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Chad Michael Petkovsek, age 24, passed away June 7, 2015 in Gilbert, Arizona. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa 46^th Ward, 1911 N. 24^th St., Mesa, Arizona.

Violet Vyone Corrington, 94, passed away June 5, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 10:30 AM, with visitation at 9:30 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Osborn Ward, 3102 North 18^th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona. Interment will be at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 2300 West Van Buren, Phoenix, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Sam Elroy Case was born September 3, 1925 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He passed away May 25, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. Sam was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He served with the Marine Corps. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds he received in combat in Guadalcanal. Sam was a mechanical engineer. He had a 75 year association with the Boy Scouts of America. He received his Eagle Scout Award in 1940 and as an adult earned the Silver Beaver Award.

Sam was the father of Ruthe Elaine (Gary) Bruce of Plains, MT and Arthur D. (Nancy) Case of Phoenix, AZ. He had 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Jean Norris of Orem, UT and his brother Robert G. (Mary) Case of Tucson, AZ.

Funeral services will be Friday, June 12, 2015 at 12 PM, preceded by a visitation at 11 AM, at the LDS Chapel, 4242 E. Waltann Ln., Phoenix, AZ. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Junior Leroy Allen, 91, passed away June 1, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born April 12, 1924 to Joseph and Gladys Johnson Allen in Mesa, Arizona. Roy worked in construction and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, watching sports, and playing games with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and 12 siblings. He is survived by his wife Nada, 7 children, 24 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and numerous foster children.

The visitation is Friday, June 5 from 7-9 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive. Funeral services are Saturday, June 6 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation from 9 to 9:45 AM at the LDS Solomon Building, 977 East Broadway Road, Mesa. Interment will follow at 4pm in the Central Cemetery in Central, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.

Frieda Virginia Alma Turley, 75, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away in Gilbert, Arizona on May 30, 2015.  She was born in Laramie, Wyoming on May 21, 1940.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 6, 2015 with a visitation 1 hour prior at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eastridge Ward, 2265 S. Hawes Rd. in Mesa.

Barbara Ann Willis (Bobbi) of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Friday, May 22, 2015 at the age of 65.

Barbara was born to parents Rosser M. Willis and V. Reatha (Lee) Kell on September 19, 1949 in Fairmont, Minnesota.  She grew up with her older sister.  The family moved from Minnesota to Colorado and eventually settled in Santa Barbara, California.  As a child, Barbara enjoyed Girl Scouts, swimming, and camping.  The family also enjoyed traveling and was able to spend three months touring Europe when Barbara was a teenager.  Barbara graduated from Santa Barbara High in 1967.

After high school, Barbara married James A. Hicks in June of 1968.  The couple welcomed their daughter, Theresa (Terri) the following year.  Shortly after marriage, James joined the Army.  The family lived in Germany for a year while James was stationed there.

Barbara had a strong work ethic and held successful jobs in real estate escrow and title.  In August of 1980, Barbara married Errol R. Jahnke.  Barbara continued to enjoy travel.  She also enjoyed skiing and playing soccer.  Barbara enjoyed learning and returned to school to study bookkeeping.  She became a bookkeeper and eventually an owner/operator of her own bookkeeping business.  In 2005, Barbara was able to fulfill a lifelong dream.  She spent more than a month touring Rwanda and Uganda in Africa.  Barbara retired in 2007 and moved to Arizona to be close to her family.

Barbara will be loved and missed by her surviving daughter and son-in-law, Terri & Chris Parkllan of Mesa, AZ; her grandchildren, Bryce Parkllan (Alison) and Nolan Parkllan of Mesa, AZ; and her sister Marcia Tapert of Imboden, AR. She is preceded in death by her father Rosser Willis and by her mother and step-father Reatha & Vernon Kell.

A memorial service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held on June 9 at 6:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1550 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa.  In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Church’s Humanitarian Fund. www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services.

Sybil Rae Clarke Ferguson, born Feb. 7, 1934, died peacefully in her sleep on May 23, 2015 in her home in Mesa, AZ surrounded by her loving children. She was born in Barnwell, Alberta Canada to A. John and Xarissa Clarke. She was the second of 5 children. At 4 years of age she moved to Provo, Utah where she graduated from Provo High School. Shortly after graduation she married her childhood sweetheart and best friend, Roger Nephi Ferguson, on July 10 1952, in the Manti, Utah Temple. She was preceded in death by Roger after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Her 5 children and posterity of 120 family members are the most important achievements of her life. Although, becoming a citizen of the United States of America in 1974 was a close runner-up.

Sybil enjoyed serving in clubs in her community such as, the Rexburg Civic Club, the Readers Guild Book Club, and the Soroptimists Club; where she was honored as Woman of the Year. She was also a member of the Assistance League of Phoenix, the Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak, and the Scottsdale AZ Boys and Girls Club.

