Find An Obituary

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.

Jesse Ray Kerby, 102 years old, of Gilbert, AZ passed away September 3, 2014. He was born April 14, 1912 in Pima, AZ to Jesse and Florence Eugenia Wilson Kerby. He was the oldest of seven children and drove a team of horses, cared for fruit orchards, gathered fire wood and camped on Mt. Graham, and helped support his family while a young man. He worked in CC camps building roads during the Great Depression era. He was drafted into the army in 1944 and served two years with the Company C 743^rd Railway Battalion in Antwerp, Belgium during WWII. When he returned from Europe he started working for the Southern Pacific Railroad in Phoenix, AZ. He was reacquainted with Mildred Cluff and they were married February 19, 1947. They had two daughters while living in Hayden, AZ. They transferred to Phoenix, AZ with the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1951, where three more daughters were born. Ray enjoyed serving in leadership positions in the LDS church. He was Branch President in Hayden and then served in family history and other church positions. Ray and Mildred served a mission for the church in Kodiak, Alaska. They moved to Gilbert, AZ in 1981 and served as Mesa Temple workers and served a mission to the Arizona Training Center in Randolph, AZ. Ray loved to raise vegetable and rose gardens, tend to his farm animals, and go camping and fishing with his family. He is survived by his five daughters, Barbara Ann Whitmer (John), Genevieve Kovacs (Tony), Shirley Rae Goodman (Benny), Lynette Stansbury (Jerry), and Debbie Jean Goodman (Randy), 30 grandchildren, 83 great-grandchildren, and youngest sister Nellie Bellamy of Austin, Michigan. Viewing will be Tuesday, September 9, 2014, 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 10 at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lindsay Ward Building, 1150 N. Lindsay Rd., Gilbert, AZ, with visitation at 9 AM. Interment will take place at the Greenwood Memory lawn Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ following the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the LDS missionary fund.

Frances S. Weatherly, 89, passed away at Lund Hospice House, Gilbert, AZ on August 25, 2014. She was born on April 25, 1925 to Frank and Lela Sherman in Thermopolis, Wyoming. She loved children and dedicated her life to education, teaching public school in Montana and retired, as a full professor, from Montana State University. She was married to John Bruce Weatherly and they had a daughter, Shannon, who predeceased her in 1982. Her sister, Mary Davis of Washington, many friends, and her cat Cossette, will miss her daily. Her final years were spent in Arizona (Show Low and Mesa), but Montana was always “home”. No services were held.

Cari Reheis Mickelson was born in Mesa on April 3^rd, 1957. She was the first daughter and fourth child of Paul & Anita Reheis. She was the best wife, mother, and grandmother. She passed from this life on August 31^st, 2014 at 57 years of age.

She married Gerald Lee Mickelson on March 31^st, 1977 in the Mesa, AZ temple.  She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, and as such has fulfilled many capacities and callings in serving those who were under her care. She spent many years working with the primary age children and also the youth of the church.  Along with running a consistently busy household, Cari was a huge support in keeping Dad’s business operative, and organized. Aside from church and business responsibilities she was always ready and willing to help care for her elderly parents and in-laws.

Cari entered the same Hospice facility as her mother (Anita Reheis) the day after Anita was admitted. They were also able to share a room. This was a great comfort to Cari, her mother and father, and all the close family. Cari kept a faithful eye on Anita, even in her deteriorating condition, and passed less than 36 hours after her mother. We feel Cari was waiting on this earth until her mother had passed safely into the next life. Most of Cari’s time was spent caring for others.

Gerald and Cari are parents to 6 children; Becky (Chris) Chatwin, Sally (Rusty) Jones, Brian, Stacy (Steve) Riggs, Brad, and Seth. She is survived by her husband Gerald, 6 children, 9 grandchildren, her father, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Mom’s contagious laugh and smile has been making others happy for 57 years and will be greatly missed. Her presence brought happiness and joy to all who knew her.

