Find An Obituary

GREGORY JAY SHELDEN, born March 27, 1950 in California, raised in South Dakota and a long time resident of Mesa Arizona passed away peacefully at home on September 25, 2014 after his courageous six year battle with cancer.

Greg was a wonderful brother, dad, grandpa, soul mate, nephew and everyone’s best friend. His countless friends were his greatest joy. He truly felt he was the luckiest guy in the world. His kindness, generosity, quick wit and unwavering loyalty were beyond compare.

Among his many talents and accomplishments as an artist and entrepreneur Greg was best known as an extraordinary musician and performer.  A two time inductee in to the South Dakota Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cavaliers and The Ride.

Greg was preceded in death by his beloved Diane Davis, mother and father Don and Muriel Shelden. He is survived by his daughters Margaret Revette, Jennifer Yeatropoulos and Heather Davis, granddaughters Peggy and Rachel Revette, sister Peggy Feller, bother-in-law Bob Feller, nephews David Bice, Justin Bice and Jesse Feller, niece Emily Questa and special friend Flo Massaro-McCoy.

A celebration for Greg’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation offered to the American Cancer Society or a charity close to your heart is greatly appreciated.

Annette Cheryl Kisto Garcia, 57, passed away September 20, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 26, 2014 at 4:00 PM, preceded by a visitation at 3:00 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Gloria Rogers McHenry passed away Sunday, September 21, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born December 9, 1922 in El Paso, TX to Ross Wall Rogers and Katy Naomi Stailey. A few months after her birth, the family returned to reside in the Thatcher, Arizona area. Gloria graduated from Thatcher High School as valedictorian continued her education at Eastern Arizona College, followed by University of Arizona where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics. Gloria spent a year in Cincinnati, Ohio as a dietetic intern and became a certified dietician working four years in California. She then attended UCLA to receive her teaching credential and taught Home Economics in Southgate, California for two years. In 1945, Gloria met and married Arlis Edwin McHenry, residing in southern California for thirteen years. Her two daughters, Taya and Kathleen were born during this time. Gloria returned to Mesa, Arizona in 1959, following her divorce. She taught Home Economics for Mesa Public Schools at Mesa Junior High and after receiving her Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University, obtained her counseling certification and continued her education career as a counselor at Carson Junior High until her retirement. Gloria is remembered fondly as many students’ favorite teacher due to her caring attitude and positive style of teaching. She was a participating member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary women teachers’ organization for many years. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she willingly served in YWMIA, Sunday School, Primary, and Relief Society. Her retirement years were filled with her most beloved occupation of full-time grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of 18.

Gloria will be remembered as a loving, selfless mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her sister, Wylma and brothers, Royce, Paul, Joseph and Dwayne. The celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the LDS chapel located at 1010 N. Recker Rd., Gilbert, Arizona, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Apache Trail, Mesa, Arizona.

Tenna Joan Corbitt, 90, passed away September 20, 2014 in Gilbert, Arizona. Funeral services are Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1005 N. Voyager Drive, Gilbert, Arizona. Interment is at the Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.

Tony J. Mitchell 67, loving and beloved son, brother of 5, husband, father and step-father of 8, grandfather of 24 and great grandfather of 1, left us on September 15, 2014 to be with the rest of our loved ones who have passed on. Tony was born November 17, 1946 in Brigham City, UT, and will be returning to Brigham City to be laid to rest. Moved to Arizona in 1964. He was a automotive mechanic most of his life. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, fishing, hunting and holiday get togethers. There won’t be a golden oldie song we hear that won’t remind us of him. He will be greatly missed.

Twila Ray Rogers Blau, daughter of Malinda Porter Rogers and George Walter Rogers, passed away September 18^th, 2014 in Gilbert, Arizona. She is survived by Glendon, her loving husband of almost 58 years, their children Debra Blau, Brenda (Eddie) Nevitt, Marsha (Bret) Niedens, Kerwin (Heidi-Ann Maas) Blau and Darel Blau, 15 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Her son Larry preceded her in death and was waiting to greet her in heaven. She dedicated her life of charitable service to others and left a lasting legacy of love.  Services will be at the Lindsay Ward located on Lindsay Road south of Riggs Road (6345 S Lindsay Rd, Chandler AZ  85249).  There will be a visitation on Friday, September 26, 2014 from 6-8 pm.  On Saturday, September 27, 2014, there will be a viewing at 9:00 am followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am.

