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Andre Emanuel Bluth, 58, of Queen Creek, AZ, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2014 in a car accident. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and 4 children, Dustin, Crystal, Matthew and Shaun, who adored him. His greatest joy was being a father and grandfather to 6 grandchildren. Andre was born to Ora and the late Gayle “Chato” Bluth in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico. He was raised on a farm and shared an ideal childhood with his siblings, Tito, Yvonne, Alex and Lucy. Nothing brought Andre more happiness than spending time with his family and friends. He brought excitement and joy with him everywhere he went; his smile and his laugh were contagious. Andre left this life far too soon and will be deeply missed by many. Memorial Services will be Friday, February 28, 2014 at 3 PM, preceded by a visitation from 1- 3 PM at the LDS Queen Creek North Stake Center, 22035 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85242. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Vilda Jane Johnson, 87, passed away February 23, 2014 in Paulden, Arizona. Visitation is Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Graveside services are Friday, February 28, 2014 at 10 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, 85201.

Michael Terry Pickett “Mick”, 69 of Mesa passed away on February 24, 2014. He was born on July 6, 1944 in Burley, Idaho, to M E Pickett and Vesta McKinlay. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School and received a degree in Business from Brigham Young University in 1967. Mick worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He served a mission to New Zealand and was currently an ordinance worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He is survived by the love of his life, Wilhelmina Nielson Pickett, and his children, M. Todd (Penni) Pickett, Shondelle (Jason) Hales and eight grandchildren (Nichole, Kristine & Zoe Pickett and Macy, Porter, Marlee, Addison & Sadie Hales). Surviving siblings include a brother, Philip Pickett and a sister, Peggy Price. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Sydney Pickett. The visitation is Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel (33 N. Centennial Way – Mesa). Funeral services are on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 10AM preceded by a visitation from 9-9:30 AM at the LDS Church, 2835 E. Des Moines Street in Mesa.

Donna Nelson Wright, daughter of David Sanders Nelson and Martha Elizabeth Fuller, was born April 23, 1930, in Phoenix, Arizona. Donna married Robert Wayne Wright in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 5, 1952. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her twin sisters, Noreen Nelson Taylor and Doreen Nelson Tenney. She is survived by her four children (Eva Kathryn Openshaw, Karen Elizabeth Decker, Robert David Wright, and Richard Wayne Wright) and also by her aunt Pearl Loftin. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom love her and miss her very much.

Donna was a student at Brigham Young University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music with a minor in English. She later attended Northern Arizona University, earning a Master of Arts degree in elementary education. She studied music and organ performance with J. J. Keeler, who taught other students that later became organists of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Donna also studied with Frank Asper, Tabernacle Organist (her last lesson with him was on the Tabernacle organ).

Donna taught elementary school, music, and piano lessons for many years. In 1974, she purchased a Mary Moppet’s franchise and eventually expanded her daycare business into two successful schools, which she operated in the Chandler area for many years.

Donna was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served faithfully in the church for her entire life. She served as the ward organist beginning in her youth and continued in that calling until her passing. Indeed, Donna’s life is an example of love and service. After her retirement, Donna served as a full-time missionary in the Family History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Donna was very involved in temple and genealogical work in the church for many years. She served as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple, and also spent many happy years doing extraction and indexing work, preparing approximately 300,000 names for proxy work in the temple.

Donna’s legacy is one of love, music, and family. She will be greatly missed, and her posterity will rise up and call her blessed. She was truly an elect lady. We announce her viewing March 5th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, from 6:00 to 8:00pm; her funeral service will be March 6th at 10:00am in the Mesa 25th Ward Building, 848 N. Westwood, Mesa, AZ 85201 (viewing at 9:00am).

