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Mary Joan Goodman Barber, known as “Nana” by so many, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on December 11, 2014 in Gilbert, Arizona. She led a very happy, fulfilled life with family and friends. On May 4, 1950 she married Joseph Alexander Barber Jr. and they were happily married over 61 years raising their four children; Mary Ann Parry (Dennis), Phyllis Carlene Weberg (Don), JoAlice Garbrick (Bob) and David Allen Barber (Belinda). She has 26 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her eternal companion Joseph and two grandsons, Joseph and Jacob. As a family they all enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and loved the outdoors. They eventually became campground hosts and purchased a home in Springerville. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints they served several missions at the Mesa Family History Center.

A viewing will be held Friday, December 19th from 6-8 PM at the Gilbert Ward building, 1150 W. Elliot Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85233. The funeral will be at 10 AM Saturday, December 20th at the same location with a viewing prior at 9 AM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Dr. George N. Smith, 87, Mesa resident and longtime Arizona educational leader, passed away on December 10, 2014 after suffering a serious fall at his home.  Up to that day, George was physically healthy, mentally sharp, and fiercely independent. He lived his life to the fullest and touched the lives of thousands through his accomplishments as an educator, his public service, and his love of people.

George was born on February 11, 1927 in Safford, Arizona, the third son and youngest child of Howard and Lillie Smith, who had moved to the neighboring town of Thatcher from Kentucky in the early 1920’s after Howard was gassed in WWI.  He graduated from Thatcher High School in 1944. George excelled in all sports in high school, and was recognized as one of the finest basketball players in the state during his era.  In his early teens, he was deeply impacted by the death of his older brother and hero James, who was killed in action in the Philippines early in WWII.  This moved George to enlist in the U.S. Army and become a paratrooper, even though he could have received an exemption from service.  He was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia when the war ended.  After completing his Army service, George returned to Arizona to attend Gila College for a short while and to marry Mary Alice Ellsworth from Safford. They were wed June 3, 1947 in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple, and began a partnership whose earthly portion would last more than 57 years.  George and Mary Alice were soon headed to the University of Utah, where George studied engineering and played basketball for the national powerhouse Runnin’ Utes.  George reveled in his time at Utah, especially the annual road trip the team took to play before the large crowds and national press at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Later in college, he changed his major from engineering to education, which set the stage for a long career serving the children of Arizona.  George played basketball well enough at Utah to earn an offer to play for the Boston Celtics of the then fledgling National Basketball Association.  However, the NBA at that time was part-time work that paid slightly less than a job as a head teacher, so George turned down the opportunity to go to Boston, and instead moved with Mary Alice and new daughter Diana to the small farming town of Arlington, Arizona where he became head teacher/principal of the area school.  He was only 22 years old.

After four years in Arlington, George accepted the job of superintendent of the Flowing Wells School District in Tucson, where he would serve for the next fourteen years.  During his tenure at Flowing Wells, the district became nationally known for excellence, a culture that continues to thrive nearly 50 years later.  Although just in his 30’s, George was recognized throughout the state and country as a leader in school planning, finance and leadership.  In 1967, under George’s leadership, Flowing Wells High School was recognized as the finest high school in the country. That same year, he was named superintendent of the Mesa Unified School District.  While George was superintendent, Mesa grew nearly three fold to become the largest school district in Arizona, with over 50,000 students.  He directed the building of 45 new schools.  The district also became widely known as a leader in educational achievement and won numerous state and national awards for excellence and innovation. As a tribute to his service in Mesa, George N. Smith Junior High School is named after him. He took a personal interest in “his” school, and was active in school activities, including funding scholarships for student-athletes at the school.

In addition to his degree from Utah, George earned a Masters Degree from Arizona State and an EdD at Stanford University and Arizona State.

After retiring from Mesa, George served as an Executive Vice President of Northern Arizona University.  At NAU, he directed the effort to establish satellite campuses around the state, which has enabled thousands of Arizonans to earn degrees without leaving their hometowns. He finally left education in 1988, becoming the Arizona dealer for the Thomas Bus Company, one of the largest school bus manufacturers in the country.  In 1992, George retired, and he and Mary Alice settled in Mesa. They served for many years as ordinance workers in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple, a calling they both loved.  Mary Alice passed away unexpectedly in 2004.  George was noted for his long morning walks around the neighborhood with his dogs.  Those walks would often take hours, as he stopped to chat with neighbors, children waiting for the school bus, postal workers, city workers, and whoever else with whom he could strike up a conversation.  George loved people and people loved him.

