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G.O Christopher, “Chris” was born Dec. 1922, and passed away 2/10/2015, at the age of 92.  Chris served his country in WWII in the Army Air Force.  His profession was that of an agricultural pilot (crop duster) for over 40 years.  He was an avid golfer and inventor of many devices, including an aerial applicator that placed him in the Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame.  He was married to his sweetheart Caryl Naylor for 69 years and together raised 4 children: Kent Christopher (Lynne), Carlene Dennison (Jerry, deceased), Koni Christopher, Cindy Cheney, deceased (Steve); survived by 17 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren.  Services will be Friday, Feb. 13^th at Noon, visitation at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 848 N. Westwood St. in Mesa, AZ.

Bracken Glenn Sevey, 39 years of age, passed away on January 31, 2015.  Always with a quick wit and friendly personality, Bracken was loved by all who knew him.  Bracken loved sharing the Gospel with everyone who was fortunate enough to get to know him.  Bracken was born to Gordon Delane Sevey and Nancy Gail (Brown) Sevey, in Mesa Arizona on November 7, 1975.  Along with four siblings, Rhonda, Perry, Nita, and Delanie, Bracken made the Sevey family complete.  Growing up in the Mesa area, Bracken was known by everyone.  From racquet ball to the Sherriff’s Explorer program, Bracken led a very active life early on.  Bracken lived a life serving others in the community as a Sherriff’s Deputy and area Vice President at Bank of America.  Bracken leaves behind three wonderful children, Wyatt, Walker, and Brianna, and 12 nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held Friday, February 13, 2015 at 10:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1415 E. Southern Rd., Mesa, AZ.

Loren Alva Cluff was born on September 27, 1919, in Webb, AZ to parents, Mary Hazel Porter and David Nelson Cluff.  He was the 6^th child in the family of 8.  However, he ended up being the youngest because his two younger siblings (twins) died when they were young.  His mother also died shortly after giving birth to the twins when Loren was not yet 2 years old.   Only 4 siblings survived their childhood and they ended up being raised by other family members and friends.  Loren lived with his maternal grandparents and some very dear friends after his mother died and then with his father.

Loren was bright and skipped a couple of grades in school so he graduated from the 8^th grade when he was only 11 years old.  His father came and got him and he worked and lived with his Dad in the Santa Rita Mountains looking for an old gold mine.  Loren learned to shoe the horses and burros at the store/dude ranch where they would buy their groceries.  He got his first full-time job at 15 years old at the store doing chores and working in the store.  He lived in the guest cabin next door.  He had the opportunity to stay with a family in Tucson and attend school.  His dad was against it – he wanted him to remain with him and work with him to find the old mine, but after 5 years, Loren decided on his own that his dad was never going to find the gold, so he decided to go back to school.  Loren started at Roskruge Jr High in 1935-36.  Had a part time job all year and also sang and played the guitar in a Cowboy Band.  In 1936-38 worked with older brother Marvin in the wholesale produce business.  Loren graduated from the 9^th grade and then later took the GED tests and a correspondence course in US History and received his HS graduation in 1949.  Entered San Jose State University and by 1954 had received a BA degree and a General Secondary Teaching Credential in Spanish and Business Education.   He taught high school one year (1954-55) then went in the roofing business for 2 years.  In l958, Loren received his Masters in Teaching and taught high school for the next 11 years.  From teaching he went into HS counseling.  He did his postgraduate work at Stanford University and received a General Pupil Personnel Credential from San Jose State University.  Retired from Counseling in 1977 and went back into sales:  roofing, real estate, then retired in 1981.

Loren served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in the Spanish American Mission from 1939-1941 (2 ½ years).   He was drafted into the Army in 1942 when he got home from his mission.  He served for almost 4 years.  During his army service he trained and worked as a company clerk overseas and often drove a jeep.

Loren married Viola Finn in 1942, but later divorced.   They had 3 children together:  Myrna Merriman (deceased), Dennis Cluff (Beverly) and Nancy Duckworth (Brian).

Loren married Trudy Duncan in 1956 and they had 3 children together:  Debbie Woodland (Carl), Bev Hiatt (Lamoyne) and Sue Cenatiempo (Scott).

