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Harry Peter Daczka, 89, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on May 17, 2015 in Gilbert, Arizona.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 29^th, 2015 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, Arizona.

On May 15, 2015 Leilani Packer Haws of Mesa, AZ passed away after a valiant struggle, with family by her side. She was born October 25, 1937. Her name was well known for service to the Boy Scouts of America, a program she devoted her love and energy to for over 40 years. Countless boys and young men were helped in their advancement toward Eagle Scout by Leilani’s efforts. She was recently honored with the Chairman’s Award by the Grand Canyon Council. In the 90 years of the district, it was only the second time it was awarded.

Leilani was a faithful wife of 56 years to her husband Jim, a dutiful mother to Shawna; Stacey; Quinn; Justin; and Shaylene; also a proud grandmother to 8 grandchildren. She will be missed but her faith in Christ and the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comforted her with the knowledge that she and her family will be together forever, reunited for eternity on the other side.

If you have fond memories of Leilani, or she touched your life for the better, remember her and her family in your prayers or give service to someone around you as this would honor her life and memory.

Funeral services held at the LDS Chapel at 977 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204 on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 10 AM with a 9 AM visitation. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

On May 13, 2015 Dr. Danny Bruce Kilpatrick, 66, passed away after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Danny was born to Ercel Leon Kilpatrick and Dorothy Altrude Woodard on October 13, 1948 in Charleston, South Carolina.  He was raised in Charleston along with his older brother Kenneth and younger siblings Kathy, Lynn, and Joey.

Danny went on to graduate from Brigham Young University and the Medical University of South Carolina.  He was a board certified radiologist with a passion for what he did.  At the time of his passing, Danny was the Chief of Radiology at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. He found his place there twenty years ago.  He was happy to get to spend each day working with his fellow doctors and co-workers whom he cared for and greatly respected.  Danny loved serving the veterans and giving back to those who have sacrificed to protect our country.

Danny was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  On February 6, 1982, Danny married Eldene Dahle in the Logan, Utah temple.  Together, they raised their six children in Mesa, Arizona.  Danny was always a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  His greatest joys came from time spent with his family whom he loved with his whole heart.  Through example, Danny taught his family about faith, service, courage, determination, generosity, and devotion.

Danny will be greatly missed by his wife, Eldene, his children, Terri Lyn Patterson (Jim), Michael Boyd Plowman (Lori), Robert Neil Plowman (Brenda), Kristen Rae Bowen (Seth), Daniel Dean Kilpatrick, Dena Anne Kilpatrick, his 18 grandchildren, and his 2 great grandsons.

The Kilpatrick Family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional doctors, nurses, and staff at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center and the HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center.  The wonderful care and kindness extended to both Danny and his family will forever be appreciated.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.  Funeral services are Friday, May 22, 2015 at 12:00 pm, preceded by a second visitation at 11:00 am at the LDS Lehi Chapel, 810 E. Lehi Road, Mesa, AZ 85203.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at the Logan City Cemetery.

Denny Caro Loften, 83, beloved son, grandson, and great-grandson of Rebecca Lee Fiveash and Dudley Edward Loften, Joseph Edward Loften and Carrie Leah Caro, Lillie Abigail Headley and Peter Lee Fiveash, CSA William Charles Loften (Alabama 42nd Co. B) and Abigail Lambert, passed into eternity and into the loving arms of Jesus on Mother’s day, May 10, 2015 in Mesa, AZ. Born in Hattiesburg, raised in McLaurin, MS and graduated HS there. Survived by daughter Arleen Dozier (Jim) of Layton, Utah, sons Denny Jr. and Edward J. Loften of Mesa, Arizona. Sister Emogene Simmons (Larry) of Brandon MS. Sister-in-laws Dorothy Loften(Dudley) of Stamford, Conn., Cheryl Loften (Frank) of Purvis, MS. Granddaughters Angelina Shumway (Kaleb) of Layton, UT, Tamara Ramey of St. Cloud, FL, Rachel Martin of Peoria, AZ. Grandson Keith Martin (Charlotte) of Apopka, FL. 12 great-grandchildren. Nieces Brigitte and Frankie (Loften), Tammy (Milton). Nephew Chuck Milton. Navy veteran of Korean War, served 8 years, age 17-25 Details for the service are still in the process of being finalized, please call Grissom’s Funeral home in Kissimmee, FL at 407-847-3131 for information after Monday, May 18th. Resting in Rose Hill Cemetery, Kissimmee, FL.