During his long career, George received numerous awards and recognitions and served with distinction on a variety of boards and commissions.  He was a member of the Arizona State Board of Education for six years, was the founding president of the Arizona School Administrators, was on the Executive Board of the American Association of School Administrators, and was appointed twice by President Ronald Regan to serve on the President’s Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education.  At the time of his death, he was still involved in education, serving on the board of the East Valley Institute of Technology Foundation. His son Scott was also involved in public life, serving as Mayor of Mesa from 2008 to 2014.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Lillie, brothers Howard. Jr. and James, sister Mary Jarvis, wife Mary Alice, and grandson Mark Johnson.  He is survived by daughters Diana Thomas (Charles) of Mesa and Jennifer Johnson (Richard) of Bountiful, Utah, sons David (Laura) and Scott (Kimberly), both of Mesa, 17 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and his long-time companion and best friend Shauna Setlow of Mesa.

A visitation and viewing will be Friday, December 19^th from 6 to 8 PM at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Drive in Mesa.

Funeral services are Saturday, December 20th at 11 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,  Mesa Arizona East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the church.

The family suggests donations to the George and Mary Alice Smith Scholarship Fund at Smith Junior High School in Mesa.

Shirley Yvonne Vest was born on November 24, 1936, in Moorehead, Kentucky. Sadly she passed away on December 6, 2014, peacefully in her sleep.  She is survived by:

Sisters: Geneva Hayes, Ruth Rowlett, Julie Bielki, Mary Jo Koehler, Millie Ledbetter

Husband: Larry D. Vest

Children: Raymond W. Turner, Shelly Y. Lucas, Rodney Vest, Jasmine Vest

Grandchildren: Zack Turner, Kelsey Turner, Erin Turner, Bryan Lucas, Robert L. Lucas (deceased at 22 yrs. old)

Great Grandchildren: Caden Turner, Elle Rose Turner, Tammbra Smith, Desmond G. Brown

Shirley had a total of 11 brothers and sisters.

She was buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, 85024.

Shirley was raised during the “Great Depression.” Both of her parents were licensed ministers. Her mother loved gardening, canning, cooking and sewing, which her daughter took up as well. Shirley was a wonderful seamstress, making clothes for her family. She learned to upholstery, reinvented many sofas, chairs, etc.  It took many years to convince Shirley that instant cake mixes were good and a whole lot easier. When her husband became diabetic, she stepped up to the plate and helped him control it by diet alone, which consisted of fresh steamed vegetables, fresh healthy bread and muffins. Shirley learned how to make homemade peanut butter and yogurt. She definitely picked up her mother’s love of cooking as well.

Shirley taught Ballroom Dancing Classes. She had the patience to sew Barbie clothes; she crocheted many different items from blankets to angels and flowers. When Shirley and Shelly started canning jams and jellies, we took turns stirring the hot, boiling fruit for over an hour and later learned that Pectin thickens the fruit almost instantly. We had such a good laugh.

She held jobs such as cashier, waitress, and bartender and in her later years, temple worker in her church. She lived in Kentucky, Ohio, England, Wyoming and Arizona. At the age of 28 years old, she became very sick with mono and then arthritis, which changed her life forever. She now had many challenges of dealing with this disease and the pain associated with it. Shirley loved animals, she always had a dog in her home. She married at the age of 15 with her parents’ permission.  She had two children and divorced in 1968. Shirley married Larry D. Vest in 1977.

When you entered her home she always made you feel welcome and tried to feed you, hungry or not, she wanted to share with you. She treasured her family, their reunions and the kids always touched her heart. Shirley loved to read and learn through classes in tailoring, yoga, belly dancing for exercise and dough art. She was a Softball Coach and a Girl Scout Leader. She loved gardening, decorating and remodeling her home(s).

Shirley would always try to help others anyway she could.  In her final days, her kidneys were failing and she came down with dementia. She suffered horrible pain. As much as we loved her and will miss her always…. we are glad she is no longer suffering so badly. We feel she will be an angel watching over her family, until we meet again. With great love, respect, rest in peace Shirley, Mother, Wife, Sister, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend…… your loving family.

