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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.

Duane Marlyn Behm, 68, passed away August 16, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. He was born December 25, 1946 in Waupaca, Wisconsin.

Duane graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was a dedicated WELS Lutheran elementary school teacher and coach for 41 years. His greatest joy was spending time with his family! Duane was an avid baseball fan, and enjoyed woodworking and playing pickleball.

Duane is best known for his kind and caring concern for anyone he met, and for his gentle demeanor. His unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was a constant example to us all. Duane, Dad, Grandpa…you will be greatly missed and loved forever!

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Marlyn Behm of Weyauwega, Wisconsin; his in-laws, Bernice and Robert Zwetzig of Fort Morgan, Colorado; and his two brothers-in-law, Gary Zwetzig and Keith Zwetzig.

Duane is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Karen Behm; his daughter and son-in-law, Tawnya and Dan Caldwell, of Tucson, Arizona; his son and daughter-in-law, Tyler and Carrie Behm, of Waddell, Arizona; and his beloved grandchildren, Zachary and Tatum Caldwell, and Colby and Casey Behm. Duane is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Lon and Gaye Behm; his sister-in-law, Kathy Zwetzig; two nieces and two nephews; and many admiring former students, trusted colleagues, and friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Lutheran Church located at 715 W. Southern Ave. in Tempe, Arizona. The family will be at the church one hour prior to the memorial service for visitation.

Please direct all memorials to the family. In accordance with Duane’s request, the memorials will be divided amongst the three congregations he so faithfully served: Grace Lutheran in Geneva, Nebraska, Mt. Olive Lutheran in Appleton, Wisconsin, and Emmanuel Lutheran in Tempe, Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, Mesa, Arizona, 480-696-6883.

Shellie Ann Deatherage, 53, passed away August 12, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, August Ranch 1^st Ward, 2339 S. Crismon Road, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 10:00 AM, with visitation at 9:00 AM, at the same location. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Ursula Kehaulani Kempton passed away on Friday morning the 7th of August in her home where she had been battling cancer valiantly, her husband by her side.  Ursula was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and had been cancer free for 10 years until a recurrence in 2013.  The courage and spirit she showed over the last two and a half years touched every life she came in contact with.  She was an accomplished artist, a beautiful, devoted wife and mother of many kitties throughout her life.

Ursula graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and was a city and county planner for several years.  She loved to travel with her husband and had been all over the world.  She had even been to every state in the country at least once.  Her love for animals was evident in her vegan lifestyle as well as her involvement in animal activist groups.  Her love for life was even more so.  She loved and respected life so very much and wanted more.  It was the last month of her life that showed how special she truly was and how incredibly strong she would prove to be, joking until she could no longer speak and smiling until all faculties were gone.  The world was truly a brighter place with her in it and she will be terribly missed by so many.

Ursula is survived by her husband Cory Kempton, her mother Brenda Schnoor, brothers Todd and Kendel Schnoor and sister Lori Oas. An angel on earth has returned to her rightful place in heaven.  We love you and miss you forever, our darling Ursula. May you finally rest in peace.

Michelle Lynne Frost, age 40, passed away August 9, 2015 in Gilbert, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Windrift Ward Chapel, 777 E. Elliott Road, Gilbert, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Remington L. Frost Education Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, account # 2343115925.

Ruth Brinton Hiatt, 91, passed away on August 10, 2015, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born in Douglas, Arizona on March 31, 1924, to Van Buren and Vida Driggs Brinton. Soon after her birth, her family moved to Mesa, where she grew up, attending Mesa Schools, and graduating from Mesa High School in 1942. She attended BYU where she met Rudger Hiatt, a fellow student from North Carolina. They were married in the Mesa Temple on May 17, 1944 and moved to North Carolina where he attended Duke University Medical School. They returned to Mesa and her husband eventually established a surgical practice in the Valley. Ruth was a founding member of the Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary, and also served in the Maricopa Medical Society Auxiliary. She was a member of the Mesa Desert Club and was active in her church, serving in many capacities. Ruth was well known as an amazing cook and for her fabulous parties with her Church group. She and her husband were also well known around Mesa for their hilarious “Clem and Odessa” Hillbilly act.

They are the parents of seven children: Susan (Tom) Biggs, Phil (Roma Lee) Hiatt, Jan (Kent) Brooksby, Lisa (Deon) Caddy, Karl (Diana) Hiatt, Karen (Mike) Cutchen, and Nancy (Dale) Sabin. They have 38 grandchildren and 119 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and six of her siblings: brothers, Dilworth Brinton, Van Brinton, Robert (died in infancy) and Richard (died in infancy); also by her sisters Rula Flake and Virginia Whipple. She is survived by her youngest sister, Donna LeBaron. Ruth’s vitality and energy and loving service will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

There will be a visitation on Friday, August 14, 2015, from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel, 848 N. Westwood St., Mesa.