David John Harriman, 84, passed away September 17, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Fairfield Ward, 4640 E. Holmes, Mesa, Arizona. Interment at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Shirley was born to Charles and Ruby Choate on December 15, 1931 in Hemet, California. She died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, September 14, 2014 surrounded by family and loved ones. In death, she joins her husband of 57 years, Craig Knudsen. First and foremost, her life’s work was her family. She had a wonderful posterity, including 9 children, 39 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and a great, great grandchild. She was beloved by all who knew her. She also worked as a very successful realtor in Portland, Oregon for many years. She had many talents, including being a watercolor artist,a professional cake decorator and a quilter, having made over 200 quilts, including one or more for each of her posterity. Her years of Church service brought her great joy. Services will be held at the LDS Chapel at 234 North Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona, Saturday, September 20^th, at 11 AM, with a 10 AM viewing. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS Humanitarian Fund.

Eden Kathryn Christine Linford passed away September 10, 2014. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2014 at 8:30 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Yolanda Quiroga Pulver, 85, passed away Friday, September 12, 2014 in Tempe, Arizona. She was born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in 1929. She was an elementary school teacher for several years before becoming a lawyer. She was one of the first few women to practice law in the country of Mexico. She married William Pulver and came to live in Phoenix, Arizona in 1959. She continued teaching, spending summers in Monterrey teaching college at the Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) while raising four children, Roberto Pulver, Warren Pulver, Maria Pola Pulver, and David Pulver. She studied for a master’s in special education after her youngest son (who is special) was born, and became one of the few bilingual special education teachers in the State of Arizona before retiring at the age of 70 years. She left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she met and was loved deeply by her family and friends. Her life was an example of selfless service to her family and others. She is preceded in death by her husband William Pulver, and is survived by her four children and grandchildren. Visitation is Thursday, September 18, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Friday, September 19, 2014 at 10 AM at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations to Tempe Center for Habilitation, 215 W. Lodge Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 are suggested.

Rogers Lee Stock, 70, was called home peacefully on September 10, 2014 while in the loving care of his wife of 47 years, Judy Jarvis Stock. Rogers, a native Arizonan, was born in Snowflake on February 24, 1944 to Edward “Ted” and Fernith Stock who preceded him in death. He grew up in Show Low with his surviving siblings, Bonnie Coffman, Leon, Alan and Lawrence Stock, and Lawrence “Keith” McNeil. Rogers raised his own family in Mesa, and was an adored father to his four children; Wendy Schneider (Eric) of Ammon, ID, Jenny Sherwood (Tim) and Randall Stock of Mesa, AZ, and Jeffrey Stock (Chelsea) of Fort Collins, CO. He loved his role as a grandfather and was equally loved and admired by his 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Rogers, an honors graduate of ASU, was highly successful in franchise sales for several auto parts suppliers; but his true life-long passions involved the great outdoors, including hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faithfully serving his fellow man and his Heavenly Father in many capacities, none more cherished than his 2-year mission to the Northern States. A visitation will be held on September 15^th from 6-8PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services will take place on September 16^th at 10AM at the LDS Church on 2220 N. Harris Dr. in Mesa, followed by graveside services at the Show Low City Cemetery at 4:30PM.

Stringfellow, Elden R

One of the few remaining members of the “Greatest Generation” has passed from this earthly life a hero. Our father, Elden R Stringfellow was born to Henry Elden Stringfellow and Naomi Bertha Marie Rasmussen Stringfellow on Oct. 30, 1919, in Draper, UT. He passed away on Sept. 8, 2014 after only 2 months at his assisted living center in Mesa, AZ. He died of heart disease and natural causes due to age. He was preceded in death by his eternal companion Marilyn Cottle Stringfellow, brothers Douglas Stringfellow Honorable Congressman, Reid Stringfellow, Captain, US Navy, Ret., sisters Alona Stringfellow Pusey and Anna Stringfellow Kump. He is survived by his two remaining sisters Mary Stringfellow Bitton and Myrna Stringfellow Messerly, and his 4 loving children Dennis Elden Stringfellow, Sherida Stringfellow Cluff, Loreen Stringfellow Shumway, Randall Cottle Stringfellow, 17 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Dad grew up in Draper, UT and later moved with his family to Ogden, UT where he graduated from Ogden High School in 1937. Dad started his career in the grocery business and met his wife and companion to be, Marilyn Cottle of Nyssa, OR. As WWII grew nearer, he joined the US Navy in Feb. 1942 and was sent to the US Navy Training Center in San Diego as a seaman, not knowing that top- secret classified service would come his way. Mom and Dad were married in San Diego on May 9, 1942, by his uncle, Bishop Stanley Rasmussen in a civil ceremony, and later married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Feb. 1943. During the war, Dad ultimately became a radioman. He trained in Washington DC and was sent to China to intercept enemy radio code high in the jungles. After the war, Mom and Dad reunited and started their family. When the Korean Conflict erupted Dad was recalled and sent to Charleston, SC, also to intercept enemy radio code from the European Theatre. It was not revealed for many years the classified work he did for the USA. After the Korean Conflict he and his young family settled in Bountiful, UT. Dad continued in the grocery business, and then the retail and variety store business where he stayed and prospered. He served the Lord as a Ward Seventy, but the calling for which he was best known and respected was in the LDS Church Athletic Program coaching the Bountiful 21st Ward athletic program. He took the young men’s basketball team to the All-Church Tournament. A better business opportunity arose in 1968 and he moved those of his family not yet married, to Scottsdale, AZ, where he prospered unbelievably. He resided there until 1996. He retired in 1983 as Director of Store Planning for the Yellow Front/Checker Auto Divisions. Dad served the Lord in the Scottsdale 4th Ward in many callings, including the athletic program, two Bishoprics and on the Scottsdale Stake High Council. Mom also served the Lord in many leadership callings. They moved to Mesa, AZ in 1996 in part for health reasons and to be near their children. Visitation and a short service will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ, from 10 AM to 12 PM, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Our father was loved by all and is now reunited with Mom and so many friends and family. For that we are thankful and joyful as we celebrate his extraordinary life.

