Find An Obituary

Lillian Ruth Milroy
Born: January 20th, 1932
Died: May 21st, 2014

Our dear Mother was taken from our care into the loving arms of her Father in Heaven.

Lillian was born to Frank James Reed and Ida Rebecca Saetre. Raised in Barnes, Wisconsin. She was the youngest of 8 children, her six brothers (Earl, Glenn, Jim, John, Richard, Alan) and 1 sister (Betty) kept close tabs on her and were influential in giving Lillian an appreciation for having fun and a positive outlook on life.

Lillian married in 1951 to John Walcott Adams and is the mother of four children (Donald, Peggy, Kelly and Phillip). After raising her children, Lillian worked as an Activity Assistant at a Senior Community. She was also married to Ken Milroy in her later years.

She enjoyed the many simple pleasures in life…going for walks, playing cards, painting, sewing, Loved dancing and socializing. She also enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and just spending time with family. She had a contagious zest for life that afforded her many friendships.

She truly was an angel! We will all miss her dearly!

There will be a memorial service held in her honor on Saturday, June 7th, 2014 at 2:00 PM.
Location: Community Church of New Thought
5013 East Broadway Road
Mesa, AZ 85206

Joyce Hirsch, 71, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on May 25, 2014. She was born June 30, 1942 in New York City, New York. A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, May 29, 2014 and Funeral Services at 9:30 AM, Friday, May 30, 2014 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.

Terry Wayne Starks, 69, passed away May 25, 2014 in Chandler, AZ. A visitation will be held Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 6-8 PM at the LDS Twelve Oaks 3rd Ward Chapel, 1111 E. Knox Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284. Funeral services will be Friday, May 30, 2014 at 10 AM at the same location, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM.

Elisabeth Ann Grimm, 86, passed away May 26, 2014 in Chandler, Arizona. She was born January 22, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio. Memorial services may be held at a later date in Ohio.

Lucile Hadlock Layton Trost Giddings
May 13, 1918-May 27, 2014

Lucile was born in Layton, Utah the oldest child of Lionel Isaac and Bessie Bea Hadlock Layton. She graduated from Davis High School and then Brigham Young University in 1940. She often spoke of the difficulties and financial stresses her family faced because of the Great Depression. She was only able to finish college because she was lucky enough to find a job. After college she taught in the public schools. She always took money home to help her parents and younger brothers and sisters.

During World War II, while she was teaching high school, she supported the war effort after school hours by driving a fork lift at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. During the war she met Oscar Trost who served in North Africa and Italy. They were married in September 1944. This marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. A daughter, Cathy (Wiggins) was born in 1945 and a son, Hal (Trost) in 1949. Oscar entered college on the GI bill. He graduated with a degree in Wildlife Biology and the young family moved to northern New Mexico where Oscar worked at a fish hatchery.

After a very happy year and a half in New Mexico, Oscar was diagnosed with leukemia. He died in early 1954. Lucile then became a single parent with two small children to support. She returned to graduate school to earn a masters and then a PhD. She eventually became a college professor teaching at San Jose State, the University of Alaska and Brigham Young University.

In 1973 she reconnected with Bland Giddings. They had known each other in college. Each had gone their way, married, had children, and lost spouses. After a whirlwind romance they married in August of 1973. Lucile moved to Mesa, Arizona to be with Bland, where she lived the rest of her 96 years. Bland and Lucile loved and supported each other until Bland’s death in 2012 after nearly 40 years of marriage.

Lucile loved to travel, visiting Russia five or six times. Her son and daughter accompanied her to France and Italy. She and Bland took cruises to Australia, Greece and Turkey. Lucile also loved animals including Bland’s beloved geese and frequently adopted stray cats and dogs.

Bland’s son Val Giddings gave her the only grandchildren, Naomi and Calvin. Bland’s other son, Tom Giddings is the only one of the four children who lives in Mesa, Arizona. He has been a great support and comfort to Lucile in the last few years of her life.

Memorial services will be held June 27, 2014, 11AM, Harris 2nd Ward, 1455 North Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona and on June 30, 2014, 11AM, Northridge Stake Center, 2375 E. 3225 N, Layton, Utah. If you wish to make a memorial gift, please consider a donation in her name to your local public television station or to the Humane Society.

Kelly Marie Cunningham-Hewitt, 42, of Phoenix, Arizona; passed away on May 29, 2014. She was born November 12, 1971 in Indianapolis, Indiana. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa, Arizona.

