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Jay Norman Lund, Great Depression survivor, World War II Naval Veteran, Mormon Missionary and Bishop, Civil Service Investigator, Cold War Defense Preparedness pioneer who contributed to planning and organizing for the aftermath of an anticipated nuclear holocaust, civil rights monitor, craftsman, serial entrepreneur, church leader, student/scholar, community organizer, and journalist, died in Mesa, Arizona on April 19, 2015 at age 88.

He was born August 31, 1926 in Salt Lake City to Gustave Joseph Lund Jr. and Bertha Alleen Hoopes. Jay is survived by his brother Jack Lund and sister Marilyn Lund Stowe. His brother Spencer preceded him in death.

Jay served in the Navy at the close of WWII as a Signalman 3^rd Class on minesweeper USS Oracle on its mission to clear mines from the Taiwan Strait. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at BYU and a Masters of Public Administration at USC, and worked as a Federal Investigator for 20 years, finishing his career working with the Defense Preparedness Agency (FEMA predecessor). He served in Noxubee County Mississippi in 1966 as a Federal Poll Observer in support of the Civil Rights movement. He lived and died with a deep and practiced faith in God.

His greatest joy came from wife and family. Mr. Lund married Toy Ellen Openshaw in 1951. They resided in Santa Rosa, CA for 28 years then moved to Roby, Missouri for 30 years where he used his government experience to provide grants and leadership supporting 3 volunteer fire departments, a community center, and a city park. Mesa, Arizona became their home in 2009. Jay and Toy raised 8 children: Mark W. (Barbara) Lund, Steven J. (Kalleen) Lund, Douglas N. Lund, Julie (Greg) Houston, Linda (Gary) Moore, Troy O. (Kris) Lund, Karen (Jeff) Duren, Eric B. (Rachel)  Lund, and have 30 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints April 27, 2015 at 925 North Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ. Visitation at 9:30 a.m. and services at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest with his parents and parents-in-law at Hickory Ridge Cemetery, Bucyrus, Missouri on May 9, 2015.

Charles Kohl Thomas chose to go home on April 19, 2015. He was welcomed there into the loving arms of his Grandpa Thomas and his Grandma Clouse. Left behind to wade through their emotions of overwhelming heartbreak and loss are his parents, David and Terry (Clouse) Thomas, his 3 brothers Brock, Nick and Kalvin Thomas, and his sister in law Madison Thomas. He will also be dearly missed by his Grandpa Clouse and his Grandma Thomas, along with 24 aunts and uncles and dozens of cousins and friends.

His 18 short years with them all will be remembered and cherished as his lasting influence has shaped their past and will continue to mold their future. Kohl was a brilliant, warm, loving, caring person who loved music, reading, driving and just hanging out with friends. The melodic sounds of his guitar and the unrestrained joy of his laugh will be missed by all. He was named Ember Heart of the Mountain by his Anasazi brothers and sisters, which he truly lived up to. He was a light and a strength to all who knew him.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 23^rd from 6-8 PM at the Val Vista Stake Center 1005 N. Voyager Dr., Gilbert. Funeral services are Friday, April 24^th at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at the Val Vista Stake Center. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Charles Lejuan Nance passed away quietly in the early hours of April 19, 2015 in Mesa, AZ. He was born in Phoenix, AZ on February 20, 1935 to Fred D. Worn Nance and Gracie Fay Tupin Nance.

In 1957, he married Sharon Dian Merrill. They had 56 wonderful years together during which they raised three children. They spent many hours enjoying their favorite activities: including spending time with their many grandchildren and great grandchildren, collecting antiques, traveling and playing cards with their closest friends. Charles was an avid reader and loved adding new finds to his vintage gas/oil and toy collections. He worked for many years in the citrus industry after which he started a successful masonry business.

Charles is preceded in death by his father Fred D. Worn Nance, his mother Gracie Fay Nance, his two brothers Lemoise Gene Nance and Delton Ray Nance, two grandchildren, Jacob Brinton and Joshua Brinton, and one great-grandchild, Gavin Sprague.