Visitation is Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 6:00 – 8:30 PM at the LDS Lazona Ward Chapel, 1345 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, September 5, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation from 8:30 – 9:45 AM, at the LDS Vintage Ranch Ward, 2740 S. Lindsay Road, Gilbert, Arizona. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.

Anita Joy (Bradshaw) Reheis was born August 26, 1931 and passed away August 29, 2014. Anita is survived by her husband Paul Reheis, 5 children, Dan (Rena), Ben (Diane), Larry (Faye), Cari -deceased (Gerald Mickelson), Tami (Randy Nelson), Judi (Brad Haugen), 24 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Nita loved her family and was very good at sewing and crafts. She enjoyed camping and trips with her family. While fishing in Alaska she caught a (65 LBS) fish. Anita attended Mesa High and was twirler leader and known as “Bones” to her friends. The young men loved to dance with her because at 95 pounds she was very light on her feet. She was active in the LDS church and spent 16 years going to girls’ camp. Now she is in a happier place with a smile on her face with no more back pains. We will miss you mom and grandma.

Visitation is Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 6-8:30 PM at the LDS Lazona Ward, 1345 E. University, Mesa, AZ.  Funeral services are Friday, September 5, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, at the Vintage Ranch Ward, 2740 S. Lindsay, Gilbert, AZ. Burial at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Martha Gail (Bonham) Flake, 77, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Gail lived a happy life filled with family, friends and an abiding love of God. She was a wonderful elementary school teacher who enjoyed painting, reading, poetry, genealogy, and scripture study. Gail is survived by her eternal companion and husband of 55 years, Russel C. Flake; 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, September 5, at 9 AM at the Maricopa North Stake Center, 1718 N. Date, Mesa, Arizona. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883

Dr. Charles (Charlie) Roof, 74, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. Charlie was born January 15th, 1940 in Peoria, IL.Charlie graduated from the University of Illinois Dental School in 1965. He served as a Captain in the United States Army before opening his dental practice in Aurora, Illinois. Charlie cared for his patients with integrity, believing each patient deserved individualized treatment and care. Charlie retired from dentistry in 1991 and moved with his family to Tucson, AZ. He said he was ready for “sunshine and warm weather.”

After retiring, Charlie generously volunteered his time providing dentistry for those in need. He also volunteered for several years in the hospital E.R. and at local tennis tournaments. He was an active member of Our Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Chandler, AZ. Charlie will be remembered by everyone who knew him for his witty sense of humor and contagious smile. He had a love for fishing, skiing, travel, and especially tennis. Charlie had many loyal friends from all over the country, including longtime companions from college and dental school who look back fondly on their many adventures together. (“It’s my vacation too!”)

Charlie felt his greatest accomplishment was raising two beautiful, intelligent daughters and doting on his three granddaughters. They will forever remember him as a very special, loving, father and grandfather. Charlie is survived by two daughters, Stacey Roof of Boulder, CO, and Jennifer Roof of Gilbert, AZ; three granddaughters, Jessica, Hannah and Hailey Grace; two nieces and one nephew. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Mercedes Roof and his brother, Robert.

At Charlie’s request a Celebration of Life will be held October 18, 2014 in Chandler, Arizona. For more information on his Celebration of Life please contact Stacey and Jennifer at charlieroofcelebration@gmail.com.

If you wish to honor Charlie’s memory donations can be made to American Brain Tumor Association and the fight to cure glioblastoma multiforme at http://hope.abta.org/goto/charlieroof

Wendy Leigh Harvey, born January 28^th, 1955, to Marlow and Sharol (Gibbs) Taylor, in Ogden, UT, was called home on Wednesday, August 27, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband David Harvey and mother Sharol Taylor. Left to carry on her traditions in life, are her children: son Isreal Harvey (daughter-in-law Becky Harvey) of Riverdale, UT and daughters Stacia and Mariah Harvey of Mesa, AZ and her grandchildren Logan, Megan, Sarah, Scott, and Reagan Harvey. She was also a devoted daughter and sister to father Marlow Taylor and step-mother Elizabeth Hawkins Taylor, brother Val Taylor, sisters Marla Stimmel and Carrie Taylor of Seattle, WA and brother Phillip Taylor of Mesa, AZ.