Matilde Alvarez Cañez de Cañez of Mesa, AZ passed away suddenly on March 1, 2014 at the age of 93. Matilde was born on October 29, 1920 to Santiago Perez Cañez and Carmen Alvarez in San Miguel de Horcasitas, Sonora, Mexico. She married Rodolfo Acedo Cañez in Imuris, Sonora, Mexico on March 10, 1943 and had four boys. In 1950 she moved with her husband and sons to Superior, Arizona where they had six more children. She loved being a mother and homemaker. She took pride in her role and was excellent raising her ten children. She also raised some of her grandchildren and was the go to person for home remedies when they were sick. Matilde was known for her tortilla making and by word of mouth she was asked to be featured in the Mesa Tribune. In the article she talked about how tortilla making was a source of pride and a lost art. She was a dynamic woman who loved life to the fullest. She was a traveler, loved flying and fought for the window seat. She was a lover of animals, baseball, “la perrica”, crossword puzzles, music, cooking, dancing, her “chuchupate” and had a green thumb. Matilde is survived by her sons, Rodolfo “Rudy” Jr., Ramon (Margarita), Santiago, Arnoldo; daughters, Ofelia, Herlinda and Matilde; daughter-in-law, Anita De Anda Cañez, 25 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren and caregiver Francisca. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodolfo Acedo Cañez; brothers, Santiago, Antonio, Jose, Jesus Maria, Carlos and Francisco; sisters: Carmen de Gracia and Rosario C. Acedo, and by her loving sons, José, Rogelio and Bernardo and grandson, Richard. She also leaves hundreds of extended family members and friends. She was the matriarch of our family and she will be incredibly missed. She will never be forgotten. Her spirit will live in each of us always and forever. Viewing and Rosary will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 5-8 PM. Mass will be at Queen of Peace Catholic Church,141 E. 1st Street, Mesa, AZ on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 10 AM. Burial will follow at City of Mesa Cemetery.

Verlie Beth Nelson White, born Sept. 21, 1917 in Chandler, AZ, died peacefully Saturday, March 1, 2014 at home in her sleep at age 96. Verlie was one of 6 children born to Edward Banks Nelson and Myrtle Libbie Sellers Nelson. She married Eldon Nesbit of Kansas City, MO in 1948 and after a divorce she moved back to Phoenix. She later married Jack White in 1967. They were married for 43 years until his death in 2010. Verlie was active in several community groups and loved to travel. She was a strong woman with a constant willingness to help others and loved being a grandmother. She was passionate about family history long before the computer era and spent countless hours researching. She was an inspiration to her entire family for her quick wit and excellent humor. Verlie is survived by her son Bob Nesbit of Arizona, daughter Frances Davis (Don) of Utah, her step-children, Jack White Jr. (Teri), Jane White, Jean White (Joan), her sister Theda Wright and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones. Visitation will be Saturday, March 8th from 9-10:20 AM at the LDS church, 616 South Extension Rd., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will immediately follow at 10:30 AM.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Martina Thompson Peck, 85, passed away on March 2, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Martina and Seth Thompson were married for 36 years prior to Seth’s passing. Seth and Martina had five children: Karen, Keith, Kelly, Kent and Kathy. Martina and Leslie Peck were married in 1993. During their retirement years, they served together as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 6 separate missions. She is survived by her 5 children and her husband, Les. She is grandmother to 22 and a great-grandmother of 15 children.

A viewing will be held Monday, March 17, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker University Chapel Mortuary, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., (preceded by a visitation at 9:00 a.m.) at the Fairfield Ward LDS Chapel, 4640 E. Holmes Ave., Mesa, AZ.

Martina will sincerely be missed by all who loved her. She will be laid to rest at the Mesa City Cemetery.