He is survived by three children: Stacy Allen (Wyatt), Shelley White (Lonnie), and Scott Nance (Kris), 10 grandchildren: Chad Allen, Kasey Allen, Jake Allen, Bethany Sprague, McIntyre Brinton, Vanessa Chaffee, Jessica Curtis, Natalie Brady, Emily Nance, Savannah Nance, and 21 great-grandchildren: Joenick Shipley, Jaxon Chaffee, Evienne Shipley, Jaden Allen, Lily Chaffee, Ema Allen, Austin Allen, Deacon Allen, Annabelle Curtis, Edison Chaffee, Jordan Allen, Leighton Allen, Olivia Sprague, Beckett Chaffee, Chad Curtis, Jr., Juliette Curtis, Dean Brady, Tristan Allen, Truman Brady, Ruby Chaffee, Bowen Curtis, Ariana Allen and one sibling: Helen Charlene Barnhart Abdelsalam.

Graveside services are Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 11 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Kathryn Sue Gregg, also known as Kathi Gregg recently passed away on April 9^th, 2015 in Mesa AZ. She was surrounded by her husband, 6 children, their spouses, grandchildren and many other family and friends that loved her dearly.

Kathi was born in Payson Arizona on August 5^th, 1964 to parents Michael Smith and Linda Chinn.  Kathi was such a loving and devoted wife, mother and friend. She truly had such a beautiful heart and soul. She was a hard worker that strived to help everyone she encountered and always gave her best. She will be deeply missed by many!

Kathi is survived by her mother Linda Chinn and father Michael Smith, as well as her spouse Stephen Gregg and her 6 children; Krista Estrada (Smith), Rebecca Waters, Cherie Rubio (Waters), JJ Waters, Isaiah Hulett and Jazmine Hulett. She also leaves behind her brothers and sister, grandchildren and many wonderful friends and family.

We love you Kathryn Sue Gregg!

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the City of Grace Church, 655 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ. The ceremony is being held in the Chapel Building. Please park in the south parking lot off Hobson. The family suggests donations be made to the ALS Foundation. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Wm. (Bill) Fritz

Bill Fritz, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, flew his last mission on April 10^th, 2015. Bill, a true patriot, served his country in WWII in the pacific theater as a tail gunner on a B-25 Mitchell, and has now gone home to be with his other crew members in heaven.

Bill was born May 7^th, 1925 in Loveland, Ohio. Bill entered the U.S. Army Air Corp, and served in WWII with the 13^th Jungle Air Force in the South Pacific and Japan. Bill was a life member of Loveland VFW Post 5749 in Loveland, Ohio, and was a Post Commander for 3 years. Bill was always quick with a joke, but also loved to share stories about his life and his service time. He loved his hometown of Loveland, but had found true joy living in the sun in Mesa, Arizona since 1983. He loved all of his pets, Coca-Cola, traveling in his travel trailer seeing the county and watching TV and reading in his favorite recliner.

He leaves behind a host of grateful people that were able to share this life with him; his wife Jo of 50 years, his co-pilot who was with him on many beautiful days and stormy nights. He also left behind on the tarmac two beautiful children; a daughter, Dana Lin Vandewege and one granddaughter, Harper Ann; a son, John Jessey and grandchildren, Ben, Jon and Rachel, three great-grandchildren, Maxx, Phoenix & Natalie. Bill also leaves a cousin, Bill Chamberlin, who is like a brother, and his wife Judy.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the amazing, kind and beautiful professionals at Hospice of the Valley, the entire team assisted in making our last hours with him filled with love and dignity.

Inurnment will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Arizona National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix.

Bertha Lee Lewis Day of St. Johns, AZ, and recently of Legacy Assisted Living in Mesa, AZ, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2015. She was surrounded by all of her 8 children and many of their spouses.

Bertha was the 8th of Raymond Grady and Bertha Hine Lewis’ 10 children and was born August 24, 1932, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Her early life was spent on ranches in New Mexico and later, in Sanders, AZ where her parents ran the post office, gas station, café and trading post. She was a bright, energetic child who developed an early love of reading. She graduated early from high school at age 16 and then excelled as a younger-than-usual student at Northern Arizona University. There, she was the editor of the Lumberjack, her junior and senior years. Both years, the yearbook won national awards. She also was the Student Body Secretary and the Outstanding Woman Student of the Year two years in a row. In her senior year, she met and fell in love with Joseph Marlow Day. They were married the day after graduation. The President of the university performed their marriage.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many positions.  She was dedicated to her faith and to her family.