Adeline (“Kitty”) Griggs Farnsworth passed away in Mesa, Arizona on May 12, 2015 at the age of 96. Adeline was born in Placerville, California on June 22, 1918 to Almorand and Clara Griggs. As a child, she lived in Clarksville, California and attended the one- room school there. Adeline graduated from El Dorado High School in 1935. In 1953, she married Boyd Farnsworth. They lived in and around Placerville for many decades as she raised her children, fulfilled her church responsibilities, and volunteered in the community. She enjoyed her work as a “pink lady” at the hospital. When Boyd retired, they moved to Mesa, Arizona where Adeline made many good friends and worked in the LDS Church name extraction program. In 1987-88 she served as an LDS missionary with her husband in the Chile Angol Mission. She was interested in and kind to everyone she met. Adeline is survived by her three children, Lawrence (Sonny), Debra, and Betty, nine grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. The visitation will be Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 9 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201, followed by Graveside Services at 10:30 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, 85201.

Dorothy Louise Zarbin, 92, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2015, in Gilbert, AZ. She is a descendant of Benjamin Franklin Johnson and the granddaughter of early Arizona settlers, Lionel Brand Johnson and John Thomas Vance.  Dorothy was born to George Lynn Johnson and Alta Mabel Vance Johnson on March 13, 1923, in Mesa, AZ, and was herself grandmother to 20 and great-grandmother to 16 children. Dorothy was George and Alta Johnson’s third child, and was delivered by her grandmother, Sarah Vance, a midwife in Arizona. (Alta Johnson’s first two children, Virginia Lynn Johnson and Vance Dean Johnson, died within a week of each other in January and February 1922, respectively.) A fourth child, Patsy Ann Johnson Espinoza, was born March 17, 1931, and died in 2012.

Dorothy earned her bachelor’s degree in Education at Arizona State University and was a lifetime member of the Alumni Association.  One of her granddaughters expressed beautifully her grandmother’s role: “She was a second mother to me and taught me to view the world in a different light and to appreciate the little things…but most importantly she was always there for me. She was a true example of what a Christ-like, selfless woman is.” Though talented as an artist, writer and editor, Dorothy’s primary role was in supporting and encouraging the family breadwinner.

Her first marriage was to Raymond Doral Wheeler. Her second marriage was to Earl Zarbin, who was a Phoenix newspaperman at the time they were wed. Earl and Dorothy have been married 41 years.  Her children are Monte (Judie) Wheeler of Chandler, AZ; Shelley (Raymon) Wheeler Christensen of Moccasin, AZ; Denei Kelleen (Milt) Zarbin Pace of Gilbert, AZ, and stepdaughters Cathryn Ellen (Bill) Bauer of Glendale, AZ, and Elizabeth Claire of Tempe, AZ.

Dorothy, a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was preceded in death by twin daughters, Molly Lynn and Sara Lisa Wheeler, who were born Aug. 14, 1954; three stepchildren, Gregory Zarbin, Nicholas Zarbin and Jennifer Zarbin; and a granddaughter, Emily Jean Christensen.   Viewing will be from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at the LDS Tempe Ward Chapel, 1221 W. Howe St., Tempe. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Nyle G. Merkley passed away unexpectedly on Sunday May 10, 2015 in Mesa Arizona.  Nyle was born in Tridell, Utah, on December 30, 1930.  He loved to tell about what a cold December night it was when he was born and that his name was “Nyle – spelled N-y-l-e, mothers choice”,   He grew up in Vernal where he met the love of his life, LaDonna in 4th grade.  They became sweethearts in high school and were married in 1951. Nyle & LaDonna were sealed for Time & All Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.  Nyle was extremely proud of his wife and their three wonderful sons, Bart, Russell & Monty.  Nyle worked in various areas of the oil business as a newly married man, moving his sweet wife all over Utah, Wyoming & Montana while they welcomed their sons. In 1967 Nyle took a job as a Drilling Foreman in Benghazi Libya & his family followed him making their home on the Island of Malta.  Nyle lived and worked in Libya North Africa & the Rocky Mountain States, retiring from Chevron Oil Company after working for 64 years in the “oil patch”.  Nyle loved his family almost as much as he loved the oil patch!

