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Mario R. Flores Jr., 49, passed away February 19, 2015 at his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma to his loving parents Elvira and Mario R. Flores Sr. He spent his childhood in Mesa and remained there for the rest of his life. Mario was married to Gayla Holden in 1984. His greatest joy in life was his family. Mario was a devoted husband, caring father, loving grandfather and cherished son. He was an active member of his community and a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for which he had many positions spending countless hours giving service to others. Mario is an example of a man who loved God and focused his life around this conviction.

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother Elvira and brother Gerardo. Mario is survived by his wife Gayla and their six children: Jeremy (Kendra), Tori, Joshua (Samone), Jacob, Brittany and Victoria along with his grandchildren: Hayden, Tripp, Aubrey and Brooklyn. He is also survived by his father Mario Sr. and brother Hugo (Paula). The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his name at gofundme.com/Mariofloresjr.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel located at 3529 East University Drive in Mesa. The funeral services will be held Friday, February 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM, with a viewing from 8:30 – 9:30, at the LDS Tempe Stake Center located at 2707 S. College Ave. in Tempe, AZ.

Natalie Zobell Miller, 35, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. She was born to Greg and Suzanne Zobell in Phoenix, Arizona on September 12, 1979. As a child and young woman, she was thoughtful, funny, and determined. She loved to dress up and was a dedicated friend. She married Logan Miller on May 11, 2002. She worked tirelessly as a mother, wife, and friend. Natalie was beautiful in every way a person can be. She was kind, loving, compassionate, and patient. Natalie dedicated her life to serving and making others happy. Natalie earned a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and was passionate about her career, which focused primarily on elementary school children. Natalie overcame tremendous obstacles in her life and is a source of strength and inspiration to all those who know her. She is survived by Logan and their four children, Kara, age 8, Kate, age 7, Alyssa, age 5, and Evan, age 1.

Funeral services will be held this Saturday, February 28, 2015, at 11 AM, preceded by visitation Saturday morning from 9:30 AM to 11 AM at the LDS Chapel located at 2955 East Frye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85048.  Visitation will also be held from 6-8 PM this Friday, February 27, 2015, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.  Please direct any flowers to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Lucille Salladay passed away peacefully on February 20, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born March 1, 1921 in Thatcher, Arizona to Joseph and Flavilla Elmer. Lucille was the last remaining sibling out of 14 children. In 1940, she married Edwin Esten Salladay and they enjoyed 35 years together until he passed away in 1975. Lucille lived in Central Heights most of her adult life and retired from APS in 1987. She served as the president of the Miami Emblem Club, was an avid bowler, loved to cook, sew and garden.  She moved from Central Heights to Chandler in 2002 to reside with her daughter Sharon. Lucille spent the last two years of her life in a care center in Mesa. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Edwin Esten (Buster) Salladay and her daughter Sharon Armstrong.

She is survived by her son Dean Salladay of Queen Creek, 4 grandchildren Esten James (Gina) Armstrong, Caron (Adam) Scott, Sherri (Scot) Bradford, DeAnn (Matthew) Flygare, and 12 great grandchildren. Services are Friday, February 27, 2015 at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa, with graveside services to follow at 1 PM at the Globe Cemetery, 328 Hackney Ave, Globe, AZ.

Scott Rulon Miller, 57, passed away from an unexpected heart attack on February 21, 2015. Scott was born in Midvale, Utah on January 23, 1958 to Rulon and Norma Miller. He leaves behind his wife of 35 years Terri, children Reina (Julia), Devin (Ruthann), Elisha Sandberg (Josh), his parents, siblings, Gary and Marilyn, and 4 beautiful grandchildren with 2 on the way, Jaxon, Henry, Oliver, Emma, Adam, and Carl.

Scott served an LDS mission in Lancing, Michigan from 1977-1979. Upon returning home he attended college and found his sweetheart, Terri, a few months later. On February 22, 1980 they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They raised 3 beautiful children in West Jordan, Utah before moving to Arizona in 1991. There they made their home in Mesa.

