Find An Obituary

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.

Gary L. Davidson, 77, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2015 in Mesa, AZ. Gary led a very happy, fulfilling life devoted to his faith, family and providing service to those around him. He is survived by his wife Connie, and their children; Kirt, Wade, Vicki, Wendi, Mark, Cristi and 24 grandchildren, his brothers; Roger, Mike and Craig.

He enjoyed camping with his family and fishing with anyone, especially his wife; his greatest catch of all. The time he spent in the Idaho Fish and Game Dept. were some of the most fulfilling and rewarding years. He also valued the friendships that developed during his time as a realtor. He served an LDS mission at the age of 19 in the Western States Mission and with his eternal companion in the Montana Billings Mission. At the time of his death, he was serving as Stake Patriarch.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 6-8 PM at the Val Vista Ward Chapel, 745 N. Val Vista, Mesa, Arizona.  Funeral services will be Friday, January 30, 2015 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at the Mountain View Stake Center, 1550 N. Val Vista, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Menlo Dare Greer passed away on January 22, 2015. He had valiantly battled cancer for 14 years. He was born on January 29, 1929 in Shumway, Arizona. He grew up in Eagar, Arizona, but he spent much of his adult life in Scottsdale. He attended ASU where he played on the basketball team and earned his teaching degree in 1951. He married Barbara Turley in 1950 and they loved, and served together for 64 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents Riley Menlo Greer and Vera and Ben Slade and his great-granddaughter Kamberlie Larsen. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara, his children Mellonie (Larry) Grohman, Teri (Richard) Larsen, Leonard Dare (Julie) Greer, and Benjamin Arthur (Allison) Greer, and his sister Nadine Slade Trickey; 19 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren have looked up to this great patriarch.

He taught school, mostly in junior high, for many years in the Creighton School District and coached many teams. Later he worked as a basketball official for high school basketball games. He has been a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, worked at the Mesa Temple, and served two missions with Barbara as service missionaries.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 11 AM at the Scottsdale Stake Center, 2202 N. 74^th St., Scottsdale.  A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa.

Angel Moroni Rosales, departed this life on Thursday, Jan 22, 2015 at 7:37 PM surrounded by his loved ones. He shared 60 years of marriage with his sweetheart, Maria Floriza Rosales and was survived by their 9 children Angel Moroni Jr., Francisco Rosales, Maria Floriza Rodriguez, Eliseo Rosales, Samuel Hiram Rosales, Humberto Moises Rosales, Rosalva Rosales, Alina Larsen, and Raquel Burrell as well as their 44 grandchildren and 25+ great grandchildren.

In his 84 years of life, he blessed the lives of those he met. In his spare time he loved to serve in the House of the Lord as a temple worker. All who knew him felt of his warm spirit and inviting personality. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and cooking. He especially loved music and sharing his talent of singing.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 10:30 AM, preceded by a family viewing at 9:30 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Maplewood Ward Chapel, 18305 S. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Barnard, Gerald L. (Jerry) passed away at his home on January 20, 2015 after a short illness. Born Oct. 5, 1929 in Elkhart, IN to Glen & Beatrice (Smith), he married Rebecca Wright on June 10, 1950. He is survived by his sons, Gary (Cheryl) and Steven (Shirley) of Mesa, Bradley (Susan) of South Bend, IN and Randy (Pat) of Sturgis, MI, 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters, Flora Mae Phillips and Helen Minch and his Aunt Virginia Croel. He was preceded in death by his wife Becky, his parents, brother Charles, sister Barbara and grandson Shayne. Jerry proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1948-1968. After his retirement from the Air Force he worked at Labour Pump Co., Elkhart, IN and Talley Defense Systems, Mesa. He enjoyed his time with family, garage sales, bowling and fixing things for neighbors and friends. Viewing will be from 3-5 pm, Sun. Jan. 25 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University, Mesa, AZ.  Funeral Services will be at the same location on Mon., Jan. 26 at 11 am. Burial will follow at the Arizona National Cemetery in Phoenix at 1:30 pm.

Victoria Lee-Ann McClelland, age 47, passed away January 20, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85201. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the same location.

Grant Leroy Stapley, 81, passed away January 15, 2015 in Mesa, AZ. Visitation is Thursday, January 22, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Friday, January 23, 2015 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Evergreen Ward Chapel, 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Sheldon R. Cook, 53, passed from this life while surrounded by family in his home on January 20, 2015. He was born on August 29, 1961 in Moses Lake, WA, and spent most of his childhood in the Great Northwest where he attended Lake Oswego High School. Sheldon served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Adelaide, Australia Mission. Post-mission he met his wife, Kittrean Tanner, and they were married and sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS temple, November 6, 1986. Sheldon earned a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Business Administration. After graduation he spent seven years in the Indian Trade business in Farmington and Shiprock, New Mexico. Sheldon then moved his family to Gilbert, Arizona where he started and was a partner at a mortgage lending company. Later in his career, he became a successful real estate agent in the valley. Diagnosed with cancer in late 2008, Sheldon maintained high spirits during his six year battle and never slowed down, working up until five days before he died. Sheldon especially loved family, friends, tennis and papaya. He took pride in his children’s accomplishments and went out of his way to help neighbors and friends.

Those who wish to pay their respects are invited to a family and friends reception at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa on Friday, January 23rd, 6-8:00 pm.  The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 24th, 11:00 am at the LDS Chapel located at 2700 E. Guadalupe Road in Gilbert, Arizona. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Mary Frances Payne Hill, of Tempe, AZ passed away January 14, 2015 at the age of 80. Mary Frances was born December 29, 1934 in her grandmother’s home in Chandler, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents Ruby and Vernon E. Payne, also by her brother Robert. Mary Frances grew up and went to school in Gilbert, AZ, where she met the love of her life Bill Hill. They were married on August 2, 1952. She is survived by her husband Bill and four sons Mark, Mike (Wendy), Larry (Susan), Jerry; her brother Vernon (April) L. Payne of Gilbert, AZ and sister-in-law Mary Payne of Sunflower, AZ. Mary Frances was the proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was a homemaker and spent her life devoted to her family. Mary Frances was baptized into the Church of Christ at the age of 12. She was a member of the 8^th Street Church of Christ in Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Sheryl Ann LeSueur McCleve, 58, peacefully passed away on January 11, 2015 in Queen Creek, Arizona.  She was born to Kenneth and Phyllis (deceased) LeSueur in Fort Benning, Georgia and had a younger brother, Gary. After her mother passed away, her father married Elva Griffin and three more siblings were born: Rusty, Holly & Rand.  She loved being the big sister to all of her siblings.  She graduated from Westwood High School in 1974 and attended Mesa Community College where she received an emergency room technician certificate.  Her lifelong goal of being a wife and mother were realized in 1976 when she married Karl Reece McCleve in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple.  Four children soon followed: Rebecca (Seth) Traeger, Emily (Marc) Nunes, Jason McCleve & Taylor McCleve.  She was beloved by her 9 grandchildren: Parker, Madison, Austin, Colton, Kinsley, Kelcie, Kaylie, Bennett and Brycen. She was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Susan Wike.  Sheryl was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various church callings throughout her mortal life.  She will be remembered for her wonderful spirit of service and friendship.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 16, 2015, at Cortina 4^th Ward, 19413 S. Sossaman, Queen Creek, Arizona. A viewing will be held at 10:00 am prior to the services. Interment will be in the City of Mesa Cemetery.