In 1997 Nyle & LaDonna settled in Mesa Arizona & were quick to make many new friends!  Nyle loved meeting new people and making friends.  He adored & treasured his family beyond measure and remembered they all, by name, in his prayers.  He will be missed by his family immensely.

Nyle was preceded in death by his son Monty J Merkley.  He is survived by his wife LaDonna Jacobson Merkley, by his sons, Bart N Merkley  (Tiffany) of Warrenton VA & Russell G Merkley (Luane) of Mesa AZ.   He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren, Damy Buck, Annie Merkley, Bart Nyle Merkley, Kristen Wilkerson, Charly Merkley, Ali Merkley, Leilani Tetteh, Melissa Cotter, Maria Roberti, Jenni Cage, Spencer Jenkins, Amanda Shipley & MaKenna Andreopoulos and 12 wonderful great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Lenore Wells, brothers Evert Merkley, Dean Merkley & Thoral Merkley.

His funeral will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lindsay Ward building on Saturday May 16, 2015 at 10:00am, with luncheon following.   Interment will be at the Vernal City Memorial Park in Vernal Utah.

Delores Bast Azbill, 91, passed away on May 7, 2015 in Boerne,Texas.  A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, (6:30 Rosary) Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.  Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 15, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 230 W. Galveston, Chandler, Arizona.

1. Dale Vance, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 10, 2015 in Mesa Arizona. He was born November 9, 1927 to Orwell Nicholas (Orv) and Lucy Ett Fryer Vance while they were living for a short time in Los Angeles, California.

Dale led a very happy and productive life here in the Valley of the Sun, living most of his life in Mesa, AZ.  He was a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He served in the Military in 1946 and was married in 1947 to the sweetheart of his dreams, Genevra Mae Miller in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  He worked as a plastering contractor and was known all over the Valley for his skills.  He and Genevra raised 1 son and 5 daughters (Dennis & Cathie (Guthrie) Vance, Dalene & Randy Harmon, Sharon & Steve McRae, Lynette & Chad Carling, Pamela & Brad Young, and Michelle & Bruce Fenn), all of whom are active in the Church and married in the Temple.  They have 36 grandchildren and 70 plus great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Genevra of 68 years and 3 siblings, Lane & Becky Vance, Myrna & Duane Johnson, and Leland Vance.

After serving as a Bishop in the church for 11 years he went back to school and graduated with a BA in education in 1966 and later an MA in counseling from ASU.  He taught math for several years and then became a Jr. High Counselor.  He then decided to go back into plastering/construction partnering with his brother Leland Vance.

After retiring, he and Genevra served 2 missions for the church, and were able to travel to many places around the world (Japan, Europe, Israel, and Russia).  He served faithfully as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Arizona temple for 20+ years.  He also served as a Stake Patriarch for many years.

His love, devotion, and Christ-like service to his family and community will be truly missed.

“Wonderful, Wonderful, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!”  -from all your children.

Visitation is Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 7-9 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services are Friday, May 15, 2015 at 11 AM, preceded by a 2nd visitation at 10 AM at the LDS Fairfield Ward, 933 East Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85213. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