Loren enjoyed music.  He played E flat alto sax and clarinet in the Babe Vindiola Orchestra.  He played the clarinet in the military band while serving in the army and he also sang and played the guitar in the Kaler’s Cowboy Band as a teenager.  He loved to lead the music in Priesthood meeting well into his 90’s.  He was often asked to sing and play his guitar at many church events.  And we could often persuade him to get out his guitar and just sing and play for his family.

Loren enjoyed hunting and was involved in the deer hunt just about every year until he retired.  He also enjoyed fishing in lakes or the ocean and he caught everything from lake trout to a 63 lb. halibut.  Loren, Trudy and family did a lot of tent camping and trailer camping and traveling over the years.  They liked nothing better than to get in their pickup and pull their trailer all over the country to visit their kids, grandkids and the many friends they had.

Loren and Trudy served 2 missions after they retired – one to Tampico, Mexico (1985-86) and the other to San Antonio, TX (1989-90).  Loren and Trudy relocated to AZ in their later years to be closer to family.  Loren’s beloved wife Trudy passed away June of 2014, just days short of their 58^th wedding anniversary.

Loren is survived by 4 daughters and a son, their spouses, 25 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

This is a poem that was found in Loren’s things:

“Don’t Weep Over Me” Don’t weep over me, nor shed any tears – When my time is up on this Earthly Sphere. My soul has fled through ethereal space. To its eternal home of love and grace. My Friends are all waiting there, To greet me and their Joys to share. By Elder Shaffer Salt Lake City

John Joe Elliott, 77, passed away January 30, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at the LDS Copper Basin Ward Chapel, 29419 S. Desert Willow Blvd., San Tan Valley, AZ, 85143. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.

Ramona Bell Glauser, 86, rejoined her beloved husband of sixty-six years, Russell, on January 30, 2015. She was surrounded by family and friends and passed peacefully at home. Ramona was born in Bristow, Nebraska on January 28, 1929. She was the second child and only daughter of George H. Bell and Emma Zillis Bell. A precocious child, she started first grade at the age of four and skipped the third grade. In 1939 Ramona and her family relocated to Logan, Utah where her parents bought a dairy farm and Ramona learned the value of hard work. At the age of ten, Ramona was introduced to and baptized into the LDS church. In 1946, she graduated from Logan High and continued her education at Utah Agricultural College where she met Russell O. Glauser. They were married on December 22, 1948 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. During their sixty-six year marriage, Ramona gave birth to four daughters and one son and ably supported her husband in many capacities. While pregnant with her first child, she worked as a waitress at Glauser’s Café in Logan as Russell finished his undergraduate degree. After his acceptance into dental school in Cleveland, Ohio, Ramona continued to help support the family by taking a job as executive secretary to the Vice President of American Monorail. After dental school, the family spent two years in Flandreau, South Dakota and later moved to Brigham City, Utah where Ramona enjoyed being a wife and homemaker. In 1961 the family moved to Rochester, New York for her husband’s orthodontic training, then returned to Brigham City, Utah where he continued his dental career with Ramona working beside him as an orthodontic assistant. These were some of her happiest years as she made lifelong friends and was very busy with family, work, social and church activities. In 1970 the family moved to Mesa, Arizona where Ramona again formed many lasting friendships and took an active role in her husband’s orthodontic practice. Ramona served in a variety of church callings but is probably best remembered for her musical talents in leading the singing. She and Russ had lovely singing voices and participated in several church choirs both in Utah and in Arizona. Ramona was also very talented in needlecrafts and her quilts, afghans and baby blankets adorn the homes of innumerable family and friends.

Ramona was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Harry and eldest daughter Diane Aker Campbell. She is survived by brothers Don Bell, Gerald Bell, children Sandi Glauser (Sheila Mosher) Cheri Christensen (Bob), Marci Shill (Rolland) and James R. Glauser (Cathy), 19 Grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday, February 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the LDS chapel, 3920 E. Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be held at the same building on Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 a.m. preceded by a visitation at 9:00 a.m. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Born October 25, 1935 in Pocatello, ID, passed away January 29, 2015, in Mesa, AZ.  Hoyt, son of J. Bryan and Arilla Blackhurst and brother of B. Kent and Dennis P. Blackhurst, who preceded him in death, is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Kathy, children Holly, Suzy, (Scott) Perkinson, Bruce (Misti), Betsy (Scot) Rigby, Dennis (Thelissa); 24 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Rose Mary Blackhurst.

A graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Utah School of Law, Hoyt worked in the insurance industry, retiring from the legal department of Scottsdale Insurance Company in 2000.  An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many capacities and he and Kathy served a full-time mission at church headquarters in Salt Lake City.  He loved his church, his family, golf, sports, movies and books.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Thurs., February 5, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa and from 9:00-9:45 AM on Friday, February 6, 2015, prior to funeral services at 10:00 AM at the Mesa East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ.

Julia Kathleen LaBarr, 52, passed away January 27, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 6:00 PM at the Gila River Indian Community, District #5 Service Center, Casa Blanca Road, Casa Grande, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 8:00 AM at the Vah-Ki Cemetery, Bapchule, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel

Jerry Eugene Morris, 58, of Queen Creek, Arizona passed away on January 29, 2015 in Gilbert, Arizona.  He was born in Ventura, California on June 10, 1956.  Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon with a visitation 1 hour prior; Saturday, February 7, 2015 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Creekside Ward, 21915 E. Cloud Rd. in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Donald B. Hossack, 87 was called home to heaven on January 29^th, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born to Emin and Stella Hossack in Thamesford, Ontario, Canada in 1927.  He worked on his family’s farm until he joined the Royal Canadian Navy at age 17.  He served on the aircraft carrier HMCS Warrior in the Atlantic.  Upon his return from the navy, he married his sweetheart, Doris Fennell.  In Canada, he was employed at Wallace Brothers Lumber and was active in civic service as Reeve (Mayor) and Warden of Oxford County (County Supervisor), as well as a manager of a local hockey team.  In 1963, Don, Doris and sons Chris and Duncan immigrated to Arizona, where he began working for O’Malley Lumber Company, where he worked until he retired in 1990.  Don and Doris added two more children, Dianne and David, to their family in Arizona.  Don was very active in community and civic service in Arizona. He was past president of the Mesa Baseline Rotary Club, board member of the Mesa United Way and the YMCA, served in many positions at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and was a member of the Mesa Country Club, where he loved to play golf. Don is survived by his wife Doris, his children Christopher (Judy), Duncan (Randee), Dianne (Kevin), David (Jennie). Grandchildren Heather (Eric), Chad (Liz), Heath (Catie), Geoff, Jaimee (Rock), Cody (Lacy), Cailey (Sean), Talan, Duncan A., Cory, and Liam; Great-Grandchildren Chelsea, Connor, Ethan, Carlee, Elizabeth and Dalton;  Brother Larry (Patricia) of Canada, Sisters-In-Law Mary Warnock and Ruth Wallace, and many nieces and nephews whom he adored. A memorial service will be held Saturday February 7^th, 2015 at 11AM, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 322 N. Horne St., Mesa, AZ 85203. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Don’s favorite charities: St. Mark’s Episcopal Samaritan Fund or The Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band, P.O. Box 21032, Mesa, AZ 85277. Bunker’s University Chapel handled the arrangements.

Katharine M Crosier-Barker, 55, of Phoenix, AZ left this world January 23^rd 2015.  Also known by some as Nana McNannerson, will be dearly missed by many.  She is survived by most, including her Husband: Richard L Barker; Mother: Oma J Crosier; Children: James, Michael and Bobbi Furlong.  She is also remembered by her 3 Nieces and 7 Grandchildren.  Majority of all living in the Phoenix Metro Area.  Services are being held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa, this Friday 1/30 at 6pm.

Last Wednesday morning, the 28^th of January 2015, Beth Keith Carter quietly and peaceably passed from this life into eternal life surrounded by several of her loving family members. She had been living at the Horizon Acute Medical and Rehab Center of Glendale, Arizona.

Beth Cluff’s life began on the 6th of July 1920, in the beautiful little Round Valley of Colonia Garcia in Old Mexico. She loved this beautiful valley, which was one of several Mormon Mexican Colonies the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints created to help Mormon families of that Era. She loved the outdoors and spent lots of her free time in the meadows and forests of the surrounding area.