Throughout his life, Scott served in many callings such as Elders Quorum, Primary, Scouts, as well as spent time working in the Mesa, Arizona Temple.  However, his most important calling that he fulfilled was as a faithful husband, loving father, and “Papa.”

Scott loved watching sports with his son, movies with his wife, and eating ice cream with his family. He loved planning vacations and watching his family enjoy the places they went. His favorite places to visit were Disneyland, San Diego, and Swan Lake. Scott was a kind and loving man, who is loved and will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel located at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, from 6:00-8:00 pm.  Funeral services will be on Friday, February 27, 2015 at the LDS Chapel at 1852 N. Stapley Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201 at 11:00 am, with a 10:00 am family viewing prior to the services.

Ralph was born Dec 2, 1917 in Devils Lake, North Dakota.  His father, Martin Jensen, was from Lillehammer, Norway and his Mother, Rena Anderson Jensen, was from Lom, Norway.  Both immigrated from Norway to the United States in 1907.  Ralph grew up and kicked around in the town of Devils Lake with his six other siblings: three brothers and three sisters.  He graduated from high school in 1936, at which time he was a key player on the basketball team and captain of the football team.  He was chosen as an all state football player.  He participated in the school plays and was vice president of his senior class.  After graduation in 1937, Ralph and his brother Roy jumped on a train bound for the west coast.  They wound up in Portland, Oregon working in a fishery for a summer.  In 1938, and 1939, he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.  There, he met his wife to be: Rachel.  He was again captain of the footfall team.  Played center and guard and was again chosen for the all state.

The war broke out and Ralph signed up and took the test to fly.  He was accepted and received his orders to report to Oxnard, Calif. for primary flight training.  He soloed the PT-17 (Serarman) in 8 hours: not bad.  He completed flight training in 1941, and received his commission as a 2^nd Lieutenant.  In 1941, he not only became a pilot, he also married Rachel.  It was a good year!  In 1942, he was transferred to Jacksonville, Florida and assigned to submarine patrol flying the A-29.  This was another good year for Ralph because his first daughter, Sharon was born.  In 1943, he relocated to Clovis, New Mexico, where he learned to fly the B-24.  He was then sent Blythe, Calif., for advanced training in the B-24.  In 1944, he spent 9 months flying combat missions out of India, and survived.  In 1945, the war ended.  Ralph was discharged, and moved to Everett, Washington where number two daughter, Roberta, was born.

He was soon hired by Capital Airlines in 1945, and flew for them thru 1946.  The family moved to Chicago and Ralph flew out of Midway Airport.  That year, his son Gordon, was born.  That year, with three kids, he was furloughed three times.  That stress was too much.  That ended the airline business.

He went back into the USAF as a regular commissioned officer.  In 1948, he and his family moved to Biloxi, Mississippi.  1948, 1949, and 1950, found them in Japan.  In 1950 Ralph spent a 9 month tour flying in Korea.  In 1951, he was transferred back to Clovis, New Mexico where he was a multi-engine flight instructor.  In 1952, 1953, he was transferred to Seattle, Washington where he was in charge of the University of Washington’s ROTC program.

In 1954, he got back into pilot training.  At this time, he received training in the B-47.  The jet age had arrived.  He was then transferred to Topeka, Kansas, where he flew in the Strategic Air Command flying the B-47 and was a squadron commander.  Then in 1958 he was transferred to the missile business and stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, in California.  It was a short stay.  In 1959, he was transferred to the inspector general program located at Norton Air Force, in San Bernardino, California.  He served there until 1964, when he was transferred to Beal Air Force base at Marysville, California.  There he was deputy base commander.

In 1966, he retired from the USAF, having served 28 years, and participated in two wars as a pilot.  He definitely had a wonderful, full and well done career.  From 1966 on, he had a couple of jobs, but mainly spent his summers in Twisp, Washington, where he built a home next to the Twisp River.  He then spent winters in San Carlos, Mexico.  He finally settled in Mesa, Arizona for the winters and Show-low, Arizona in the summers.  Through the years he enjoyed several cruises and many visits to his kids.  Dad was so very well liked and loved by so many of us.  For certain he led a very full and noble life.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM, Monday, March 2, 2015 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa, Arizona.