Bonnie Byrd, 88, passed away June 2, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services will be Friday, June 13, 2014 at 12 PM at the LDS Snowflake 2nd Ward Chapel, 9th South 2nd West, Snowflake, Arizona, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the same location. Interment will be Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 1 PM at the St. David Cemetery, St. David, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Gayle Jacqueline Frazier, 62, passed away June 3, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 11 AM at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 North Recker Road, Mesa, AZ 85205. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Gertrude Alcie Duncan Cluff was born September 21, 1926 in Greenfield, MO, to Philena Rose and John Harvey Duncan. She was the seventh of nine children. Mom had 6 older siblings and she was in the oldest of the last three. The older children were assigned a younger child to help take care of. Aunt Tina was assigned to take care of Mom. One time when Mom was sick with the mumps, Aunt Tina gave Mom pickle juice. Apparently, that wasn’t a very pleasant thing to drink when you had the mumps. But as Mom got older she and her sisters became the best of friends. Mom even lived with Aunt Bee when she moved to Seattle. Then later she lived with Aunt Bee in San Francisco where she worked after finishing Business College in Kansas City. Mom and Aunt Bee went to a dance where she met Loren Alva Cluff in 1956. After a few months of courtship, they were married in Reno, Nevada on June 11th 1956. So they would have been married 58 years, tomorrow. Soon three daughters joined their family; Debbie Woodland (Carl), Bev Hiatt (Lamoyne) and Sue Cenatiempo (Scott). Her love of family extended to Loren’s three children from a first marriage, Myrna Merriman (deceased), Dennis Cluff (Beverly), and Nancy Duckworth (Brian). Trudy was an exceptional woman who did it all. She raised her family, was active in the LDS church and served in many callings. Trudy especially enjoyed genealogy and family history. She was an excellent cook and her Sunday dinners were legendary. Trudy continued to work in the business world as a clerk typist for the cities of San Jose and Perris, CA as well. Her retirement years found her moving to Hemet with Loren and then serving two missions for the LDS church– one to Tampico, Mexico and the other to San Antonio, Texas. Trudy and Loren spent 33 years in Hemet where they enjoyed the association of many friends. Her life was filled with quiet service and her strength and fierce love has carried the family through happy and tough times. Loren and Trudy relocated to Arizona in their later years to be closer to family. Trudy is survived by her husband of 58 years, her daughters and son-in-laws, eleven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, along with many other extended family. Funeral services are Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

.W. Rains was born on March 26, 1926, in Quay Valley, NM, to Clifton Cletious and Willie Esta Jennings Rains. C.W. was the first of eight children. In 1941, the family relocated to Phoenix and found a home in the neighborhood of Good Samaritan Hospital. The Newmans soon moved in next door. C.W. became friends with Patty Drue Newman. He asked Grandma Newman if he could walk Patty to school. Grandma said, yes, IF, it went no farther. C.W. and Patty married on February 23, 1944. They started their family in 1946, with the birth of C. Gary, and three girls coming later. Patty Denise, Jonita Kay, and Nevelyn (Robert Lynn Schooler). C. W. went into the ministry and graduated from Lee College, Cleveland, TN, in 1954. He and Patty pastored churches in Indiana and Arizona, retiring in 1986 in Mesa, AZ. He worked with sheet metal and was considered to be a master craftsman. After he retired, he made wind chimes using old pipes. He would create a dove out of metal to decorate and hit the pipe, making sweet melodies in the wind. C.W. and Patty worked on a dude ranch outside Durango, CO, during the summer for several years. After the ranch changed ownership, they took their motor home to the White Mountains, making lifelong friends. Patty passed in 2006 after living with C.W. for 62 years. He missed her immensely, joining her in death on June 7th. Funeral services are Monday, June 16, 2014 at 11 AM at the Fountain of Life Church of God, 1718 N. Mesa Drive, Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Jette Rhyse Davis, 13, was called home to his Father in Heaven Thursday, June 12, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Duane and Nicole Davis in Denver, Colorado on August 5, 2000. He fought Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer three times starting in August 2007 when he was at the tender age of 7. The cancer came back again in September 2012, and then again in January 2014.

Jette was a young man who expressed unconditional love in all those he came in contact with and was a true example of living a Christ-like life. He had a smile and laugh that would light up any room. Jette had a sense of humor and used it all the time to make others feel better, regardless of what he was going through. One -line zingers were his forte to capture anyone’s heart and immediately make them a friend. His spirit will surely be missed by all those who knew him.

In his short life Jette was able to turn a dream of a childhood cancer foundation into a reality naming it Jette’s Journey Foundation. This was a passion of his to help other kids going through cancer and help them feel better. Jette’s foundation website is www.JettesJourney.org. Jette is survived by his parents Duane and Nicole, older brother Codie, little sister Colette. Fly high our little fighter…God be with you till we meet again….

Visitation will be on Friday June 20, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday June 21, 2014 at 10 AM proceeded by a visitation at 9 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 19730 E Ocotillo Rd in Queen Creek.

Luthera E. Tudek, 94, passed away June 14, 2014. She was a graduate of the University of Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers and Ted Covelli, who late in their lives had become the love of her life. She is survived by several nieces and nephews and Ted’s family. Honoring her wishes, she will be cremated and have no services. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

In Loving Memory of Lillie Mae (Kirby) Tidwell. “Lil” was born December 18, 1922 to Percy and Virginia (Adkins) Kirby in Colp, IL. She spent most of her adult life in Chicago, IL, until relocating to Arizona in 2006. She spent the remaining 8 years of her life in Chandler, AZ where she was called home after 91 years on June 16, 2014.

