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Roger Allen Cochran, 72, of Mesa, Arizona passed away September 4, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.  Funeral Services are Monday, September 14, 2015 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at the LDS Church, 5620 E. Adobe Rd., Mesa, AZ.

Rudger Puckett “Rudge” Hiatt, 90, died September 10, 2015. He was born June 9, 1925, in Mt. Airy, North Carolina to David Lafayette and Ethel Mene Puckett Hiatt. He was the third of 11 children and he learned to work hard and serve others while in his youth.

He met his beloved wife while attending BYU and they spent many years working to gain his education. He earned his medical degree from Duke University, and began his medical practice in Mesa in 1953. He returned to school to specialize in surgery, and opened his general surgery practice in 1957. He was in private practice in Mesa until 1991. He and his wife then moved to Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, where he accepted a position as surgeon with the Navapache Hospital. He practiced in the White Mountains for ten years, until he retired in 2001.

Rudge believed that service to others was service to God, so he dedicated his life to service and served on the Maricopa Medical Foundation Board of Directors, the Maricopa County Medical Society Board of Directors, the Arizona State Medical Society, and the State Safety Commission. He was one of the founders of Mesa Lutheran Hospital, and helped found Desert Samaritan Hospital. At Mesa Lutheran, Desert Samaritan and Chandler Hospitals, he was chief of surgery for a total of over twenty-five years. He served on the Mesa Fine Arts Commission. He was a member and president of the Mesa Rotary Club and held a record of perfect attendance for twenty-six years. Rudge served the Boy Scouts of America at the District and Council level for many years. He was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scouts for his outstanding service to the youth of America. Mesa’s Sertoma Club awarded him its “Service to Mankind” award. Rudge was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many capacities throughout his life, including as Bishop of the Mesa 20^th Ward. A caring and compassionate man, Rudge will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death, one month earlier, by his wife of 71 years, Ruth Brinton Hiatt. He is survived by his seven children: Susan (Tom) Biggs, Phil (Roma Lee) Hiatt, Jan (Kent) Brooksby, Lisa (Deon) Caddy, Karl (Diana) Hiatt, Karen (Mike) Cutchen, Nancy (Dale) Sabin, 38 grandchildren and 119 great-grandchildren.

Services to be held Saturday, September 19 at 10 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 848 N. Westwood in Mesa, with a viewing at the church Friday evening from 6-8 pm. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Felipa V. Escobedo, 85, passed away on September 6, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at the First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Avenue, Mesa, AZ. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Susie Ishikawa Sato, born August 5, 1917, passed away peacefully at home on September 7, 2015. A native Mesan, “Peaches” graduated Mesa High in 1934. She was involved with Cactus Pine Girls Scouts, Mahnah Club, and the John Rhodes Rehabilitation Institute. She was also a longtime proponent of Mesa and Arizona history with the Arizona Historical Foundation, Mesa Historical Society, Mesa History Museum, and Mesa Public Library History Room. She was Mesa’s first Pride In Mesa recipient in 1998 for her lifelong efforts to preserve the history and legacy of Mesa.

Susie was married fifty years to her husband, Carl, prior to his passing in 1991. She is preceded in death by parents Kurataro Ishikawa and Hatsuno Taniguchi, brother Zedo Ishikawa, and sisters Jean Hirohata, Sally Ishikawa, and Mary Tanita. Susie is survived by her children Suzanne Nakashima (Will), Barbara Brennan (Barry), and CK Sato (Holly), eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two sisters—Sumiye Nishida and Helen Hirohata, sister-in-law Janet Ikeda and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26,2015 at 11 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. No flowers please. Donations will be forwarded to organizations of Susie’s interest.

Mary Elizabeth Otero, 96, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 4, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born November 11, 1918 in White Oaks, New Mexico to Manuel Guevara and Petra Gonzales.

Mary was loved dearly by all her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Frances Klinge, Dorothy Jones-Montgomery, Teresa Durm, Anna Weisheimer, Lorraine Hudnall, Maria Meuret, Connie Prewitt, John Otero, Paul Otero, Sally Garrett and Benny Otero. Her legacy will continue with her 134 grandchildren including her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her children: Catherine Otero, Freddy Otero, Robert Jones and Mary Mendoza, and also by her husband Hugh Allen Jones in 1944, and her husband Mariano Montoya Otero in 1970, and her eight siblings in New Mexico. Mary was a devoted wife and mother and was loved by all. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1955.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 14, 2015 from 6-8 PM, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa, AZ 85213. Funeral services are Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 618 S. Signal Butte Rd. in Mesa, AZ 85207. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:45 AM, followed by the funeral service at 10 AM. Final resting place will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Ross Nash Farnsworth Jr. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends on Sept 5^th, 2015 at the age of 59. Ross was born on February 14, 1956 in Mesa, Arizona to Ross Nash and Anita Cox Farnsworth. Ross was the second of 12 children, all of whom he preceded in death: Beth Coons (Chad), Julie Ashby, Joe Farnsworth (Sharanette), Amy Ahlstrom (Craig), Janet Turk (Terry), Bonnie Shill (Mark), Ruth Collins (Dave), Carol Tingey (Mike), Sherri Gurr (Kevan), Tom Farnsworth (Melissa), Jill Geigle (Jeremy).