Kylie Anne Cox, our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, auntie, niece, cousin and friend went home to be with Heavenly Father on December 7^th, 2014; a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  Kylie was born on June 4^th, 1993 in Mesa, AZ. When she was just 4 years old Kylie began to suffer from seizures and as a result, would battle many hardships throughout her life. Though Kylie’s life was filled with physical adversity, her spirit remained strong and she became a shining example to all who would come to know her. Kylie’s life was filled with love and happiness and at just the tender age of 21, she touched more lives than most touch throughout their entire lifetime. Though Kylie loved to sing and dance, her favorite thing to do was to give heartfelt hugs to everyone she knew. We would often say that nobody has experienced a hug until they have had a Kylie hug. Kylie’s life, though short, was lived to the fullest and she has been the inspiration behind many miracles during the course of 21 years. To know Kylie was to love Kylie and perhaps the greatest miracle of all was the change that Kylie had upon our hearts. In life and in death, we remember her example and have become more loving and more forgiving, moving ever closer to becoming like our Savior Jesus Christ.  May we all remember her love, a love that can only be described as the pure love of Christ.

Kylie is preceded in death by her grandfathers DuWayne Cook, ElMyrrh Cox, and Jess Jensen and her grandmother Adele Jensen. Kylie is survived by her parents Vance and Sherry Cox, her sister Lanie Hall (Jon) and their three children Kendele, Lexie and Ryker, her brother Brett Cox (Megan), and her sister Courtney Cox.  She is also survived by her grandmother Leone Cook.

We would like to express our heartfelt love and appreciation to all of the wonderful nurses at the Scottsdale Osborn ICU who took care of Kylie during her final days. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Kylie’s neurologists Dr. Troester and Dr. Kerrigan for the many years of support they have given to Kylie and our family. Finally, we would like to say thank you to all of Kylie’s amazing friends and teachers who have supported her throughout her life. We love all of you and we will forever be grateful for the love you gave to our beautiful Kylie.

We would like to invite everyone to share with our family as we pay our respects to Kylie and celebrate her amazing life. For all those who would like to attend, viewing and funeral services for Kylie are as follows. Friday, December 12th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm there will be a viewing at Bunker’s Garden Chapel located at: 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 Saturday, December 13th from 9:30am to 10:45am there will be a viewing followed by 11:00am funeral services. Both will be held at the Hermosa Vista LDS Stake Center located at: 2701 East Lehi Rd. Mesa, AZ 85213 Following the funeral services, Kylie will be laid to rest at the Mountain View Cemetery located at: 7900 East Main St. Mesa, AZ 85207

Funeral arrangements have been made through Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85213. Telephone 480-696-6883

Caroline LaRue DeWitt Dana, 1921-2014

Caroline LaRue DeWitt Dana lived to the great old age of ninety-three years. She slipped from this life on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. She died in her home surrounded by her children, Diane Dana Woolf, Denise Dana Erickson, Kristine Dana Harris, Brian Scott Dana, her son-in-law William A. Woolf and her daughter-in-law Pauline Wilcock Dana. Her children were privileged to watch over and care for her in the last weeks of her life. Many of her grandchildren sat at her bedside before her death. Some of Carol’s last words gave her loved ones great consolation. They were, “All is well. All is well.”

Carol was born the third daughter of David Kenneth and Elizabeth Adelaide Fuller DeWitt in Mesa, Arizona on May 8, 1921. She lived through many momentous and life shaping experiences. She was a child of the Depression and was mindful of the cost of living and saved and budgeted. As the wife of a World War II soldier, she worked for The City of Mesa answering the phone and typing. She also worked at Falcon Field for Southwest Airways who had the contract to train British pilots. She was there long enough to see fourteen training flights of British pilots completed. Her husband served in the United States Army Air Corp and she waited for the day that the war would be over and they could be together.

Carol is the mother of six children. Two children, Karen Dana Parent and Isaac Dwight Dana II, preceded her in death. She is grandmother to thirty-seven grandchildren and is the great grandmother to ninety-two great grandchildren. Carol is the eternal companion of Isaac Dwight Dana I who died on April 6, 1999. After his death, she carried on with courage and competence.

It was Carol’s great happiness to serve in the Mesa Arizona Temple for twenty-seven years. As a six-year-old Primary child, she was present to hear and see Heber J. Grant dedicate that edifice on October 23, 1927. On April 15, 1976, Carol was again present to see Spencer W. Kimball rededicate the newly remodeled Mesa Temple.