She was Mother, Grand Mother, Great Grandmother and Great-Great Grand Mother to many of her posterity, as she lived many years and was able to get to know even some of her Great-Great Grand Children. At 94 she was the Matron of her Cluff Family. She stood alone as the sole remaining member of her large family as all of her siblings and parents preceded her in passing to their eternal lives.

Beth played basketball in high school at the Colonia Juarez Academy in Mexico as a Forward, and she would say, “No one scored against me.” She loved to play the piano and took lessons at an early age. She often would entertain her family members with her playing and some of the grandkids still talk of playing Chop Sticks with her.

Her family moved from the Mexican Colonies, when she was 17, to the little town of Pima, Arizona. She loved Pima, and it’s was there she graduated from Pima High School. Shortly after graduation she was “convinced” to marry the love of her life, Marland B. Carter, “who’s family had a brand new car”, she would say. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on the 6^th of June in 1939. They lived for a short time in Safford, Arizona until work had them move to other places in Arizona and New Mexico. To this marriage two sons were born, Donald and Jeffry Lynn. Beth later married Norman McGlocklin and to this union was born Michael and Patty.

She leaves three living children, Don (Pilar), Jeff (Barbara) and Patty (Eric Laird) as Michael preceded her into eternal life. She leaves many grand and great grand and great- great grand kids. She was deeply loved by many, and she gave love to many. Beth lived a very full life and touched many lives for good.

She is at peace.

Marjorie A Moody was born in Minot, North Dakota on October 21, 1929.  She passed away on January 27, 2015 in Chandler, Arizona.

Marge was married to John R. Moody in Ogden, Utah, October 30, 1948.  She lived in Ogden and St. George, Utah before retiring to Phoenix, Arizona area.

Marge is proceeded in death by her parents and her husband John Moody.

She is survived by her three children: Janet M. Ritchie (Gene), Clifford G. Moody (Alicia), and Keith Moody (Peggy).  She is also survived by her Grandchildren: Jason Ritchie (Donna), Steven Ritchie (April), John Moody (Olivia Forsse), Robert Moody and Sarah Moody.  She has Great Grandchildren: Makayla Ritchie, Austin Ritchie and Hendrix Moody.  Marge is also survived by her sisters: Marilyn Gehri (Mike) and Marlene Squatrito.  Also special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Thanks to Hospice of the West and the staff of Solterra Senior Living for the loving care of our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Sister.

We have always loved you and always will.  Never to be forgotten.

On January 26, 2015, Christine Marie Klein McLaws left this mortal life. She is survived by her loving husband Andrew, daughter Aleece, son-in-law Nathan Martinez, granddaughter Elena, sons Brady, Porter and Trevor, parents John and Marta Klein, sister Sabrina Vance, and brothers David and Michael Klein. In 45 years she lived her life to the fullest. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lived to serve others and did so valiantly. Christine was an extraordinary woman who was not only devoted to her faith, but devoted to friends and especially family. She is a beloved wife and mother, cherished sister, precious daughter, amazing grandmother and a treasured friend.

All who wish to pay their respects are invited to a visitation on Friday, January 30^th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, and again Saturday, January 31^st at 9 AM, at the LDS Skyline Stake Center, 10305 E. Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ. Funeral service to immediately follow at 10 AM. Christine will be laid to rest at the Mesa City Cemetery. She will forever be remembered by the lives that we live, as she touched and influenced so many people in so many ways – God be with you ‘til we meet again.

Norma Johnson McBrayer, born February 18, 1922, was called home Sunday, January 25, 2015 at the age of 92. Norma was born in Chandler, Arizona and passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace France Johnson and Susan Cornelia Scott Johnson, her husband, James Leroy McBrayer, and all 11 of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her three children Joan (John) Collins, David (Pat) McBrayer, and Carl (Pattie) McBrayer, her 13 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. Norma was known for being a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Norma grew up in the Mesa and Lehi areas. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1941. During World War II she worked at a defense factory in Goodyear, Arizona building airplanes for the war. In 1945, she was working as a waitress at the Waldrof Café where she met her husband. They courted for 3 months and were married on January 23^rd 1946 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

After the devastating loss of her eternal companion in 1973, she reentered the work force full time. She had several jobs and eventually retired in 1986 from Havasu Regional Hospital. Throughout her life, she lived in Arizona, California, and Georgia.

