he wanted it, except way too soon.

He always had a positive attitude telling everyone he was “Super Great”. Loved by all, he had friends everywhere.  His entire family was very fortunate to have had a family reunion just a week previous to his passing.

He is survived by his wife Beverly Turley. Children Hartley (Tamara) Turley, Sharon (Bary) Petersen, Yvette DeJesus, Kevin (Laura) Turley, Serna Turley, Heather Green, Teri Anne (Sean) Egan, Sean (Meghan) Green.  Also 24 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grand Children.

Newel was preceded in death by his Parents Harvey and Dora Turley, Brother Lewis Turley, and Sister Ora Mae Westover.

Services were held on Thursday Oct 8^th in Mesa, AZ and Burial in Joseph City, AZ.

James Victor Spiers, Jr., 46, passed away on September 29, 2015 in Gilbert, Arizona. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 10:30 AM, with visitation from 9:30 -10:15 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gilbert Silver Creek Ward, 220 E. Cullumber Avenue, Gilbert, Arizona.

Warren Clyde Jensen Jr., 72 passed away on September 30, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Warren Clyde Jensen and Gloria McAllister on August 9, 1943 in Provo, Utah. He moved to Mesa at age 6 and attended Mesa High School. He served a mission to the Gulf States and attended BYU. He met his wife of 47 years, Myrna, at an ASU Institute dance. They raised two sons and two daughters in Mesa. After retiring from professions in printing and mechanical maintenance, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, quilt making, and sharing his many talents with others.

Known as a giver of Smarties and friend to all, Warren will be dearly missed by his wife Myrna, children Troy (& Wendy Jensen), Darin (& Christi Jensen), Jamie (& Tai McKinney), and Tracie (& Regan Burton), his 14 grandchildren (Caleb, Evan, Ethan, & Addison Jensen, Makenzie & Kate Jensen, Aiden, Emesha, Brody & Connor McKinney, and Karson, Braxon, Ryker, & Jaslyn Burton), his father Clyde, his sister Sandra (& Bob Crockett), as well as by his many friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria.

Funeral services are Monday, October 5, 2015 at 11 am, preceded by a visitation at 9 am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lazona Ward (Barkley Building), 1500 E. 6th Avenue in Mesa.

Jess Allen Sixkiller, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, passed away September 25, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 78 years old.

Jess was the first American Indian detective with the Chicago Police Department and has spent his life as a Warrior advocating for the rights of Urban Indians.

He is the beloved husband of Tammy Sixkiller, and father to Ellen Sixkiller (deceased), Janell Sixkiller, Jess Sixkiller Jr., and Sue Sixkiller. He has six grandchildren, Shannon, Thunder, Shaundeen, Tsali, Sampson and Scott and one great-granddaughter, Raine.

A wake will be held Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 from 6-10 PM at the Heard Museum, 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona. Graveside services and interment will be Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 7 AM at the Squawbush Cemetery, District 1, Blackwater, Gila River Indian Community. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Claudelle Frances Bailey L’Ecuyer passed away in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by loving family on September 25, 2015. She was born to Andrew Claude Thompson and Frances Eleanor Sexton Thompson on March 9, 1937, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She came to Phoenix, Arizona, with her family in 1952 during her sophomore year of high school. She graduated from Phoenix North High School in 1955. She attended the University of Arizona for one year before marrying Richard E. Bailey, Sr., with whom she had two children, Victoria and Richard.

After the death of Richard E. Bailey, Sr., in addition to raising children, Claudelle became a juvenile court referee in Pima County. She became the lobbyist at the State Legislature for the Arizona parole and probation officers. She also became the nationwide representative for Vision Quest, an organization based in Tucson serving troubled youth.

In 1981 she became the Director of State Government Relations for Arizona State University and played an important role in the development of the University. During that period she completed her degree in Criminal Justice and was appointed to the state’s first Criminal Justice Commission. She married Robert L’Ecuyer in 1983. In 1995 she retired from ASU and with her husband opened an antiques and collectibles business. After completely retiring in the year 2000, she and her husband devoted themselves to their large combined family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert A. L’Ecuyer, her children, Victoria P. Walker (Grant), Richard E. Bailey II (Kimberly), her brother, Andrew C. Thompson, Jr. (Linda), her stepchildren, Jeanine L’Ecuyer (Mike), Larry L’Ecuyer (Retha), Julie Conley (Kerry), Anne L’Ecuyer, 19 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by stepson, Paul L’Ecuyer; grandson, James Walker; and great-grandson, Hayden Skiba.

Visitation will be Friday, October 2, 2015 from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 1 PM, at the LDS Shalimar Ward Chapel, 1881 E. Del Rio Dr., Tempe, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Arizona State University Foundation, Tempe, Arizona.

Basil Avery Whitman was born September 23, 2015 and went to heaven the same day. He was survived by his parents, Pamela and Daniel Whitman, and by his siblings, two brothers Tyler Namoki and Daniel Whitman, Jr., and three sisters Helen Whitman, Breanna Namoki, and Heidi Whitman.

Graveside services will be Friday, October 2, 2015 at 7 AM in District Four at Jones Cemetery, Upper Santan, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.