David Alexander Hunsaker, 67, passed away August 8, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Beverly Ward, 1054 West 2nd Place, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Ron Cook, age 79, of Mesa, passed away at home on Saturday, August 8, 2015 after a challenging fight with cancer. His funeral service will be held at 10:00am, preceded by a visitation at 9:00am, on Thursday, August 13 at the Alta Mesa LDS Stake Center, 5350 East McLellan in Mesa. The viewing will be held at 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Wednesday, August 12 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa.

Ron was born in American Fork, Utah to Clarence and Myrl Thornton Cook. He spent most of his childhood years in Boise, Idaho until his family moved to Mesa, Arizona when he was in high school. After graduating from BYU and teaching school for a few years in Salt Lake City, he and his wife Marilyn moved to Mesa where they have lived ever since. Ron is survived by his eternal companion, Marilyn Freeman; sons Bryce (Sara), Darren (Ruth) and Lane (Kathryn); and daughters, Shauna Wade (Steve) and Kami Christensen (Lars). He and Marilyn have 23 grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Gene (Janelle) and Harvey (Anne) and sister Carol Hiatt (Chuck). His parents Clarence and Myrl Cook preceded him in death.

Ron graduated from Mesa High then attended Brigham Young University and received his bachelor’s degree in speech and journalism. He also did graduate work at the University of Utah and Arizona State University. He taught school at Lincoln Junior High in Salt Lake City and Carson Junior High in Mesa. While a student at BYU and later as a teacher, he also worked as a radio announcer, DJ and newsman for KALL in Salt Lake City, KOVO and KIXX in Provo, KALF in Mesa and KPHO in Phoenix. After teaching for a few years, he followed the lead of his father by entering the insurance industry. He founded Cook Insurance Inc, a full-service independent insurance agency, in 1977, where he worked until retiring in 2003.

Ron was well known for his voice work. He had various roles in the Mesa LDS Temple Easter Pageant as narrator, voice character and actor going back to its start in 1954 and can still be heard in some parts today. For a time he was the voice of “MAX the Talking Car” for the Mesa Police Department and also did narration for the Mesa Fire Department. He acted the part of Patrick Henry on stage for Mesa Community College and for LDS Church celebrations of America’s bicentennial in 1976. He emceed many church and community events in Mesa, began a neighborhood block watch, was a republican precinct committeeman, a volunteer at the worldwide G8 Summit of nations held in 2004 at Sea Island, Georgia, and recently enjoyed performing with RadiOzona productions of old-time radio shows before live audiences in the East Valley.

Active all his life in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ron served a mission as a young man in the North-Central States mission. Later in life, he and Marilyn served three missions of voluntary missionary service: for Church Public Affairs in the South-East North American Area, on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and as managers of the Mesa LDS Employment Resources Center. Ron has served in bishoprics, high councils, as stake mission president, high priest group leader, young mens’ president and as a faithful home teacher all his life.

Of all his accomplishments, the legacy for which Ron most wanted to be remembered was of the wonderful family he and Marilyn raised together. He passed to his children talents, abilities, the ability to do hard work, organizing, being a self-starter, dependability, and liking people – also smiling, good humor, and success in business and community. He played the piano, enjoyed writing, and was an avid sports fan of all Arizona professional sports teams, ASU and BYU.

In lieu of flowers, Ron would be honored for donations to be made to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund or its humanitarian causes. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Bertella Holman Charon, 96, passed away July 26, 2015, at the home of Keith and Kathy LeSueur. She was born on November 14, 1918, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Albert Loader Holman and Mary Rider Holman. She was the 8^th child in a family of thirteen children. She graduated from Sugar-Salem High School and Henager’s Business College. Bertella worked as a secretary for the Boise Legislature and for the United States Air Force during World War II and later in the Library at Mesa High School. She also taught piano in her home for many years.

She married Albert Woodrow Charon on July 24, 1947, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He preceded her in death on September 7, 1991. They had three children, Kathy, Scott and Robert. They moved to Tempe, Arizona in the summer of 1960 and later moved to Mesa in 1961. She leaves behind a posterity of 3 children, 12 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

Bertella was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served for many years in the Primary and later in life in the Relief Society.

Visitation and funeral services will be Friday, August 7, 2015, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. with the funeral services following at 10:00 a.m.