She served on the Board of Ricks College Student Housing, the Ricks College of Business Board, the University of Boise Medical Board, the BYU College of Business Board, Pres. Rex E. Lee’s council at BYU, and was a founding member of the Idaho Community Foundation. She was in Who’s Who of American Women and inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame.

In 1970, she founded The Diet Center Program. She developed a diet where the body received proper nutrition with counseling, instead of counting calories, thus helping others “Win at the Losing Game.” Over the course of the next 15 years, 2600 franchises were sold around the world.

She published two books that were on the New York Times Best Sellers list, as well as being published in many magazines, and appearing on television.

After retiring, she resided in Scottsdale, Arizona where she continued to be active in that community.

Sybil was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. She loved helping others, was an active member of the Utah Pioneers, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Sybil is survived by her children Debra (David) Preece, Michael Ferguson, Wade (Lanell) Ferguson, Lois Webb, Rissa (Eric) Koenig, 28 grandchildren and 65 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 1st at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ridge Ward, 2220 North Harris, Mesa AZ 85203. A “Celebration of Life” gathering will be held May 31st, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the same address. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, Mesa, AZ, 480-696-6883.

Norman Wendell Johnson, age 81, passed away May 25, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Friday, May 29, 2015 at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Lindsay Ward Chapel, 1150 N. Lindsay Rd., Gilbert, AZ.

Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Tamera “Tammy” Ann (Gray) Fitzgibbons, of  Phoenix, Arizona, passed away Sunday May 24, 2015 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix.

She was born on August 24, 1957 in Provo, Utah, the first child of Ralph and Charlene Gray. She spent her childhood in Provo, Utah, Oakland, California, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Floyd Fitzgibbons, her children, Candice ( Art) Smith, Kristen (John) Kotsimbos, Cameron Call, and Chaz Call, her siblings Tom Gray and Traci (Dave) Shope.   Also surviving are step-children Ryan (Amy) Fitzgibbons and Jill (Jeff) Mohlman.  In addition are grandchildren, Delaney Bemish – Rogers  and  Mia and Bodhi Bemish, Tyler and  Rachel Smith, Adam, Rachel, Brooke, and Erica Fitzgibbons. Nephews and nieces, Patrick (Monica) Gray, Joshua Gray, Ethan and McKayla Shope.

Tammy had an amazing zest for life and she freely shared it with everyone she encountered.  She was a spirited cheerleader and avid skier in high school and attended BYU for college.  She was known for an infectious sense of humor and singing Sound of Music at the top of her lungs.

Family was Tammy’s passion and delight.  She worked tirelessly for many years at Arizona Mist and later Orbit Irrigation to provide the best life for her 4 children and loved them with all her being.   The “C4” is bound together by her beautiful strength and grace.  No family event was complete without her presence there and an impromptu dance party.

Tammy loved the Lord and served everyone she met as well as in many responsibilities with “The Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-Day Saints.”  She had a strong relationship with her Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.  At her passing Tammy was a Ward Missionary.

When Tammy was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in March, 2012, she displayed an unyielding commitment to conquering this disease and inspired many with her open, honest, and brave Facebook posts.  She organized POUND OUT CANCER and gave the fight everything she had.  Tammy will forever be remembered for her tenacity, grace, and love that she showed in the face of adversity.  She will be dearly missed by many near and far.

Services for Tammy will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,  Mountain Park Ward,  4525 East Knox Road  in Phoenix (Ahwatukee area), Arizona.  Viewing will be from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m with funeral services at 3:00 p.m.  A dance in her honor will begin at 4:30pm.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pound Out Cancer (www.poundoutcancer.com) to support early detection and treatment of Ovarian Cancer.

Billie Pearl Bradshaw passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24th, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.  She was 86 years young. She was born in Mesa, on April 24th, 1929.  She grew up in Pine, Arizona and moved back to Mesa after high school. Billie graduated from Boulder City, Nevada High School in 1945 as class valedictorian.

She has four daughters, Nelda (Rey – deceased) Nelson, Kathy (Conrad) Alvarado, Diane (Hoke) Holyoak and Laura (Phil) Montalvo. She has 19 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Mother worked for many years at Valley National Bank on Main Street and McDonald in Mesa.  She started as a bookkeeper and when she retired in November 1984 she was the Vice President of Operations. After she retired mom served two full-time missions and one part-time at the Family History Center.  She also worked in the baptistry of the Mesa Temple for many years.