Cheryl Dean Gietz Timmerman passed away September 8^th, 2014 at the age of 83. Cheryl is survived by her husband Wes Timmerman, sister Lynda Jamieson, 3 children, Gary, Terry, Brad, 22 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents Harold & Avis Watson, husband Kenneth Gietz and two oldest sons Chris and Greg. She was born in Central, Arizona on December 6, 1930. Cheryl was a dedicated wife, mother and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her lifetime of service included a 3 year temple mission in Hawaii with her husband Wes. She also founded the Arizona Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with her husband Kenny. Funeral services are September 13, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the Crystal Shores Ward, 1005 N Voyager Dr., Gilbert, AZ. Burial at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Victoria F. Martinez, 75, entered into rest on Saturday, September 6, 2014 with her family by her side. Victoria was born on April 4^th, 1939 in Mesa, AZ. She is survived by her loving husband: Jose; her four children: Jose Jr. (Monti), Raymond (Carmen), Sophia (Jack), and Raul. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Visitation and rosary will be held on Thursday, September 11, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 12^th at 10:00 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Road, Mesa, AZ 85205

John Vernon Cowgur passed away on September 6, 2014 having lived a long and full life. John was born in Kenny, Illinois on January 29, 1929 the second of 12 children to Joseph Nathan and Mabel Carlson Cowgur. In 1942, he and his family rode a train to Arizona to find work on the cotton farms. Following his parent’s divorce, John became the sole support to his mother and 7 surviving siblings. This began a lifetime of hard work and dedication as he generously sacrificed his time and money to take care of his extended family and others in need.

He and his family joined the LDS church in 1945 and he married his sweetheart, Kathleen Flake, in the Arizona Temple on December 17, 1948. They moved to the Turley Ranch on West Broadway in Mesa where they raised their 5 children: Stephen (Margaret,) Kathy Kerby (Lou,) Teresa Skousen (Dan, deceased,) Robert (Elaine,) and Karen Kelley (Grant, deceased.) John farmed cotton, alfalfa and other crops in Gilbert, Mesa and on the Salt River Reservation. He always worked from sun up to sun down even though he suffered with ill health for much of his life. Although he lacked a formal education, John was brilliant when it came to farming and equipment; he could fix anything mechanical.

John loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He served in many positions in the Alma Wards. He enjoyed missionary work and served a mission in Louisiana with Kathleen and an 18 year mission to the LDS Granary on the site of his former farm. John and his family enjoyed trips to the lake, vacations in his motor home and lots of family parties in his pool.  After 53 years of marriage and 22 precious grandchildren, Kathleen passed away in 2002.

John married Juanita Tagg and added 5 step children to the Cowgur Clan. Russell (Joanna,) Ernie (deceased) (Janelle,) Annette Jewkes (Victor,) Will (Jacqueline,) Saralyn Allen (Redge,) were happy to call him Dad. Together, John and Juanita’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren along with all their spouses now total 116 and John was very proud of this legacy. He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Ferguson and brother, Willie Angle and many nieces and nephews.  We will all miss this kind, handsome, intelligent, hard-working man who always gave the biggest and best hugs.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11^th from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Kleinman Park Building at 616 S. Extension. Services will be held in the same building at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 12^th, with interment to follow in the Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the LDS Missionary Fund.

Peter Duane “Pete” Thornton, 70, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on August 30, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona as a result of post-op surgery complications. Pete leaves a legacy of love and consistent service to his family, community, and church. He is survived by his wife Janet, married 43 years, and their five children Kyle, Amy (Campbell), Neal, Brent, and Lisa (Huber). His legacy will be continued through his children and 21 grandchildren. A public viewing is scheduled for Friday, September 12, 2014 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way from 6-8 pm. Funeral services are Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 10 am at the LDS Chapel located at 848 North Westwood, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund, or the Mesa United Way are suggested.