Ross attended Westwood High School and had fond memories of his hometown Mesa. He loved the community and people dearly. After high school, he graduated with a degree in business from Brigham Young University. One of the known highlights of Ross’s life was his LDS mission service in Bogota, Colombia. During this time, he gained a love for the Colombian people and for all Latin Americans. His friends and family have known him for having a “Latino heart” as he has been continuously engaged in service to Latino people through his charity, One Life At a Time (olaat.org).

In 1979, he married Lori Barnes and they were blessed to have 6 children: Ross Nash Farnsworth III (Ashley), Brooke Martin (Brett), Heidi Ainge (Tanner), Haylie Nolen (Spencer), Ashton Farnsworth (Jill), Aubrey Farnsworth.

Ross was an entrepreneur and enjoyed working with many different people on many different projects spanning real estate, technology, education, and media. He was generous to a fault, and committed himself fully to helping individuals face challenges or afflictions of life- both financial and personal.

Ross’s greatest joy came from his 6 children and 13 grandchildren. He had a personal and special relationship with each of them and, as with everyone he met, he impacted them deeply and inspired them to always be their best, be kind to others, and to always seek to build the kingdom of God. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 12^th at 10 AM at the LDS Red Mountain Institute Building, 7126 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ. There will be a viewing Friday September 11^th from 5:30 – 7 PM, at the Mountain View Stake Center, 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to One Life At a Time (olaat.org).

Mary Viola Riggs, 91, of Mesa, Arizona, beloved wife of the late V. Keith Riggs was born on December 20, 1923 in Globe, Arizona. On the morning of Sunday, August 30, 2015, Mary passed away peacefully of natural causes in Mesa, Arizona.

She was the daughter of Otto and Hattie Malone of Globe, Arizona. Mary was preceded in death by her daughter Judy Palmer (Jim) and siblings Jessie, Alice, James, Edna Rae, and Thomas. Mary is survived by her children Russell Riggs (Sundy), Gerald Riggs (Cynthia), Alma Goodman (Gary), Vicki Sherwood (Sam), and her sister Ruth. She has 20 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Mary attended school in Globe, Arizona and graduated from Globe High School in 1941. Mary married Keith on June 22, 1941, and they were later sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple. She served in many positions within her church, where she was loved by all. Mary and her husband Keith served a full time mission for the LDS church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her greatest joy in life was being with and serving her family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3^rd from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Friday, September 4^th at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Groves Ward, 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa. Burial will take place at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Valley, or The Perpetual Education Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Harold Archer, 83, of Mesa, Arizona passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to James Ernest and Bessie Verla Stewart. Harold owned and operated Dependable Print and Mailing Company for 20 years until retiring at age 70. Harold enjoyed ultralight flying, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, square dancing and spending time with family. Harold is the beloved father of David, Barbara, Michael, Sueann, Carla, Johnny and Helen, grandfather of 25, great-grandfather of 36.

Visitation will be Friday, September 4, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1455 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Twila Louise Wheeler, 77, passed away August 30, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 4, 2015 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel, 745 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel

Dr. Kenneth Marchant Hatfield, 82, passed away August 30, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born August 6, 1933 in Oakland, California to Richard Frank and Pearl Marchant Hatfield.

On August 21, 1959, Ken and Eloise Hatfield were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple and later that evening, he graduated from BYU.

Prior to marriage, Ken served in the US Navy and after serving his apprenticeship; he was assigned as a hospital corpsman and stationed in the hospital for eighteen months. It was there that Ken came to understand the meaning of ambition and applying your best efforts in life. More importantly, he found the profession he desired. Ken went on to graduate from medical school and had a family practice in Mesa, AZ for many years.

After retirement, Ken and Eloise served medical missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile, Southwest United States and Japan.

Ken is survived by his wife, Eloise and their 8 children, Stephen (Andrea) Hatfield; Kent (Collette) Hatfield; Diana (Chad) Lunt; David (Sharon) Hatfield; Mark, (Jodi) Hatfield; Scott, (Amy) Hatfield; Julie Dyer, Susan (Dana) Hogle; 41 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; brothers, Richard Hatfield and Jerry Hatfield. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Lynne Haslam.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2015 from 6-8 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Desert Vista Ward, 633 S. Higley Road, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Friday, September 4, at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at the same location. Interment: City of Mesa Cemetery.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Genevra Ann Nelson Bond

Genevra A. Bond, resident of Mesa, passed away August 30, 2015. She was born October 4, 1936 in Ogden, Utah to John Bert Nelson and Myrtle Genevra Brown Nelson. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1954 and with the last class at Arizona State College (ASU) in 1958; also Northern Arizona University. Her life’s work was family, home, church and community service.