Carol loved teaching the Gospel. She served in many teaching and leadership callings and was a devoted Visiting Teacher. Fiercely independent, she determined to live that way as long as she could. She did. Carol lived with faith and determination and loved life. She was frugal, generous, interested and interesting. Sister Dana was loved by her ward friends who selflessly served and watched over her. She loved these friends in return.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Estates Groves Building, 3920 E. Brown Road in Mesa. A visitation will be held at the same location, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2014 and again on Saturday, December 13^th from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. preceding the funeral service. Internment is at Mesa City Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Haydee Petrissans Cruz, 86, passed away December 2, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 2:30 PM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Brady Rex Merrill; our beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on November 26th at his home in Phoenix, AZ at the age of 40.

Brady is survived by his wife, Shannil; his four children Presley, Stella, Brynlee, and Jackson. He is also survived by his mom, Brenda; and his siblings Chad, Amy, Jake, Jenny, and Katie. He is predeceased by his dad, Fred Rex Merrill.

Brady was born on March 25th,1974 in Mesa, AZ to Fred and Brenda; he was the second oldest of six children.

Brady was passionate about life and always up for a challenge. He was an entrepreneur from a young age. He started his first lemonade stand business at 8, then promoted himself to mowing lawns and detailing neighbors cars. From newspaper routes to owning a computer business with his brother, Chad; Brady spent his lifetime making a career out of things he really enjoyed doing. His most recent business was ownership of Forum Office Chairs, LLC., where he spent his time refurnishing and selling high end office chairs.

Brady found enjoyment in life in whatever he did. One of his greatest attributes was his desire for fun, enjoyment, and laughter. He was passionate about many things. He was amazed and awed by his beautiful children and their Christlike attributes. He loved every moment he spent with them, and it was truly apparent from anyone who watched him interact with them. He was passionate in his love for his wife, who was his best friend. He was incredibly passionate about music! It was quite rare to see him without headphones on and a song on his lips. He loved all children and had a special tender place in his heart for the elderly. His connection to the innocence was unique and refreshing. He truly enjoyed to be in their company. He had the greatest laugh!!  He was absolute sunshine for all those around him, always looking for the next laugh.

One of the most endearing things about Brady was his deep love and friendship with His Savior, Jesus Christ. Anyone who knew Brady knew how much he loved and relied on His Savior. Like all of us, Brady had his trials; but knowing His Savior personally and deeply was never a matter of question for Brady. He was and is an amazing example for all his loved ones.

There aren’t enough words or sentiments to begin to encompass how influential Brady has been on all of us left behind. It is unimaginable to look ahead to an earthly lifetime without him. He was always someone who genuinely cared, loved, and appreciated his family, friends, and those around him. We love you more than can possibly be expressed, Brady. We pray that you are looking down on all of us and fully understanding the deep love and feelings that we are incapable of fully expressing.  Please watch over your wife, children, and family until we can all be together again one day.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 5, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa 76^th Ward, 1911 N. 24^th Street, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

David Martin Smith, 71, passed away November 29, 2014 in Gilbert, Arizona. He was born September 11, 1943 in Safford, Arizona.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2014 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 AM, at the LDS Lehi Stake Center, 1430 N. Grand, Mesa, Arizona. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel

Robert S. Heard, age 86, passed away on November 30, 2014 in Gilbert, Arizona. Bob was born August 7, 1928 in San Bernardino, California. Bob’s wife, Diana, passed in February of this year and he is survived by his three children Kim, Charlie, Patricia, and five grandchildren, Ryan, Joey, Justine, Warren, and Miranda.  Bob retired from the Army with 22 years of service; he was a Korean War and Vietnam War veteran.

Service is scheduled for December 5, 2014 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel in downtown Mesa, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Bruce Wyatt Sien, lifelong resident of Mesa, AZ, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2014, at the age of 20. Wyatt was born Thursday, November 3, 1994 to Richard and Heather Sien. Wyatt leaves behind an older brother Cody, older sister Megan, and younger sister Bailey.

Wyatt attended Falcon Hill Elementary School, Shepherd Junior High School and Red Mountain High School, where he played soccer, ran track and cross-country. Wyatt enjoyed boarding of all kinds, wake boarding, snowboarding and long boarding. He loved being in the outdoors camping. He especially enjoyed camping with family and friends at Apache Lake.

