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Hazel June Grant Sandberg, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2015 in her home surrounded by her family. Junie to most of her family and friends, loved making her 23 grandchildren feel welcome at their traditional Sunday afternoon visits with a full cookie jar and ice cream cones. Her walls filled with portraits, snapshots and photo albums attested to her devotion to her family.
A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she was called with her husband Carl to serve in the Mesa Arizona Temple for over 20 years. Her favorite assignment was welcoming and escorting the new brides.
She was born in Brigham City, Utah to Howard Eldredge Grant and Emily Hazel Howard on May 30, 1921. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Hyrum Carl Sandberg, brother Joey H. Grant (La Kaye), daughter Connie Lee (Daniel). son Jaren G. Sandberg (Melinda), son Scott E. Sandberg (Faye), 23 grandchildren and 62 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Hyrum Carl Sandberg III (Barbara), parents and six siblings.
Viewing will be from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way. Funeral Services will be held at 10 am at the McDowell Chapel, 7752 E. McDowell, Mesa. Family viewing at 9 am. Internment at 12:00 at Mountain View Cemetery on 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ.
Barbara Ann Hill, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in her Mesa, Arizona home on January 9, 2015. Barbara was born August 15, 1931 in Lansing MI to Charles and Bessie Chenoweth. She studied business and sang in the choir at Lansing Eastern High School. After graduation in 1949, she married Richard Dean Hill, her husband of 65 years. They began their married life on the Hill family farm in Ithaca, had two sons and moved to Lansing in 1956 where their daughter was born. The family moved to Jackson in 1965 and then to Adrian in 1969. Barbara worked as a bookkeeper for a jeweler and a men’s clothier in Jackson and later as a secretary at Dura Corporation and Adrian College before retiring with her husband to Mesa, Arizona in 1985. Her faith was woven into the fabric of her life. Christ was the focus. She began each morning in bible study and worship, met her husband at Church of God youth camp in St Louis, MI, taught her children by example, led adultSunday School classes and bible studies for over 30 years and held several statewide offices in the women’s groups in both Michigan and Arizona. Always active and curious, she read a great deal, visiting most states in the US and traveling once to the Holy Land and twice to Europe. Barbara was a self-taught computer user and avid genealogy researcher. She was also a life-long music lover and has passed that passion on to her children. The consummate hostess, Barb loved to entertain in her home and she was famous for her cinnamon tea rings. The family will always be grateful to the loving folks at Banner Hospice who provided such wonderful care for Barb and for all of us. Barbara is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard Hill of Mesa AZ, son Barry Hill (Melissa) of Whittier CA, son Melzor Hill (Patricia) of Apollo Beach, FL and daughter Renee Lucci (Robert) of Gilbert AZ, brother Donald Chenoweth (Lori) of Lexington KY, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Viewing Friday January 16 from 6-8pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University, Mesa. Service – Saturday January 17 at 1:00pm, East University Church of God, 6630 E. University, Mesa
Andrew Marcus Boni, 29, passed away January 8, 2015 in Coolidge, Arizona. Wake Services will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 6:00 PM at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona. Burial will be Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Salt River Cemetery, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
Janet Cheryl Wilson Thornton, 70, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on January 3, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Janet leaves a legacy of consistent service, personal courage and strength to her family and fellow church members. She was married for 44 years to her husband Peter, who passed away in August. Janet is the mother of five children, Kyle, Amy, Neal, Brent, and Lisa, and is the grandmother of twenty-one grandchildren. A viewing will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel from 6-8 PM.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 10 AM at the LDS Chapel located at 848 N. Westwood, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be directed toward either the LDS Perpetual Education Fund, or the Mesa United Way.
Harold John Harris, 99, of Scottsdale, Arizona; passed away on January 6, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 20, 1915. A Memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 12, 2015 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona
Peter Dennis Matheson, 69, passed away surrounded by friends and family on Jan 5, 2015. He was born in Cranston, Providence, Rhode Island on October 12, 1945 and spent his early years in Barrington. At age 12, his family moved to Arizona. He graduated from MHS and served as student body president of MCC before entering the US Navy. After an honorable discharge, he worked as an airline pilot. Peter is survived by his children: Shelly (Mike) Beutler, Kim (Clancey) Fox, Aaron (Robyn) Matheson, Dené (TK) Schiefer, Sara (Jess) Maier, 23 grandchildren and his beloved dog, Teddy; siblings: Arnold Matheson, Debby (Jerry) Porter, Sue Anne (Don) Echols, and sister-in-law Pauline Matheson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mildred (Buckless) Matheson, brother, Raymond, and son, Quinn.