She was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities. During the 1960’s she lived with her family in the South Pacific and taught at Church College of New Zealand.

For almost 20 years, she was affiliated with Maricopa County 4-H Youth Development through the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; also Arizona State Fair. In recent years, she was active in Daughters of Utah Pioneers and the Arizona Association of American Mothers, Inc.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Kenneth; her children Kent Bond, Diana (Daniel) Glenn, and Sharon (Matt) Overall-Freeman; grandchildren Kimberly, Nathan and Jacob Glenn; sisters LaPrele Freeland and Leah (Walter) Anderson; several nieces, nephews and many good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Bert (Irene) Nelson and J.R. (Regna) Nelson.

A visitation will be held on Thurs., September 3^rd from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa. Funeral services will be on Fri., September 4^th at 2 PM, with visitation one hour prior, at the LDS Mezona Ward, 1054 W. 2^nd Place, Mesa. Interment will follow at City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Mary Ella Griffin, 79, passed away on August 28, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to Harvey Andrew and Nora Irene Page in Woodville, Texas on February 28, 1936.  She grew up in a large family including her siblings: Clara, David (Beverly), Geraldine (Larry), Sandra, Edna (Lucias), Harvilynne (Brad) and John (Jeanie). While working as a nurse in Liberty, Texas she met a young doctor-to-be, Glen Charles Griffin. They married in 1957 and raised 6 children; Janelle Selover (Robert), Joan Watson, Mark Griffin (Jennifer), Gary Griffin, Jill Shook, and Greg Griffin. Mary Ella and Glen served a medical mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Asia based in the Singapore Mission from April 2001 – September 2002. Together they traveled and served in Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore and Thailand. One of the highlights of their mission was teaching the gospel to their miracle girl from China, Xialian, and others. Before serving a mission she also served many years in Primary and Relief Society.  Mary Ella loved family history and genealogy, reading, playing games, hamburgers and chocolate. Most of all she loved her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Nora, and sister, Clara and brother-in-law, Larry. She is survived by her loving husband Glen, and their 6 children. Their legacy will be continued through their 16 grandchildren: Jeff, Holly, Heidi, Audrey, Jason, Ty, Michael, Spencer, Brian, Emily, Kelsey, Heather, TJ, Rainey, Kaelin and Riane, and 12 great grandchildren: Marley, Hendrix, Carter, Olivia, Derek, Grant, Leah, Ben, Logan, Calvin, and Mila, with 2 more on the way. Funeral services are Friday, September 4, 2015 at 10 a.m., preceded by a visitation from 9 a.m. to 9:45, with the family prayer at 9:45, at the Old Gilbert Road Building – Leonora Ward, 2424 North Old Gilbert Road, Mesa, Arizona 85213. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024. Bunker’s University Chapel handled the arrangements.

Fred Eugene LeSueur, 63, passed away on August 19, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa Maricopa North Stake Center, 1714 N. Date, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Alan Leo Perysian, 73 of Mesa, Arizona; passed away August 13, 2015 in Chandler, Arizona.  Alan was a teacher in Jr. High School.  He loved to volunteer with Valley Big Brothers.  He loved bike rides and taking Sami and Abbi for walks.  He taught his grandson how to use ham radios and fish.  They made a garden and loved to pick tomatoes and zucchini.  Alan is preceded in death by Cleo and Edith Perysian. Those who remain to miss him are Shirley Perysian, Bret and Michelle Beckle, Keri Perysian, Jeff, Ashley, Nick, Zach, Brayden, Genevieve Perysian, Sami and Abbi.

A celebration of Alan Perysian’s life will be held at 6:00 PM, Saturday, August 22, 2015 at the VIA Church, 740 N. Power Rd. in Mesa, Arizona 85205. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shirley Perysian.

Bernice G. Ortega, 89, passed away August 20, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Bernice was born in Dixon, New Mexico on June 21, 1926. She was preceded in death by her husband, Felix Ortega, and her parents, Pedro and Geneva Lujan Gonzales. She is survived by her 5 children, Emilio Gonzales, Gloria Mendibles, Rosita Ortega, May Villa, and Betty Florez. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 10:00 AM, followed by a rosary and funeral service, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Mesa, Arizona.

Pierce, Zita Bartholomew (Denning), 94 of Mesa, Az.  Born July 17,1921 in Arkansas, moved to Arizona in 1937.  The Lord took our loving mother and grandmother to be with him on July 20^th after a long illness, she led a very strong faithful godly life and served the Lord. She had a great impact on others, we will surely miss her.   She is predeceased by her husbands Arlie Pierce and JR “Doc” Denning, her grandson Jason Pierce.   She is survived by her three sons, Gene(Carolyn), Gerald and Earl Pierce.  Her grandchildren Pam Hodges, Cassie Furda, Marc, David, Nathanial, Joey, Beau and Aerl Pierce and three great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.   Graveside services will be held at City of Mesa Cementry, 1212 N Center St., Tuesday, August 25^th at 9:30am.