As a 1^st thru 3^rd grade teacher, Bertha loved the hundreds of children she taught during her career. She delighted in giving them the same joy for reading and learning she treasured thru her life.

Though Bertha was plagued with poor health in her adult years, she gave unfailing service to many, and most especially, to her family. She took care of each of her parents and also her husband’s parents, until their deaths, even as her own health failed. She continued to work diligently in genealogical research and gave cheer to others. She never lost her sense of fun and kindness, her joy in her family or the beautiful smile and quick wit she shared with everyone.

When she and Marlow moved to Mesa into assisted living, her days were brightened by daily visits from children and grandchildren. But part of her heart stayed in St Johns.

Bertha is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 62 years, Joseph Marlow Day, currently residing in Mesa, brother Tom Lewis (Sharon) of Montana, sister Patsy Heimer (Tony) of Saskatchewan and her eight children; Linda Owens (Collins) of Gilbert, Laurie Platt (Randy) of Chandler, Karen Crosby (Elliott) of Mesa, Daryl Stegal (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.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 17, 2015 at 10:30 am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10am in St. Johns, in the downtown chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitation will be at 9am in the Relief Society Room. Burial will be in the Westside Cemetery in St. Johns.

Golden Ronald Farr, 87, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2015.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn.  He is survived by his second wife Sytha, seven children, seven step-children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  There will be a Viewing on Friday, April 10^th from 6-8 p.m. at Bunker Mortuary, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., preceded by a viewing at 9:00 a.m. at the Mesa North Stake building located at 933 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85203.

Ron was a loving and selfless individual.  He loved his family and Heavenly Father and Christ.  The things that he did in his life always pointed toward these loves.  He obtained double Masters Degrees in both Math and Science.  He was in the Air Force for 20 years, and was one of their top Meteorologists.  After leaving the Air Force, the family moved to Mesa, AZ, where he taught school and had other business ventures.

Dad loved the temple, and served there weekly while he was able.  If there was someone who was downtrodden or needed help in any way, dad was the type of person who would do all in his power to help.  He truly had a servant’s heart, and did his best to make the world a better place.

He will be greatly missed, but we know the reunion with Mom was sweet, and that he is now anxiously engaged on the other side, preparing the way for his posterity and loved ones here.

God Speed, Dad.  We love you so much!

Garland L. Agle, 89 of Apache Junction, AZ; passed away at his home (April 6, 2015).  He was born in Flint, Michigan 1926.  He was a WWII veteran, proudly serving in the US Marines.  He married his first wife Joyce (deceased) in 1946.  He raised his family in Avon, OH, where he retired as a tool & die maker for GM in 1978.  He married his second wife Gwen (deceased) in 1996.  He was a member of Arizona Model Aviators.  His favorite hobby was flying and building airplanes.  Gar was particularly known for his sense of humor & jokes.

He is preceded in death by a daughter Carolyn “Sue” Agle; son Danny; parents Marion and Ruth Agle; 2 sisters and 2 brothers.  He is survived by his daughter Jan (Ozzie) Osburn; 2 brothers: Bob & Larry; his stepson: Danny (Terri) Perkins; Karen (Patrick) Flemming; Sharon Perkins & Larry (Michelle) Perkins.  6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

He will be missed by many family and friends.  A celebration of his life will be from 11:00 – 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 9, 2015 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Arizona Model Aviation, PO Box 50606, 9855 East Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ.

Reed Hancock Gaddie, 56, of San Tan Valley, passed away on April 3, 2015. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on October 7, 1958. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. One of his greatest loves in life was family history.

He is survived by his wife, Staci; his daughters, Katelyn, Rachel, Bridget and Saundra; his father, Ernest Gaddie; and his siblings, Glen, Kelly, Lora and Lisa. He is preceded in death by his son, Hunter and his mother Delite Gaddie.

A viewing will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 10, 2015 at 11 AM, with a viewing one hour prior, Queen Creek East Stake Center, 2559 E. Combs Road, San Tan Valley 85140.