Geraldine West Peterson was born on July 20, 1916 in Lakeside, AZ. After a full and blessed life at the age of 97, she passed peacefully in her sleep the morning of March 2, 2014.
Geraldine raised 4 children who gave her 18 adoring grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her loving daughter, Deanna (Gary) McCleve, and devoted son Joe (Linda) Peterson. She has now joined her other two children, Don (Penny) Peterson and Erna (Robert) Tanner beyond the veil. Geraldine lived a life devoted to her family. Her parents were Karl B. West and Irma Hansen West. Her dear brothers and sisters were Urna, (deceased as infant), Roxie (Orr) Owens (deceased), Mildred Schurig Wiseman Packer, Karl Keith (Barbara) West (deceased), Wanda (Melvin) Palmer, and Corwin (Jonnamay) West (deceased). They grew up together in Lakeside, Arizona embraced by extended family and friends.
Geraldine fell in love with Don W. Peterson in Lakeside, and attended college in Tempe, Arizona. Her love for the gospel and desire to serve the Lord compelled her to serve a mission. Upon her return home, Don and Geraldine were married on Dec. 14, 1937, in the Mesa, Az. Temple. Their honeymoon was spent in the Adams hotel in Phoenix. Later, with four children, Geraldine told her husband, “I served a mission – now it’s your turn!” She gladly moved in with her parents in Lehi, AZ to care for her family while he served the Lord in Washington State.
Geraldine was a hard-working woman. She once explained, “Some people look at a challenge and back away, but when women in our family meet a challenge, we salivate at the opportunity to conquer that task.” Geraldine proved her philosophy as she spent many years working for Cardon Oil Company and Smith-Heywood Freight Lines as a book keeper. She also worked with her husband running dairy cows, managing the Palace Motel in Show Low, Arizona, building pool tables, managing irrigation services, owning and managing a trailer park, and with her son, Joe, built a home and duplex to rent.
Geraldine was an extremely creative person. She was talented at the piano and loved playing the pieces Rustles of Spring, Hall of the Mountain King, Prelude in C, Prelude in C Minor, among many others. She served as ward organist many times throughout her life. However, her artistic endeavors did not end with music; She was also a capable painter and accomplished seamstress. Many of her beautiful landscape scenes hung on the walls of her home and her beautiful dresses were delightfully worn by her sisters in her younger days and later, her daughters and granddaughters. She also designed and sewed all of her clothes and used the extra fabric to make beautiful quilts which she gave as treasured wedding gifts.
After her Father’s death, Geraldine cared for her Mother Irma Hansen West until she passed away December 19, 1993 at the age of 97. Until her passing, Geraldine was the oldest living member of the Hansen and West family and we miss her already. It is comforting to know that she is basking in her reunion with her beloved Don, cherished children, Erna and Donny, her dear parents, treasured little sister, Urna, her sister Roxie and brothers Karl and Corwin and other dear friends family members. And we know she is smacking her lips and the next challenge as she sets to work for her family from beyond the veil. Funeral services are Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 9:30 AM, preceded by a visitation at 8:30 AM at the LDS Cooley Park Ward, 3920 East Brown Road, Mesa, 85205. Interment will be at 4 PM at the Lakeside Cemetery, Lakeside, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

David Gordon Udall, “Gordon”, 85, of Mesa, Arizona died of pancreatic cancer Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at home while cared for by his wife of 53 years, Marjorie Ann Manguson. Gordon was born March 11, 1928 in Salt Lake City, Utah to David King Udall Jr. and Aurora Mariger.

He was married to the “wonder of his life” Marj on December 26, 1960 in La Jolla, California. They raised their family in Burbank, California, and moved to Arizona in 2002. He was a graduate in business from the University of Utah. He is a veteran of the Army and served in Germany during the Korean War. Gordon worked as a computer systems auditor and retired early to devote time to his children and grandchildren and to serving others. He dedicated his life to God, the Savior, his Family and his Country.

He is survived by his wife and four children, Todd, Tom, David and Julie, their spouses, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Gordon is reunited with his loved ones preceding him in death, including his son, James Donald Udall, parents, and siblings, Dorothy, Lawrence, and Theodore.

Gordon was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a devout Mormon with a great love of his Savior Jesus Christ. He served in many areas within the LDS Church including the nursery, the Young Men’s organization, and as a Bishop. As a senior missionary couple, he and Marj served in the Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Mission. He also served in the Los Angeles Temple, and in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 12pm, Mesa LDS Chapel, 10305 East Southern Ave, with a viewing to be held from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Interment will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Pierce Brothers Vahalla Memorial Park, North Hollywood, California.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the LDS Missionary Fund through LDS Philanthropies at www.ldsphilanthropies.org/missionary. Donations may also be mailed to LDS Philanthropies, 15 E. South Temple, 2nd Floor East, SLC, UT, 84150