She married David Harvey in 1975 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Wendy lived for many years in Bothell and Federal Way, WA then moved to Mesa, AZ in 1996 until her death. She worked many years in the retail and food service industries as a manager.  Wendy lived a life full of love and laughter. She wanted nothing but the best for everyone she came in contact with and she could always fill the room with smiles and laughter. As a devout LDS woman, she loved the gospel and celebrating the traditions of the church.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2014at 3 PM, with a visitation at 2 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel located at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Joseph Mason Anderson was born in Mesa Arizona on 26 February 1929 and passed away on 23 August 2014, at the age of 85, in the Mesa home he built. Dad lived an amazing life. In his youth he was a cowboy, lumberjack, quarryman, fought forest fires, and served in the Arizona National Guard. Later in life Dad was a Master Plumber. He then turned his horticulture hobby into his business as a nurseryman, landscaper, consultant and lecturer. Dad exemplified service. For 20 years he served as an advisor to the Mesa Public Schools Agriculture Department, seven of those as Chairman. He also served five missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Adam-ondi-Ahman. Joe is the son of Joseph Smith Anderson and Mettie Josephine Brewer and the stepson of Edwin Hamblin Lee. He is survived by his sweetheart of 64 years Arlene Judkins Anderson, daughters Wendy Thompson (Mark), Jolene Jackson (Leon), Daryrene Cannon (Craig), sons Kevin (Cherri) and Darwin (Cindy), 25 grandchildren and 60 going on 61 great-grandchildren. Services will be Saturday, 30 August 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM, at the LDS Church at 933 E. Brown Rd. on the corner of Miller and Brown in Mesa. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Alayna Lea Fulwilder passed away August 23, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 7:00 AM at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 East Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Dorothy Frances Montgomery, 71, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on August 23, 2014 in Mesa. She was born June 7, 1943 in Danville, Illinois. A visitation will be held at 9:30 AM with funeral services to follow at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 29^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alta Mesa Ward, 5620 E. Adobe Rd. in Mesa.

Jeannine Slade Adair age 82, passed away peacefully and quietly on August 22, 2014 in Provo, Utah. Jeannine was born October 28, 1931 in Redmesa, Colorado to James Clarence Slade and Catherine Arabelle Willden. Jeannine attended school in Redmesa for 9 years. Since there was no high school in Redmesa she came to Mesa and attended and graduated from Mesa High School. While in high school she attended Mesa 2^nd Ward where she met Charles William Adair. They were sealed together in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1949. Jeannine and Charles lived their married lives in Mesa where they raised their family of five boys. Jeannine was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She used many of her talents in their behalf—among them sewing, cooking, quilting, tutoring, throwing family parties, and playing games. She also used her many talents as an active lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She worked with children, teens, adults, and the elderly in her many callings. She also served the community by tutoring many children and volunteering at the local school. She always strived to learn and improve herself including college classes. Jeannine is survived by one half-sister Audrey (Mike) Henry; 3 sisters-in-law Mary Alice Slade, Mel Slade, and Janice Slade; her five sons Charles Kay (Teresa) Adair, Kerry (Dixie) Adair, Kendall (Elaine) Adair, Karl (Shannon) Adair, and David (Stephanie) Adair; 23 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Charles Adair; her brothers: Ralph, Lynn, Virgil, Everett, and Harry Slade; and her sister Doris Roberts. Visitation is Friday, August 29, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 11 AM, with visitation from 10:00-10:45 AM, at the LDS church, 1050 S. Hobson, Mesa. Interment is at the Mesa Cemetery following the funeral services.