Jamie Rose Martinez passed away March 29, 2015 in Scottsdale, Arizona. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 6:00 PM at 3623 North Longmore Road, Scottsdale, Arizona. Graveside services will be Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 7:00 AM at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 East Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Dushane Lloyd Osife, Sr., age 36, passed away March 25, 2015 in Scottsdale, Arizona. A traditional service will be held on Friday, April 3, 2015 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Lehi Community Center, 1231 East Oak Street, Mesa, Arizona. Graveside services will be Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 6:00 AM at the Lehi Cemetery, 926 East Thomas Road, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Michele Elizabeth Erlick Davis, 35, passed away March 26, 2015 in Goodyear, Arizona. Funeral services will be Friday, April 3, 2015 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sarival Ward Chapel, 425 South Estrella Parkway, Goodyear, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Cody B. Prahl, 32, of Mesa Arizona; passed away March 28, 2015 in Mesa.  He was born November 17, 1982 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa and funeral services at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 3^rd at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Val Vista Ward, 745 N. Val Vista Rd. in Mesa.

Largemouth bass all over Arizona and Mexico felt the heat come off this last weekend when Dale Ivan Gray (78) courageously left this mortal experience on March 27, 2015.

He was reunited with his parents, Owen and Willa, his siblings, Carma and Clyle, and his fingers.  Dale leaves behind his wife, Janice, “isn’t she beautiful”, and his seven children; Chuck (Connie), Shannon (David) Whipple, Julie (Don) Harrison, Devin (Kathy), Darrin (NaDene), LeeAnn (Andrew) McConaghie, and Samuel (Heather), 36 grandkids and 26 great-grandkids.  He is survived by his siblings Dwain, Geraldine, and Sharon.

Dale spent many years in the masonry trade earning an unmatched reputation of honesty and integrity.

He was a life-long, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in many callings including SanTan Branch President and Bishop of the 35^th/Sunny Mesa Ward.  Dale learned how to do family history when he and Janice were called to serve a mission in the NYC Manhattan Family History Center.  He loved every minute he spent searching for his ancestors.

Dale found great joy in the 20 years he served with Janice in the Mesa Arizona Temple, including coordinating the Baptistry.  When he wasn’t at the temple or doing family history, he could be found on the lake fishing – striking terror in the hearts of bass everywhere.

Dale shared the gospel with everyone he met, up until the hour he died.

We love you dad!  We are glad you have your fingers back and we promise to “Stay In the Boat”!

Services include a visitation on Friday, April 10^th from 6-8p.m. at Bunkers on 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201.  A funeral service will be held the following morning, April 11^th at 10 a.m. with a short visitation the hour before at the LDS Kimball East Stake Center, 4640 E. Holmes Ave, Mesa, 85206.

Lottie Pauline Taylor, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Lottie was born on August 3, 1939 to Frank Jess Worthington and Thelma Luila Russell in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She is survived by her husband of thirty-six years, John Taylor.  She is also survived by her children from her first marriage to Stanley Earl Stonger; Steven Stonger of Stanaway, Washington State and Pam Didway of Rancho Cordova, California, and Brian Stonger of Tuesday, Oregon and Joanne Seisker of Sacramento, California, as well as their respective spouses, 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.  Lottie is also survived by her brothers and sisters Deloris who has passed, Parlayn, Rayola, Wanda, Ferrin, Walleta, Elias Jay, Joel and all respective spouses.

Lottie led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends, and many activities.  She found great joy in spending time with and serving her husband.  They had a lot of fun together going on car rides and to the park.  Lottie’s children were very important to her, she loved visiting and calling them.  She would often go on bus rides to visit them.  Lottie was very faithful in her religious beliefs, she often volunteered and family history research was important to her.  Lottie is very independent, she had an artistic talent and she was an excellent record keeper.  She will be missed by all.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2015.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM, followed by a Funeral Service that will begin at 10:00 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ  85201.  Burial will be held at 11:00 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ  85201.

Jacob Carl Armstrong, Jr., age 73, passed away March 26, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 PM at 6:00 PM at 3051 E. Page Avenue, Gilbert, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.