Ruth Rasmussen Buchanan died peacefully at home on February 18, 2015 at the age of 68.  She was born to Arthur Price and Alice Houston Rasmussen in Price, Utah on April 1, 1946.  Because her birthday was on April Fool’s Day, she had a contagious sense of humor and brought joy to all her knew her.

Ruth grew up in Price. As Miss Carbon County in 1964, she had the honor of detonating the dynamite blast opening up the highway in Price Canyon for travelers going to Salt Lake City. She married Bruce Albert Buchanan of Helper, Utah, on July 1, 1967 in Salt Lake City. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 1, 1977.   They raised their six children in Las Cruces and Farmington, New Mexico. Recently she and Bruce made their home in Gilbert, Arizona.

Ruth was passionate about her family and helping others.  She was always in motion: cooking, serving, loving, and laughing.  While an amazing cook, (she was best known for her homemade baklava and ravioli) she preferred an open-faced peanut butter and jelly sandwich over all the delicious meals she expertly prepared.  Ruth had a deep love for and a strong testimony of Jesus Christ.  Her last words written to her grandkids serving LDS missions were, “It is only through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Savior that we will ever have eternal life.”

She is survived by her husband Bruce, beautiful daughters Heather (Bradford) Pack and Kristi (Jeffrey) Cutler, handsome sons Ryan (Rachel) Buchanan, Bevan (Amanda) Buchanan, Spencer (Kari) Buchanan, Adam (Lisa) Buchanan, siblings Dorothy (Glen) Hackwell, Helen (Tom) Platis, Art (Lanice) Rasmussen, and 21 grandchildren who knew her as Mimi, Christopher, Elise, Bruce, Alice Ruth, Johnathan, Annie Kate, Caroline, Sally Jane, Luke, Elle, Jane, Kate, Liam, Asher, Kingston, Savannah, Moirah, Cozette, Ryan, Beckham, and Max.  Her newest grandchild will be under her care until this summer.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the LDS Partridge Building, 4346 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, Arizona. A viewing will be held at the church on Friday from 6 – 8 p.m. and Saturday prior to the services from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

She will be interred at the Cliffview Cemetery, 2100 East 800 North, Price, Utah on Monday, February 23 at 11 a.m.

Doris Jean Babinchak Wem, 79, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2015.  She was born in Youngstown, OH on September 16, 1935, a daughter of Andrew and Ann Babinchak.  She graduated from Chaney High School in 1953 and was in food service at Lloyd Elementary School in Austintown for almost 10 years.  She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Ann Babinchak and her brother Andrew “Sonny” Babinchak.  Leaving behind to cherish her memory and family traditions are her devoted husband of 60 years, Robert Wem and three children: Cheryl (Richard) Camp of Richmond, VA, Darryl Wem of Youngstown, OH, and Jeannine (John) Cooper of Youngstown, OH; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister: Marlene (William) Cohol; sister-in-law: Grace Babinchak; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Doris Jean was raised at Saint John’s Lutheran Church and was married there 60 years ago November 6, 1954.  She and her husband later retired to Mesa, AZ.  She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed.  Family and friends will be received at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home Austintown Chapel at 4303 Mahoning Avenue on Friday, February 27 from 10 to 12 Noon with a memorial service to follow.  Memorial contributions can be made in Doris Jean’s name to the Disabled American Veterans of America.

William Michael Huso passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 surrounded by his family in Gilbert, AZ.  Mike was born in Winslow, AZ on November 19, 1940 and was an Arizona native.  The son of William and Irene Frost Huso, Mike is survived by his wife Sue Ann Barney, his four children, Scott (Michaela), Erik (Bridget), Amy Varney (Landon) and Sonja Dodge (Ben), and seventeen grandchildren.  He is also survived by his two sisters, Jani Huso Johnson (Bob) and Heidi Huso.