A funeral will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11:00AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201, with a viewing 1 hour prior to services.
Loreine Turley Despain passed away on Monday, January 5, 2015 in Mesa at the age of 78. She was born February 8, 1936 in Woodruff, AZ to Wallace Mar and Margaret Wimmer Turley. Loreine graduated from Mesa High School, then attended college at Dixie State as well as BYU. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Isles, serving in England, Wales, and Scotland. Loreine married Robert Lee Cusick June 29, 1963 in Mesa. He was serving in the US Airforce at Williams Field. They then served at Rosieres-en-Haye, France where she taught the servicemen’s children school and gave birth to her first two children, Ivan and Warren. Later, two more children, Julianne and Gary were born in Mesa while Robert was away serving in Thailand and Japan. This marriage later ended. After being single for 5 years, Loreine married Claude Henry Despain March 12, 1982 in Mesa. With this marriage a family of 14 was created. The next years were spent continuing to raise the children from both spouses. Then for several years, they operated a Post Office Substation in East Mesa.
She was an active member of her church and Relief Society and faithfully served in many positions throughout her life. She enjoyed cooking, and would always share her treats with others and especially children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Claude and her children: Ivan, Warren (Nickie), Julianne Orren, and Gary (Audra); her Step-children: Annette (Ron) Smith, Pat Jensen, Laura (Nathan) Burk, Brenda (Ed) Thompson. She is also survived by her brothers: Alan and Wayne Turley, 38 grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Her parents preceded her in death, along with her sisters Ella Mae Judd and Donna Turley; step-sons: LaMar, Carl, Calvin, and Dean Despain, and grandsons Nathaniel Orren and Ira Jensen. Funeral services will take place Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 10 am with a viewing from 9 to 9:45 at the Mesa South Stake Center located at 2334 East Pueblo Ave, Mesa. Friends may visit at the Bunker Garden Chapel located at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Friday, January 9 from 6 to 8 PM. Interment will be at Mesa City Cemetery.
Harry Leavenworth Stanton III passed away on January 3, 2015 at age 88 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on May 30, 1926 to Harry Jr. and Lucille Stanton in Detroit, Michigan. Surviving him are his wife: Lane (Bryant); children: David, Robin, Kathleen, and Timothy; ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and brothers: Richard and Thomas (Llewellyn). He was a WWII veteran, machine-tool builder, and small business owner. He enjoyed sketching, painting, hiking, volunteering, and traveling. Visitation and Vigil, will be held Friday, January 9, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa (480) 830-4105. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal church, 322 N. Horne, Mesa, at a later date. Interment at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona; 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024. In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.
Delbert Lamar “Duffy” Nielsen, 89, passed away December 27, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona with his family by his side. He was born November 13, 1925 in St. Johns, Arizona. He was the 14th child of Fred and Mary (Holgate) Nielsen. As a child he never visualized his life other than being on the ranch. Duffy proudly served his country when World War II broke out. He enlisted in the Coast Guard which was under the direction of the US Navy in 1943. He was honorably discharged on November 21, 1945 at the end of the war. He joined the Naval Reserve from June 1947 through April 1955. Duffy met and married Mary Josephine Lindsey on October 25, 1946. After Mary Jo passed away in February 1983 he retired from the Mesa Police Department after 25 years of service. He then met and married Louise R. Adams, October 21, 1983.
He is survived by his wife, Louise R. Nielsen, his sister, Christeen Hall, daughters, Sandra Shaffer (Jim), Jacque Long (Jerry), and son, Del Nielsen Jr (Irene), 16 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm, Friday at Bunkers University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday at the Mesa South Stake Center, 2334 E Pueblo Ave., Mesa. Burial will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery, Brown Rd. and Center.
Joseph Michael “Mikey” Allred, 19, of Queen Creek, Arizona, passed away very peacefully December 26, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born July 14, 1995 in Provo, Utah and was the youngest of six children. Mikey had the natural ability to make you laugh and had a heart of gold. He was a friend to all and will be missed greatly.