Wyatt also enjoyed strategy board games and was well known for being an exceptional player. Additionally he was an outstanding video gamer and looked forward to spending time playing online with friends where he set the standard.

Shortly after graduating high school in 2013, Wyatt was diagnosed with a very rare form of Stage 4 Terminal Cancer and spent the next 18 months battling cancer. Funeral services for Wyatt will be Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 at 11 AM at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5350 E. Mclellan Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205. Flowers can be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 (480) 696-6883.

Beth Brewer passed away on November 23, 2014 at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was 91 years old. She was born in Colonial Dublan, Mexico but lived most of her life in Arizona.  She was the daughter of Irwin Jacob Robinson and Louie Isabel Tenney Robinson.  She was raised in Thatcher Arizona where she attended school in her early years. She graduated from Gila College in 1943.

Over the years, Beth had many hobbies, and activities that she enjoyed. She loved music, she was a great listener and she had many close friends. She is remembered by 4 daughters Peggy Connor, Rodene Shumway, Leslie Shumway, and Valorie Shumway, There are 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren that will also remember her and a little dog named Sparky.

The viewing will be held Friday, December 5, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 9 AM, preceded by a viewing at 8 AM, at the LDS Mountain Shadows Ward Chapel, 6265 North 82^nd Street in Scottsdale, AZ. Interment will be Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 3:30 PM at the Thatcher Cemetery, Thatcher, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Barbara Joy Hineman, 80, of Tempe passed away on November 30, 2014 at Lund Family Hospice Home. Barbara was born on January 1, 1934 in Portales, New Mexico. As a child, her family moved from New Mexico to Morenci, Arizona when her father got a job at the Phelps Dodge Copper Mine. After high school, she moved to Tempe, Arizona where she has lived ever since. She met her husband, Elmer Dale Hineman, who was in the US Army. They married and had three children, Mark, Mike, and Janice.

Early on in life, Barbara worked as a seamstress making Native American Indian dresses. Later in life, she owned her own business, Supreme Sewing Services, making custom drapes, pillows, valences, and other types of interior decorating items. Her clients spanned a wide range of society including Senator Goldwater, the Beach Boys, Glenn Campbell, the McCune Mansion, and other local celebrities.

Along Barbara’s career path of sewing, stitching, and decorating, she maintained a full time presence in the Ladies of the Oriental Shrine of North America, Sphinx Court #65 in Phoenix, Arizona. Here she was involved in philanthropy work, raising money for children in need. This was one of her greatest joys. She was part of the Shrine for many decades and was a Past High Priestess, Shrine Recorder, and held many other positions within the Shrine. Of recent note, she was honored as El Zaribah Shrine’s Lady of the Year for 2013. She received this award for helping over 10,000 children during her years of service as a Hospital Assistant at the El Zaribah Shriners Clinic in Phoenix. Here she arranged contact between doctors and children who need advanced care for burns, orthopedic conditions, cleft lip and palate, and spinal cord injuries.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer “Dale” Hineman. She is survived by her two sons, Mark and Michael Hineman, daughter Janice Nunn, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Public viewings will be held at Bunke’rs Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, in Mesa, on Thursday, December 4 from 6-8 pm and on Saturday, December 6 from 12-1 pm. Services will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 1-2 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel with the burial at 3:30 pm at Resthaven Park Mortuary and Cemetery.

Juan Martinez Mercado, 67, passed away November 25, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Chapel, 1483 N. Driftwood, Gilbert, AZ. Interment will be Monday, December 8, 2014 at 10 AM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.

Dakota James Fernandez, 22, of Gilbert, Arizona became an angel on November 26, 2014.  Dakota was born on January 9, 1992 and raised in Gilbert, AZ alongside his siblings and family. Dakota was a bright shining star while on this earth; he lived life to the fullest and was always eager to share his brilliant bright smile with anyone he encountered. He had a true passion for life and carried with him a sincere, kind heart of gold.

Dakota is survived by his parents Natalie Hill and Roderick Fernandez of Mesa; twin siblings Greysen and Cheyenne Fernandez as well as the love of his life, Karissa Acosta and their beloved son, Koda Fernandez. He is also survived by grandparents Richard and Cruz Fernandez and Richard Hill and Sharon Cooper, as well as a lengthy list of aunts, uncles and cousins. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker University Chapel in Mesa. Memorial will be held on Friday, December 12th at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, his friends and family ask that for donations to Standing Proud Pit Bull Rescue Center, for Dakota was an advocate of rescuing animals that had been abused. Friends4Life is another animal rescue he followed, and donations to these organizations will benefit other animals to find a forever home.