Mike was raised in Show Low, AZ, graduated from Snowflake High School and served a mission in Norway for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He married Sue Ann Barney and they will celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary this August.  He graduated from Arizona State University with a Masters degree in German and business.  He had many vocations, including owning the Auto Repair Company on North Val Vista in Mesa, was involved in land development and construction, and he taught high school for several years.  Mike was a man of integrity and compassion and a friend to all.  He loved God, he loved his country, he loved cars, music, anything 50’s, and most of all he loved his family.  He was the world’s greatest grandpa and will be missed by his grandchildren.

A viewing will be held February 20^th from 6-8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ.  Funeral Services will be Saturday February 21^st at 10am at the Val Vista Stake Center, 1005 N. Voyager Dr., Gilbert, AZ.

Robbie Cowley, 86, of Tempe, Arizona, passed away February 1, 2015, in Tempe, Arizona.  Services will be held Sunday February 22, 2015, at 2pm, at Friendship Village Health Center at 2525 East Southern Avenue in Tempe.

Sarah Mae Phillips, born September 21, 1920, passed away peacefully, February 10, 2015, at the age of 94, in Mesa, Arizona while in the loving care of Hospice.  She was born and raised in Safford, Arizona.  She married Samuel “Jiggs” Phillips in 1940.  They resided in Phoenix, Arizona with their three children, Vicki (Ron) Inman, Patty (Mike) Pierson, and Jim.  She was a homemaker, seamstress, artist, golfer, and hospital auxiliary worker.  She loved her family and was always helping them.  She was loved by many; including her 11 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.  She will always be loved and remembered and greatly missed.  Funeral services are Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 9:00 a.m., at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ.   Graveside service at Thatcher City Cemetery, at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.

Robert Ray Crum Jr. passed away Saturday morning February 7th 2015 surrounded by his family.  He leaves behind his sweetheart, Barbara of nearly 54 years, six children: RuthAnn Crum, Robert Crum (Julie), Cindy Lemon (Mike), Randy Crum (Shawna), Susan Cook (Justin), Ryan Crum (Jackie), 24 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. As a youth Robert was involved in as many sports as possible. He served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spanish-American Mission. After he returned from his mission, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.  Robert married Barbara Ann Bryce in the Mesa Temple in 1961 and set about raising a happy family.  He worked as a plumbing contractor for 30 years and with his brother, established a successful business.  Robert generously gave of his time and talents in diligent church service.  He had a special way of bringing work, service and fun together in order to benefit as many people as possible.  Robert was a kind and wonderful man who loved family and God and wore out his life in the service of both.  We will miss him dearly.  Robert is preceded in death by his parents Robert Ray Crum Sr. and Ruth Annie Smithson Crum and sisters Ruth Marie Crum, Norma Crum Arnett and Edna Mortensen.  All who wish to pay their respects are invited to a visitation on Friday, February 13th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, and again Saturday, February 14th, 9 AM at the LDS Kimball Stake Center, 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral service to immediately follow at 10 A.M. Interment will follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.

Sabin Sidney Wilson, 42, of Phoenix, Arizona; passed away on Feb. 6, 2015.  A visitation will be held at 6:00 pm, Friday, February 13, 2015 at 3623 N. Longmore Rd in Scottsdale.  A graveside service will be held at 9:00 AM, Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 E. Palm Lane in Scottsdale.

Cathleen Cline, nee Skank, age 53, passed away from complications of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Gilbert, Arizona on February 9, 2015 at the Banner Gateway Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Possessed of a determined, loving, intelligent, creative and caring nature, Cathy was good at finding the funny peccadilloes in life – telling “little Cathy” stories and jokes, she made fun with what life gave, “Laugh it up, fuzzballs!” Born in Ennis, Montana to David and Jynean Peterson Skank, Cathy grew up in McAllister, Montana where she enjoyed the wide open skies and countryside. Raised on a ranch, she was capable and talented – herding cattle on her horse Lancer. She won awards in 4H and was talented at sewing, drawing, and watercolor. She played percussion and piano in high school. She received her Associates at Rick’s College before serving an 18mo mission in San Diego, California. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she married Christopher Cline, her surviving husband in the SLC, Utah temple. A dedicated wife, daughter, and mother, she raised her four surviving “chickadees”—Zarissa, Greg, Emily, and Megan – homeschooling them many years and ensuring they all played an instrument while moving to a total of 11 different houses in 6 states across the U.S. during her marriage. She stayed close with her parents and sister Stacey (surviving) and brother Jeff (surviving) in Montana. Making every house a home with her care, laughter and love, she taught her children to take care of themselves physically and spiritually. Cathy’s focus in life was on being close to God and with her family.  She was active in church; she was a cub scout Den Mother, Primary President, Relief Society counselor, and Achievement Days leader. She always took time to listen and care for others despite becoming increasingly ill for 14 years. She underwent two stem cell transplants, frequent blood transfusions, and multiple bouts of chemotherapy. Cathy studied constantly – a voracious reader her whole life, “Oooh, interesting!” was a common phrase. With two green thumbs, every house had potted plants and a garden. Flowers, sunsets, nature’s creatures and beauties were her special delight. Devoted, she loved fiercely and gave all.