Charles Richard Schoenberg, age 83, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2014 while walking in the place he loved; his own yard and garden. Charlie was born January 22, 1931 in Hart, Michigan to the late Carl and Edna Robbins Schoenberg.
Charlie was an electrician at General Motors for 36 years, and was known to be a very skilled and a very hard worker. He also served in the Air Force during the Korean War. One of the greatest joys in his life was his beautiful wife, Barbara, as well as his children and the little ones they brought into his life. He was honest to the core, and was truly one who had no guile in him. Another of Charlie’s greatest joys was his years as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Barbara worked together to supervise and manage all of the housing needs for more than 200 missionaries in the Tempe, Arizona mission. He loved working with the missionaries and would go out of his way to help them in any way he could. They always knew they could count on Brother Schoenberg.
Charlie was greatly loved by many and showed kindness and love to all around him. He always had a ready smile on his face, and we will miss that smile! As Dick Luebke, Jr. said, “He was a quiet hero, never looking for the spotlight, never seeking praise, just humbly serving his family and his church. This kind of man is pretty rare these days.”
Charlie is now happily reunited with his loved ones preceding him in death, including his son, Bradley Joseph Schoenberg, and his parents. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his son Richard, his sisters Helen (George) Kuntz and Katie (Paul) Naghtin, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Dick (Connie) Luebke, Debbie (John) Gilbert, Sharon (Kelly) Judy, Greg (Donna) Luebke, Mark (Karen) Luebke, and Chris (Suzie) Luebke, as well as 32 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, with more on the way! They all dearly loved their Grandpa Charlie, and he will be greatly missed.
“His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; … enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23
Visitation will be Friday, March 14, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., preceded by a viewing at 9:00. Services will be at the Monterey LDS chapel, 7145 E. Monterey, Mesa, Arizona.

Dolores I. “Dolly” Dumont Brouillard, 80, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2014, in Mesa, Arizona. Dolly was born on July 3, 1933 the eighth of nine children born to Samuel and Aldea Robidoux Dumont of Oxford, Massachusetts.

In 1953, Dolly married Joseph L. “Mike” Brouillard, and they began their life together in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Devout Catholics, they raised four children, and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, then Notre Dame Catholic Church. Dolly studied religious education and taught 2nd grade at the school. She loved children, and after moving to Arizona in 1971, she continued to teach at the elementary school in Ajo. Another move to Chandler prompted Dolly to continue teaching, work at the family 7-Eleven which used to be on the corner of Ray and Alma School Roads, and eventually work at the Cub House at Basha’s Grocery store.

Dolly had many interests. She loved her family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren; enjoyed musicals, ceramics, redecorating her house, and most of all, shopping. She attended both St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Chandler. And she loved to talk – to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

After Joe passed away in 2009, she moved to Discovery Point in Mesa. She enjoyed decorating the chapel, participating in their community entertainment, and shopping trips.

Dolly is survived by her daughters Monique (Lawrence) Tomasello of Pearce, AZ; Michelle (Steve) Roseberry of Mesa, AZ; sons John (Toni) Brouillard of Chandler, AZ; and Joseph (Song) Brouillard of Coolidge, AZ; sisters Bertha Pierangeli of Webster, MA; and Mary Ramsdell of Fiskdale, MA; 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor on Tuesday, March 18th, 2014, at 10:00 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1551 E. Dana Ave., Mesa, AZ. Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, Mesa, AZ. (480)964-8686.

Florine Phyllis Gutierrez, 79, passed away March 9, 2014 in Scottsdale, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 7 AM at the Lehi Cemetery, 926 East Thomas Road, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Derek James Allen, 39, of Mesa, Arizona passed away March 10, 2014 in Mesa. Visitation will be Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 9 AM, at the LDS Park Crest Ward, 3920 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will follow at 10 AM at the same location. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Shirley Rockford (nee Beyda) 83, of Mesa, AZ; passed away March 11, 2014. She was born in Chicago on July 5, 1930. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Tony, her parents Jack and Sarina; two brothers: Joseph (the late Adele) and Samuel (the late Esther); a sister: Selma Teel; a daughter: Jacqueline (David) Lineback and a step-son Thomas. Shirley is survived by her sister: Rachel (the late Harold) Asper; two daughters: Serena (Juergen Gebhardt) and Shari (Karel) Muns; step-daughter: Sandra (Frank) Mucciante; and four grandchildren: Anthony, David, Tony, and Taylor. She was a loving aunt, cousin and friend to many. A Memorial Service will be held to honor her at a later date. Donations in Shirley’s honor can be sent to Mayfair Assisted Living, 6930 E. Granada St., Mesa, AZ 85207.

Mason M. Merrill, 22, passed away March 12, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at the LDS Vineyard Ward, 1054 West 2nd Place, Mesa, AZ 85201. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Frances Loretta Goodwin, 78, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away March 13, 2014 in Phoenix. Wake services will be held Friday, March 21, 2014 at 6 PM at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 8 AM at Salt River Cemetery, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.