Dakota’s never ending zest for life and big beautiful brown eyes that glimmered with liveliness and playful mischief will forever be missed. The beautiful memories we all have of Dakota will forever and ever stay in our hearts. He loved fishing, and snowboarding and anything that allowed him to be outside with the sun shining down on him. Dakota will be missed greatly, but not forgotten as his son has inherited his beautiful smile and eyes that showed so much passion for life.

Delite Hancock Gaddie, passed away peacefully in her home with family on November 25, 2014, in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Saturday, November 29, 2014, at 10 AM, preceded by a viewing at 9 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa Stake Center, 1050 S. Hobson St., Mesa, AZ, 85204. Additional viewing will be from 6-8 PM on Friday, November 28, 2014, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com

She is survived by her husband, Ernest Lawrence Gaddie, children Glen, Reed, Kelly Sue, Lora, and Lisa, and 23 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Delite was the founder of several private and charter schools, named Educator of the Year by the Arizona Private School Association, a courageous patriot, an exceptional Accredited Genealogical Researcher, a Confidential Intermediary certified by the Supreme Court, and a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

Millie Brewer, 69 years-old, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014, within her home in Mesa, Arizona.  Millie had a valiant fight with various blood and bone marrow cancers that became known since 2009.   Her strong will to live, unwavering spiritual faith, the love and prayers of family/friends, and many supporters carried her through the grueling last five years. Yet even throughout her own struggle with cancer, she reached out to others affected by the horrendous disease in many ways, such as just comforting others sitting nearby receiving treatments simultaneously.

Millie was born on August 22, 1945 to Enrique and Ramona Duran (Moreno & Duran descendants from Guasave, Sinaloa Mexico).   Millie is the third eldest of `her 7 siblings. The Duran family settled in Tolleson, Arizona, where Millie obtained her first job helping her dad in the cotton fields. Even as a child, not only was she eager to help others but she was also known for her ease in frequent conversation; even with total strangers, for she truly possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor.

After graduating from Tolleson High School, Millie started working at one of Motorola’s manufacturing plants and this is where she caught the eye of her future husband, Tom Brewer, while being deemed runner up for Miss Sweetheart. The couple was married July 14, 1970 at the Little Chapel of Flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1980, Millie and her children joined and were baptized within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millie devoted much of her time to church activities and multiple callings (One being Young Women’s Camp Director).

Married for 44 years, Millie & Tom raised their two children Larson and Monica. Possessing a true servant’s heart, Millie faithfully cared for family and friends through delicious cooking/baking, decorating, sewing/quilting and crafting. A woman of faith and the heart of the Brewer family, Millie shaped their spirituality by her tireless Christian example. With a real zest for life, Millie loved to dance, sing, write, read, pray, bowl, play games/cards, chat/visit with friends and family, go on outings with her BB’s Society (woman/friends in church) but most of all she always loved just being with her grandchildren.

Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor with constant nurturing love and faith that won the trust and hearts of many. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter and joking around; will never be forgotten.

Surviving family members include her Husband – Tom Brewer, 2 Children –  Larson Brewer (Heather), Monica Minerva and Step-Son Preston Brewer,  6 Grandchildren – Logan, Ethan, Landon, Brody & Gavin Brewer and Malia Minerva, 7 Brothers, Sisters and Spouses: Arsenio (RC) Duran (Linda), Mary (Pepie) Duran Guzman (Enrique), Henrietta (Queta) Duran Caito (John), Veronica (Doy) Gonzalez, Annie Duran, Linda McKew and Alejandro (Alex) Duran, In-Law’s and Spouses – Carolyn Cummins Westphal (Stan), Roberta (Robbie) Cummins Trone (Guy), Kimberly Cummins Neville (Scott), Celeste Cummins Wardrop (Brad) , and Larry and Chuck Brewer of San Diego.

Funeral services are Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 9 AM, preceded by a visitation at 8 AM, at the LDS Elmwood Ward Building, 925 N. Harris, Mesa, AZ.  A lunch for family and friends will be held following the services. Interment will be at 4 PM that same day at the Snowflake Cemetery, Snowflake, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883, www.bunkerfuneral.com