Joseph Marlow Day, of St. Johns, AZ, and Legacy Assisted Living in Mesa AZ, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2015 in Mesa. Marlow, as he was known, was the 3rd child of Francis Day Sr. and Laura Farr Day and was born June 11, 1930, in St. Johns, AZ. He grew up in St Johns and for the rest of his life, loved the wind-swept hills and the people he served there. Always a leader, at Arizona State College (now NAU) in Flagstaff, Marlow served as student body president and more importantly, met his eternal sweetheart, Bertha Lee Lewis. The couple married the day following their graduation from the college. Marlow later completed his Masters Degree in Education Administration at ASU while working as a teacher in the Roosevelt School District in Phoenix. After a few years, Marlow and Bertha moved back to St Johns with their young family to assist his father for a year. At the end of the year, the couple chose to remain in St. Johns to raise their family. Marlow became a partner in the Francis Day & Sons Sand, Gravel & Redi-Mix Business, where he worked for the rest of his career until he retired in 2004. Marlow truly loved living and working and serving in the community. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was a counselor in the Bishopric. He also served as Bishop of the St Johns 1^st Ward, was a stake high councilor and then a counselor in the Stake Presidency. He served as President of the St Johns Stake for many years. He also served on the St Johns school board and was active in the Rotary Club. Marlow was known for always doing his best to fill the needs of others. Marlow’s wife Bertha preceded him in death by 26 days and 12 hours.  He is survived by their eight children; Linda Owens (Collins) of Gilbert, Laurie Platt (Randy) of Chandler, Karen Crosby (Elliot) of Mesa, Daryl Stegall (John) of Montecito CA, David Day (Shanna) of Mesa, Damon Day (Diane) of Meridian ID, Christopher Day (Janna) of Mesa, and Channen Day (Sarah) of Central AZ, 42 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 11am in St. Johns, at the downtown chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There will be a viewing at 9am. Burial will be in the Westside Cemetery in St. Johns.

Newton Richard Trembath, 94, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on May 6, 2015 in Mesa.  He was born on September 28, 1920 in Globe, Arizona.  Newton served in WWII and was a recipient of the purple heart.  He was a member of the Masons for fifty years. He was a teacher and administrator for Ajo High School in Ajo, Arizona.  He was preceded in death by his father Richard Trembath (1962), his wife Olene Malloy Trembath (1989) and his mother Edith Trembath in 1995.  Those who remain to miss him are his niece Betty (Jerry) Ullibarri, many friends, relatives, students, peers and nurses.  A funeral service in his honor will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 14, 2015 with a visitation 1 hour prior at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.  Interment will be held at Mesa City Cemetery.

JoAnne Black Tucker passed away peacefully May 4, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.  She was born April 4th, 1932 in Prescott, Arizona  to Genevieve Lewis Black and Edwin Allan Black. She married Clyde L. Tucker in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple March 30, 1956. They briefly lived in Tucson, Arizona and Southern California then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1964 where they resided until 1994 when they moved to Kanab, Utah.  They just recently moved to Queen Creek, Arizona in January 2015.  She was very active in the LDS Church where she had several callings including Ward Organist. Clyde and JoAnne felt blessed to have been able to serve two missions to the Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission and Utah Cove Fort Mission. She loved spending time with her family and serving others. In spite of several health challenges she never complained, and always had a smile on her face. She is survived by her husband Clyde, children Rodney Tucker (Jill), Joni Lang (Frank), Matthew Tucker (Robin), 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren with one more on the way.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and her younger brother Richie Black.  She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Friday, May 8, 2015 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Voyager Ward Chapel, 1005 N. Voyager Dr., Gilbert, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Casey Robert Burnham, born August 5, 1988, passed away May 1, 2015 in Gilbert, Arizona.

He is survived by his mother, Sally Anne Marrs, his father, Robert Burnham Jr. and his stepmother, Mary Burnham. He is also survived by his sister, Sabrina Dewey (Brian); his brothers, Anthony Lopez, Brian Lopez, Dustan Holder, and Jason Burnham; his grandmother, Kit Burnham; his grandparents, Richard and Pam Holder; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

As a young boy, Casey loved riding bikes. He later enjoyed skateboarding, riding quads, guns of all kinds, and he particularly loved hunting with his dad.

Casey, we miss you, we love you and we will remember you forever.

Visitation is Friday, May 8, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Queen Creek Arizona Chandler Heights Stake Center, 7361 S. Constellation Way, Gilbert, AZ.

Jerry Lynn Liles, 81, passed away May 3, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Friday, May 8, 2015 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at the LDS Dana Ward Chapel, 2334 E. Pueblo Ave., Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Marie Albina Ortiz, age 86, passed away on April 30, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 5:00 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. The visitation will be followed by a rosary and funeral service at 5:30 PM. Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California on Friday, May 15. 2015.

Bruce Allen Weeks, age 76, passed away May 1, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 10 AM at the same location. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.