Find An Obituary

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.

Mark E. Botkin, 55, of Mesa Arizona, passed away June 22nd. He is survived by his two daughters Lt. Col. Malina Dubbs (SFC. Jason Dubbs); and Amanda Steward (Brad Steward); his mother, Nora Painter, his siblings Tawanna Blakely; Ret. MSgt Clay and Teri Botkin; and Scott Botkin, , and most importantly his two granddaughters Alexis Dubbs and Katie Dubbs. He honorable served his country for over 20 years in the Air National Guard; retiring with distinction as a Senior Master Sargent. Mark will be remembered for the love he shared with his family, who were also his friends, and his friends, who became part of his family. We send Mark off on the eternal bus ride with a Memorial Service at Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ, on Friday June, 27 2014 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers donations to a charity you feel deserving would be appreciated.

Shannon Michael Swaim, 23, went to be with our Lord Friday morning, June 27, 2014, following a fatal traffic accident. He is survived by his father Kevin Swaim and stepmom Janey Durham, grandparents Oliver and Peggy Swaim, sisters Betsy Matthies, Brittany Bolt and Bridgette La Que, aunt and uncle Kathy and Randy Penix, cousins Amanda Johnson and Aaron Penix , extended family Michael Durham, Marcus Lacy, Cherie Lacy, Shaheen Efmaeili and many other loved ones. Visitation is Wednesday, July 2, 2014 from 6–8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services are Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 10 AM, also at Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Bradshaw, Ruth Skouson
Ruth Skouson Bradshaw, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2014. She was born on January 21, 1928, in El Paso, Texas, and lived all of her adult life in Mesa, Arizona. She married Rodney O. Bradshaw on March 23, 1951, in the Mesa Arizona Temple, and devoted her life to creating a loving home for Rodney and their children, and extending care and comfort to her mother and mother-in-law. Ruth also provided lifelong service in the LDS church. She is survived by her husband Rodney, her sons Aaron (Donna), Kim (Dina), Blair (Sheron), Richard (Sian), Rusty (Juli), and Philip (Wendy); her daughters Gayle (David) Thomas and Ruthann (Carlton) Van Leuven; 33 grandchildren, and 45 great-grandchildren; also her sister Hazel Walker. She was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Alpha Skouson, her grandson Joshua Bradshaw, and her sister Eveletta Black. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3, 6 – 8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 5, 10 am, preceded by a visitation at 9 am, at the Lazona Ward building, 1345 E. University Drive in Mesa.

Mary Riggs, 103, passed away June 28, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, July 5, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Udall Ward, 15 West 1st Ave. Mesa, AZ 85204. Interment will be at the Holbrook Cemetery, Holbrook, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel

William (Bill) John MacDonald III, 77, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2014. Bill was doing what he loved most in the world at the time of his death; hiking through his beloved Usery Mountain Regional Park with his grandson Zach.
The funeral service will be held at Bunker Family Funeral Home at University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 on Saturday, July 5, 2014. Visitation will be from 09:00 am to 10:00 am followed by a Memorial Service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. At 3:00 pm, a graveside military honors burial service will be performed at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706
Bill was born March 31, 1937 in Richland, New York. He was the son of William John MacDonald Sr. and Edith Gertrude Wells Hyatt. He served proudly in the United States Air Force and worked as a Communications/Radio Engineer his entire adult life.
Bill is survived by his best friend, partner and spouse of 42 years, Catherine MacDonald and sisters, Janice E. Valdez, Laura E. Richardson, and brothers, John W. MacDonald and James Hyatt.
Children: Scott MacDonald, William MacDonald IV, Julie Brask and Christopher Thiers, Michael Thomas, Jan True and Gregory Thomas. Grandchildren: Zachary, Jacob, Abby, Adam, Andrew, Enjouli, Cassandra, Nicholas, Tanya and Gregory (Nate). Great Grandchildren: Lillian, Hadley, Camrynn and Kendal and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends,
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the family of William J. MacDonald, 6446 E. Heather Drive, Mesa AZ 85215. A memorial park bench will be placed at Usery Mountain Regional Park in memory of William J. MacDonald.

Stephen S. Osder, 89, passed away June 29, 2014 in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel

Reagan Mark Jensen, 22, of Mesa, Arizona passed away Sunday June 29, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Monday, July 7, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS church building at 7752 E. McDowell Rd. Mesa, Arizona 85207. For more information see Bunkercares.com or visit Reagan’s Memorial site at Facebook.com/Reaganjensenofficial?ref=stream.

Ena Rae Ramon (Valenzuela) born September 19, 1941, peacefully ascended into the spirit world Tuesday July 1, 2014. Her husband, Jose Ramon, and parents Amelia Ericksen and Raymond Valenzuela greeted Ena. She is survived by her daughter Liza Vest, son-in-law Wayne Marcus, grandchildren Shashani Marcus and Mahki Marcus, great-granddaughter Woikima Marcus, sisters Rita Moreno, Carol Aguilar, Marilyn Mumphrey, and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Ena served her Indian people in the Finance department of Indian Health Service. After 27 years she retired as Assistant Chief of Contract Health under IHS. Upon retirement she cared for her dad Raymond, then husband Jose until their departures. She served on various boards within the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. She sewed traditional clothing and absolutely adored listening and dancing to Chicken Scratch music. She loved the Lord dearly and was very active in the St. Francis church. Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt was greatly loved and will be missed by all those that were touched by her beautiful smile and warm nature. A wake service will be held on Wednesday July 9, 2014, from 6-10pm beginning with a Rosary at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Dr., Scottsdale, AZ. Catholic Mass and burial service beginning at 8am, Thursday, July 10 at St. Francis Catholic Church and Cemetery, 3090 N. Longmore Rd., Scottsdale, AZ. Flowers may be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, 480.964.8686.