Find An Obituary

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

Opal Josephine Adams, 96, passed away on November 24, 2014 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Opal was born March 18, 1918 in Leavenworth, Kansas. Private services to be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Maureen “Marty” G. Thompson, age 64, passed away on Nov. 25, 2014 with her family around, her following a sudden unexpected illness. She was born in Payson, Utah on 20 Feb. 1950 to Gene and Mern Greenhalgh. She grew up in Provo, Utah. After her high school graduation she attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho where she met Boyd Thompson, her husband of 44 years. Marty gave many hours of service in church callings. She spent many years working with the Boy Scouts of America where she received the Silver Beaver award. She devoted her life to the care of her children and grandchildren. At the time of her death, Marty worked as the cashier at Crismon Elementary School cafeteria in Mesa.

Maureen was preceded in death by her parents and brother Douglas S. Greenhalgh, of Utah. She is survived by her husband Boyd and eight children – David Thompson, Marie (Richard) Daines, Tiffany (David) Brown, Amber (Aaron) Jarvis, Scott (Jodi) Thompson, Laurissa (Jason) Haws,  Kirsha (Henry) Harris, and Kayla (Bret) Woodard, 24 grandchildren, her sister Jinean (Darrell) Madsen and brother Merrill (Cheryl) Greenhalgh.

Funeral services were held December 3, 2014 at the Kleinman Park Ward LDS chapel in Mesa, Arizona.  Burial took place at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Donna Lue Holladay Carpenter, 83, passed away in Gilbert, AZ, November 18, 2014. She was born December 14, 1930 in Miami, AZ. Donna, a native of Arizona, was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She blessed many family and friends lives through her service and talents. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerald W Carpenter of 52 years. She is survived by 6 children: Renae (Ed) Baum, LaDeane (Jerry) Garner, Jolene (Don) Bowles, Chuck (Sharla) Carpenter, Donnie (Irene) Carpenter and Mike Carpenter and her brother Joe Holladay. She was loved by 34 adoring grandchildren and always had suckers on hand for her 69 great-grandchildren.

Viewing is Tuesday, November 25, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services are Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a viewing from 9-10:30 AM, at the LDS Chapel, 1520 S. Catalina, Mesa. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Mary Pearl Turley, 100 years old, passed away November 14, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, November 21, 2014 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation from 9:00 – 10:45 AM, at the LDS Century Gardens Ward, 633 S. Higley Rd., Mesa, AZ. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Kevin Kay Kuwanvama, 54, passed away November 15, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Wake services will be held on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 6 PM at the Salt River Indian Community Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona. Funeral services are Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 9 AM at the same location. Interment will be at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Geneva Louise (Hatton) Baldwin passed away at 86, in Prescott, AZ, on November 18, 2014. Geneva was a long-time resident of Mesa, having first moved to Arizona as a young woman in 1948. She met and married the great love of her life, Capt. Austin Guy Baldwin, U.S.A.F., shortly before he was shipped out to fight in the Korean War. They were reunited in Japan after 18 months apart and lived there for two years. The couple was later blessed with two children, but they had only a few short years together before Guy’s tragic death at age 30, in 1955. Geneva returned to Mesa to be near her parents, Jim and Maudie Hatton, and to raise her young children on her own. She was an amazing mother, generous with her love, time and whatever she had to give. She worked for 22 years for the City of Mesa Building Inspection Dept., before retiring in 1988. She enjoyed her retirement, traveling with friends or with the Friendship Force to over fifty countries. She was active in her church, in Gold Star Wives, attended classes at M.C.C. and enjoyed visits with her family.

Geneva is survived by her son, Michael W. Baldwin and grandson Brandon M. Baldwin, of Tucson, her daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and James Trapp, of Prescott, AZ, a brother, James Weldon Hatton, of Sierra Vista, AZ and a nephew Richard Ley, of N.M.

Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 at 11 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Graveside services to follow at Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Geneva’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Mary Aparicio, 77, passed away November 15, 2014 in Gilbert, Arizona. Funeral services are Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery.