Norma had many talents that blessed her family. She was an excellent seamstress and spent countless hours sewing for her family. In addition, she was always working on handiwork projects such as embroidery or crochet. She learned how to decorate cakes and enjoyed sharing that talent with her family.

Most of all, Norma has left a legacy of faith, determination, and persistence for her family to follow. We have been truly blessed to have been acquainted with our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at the Citadel Care Center for their loving care over our mother for the past several years. Thank you for the love, care, and compassion you showed her.

Her funeral services were held Friday, January 30^th at 4 PM. Funeral arrangements were made by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Ralph Ivan Chaffee, age 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, January 26, in Mesa, AZ.  He was born March 17, 1926 in Sunrise, Platte County, Wyoming, the third child of Ralph Crawford Chaffee and Clara Hester (Allen) Chaffee.  He was preceded in death by his wife Ruby Ardis (Payton), his sister Helen and brother Dale.  He is survived by sons David Lee (Ann) of Mesa and Bryan Dee (Jan) of Oldsmar, Florida, five grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Ralph was tall (6’2”) and strong, and used his strength to serve all around him.  He could fix and build anything.  He built his family’s first home in Riverton, Wyoming.  He served honorably in the Army Air Corp in WWII on Ascension Island in the Atlantic.  His passion in life, besides his family, was flying.  He learned to fly as a teenager and after the war was employed as a commercial general aviation pilot.  He was an air ambulance pilot, flew for the fish and game department, and for the Forest Service over forest fires.  He always had an airplane story to tell.  He owned a gas station in Riverton, Wyoming and after moving to Kingman, AZ in 1965, he worked for Duval Mines as a heavy equipment operator.  He drove 18 wheelers throughout the US.  In 1977 he and his wife joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He served in many capacities including three bishoprics and as branch president of the Peach Springs Branch. He and his wife Ruby filled a full-time mission in the Arcadia, California Mission and served for many years as ordinance workers in the St. George and Las Vegas Temples.  In 2002 Ralph and Ruby moved from Kingman to Mesa to live with Dave and Ann and receive help with Ruby’s failing health.  In Mesa, Ralph held callings in the ward and served friends and ward members by driving them to appointments and shopping.  He always had several people he was helping.  His granddaughter remembers him as “a gentle Giant”, and a grandson called him “the strongest man I ever knew.”

Funeral services for Ralph will be held at the LDS chapel on 2835 E. Des Moines in Mesa, on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at 11 A.M.  A viewing will be held beginning at 10:00 A.M.  He will be interred in the Mesa Cemetery.

DASE- John Edward, Originally from Buffalo, NY, passed away January 25, 2015 at Lund Family Hospice Home in Gilbert, AZ, at the age of 85 after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Rita Louise Mootz Dase, parents John E. Dase and Charlotte Neureuter, and daughter Nancy Jean. Mr. Dase was the beloved father of Linda Daily, Oak Island NC; Connie Rayner, Sun Lakes, AZ; Karin Shaughnessy, Bay Village, OH; Cheryl Roberson, North Ridgeville, OH; Lori Tabares, Emporia, KS; Larry Dase, Kennesau, GA; John A. Dase, Chandler, AZ; Kathy Stephens, Queen Creek, AZ; Kim Hathaway, Doylestown, PA. His sister Jane Duewiger, Hamburg, NY and brother Richard Dase, Angola, NY survive him. He was very proud of his 24 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was a devoted father, who dedicated exceptional time and talent to his churches serving as Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Emporia, KS; Hope Presbyterian Church, Wheaton, IL., Presbyterian Kirk in the Pines, Hot Springs Village, AR; Good News Presbyterian Church, Gilbert, AZ.  He shared his vibrant tenor voice throughout his life in churches and community productions. He was a 32^nd degree Mason and member of the Shriners contributing his leadership especially to the Royal Arch Masonic Lodge in Lackawanna, NY. Alongside his wife Rita, he proudly served the Order of the Eastern Star as Patron of Salome Chapter, Buffalo, NY and Grand Patron. He served in the US Navy Reserves from June 1948-June 1953.  He retired as a lifetime employee of Interstate Bakeries in 1992. Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm on January 29 at University Chapel, 3529 E. University, Mesa, AZ followed by a memorial service at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley 1982 E. Woodside Court, Gilbert AZ 85297.