Mikey is survived by his parents, Steve and Cheryl Allred, sisters Nikki Dopp (Bryce), Jenna Michael (Gary) and Sara Randall (Brick); brothers Danny and Davey, as well as 11 nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2015 at the LDS Church at 19413 S Sossaman Rd, Queen Creek, Arizona. The service begins at 10:00 am, preceded by a vistation at 9:00 am. Interment following the services will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Arrangements handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.
Mrs. Nancy Garland, age 87, of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Hopkinsville, KY, passed away on December 24th, 2014 of natural causes.
Visitation services will be on Friday evening, January 2nd, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, located at 33 North Centennial Way, in Mesa, AZ.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 3rd, 2014 at College View Baptist Church, located at 1810 South Longmore, in Mesa, AZ. , with Pastor Mitch McDonald officiating.
Mrs. Garland was born on September 2nd, 1927 in Big Meadow, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Elliott P. Gibbs and Katie (Killebrew) Gibbs. She attended Bethel College, in Hopkinsville, KY and performed as Managing Bookkeeper for a variety of businesses in Hopkinsville, including the U.S. Government Housing Authority.
Mrs. Garland also served, on a volunteer basis, as a Western Kentucky Regional Secretary for the Reverend Billy Graham during special events and as bookkeeper and secretary for the Casa De Amor Mission in Mesa, AZ. Mrs Garland was a faithful member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, KY and later College View Baptist Church, in Mesa, AZ.
Mrs. Garland was preceded in death by her first husband, Stanley Mason, Jr. in 1977, a World War II Veteran and a U.S. Government Employee, and later, her second husband, Jack Garland in 2002. Mrs. Garland had two sisters and two brothers, although she is survived only by her younger sister, Betsy Walton, of Hopkinsville, KY. Her survivors also include three sons, Ronald G. Mason, of Mesa, AZ, James H. Mason, of Hopkinsville, Ky. and David W. Mason , of San Tan Valley, AZ. Mrs. Garland is also survived by four grandchildren, Andrew and Aaron Mason, of Hopkinsville, Ky. , Tara Draper, of Goodyear, AZ. and Matthew Mason, of San Tan Valley, AZ.
Expressions of sympathy may be made at Bunker Family Funeral Home, located at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa AZ. 85201.
Eugene Richard Brauer was born May 24, 1936 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to J. Fred Brauer Sr. and Edna Snelling Brauer. Eugene passed away on December 26, 2014 at the age of 78 in Phoenix, Arizona. Eugene was married to Martha Ann Wasson on April 14, 1956. Martha preceded Eugene in death on August 10, 2006. He was also preceded in death by his brother John F. Brauer Jr. and sister Katherine Purdue of Colorado Springs. Martha and Eugene celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by taking a cruise to Panama in April 2006. Eugene is survived by a daughter Marla Briggs (Spence), and a son Benjamin (Heidi), and 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Eugene has been an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since January 1962, serving in many church positions including Scout Master, Elders Quorum President, Bishop Counselor, Bishop (twice), a counselor in the Stake Presidency, High Priest Quorum Leader, Stake Young Men’s Leader, Ward and Stake Employment Specialist, and as an Ordinance Worker at the Mesa Temple, a position he loved dearly. Eugene graduated from the University of Colorado, in 1959, with a B.S. Degree in Engineering. Eugene began his engineering career in California working for the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. Eugene later went to work as a Consulting Engineer in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Arizona with one firm for over forty-two years. The name of the same company changed over the years from Nelson, Haley, Patterson and Quick (NHPQ) to ARIX and finally Versar. Eugene was a devoted husband to Martha, father, grandfather, and friend and will be greatly missed. Eugene also spent many years of his life in Arizona, designing municipal swimming pools. Eugene designed just about every municipal swimming pool in the Phoenix Valley. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at the Miller Ward building, 933 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ. Viewing will be held an hour prior to funeral services at 10 AM. Graveside services will be 12:30 PM on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015 in Colorado Springs @ Colorado Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 S. Hancock. Family suggests donations to the Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Joseph Michael Allred, 19, passed away December 26, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2014 at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Remington Ward Chapel, 19413 S. Sossaman Road, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.
Stephen Leonard Ray, 65, passed away December 22, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at the LDS Centennial Ward Chapel, 422 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
Camilo Rojas, age 94, passed away December 18, 2014 in Gilbert, Arizona. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 21, 2014 at 4:00 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85213.
Irvin Monroe Howard, Jr., age 59, passed away on December 11, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. A graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 9 AM at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona.
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