Charles Eugene Urrea, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona, on November 17, 2014.  He was surrounded by his loving family during his last days. Services will be at the Bunker’s University Chapel at 1:00 PM on Saturday November 22, 2014 at 3529 E University Dr, Mesa Arizona 85213.  Charles enjoyed traveling, golf, spending time in Laughlin with the love of his life, Cynthia Bojarski.  Charles and Cynthia spent the last 20 years together.  Charles is survived by his sisters Celia Burns, Norma Peden, Mona Westfall as well as his brother Dr. Donald Urrea.  He was preceded in death by his sister Beatrice Huber and brothers Oscar Urrea and Benjamin Urrea.  Charles also is survived by his three children, Michael McPherson, Charles   Urrea, and Kimberly Urrea as well as their mother Mary E. Urrea.  Charles was a proud Arizona native born on his father’s farm in Mesa, Arizona.  He served his country proudly in the US Army during the Korean War.  He returned to Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University in 1959.   Charles farmed in Wenden, Arizona from 1960 through the late 1980s.  In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Michelle Mary Mossell was born on February 10th, 1955 in Blue Island, Illinois. On November 12th, 2014, Michelle passed away at the age of 59. In the time that Michelle was given, she touched many people’s hearts. She is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Mossell and Rebecca Gormley. The daughters find peace in knowing that their mother is an angel and amongst the angels that she loved so dearly.

Memorial services will be held Friday, November 21st from 4-5pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, followed by a reception for friends and family from 6-7pm at the Cimarron Apartments Community Room, 151 N. First Street, Mesa, Arizona (next door to Bunker’s Garden Chapel).

Cindy Cheney, age 57, passed away November 13, 2014 in Mesa, AZ.  She was born January 18^th, 1957 in Mesa.  She dedicated her life to serving others.   After having her children, she earned her nursing degree, going to school at night. She was so proud of her degree and being able to help others as a nurse. She chose to go into hospice nursing and found her niche. She always delivered fantastic care and was praised by family members for making their loved ones feel so special and comforted in their final stages of their life. Many say it takes a special person to do that, and she was, without a doubt, very special.  She lived for her family, especially her grandkids! She loved spending time with them and spoiling them. They didn’t call her “Grandma”, rather she used her initials. She was “C.C.” She never forgot a birthday, even up to the last day of her life. The day after her passing, her daughter found a bag in her closet of things recently bought. It consisted of an animal flashlight toy, toddler princess gloves, a book of activities for preschoolers, and a book. They were meant for her granddaughter’s 2^nd birthday – which was the day after she died. Cindy never got the chance to wrap them. She was an amazing grandma.

Cindy is survived by her husband Steve Cheney, children Lindsay Rogers, Steven (Teralyn) Cheney and Mandy (Anthony) Cienfuegos;  grandchildren Kaylee Rogers, Mazie, Evie, Sadie and Kyndie Cheney, and Harper and Joaquin Cienfuegos.   She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Jerry Dennison.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 20^th, from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. (480) 696-6883.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21^st at 10:00 AM at the LDS Chapel at 848 N. Westwood, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Shirley M Berndt, 89 of Mesa, AZ passed away 11/13/2014 peacefully.  She was an avid sports fan! She is survived by sons Chuck Moore (Rhonda) of Phoenix, AZ, Tim Moore (Yvonne) of LaPorte, TX and Jeff Moore (Melissa) of Mesa, AZ, 8 Grand children and 6 Great Grandchildren.  A private memorial will be held at a future date.

Peter N. Wright, 66, passed away peacefully in his home Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014.  Pete was known by all as a happy, kind man with a great sense of humor.  He enjoyed bicycling, golf and target shooting.  He loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Virnell, their two children, Burton Wright (Crystal) and Velika Burrell (Jason), grandchildren and his siblings, Steve Wright, Randy Wright (Mary Ann), Tam Hurley (Bill) and Lisa Savale (Chuck).

Services will be held at the LDS chapel at 1550 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 on Wednesday, Nov. 19th at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM.  There will also be a viewing the evening prior, Tuesday, Nov 18th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 85201.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Pete’s favorite causes, the LDS Perpetual Education Fund at http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/perpetual-education-fund.html