Mom loved writing in her journals and doing family history. She also taught in all the auxiliaries and was a primary teacher when she was 80 years old. She was an avid Yankees fan and watched every game she could. Mom was the happiest when her kids and grandkids were around. She loved having them at her house. She had wonderful Christmas parties and Halloween carnivals.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 2, at 10 AM at the LDS Lazona Ward, 1500 East 6^th Avenue, Mesa, Arizona.

John L. Skupien, born January 22, 1949, was called home Friday, May 15, 2015.  He is survived by his wife Dee; son: Michael Brown; Daughter: Michelle Sinchak; 2 brothers and 3 sisters.  His legacy will be continued through his 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grand daughters.  He was a highly respected mechanic and owned his own business for more than 25 years.  Known for his gift of gab and helpful nature to customers far and wide.  He will be missed by all.  Several masses and donations to the American Heart Association were made in his honor.  Services were held on Tuesday, May 26^th at Bunker’s University Chapel.

Lloyd Reed Ellsworth passed away on May 18, 2015 in Mesa, AZ at the age of 86. Reed was born on December 13, 1928 in Mesa, AZ to Lloyd H and Elzina Ruth (Bradshaw) Ellsworth. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1946. Following High School, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uruguay Paraguay. He also served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. In 1951, he married Alice Josephine Cluff and they welcomed six children into their home. In 1957, Reed began his 30 year career as an educator and principal for Mesa Public Schools. He was a talented leader and loved working with young people. Outside of school, one of his favorite hobbies was raising quarter horses. Reed was an active and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many leadership positions and served three full-time missions.

Reed is survived by his wife, Alice Jo; children, Scott (Lynette), Doug (Diane), Steve, Nancy (Kelly Hall), David (Rosalyn), and Michael (Kimberly); siblings, Lynn (Elaine), Day (Nola), Glen (Janet), Rebecca (Rick Sanborn), and Ann (John Allen). He is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. His children remember him as an example of service, integrity, and hard work.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Mesa Arizona Kimball East Stake, 4640 E. Holmes Ave, Mesa, AZ 85206. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS Perpetual Fund http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org or Helen’s Hope Chest www.mesaunitedway.org/helens-hope-chest-1

Austin Jay Noble, age 83, passed away May 20, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on April 13, 1932 in Wendell, Idaho. There will be a visitation on Friday, May 22, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at the LDS Grandview 1^st Ward Chapel, 1455 N. Harris, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Thomas Redmond Kearns

Tom was born on July 3^rd 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to his mother Gertrude, and father Ormond. He moved to Arizona in the early 1930’s with his parents and four siblings. Shortly after arriving in Arizona, Tom met his dear friend who would be with him throughout all his years, Jim Owens.

Tom was a veteran of the armed services, spending his enlisted time serving in the U.S. Army. He was a very devoted Roman Catholic and for most of his time was very active in his church, Saint Simon & Jude. Tom spent a long portion of his life working for the First American Title & Trust, and was very passionate about his work. He was so devoted at his job that the company asked him to come back to work at 80 years old to train the newer generations.

As Tom was an extremely talented dancer, so it comes as no surprise that he met his wife-to-be at the St Mary’s “To Get Acquainted Dance” in 1947. Tom married his beloved wife, Marie, on June 5^th 1948 in a double wedding with his new sister-in-law, Marry Lou Sutton, and her husband, Richard Sutton. In their life together Tom and Marie were blessed with the privilege of adopting and raising three wonderful children. He was an avid hobbyist, some of which were wood working, making ceramics with friends in his studio behind his home, and being an astounding collector of remarkable things.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ormand Kearns; his mother, Gertrude Kearns; his wife, Marie E. Kearns; his brother, Robert J. Kearns; his sister, Patricia Armstrong; and his sons, Stephen T. Kearns and Joseph R. Kearns.

Those still surviving Tom are his sisters, Joan B. White and Colleen Britt; his daughter, Jeanette Kearns-Neely; his son-in-law, Gary D. Neely; his granddaughters, Tracee M. Neely and Lindsey J. Meckna; his grandsons, Parker W. Neely and Justin J. Kearns; his great-grandson, Miles J. Meckna; his great-granddaughter, Mia Meckna, and his lifelong friend, Jim Owens, along with many more devoted friends and family.

Edward Clinton Rogers, was born January 27, 1935 in Lebanon, Missouri and departed this life Monday, May 18, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.

On April 19, 1986 he was united in marriage with Mary Jo Rogers.

Ed enjoyed building things, gardening, boating, dune buggies and time spent in outdoor activities.  He was a craftsman who could build or fix anything and did.  He loved cars and always took great pride in his own.  Ed could make up a song about anything and approached life the same way!

He cared deeply about friends and especially family.  He was a kind, gentle, loving and generous man.

