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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.

Alexander Lee Gordon, 37 of San Tan Valley, passed away on September 25, 2015 surrounded by his loved ones, due to injuries sustained from a car accident in Scottsdale, AZ.  Alex was born in Baker, Oregon on July 23, 1978 to Bradford and Ann Gordon.  This little red haired boy, a favored and most treasured grandson to his equally loved Grandma Lucy; was an outdoor adventurer from the second he began to walk.  He spent his youth climbing trees and fishing the Rouge River with his grandpa Chuck.  Alex would be a part of any fun outside that could be had.

After moving to Arizona in 1984 with his family he spent the next years of his life attending school and participating in assorted sports such as baseball, swim team; showing a special talent and love for soccer & golf where he earned trophies for achievements made in both of these activities.  Alex graduated from Gilbert High in 1997.  He earned a reputation of being one of the most skilled and hardest working men one could ever meet in this life, a skilled carpenter and master of working with wood.

If ever someone needed something fixed Alex was the one to call, he’d come night or day to the rescue.  Alex was known for his infectious laughter and beautiful smile.  He had an unending love for his mother’s chocolate pudding pies.  He was one of the most gentle, sincere, easy going, lovely men you would ever be lucky enough to call a friend.  Every swing of his hammer was made with his whole heart and with intent to take care of family always on his mind.  Alex lived each day of his life for his family.  His wife and children meant the world to him.

Alex is survived by his wife: Dale; children: Kael, Brooke, & Preston Dominguez; Parents: Brad and Ann Gordon; sister: Stevie Culver; brother: Isaac Gordon; Grandmothers: Lucy Gordon and Dorothy Hancock and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends are invited to a memorial at 6:00 PM, Friday, October 2, 2015 at 1700 E. Lakeside Drive #14, Gilbert, AZ 85234.  Following Alex’s wishes, his final resting place will be next to his grandfather in Oregon.

Jayne Kent Kempton, 79, lovingly known as “Grandma Jayne”, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.

She was born on January 25, 1936 in Mesa, Arizona to Dr. Melvin Lloyd and Editha Smith Kent. She was the youngest of 3 children: brother Dr. Horace Kent, and sister Marilyn “Terry” Kent Clawson. Growing up in Mesa, Jayne graduated from Mesa High School, where she later returned as a Home Economics teacher following her graduation from Arizona State University. She married Wayne J. Brown in 1958 and together they had 4 children: Elizabeth Brown Solomon (Wade), Sarah Ann Brown, Martin Wayne Brown (Steffani), Patrick Kent Brown (Melisha).

In 1984, she wed Albert Newell “Newt” Kempton in the Mesa Arizona Temple. She and Newt enjoyed serving for many years in the Mesa Temple and together served a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Missouri. Her legacy lives on through her children, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Terry (Charles) Clawson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jayne was predeceased by her parents, her brother Horace, daughter Sarah and her beloved husband Newt.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 26^th 2015 at the LDS Chapel on 1852 N. Stapley Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203 at 10:30 am, with a viewing at 9:30 am. Interment will be in the Mesa City Cemetery with arrangements provided by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

In loving memory of Ann J. Aguirre, 87, of Mesa, Arizona; formerly of Bondurant, IA, died September 17, 2015 in Mesa.  She was born on June 26, 1928 in San Bernardino, CA.  Ann was a loving and caring housewife to her husband and children.  She loved her dog Victor and she was a very caring and giving person, she also liked to read.

Ann will be missed by her daughter:  Veronica Aguirre Fletcher and son-in-law John Fletcher; son: Ronald Aguirre; Brother: Joe Tafolla; 7 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her mother, father, husband and brothers.  We love and miss you Mom.

Lonnie passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2015. A resident of Chandler, Arizona, he is survived by his wife Barbara; daughter and son-in-law Denise and Richard Romo and grand-daughter Naysa; father Everett Stinnett; and cousin Mary Gensler. A memorial to celebrate his life will be held Sunday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the Phoenix Buddhist Center, 1930 East Myrtle Avenue, Phoenix.

Ann Marie Carr, 46, passed away September 20, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will be Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM, immediately following the visitation, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Renae Owens Theabold, 77 of Mesa, passed away in the quiet early hours of Monday, September 21st. Renae was born on June 12, 1938 in Show Low AZ and LOVED being a Show Low girl! She was the 12th child of Almon David and Alta Ellsworth Owens. Currently survived by 3 of 11 siblings-Moylen Owens of Show Low, AZ. Duane Owens of Ojai, CA. and LaPriel Gillespie of Taylor AZ. She attended grade school in Show Low and graduated from Snowflake High School in 1955. Renae wore the title of youngest with great honor and felt a bond not only with her siblings but with her nieces and nephews-many of whom were close in age to her!

In November of 1956, Renae married her favorite guy Harry Theabold in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple. The two ventured out on their own, settling in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and finally Mesa, AZ, where they have been living for the past 40 years. Married just short of 59 years, Renae is survived by her husband (and still her favorite guy) Harry Theabold. The two of them raised 6 children-Each one said to be Renae’s favorite! Monica Kivett (now deceased)Stan Kivett,  Shaunna Krieg (Doug) of Mesa, Kim Carroll of Mesa, Rhonda Johnson (Jeff) of San Tan Valley, Justin Theabold (Melanie) of San Tan Valley and Brandon Theabold (Jennifer) of San Tan Valley. From those 6 children they have 34 grandchildren, 11 step grandchildren. and 36 great grandchildren! Each grandchild knew for certain they were their “Grannie’s” favorite. If you were with Renae-you were the only one in the room. She had a way of bringing laughter and joy and silliness into any situation. She was quick witted and loved by all. She worked 25 years as a food server at Marie Callender’s. Just recently, until becoming ill, Renae has worked at Costco being the cutest food sample lady with a following of customers seeking out her trademark yell of “Oh Yum”!

Renae delighted in her family and was the epitome and definition of a devoted wife, loving mother, nurturing grandparent, and loyal friend. Renae was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many different callings over the years from Primary President to Relief Society Counselor. Most recently Renae was the Greeter on Sundays and a Visiting Teacher.

A viewing for Renae will be 6-8:00 p.m. Friday, September 25th, Bunker’s Mortuary, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.  Funeral services will be Saturday, September 26th at 10:00 with a family viewing at 9:00 a.m. at the Los Altos Ward LDS Chapel, 2300 W. Javelina, Mesa, AZ 85202. Internment will follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.

Sybille (Billie) Koberstein, born March 21, 1947 in Germany, passed peacefully away in Phoenix, Arizona on September 20, 2015 among family and friends.

Billie was preceded in death by her loving husband, J.R. (Bud) Koberstein, and her mother and father, Elfreda and Heinz Hill. Billie is survived by her sons, Dale, Ed and Greg (Nancy) and her grandchildren, Elijah, Lauren, Luke, Jaida, Easton, Sienna.

Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 at 10:30 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel,1881 E. Del Rio Drive, Tempe, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.