Thanks and love to family, friends, neighbors, doctors, and nurses who gave so much service and joy during her life, and especially her mother Jynean, who stayed with Cathy for months at a time throughout her illness.

Anne I Post (96) passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Mesa Christian Health & Rehabilitation Center. Anne was born in Joliet, Illinois on July 5, 1918 to Franciscus and Anna Zevec-Jevitz. The youngest of 4 children, Anne is preceded in death by her siblings, Lucille, Gertrude and Frank and her grandson Eric. A truly devoted and loving mother and grandmother, Anne is survived by her 4 children Luanne (Tom) Tonkovich, Terry (Caroline) Post, Tim (Debbie) Post and Tom (Maggie) Post; 8 grandchildren David, Joelle, Donovan, Amy, Tim, Lindsey, Marlo and Ali; 11 great-grandchildren Steven, Anthony, Arianna, Ethan, Peyton, Sebastian, Olivia, Max, Tristan, Sophia and Graham; 4 great-great grandchildren Adam, Emalee, Aubrey and Noah. Anne grew up in Chicago, where she attended school through 2 years of College as a drama student. After marrying, she resided in several states including Arizona, California, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Over the years, Anne was employed in many different types of work, but her final employment was as a Line Supervisor at Furr’s Cafeteria on Thomas Rd in Phoenix, AZ where she greeted and served customers with kind words and a beautiful and infectious smile. Many of these customers and fellow employees became dear friends. Anne made close and treasured friends wherever she lived and she was a faithful correspondent. She was an avid reader. She enjoyed playing cards and games, especially Bingo and Pokeno. She was active in church and community groups everywhere she lived. And she loved road trips, long and short. But her greatest joy in life was her family. A private Celebration of Life will be held in both Arizona and California. The family thanks Mesa Christian Health and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate and loving care in Anne’s last 2 ½ years.  The family suggests memorials in Anne’s name be sent to Mesa Christian Health and Rehabilitation, 255 W. Brown Rd, Mesa AZ 85201; Cat House on the Kings Animal Shelter, 7120 S. Kings River Rd, Parlier CA 93648-9720 or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Riggs Bryan Gibbons, 16, passed away on February 9, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born to Bryan and Auburn (Sherwood) Gibbons in Phoenix, Arizona on January 14, 1999. Riggs was a loving older brother to siblings Jaxen and Roxy. Riggs is survived by grandparents Sam and Vicki Sherwood, Duane and Janette Gibbons, and Valorie and David Haussman. Having been born with a congenital heart defect, Riggs spent 16 years defying medical odds, building faith, and bringing hope to his family and doctors. Riggs contracted an infection in his blood and because he was born without a spleen, he was unable to fight it. He will always be remembered as a young man with a contagious smile who loved life. Riggs was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he had a burning testimony of the gospel and his Savior. He wasn’t afraid to share his testimony and touched many lives by doing so. We are confident that Riggs was called home to his Heavenly Father to serve the mission he had spent his earthly life preparing for. Our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend will be dearly missed.  A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, February 13th with Funeral Services held at 10: 00 am, with a visitation 1 hour prior, Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1865 S. Higley Rd. in Gilbert, Arizona.