“Lil” is survived by two sons, Dwight L. (Cathey) Kirby and Prentiss L. (Rev. Ozetta) Kirby, a special nephew Ronald (Marjorie) Kirby, 4 grandchildren, Kent M. Kirby, Prentice R. Price, Latanya L. (Robert) Topps, and Leslie D. (Eric) Taylor, 8 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Armanda (Martin) Kirby and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Percy Kriby & Virginia (Adkins), sister Percy Pearl (Miller), brothers James L. (Edna Webb) “LoLo” Kirby, Norvel Kirby, Toledo (Edith) Kirby, Dwight (Lorraine) Kirby and one grandson Kenneth P. Kirby.

“Lil” was a graduate of Herrin High School. She was employed by the United States Post Office for twenty plus years, and then as a child care representative for Catholic Charities until her retirement.

“Lil” was known for being drawn to infants and those less fortunate than herself. She was blunt and direct at times, witty and comical at other times. She loved her family, home, friends and neighbors. We will miss her deeply. May God rest her soul. Funeral services are Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the Holy Trinity Community A.M.E. Church, 220 South Chestnut Street, Mesa, AZ 85204. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Shari Lynn Muns, 47, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2014 after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. Her devoted husband, Karel, was at her bedside. Shari was born in Chicago, IL to the late Tony Rockford and Shirley Rockford (Beyda). She was the mother of Tony Rockford, Taylor Spencer, Alysia Spencer and Kaitlyn Evans (Justin) and is survived by her sisters Serena (Cookie) Rockford (Juergen Gebhart) and Sandy Mucciante (Frank) and was a loving sister to the late Jackie Rockford and Thomas Rockford. Shari had been a loving aunt, niece and cousin to many. She also left behind many friends and co-workers. Her cat, Jackson, and dog, Dexter miss her terribly. Her favorite place in the world was Disneyland and we hope that heaven means you don’t have to wait in any lines.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2014 @ 2:00 PM followed by a memorial service @ 3:00 PM, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr. Mesa, AZ. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2014, 10:30 A.M. at National Cemetery of AZ, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wells Fargo Bank in Shari’s name, or contribute directly to Hospice of the Valley or the American Cancer Society.

Sharon Ann Samarripa passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on the morning of June 19, 2014 at her home in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 63.

Sharon is predeceased by her father, Donald E. Goodall.

Sharon is survived and lovingly remembered by her beloved husband of 33 years and best friend, Paul. Her son Christopher, his wife Angela and their 4 beautiful daughters. Daughter Christie, and her husband Michael. Her mother Betty, Aunt Lucille, sister Roberta and countless friends.

Sharon was born in Merced, California on March 5, 1951 to her loving parents, Donald and Betty Goodall. Throughout her life she lived in many locations around the United States including Alaska, Texas, and Oregon. She spent the majority of her adult life in Arizona where she met her beloved husband and raised her family.

Sharon was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend. She was warm, compassionate and loved to laugh. She wanted everyone to be happy and would help in any way she could to make that possible. She enjoyed cooking great food, baking, trying new food, music, traveling and most importantly, spending time with her husband and family. She is loved very much and will be missed by all that had the great blessing of being in her life.

The viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 from 6-8 PM.

The funeral service will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 10am with Pastor Oden officiating. Burial to follow at 1pm, at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North CaveCreek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

Dear Mom

I just thought I’d say
I love you and goodbye
We will miss you dearly
I promise I won’t cry.

I will never forget our talks
Conversations on the phone
How happy you were to see me
When I finally came home.

You worried so much about me
I worried about you too
I know this is the hardest thing
We’ve ever had to do.

I know you’ll always be with me
Wherever I will go
No one needs to show me
I will always know.

I don’t know what to do Mom
I never thought I’d loose you
Where I’ll go from here
I still haven’t got a clue.

I hope you’ll watch over me
Be my guiding light
Giving me the strength I need
To win this endless fight.

You’re my guardian angel Mom
Sitting on my shoulder
Whispering your words of wisdom
To use as I get older.

I don’t want to say goodbye
But we’ll meet again someday
We’ll pick up where we left off
Before you went away.

Poem by Mallissa A. Moore

Eunice Ann Sullivan Taylor, 81, passed away June 20, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. She was raised with her 11 siblings in Bloomfield IA, where she met her future husband, Bob Taylor. They hit it off right away, proven by her famous statement “I wouldn’t go out with that old Bob Taylor even if he asked me!” Lucky for many he did ask her and she did say yes! Together they started their family and moved them out to Mesa AZ in 1962, where they continued their dedication not only to their own children but to others as well, Bob through his teaching and Eunice through her child care and resource support. She is survived by her children, Michael E. Taylor, Paula Sue Nasater, Karie Lynn Taylor, Robert L. Taylor, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In addition to raising her own four children she was known as “Momma Taylor” to many more children through her years of providing childcare in her home. When she was not caring for children in her home she was caring for them at Webster Elementary school in Mesa, where she received several awards for her work in resource support. She was a published poet and her love of poetry led to her to bringing the experience of poetry to many young lives. She was an extraordinary women, daughter, wife, mother, neighbor and friend. Her ready smile, sense of humor, unconditional love and infinite kindness will be missed. Funeral services are Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers a donation to Hospice of the Valley would be appreciated.