He is survived by his wife Mary Jo, his three sons, Ed Rogers of  Colorado, David Neal and Tim Neal of Missouri; his four daughters, Dotti Hulburt of California, Becky DesRosiers of Arizona, Debi Gunter and Shelly Colvin of Missouri; and one sister, Edith Shadrick of Missouri. He is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, numerous other relatives and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ella Marie Rogers, six brothers and four sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Lila Harvatin Anderton, 93, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.  She was born in Park City, Utah to Jacob and Olga (Milosevic) Harvatin on March 7, 1922.

She anxiously awaited this step so she could once again be with her beloved husband, Gerald Fullmer Anderton, parents, brothers and sisters, a grandchild and great grandchild who preceded her in death.  She was especially excited about the prospect of reuniting with her parents as she was orphaned at a young age and never knew them.  As a young child she was taken from the orphanage in Salt Lake City and raised by loving foster parents, Ebenezer and Lilly Mae (Ralph) Richins.  It was in the Richins’ home where she was introduced to the gospel and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Her testimony of the Savior was a strength and support to her throughout her life.

At age 15 she accompanied her foster sister Mary Wells who needed moral support for her audition with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  At the try outs Lila was invited to audition and upon hearing her sing was immediately offered a spot as a member of the acclaimed choir, a position she held for 11 years.  Just before Lila graduated from high school she was in a terrible bike accident that changed the course of her life.  Her dream of going to college was shattered as well as the perceived disfigurement of her face.  On September 23, 1946 she married Gerald Fullmer Anderton in Salt Lake City where their first 5 children were born.  A job transfer took the family to Boise, Idaho where the last 4 children were born and the family was raised.  Before leaving Salt Lake City the family was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 23, 1954.

Lila had an amazing ability for creative writing and her sense of humor could be seen in all her writing. She started out at a young age honing her writing abilities in her school newspapers.  She went on to become the editor of the Eimac News, a newspaper for which she was the driving force at Eitel-McCullough RadioTube plant in Salt Lake City where she worked helping with the War effort.

Lila loved people and people were drawn to her warm, caring and witty personality.  You could feel her love in the warmth and strength of her hugs and charisma.  She was uninhibited, loved performing and could make people laugh.

After all of her children were in school Lila was employed by the local newspaper, The Idaho Statesman, where her people skills and work ethics were well used for many years.  After retiring she and Gerald enjoyed traveling.  And, with 9 children spread out across the country, it was a great reason to go traveling.  Several visits to children in Arizona convinced them that the weather there was much warmer and kinder to aging bones – especially during the winter months.  As a result they became snowbirds and enjoyed the winter months in Arizona.

A few years after celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary Lila’s beloved Gerald passed away after a battle with cancer.  Lila then moved from their home of 45 years in Boise, Idaho to Mesa Arizona, which she grew to love and call home.

A few years later Lila had the opportunity to take a trip to Croatia, the homeland of her parents.  It was a phenomenal experience for her to connect with family and be introduced to cousins she never knew.  At last she felt she belonged to a family.  It was one of the highlights of her life.

During her later years Lila loved working with family history, specifically serving in the temple as a patron.  Her last calling in the Church was to be a temple patron and to take others with her to the temple, a calling she faithfully fulfilled and loved!  Throughout her life she served in many other callings spending many years as a Primary chorister and teacher working with children.  Children loved her!  She also enjoyed serving as a Relief Society President.

Lila always had a great zest and love for life!  Even as she got older she was willing to go with her children on road trips.  She loved camping and was still enjoying tent camping, even sleeping on the ground, well into her 80’s.  Her sense of humor, stubbornness, and sheer grit, her “never-say-die” attitude, made it an enjoyable experience for all.

As she aged, her spunky attitude kept her going and she refused to be dictated to by an aging, slowing body, even to the point of frustrating her doctors, let alone her children.  But now she is at rest and enjoying eternal family relationships.

Left behind to carry on her legacy of love is her numerous posterity:  6 daughters, Rosemary Morley Austin – Chino Valley, AZ, Geralyn (Frank) Brown – San Diego, CA, JaNene Anderton – Lewiston, ID, Shelley (Brett) Wierschke – Sturgis, MI, Laurie  Anderton – Mesa, AZ, Darcel (Stanley) Turner – Eagle, ID; 3 sons, Gerald Douglas (Kathy) Anderton – Franklin, TN, Edward Kyle (Lori) Anderton – Everett, WA, and Richard Scott Anderton (Dave Emeson) – Phoenix, AZ; 25 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren and counting.

Lila – mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, and friend – will be missed and loved by all.  May God be with us and comfort us ‘til we meet again.

Funeral services are Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11 AM, preceded by a viewing at 9:30 AM, at the LDS Three Fountains Ward Chapel, 1852 N. Stapley, Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.