Find An Obituary

John F. Jayne
April 25, 1956-July 20, 2014

John F. Jayne, 58, of Mesa, passed away July 20, 2014 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Peggy Jayne and father-in-law Robert Taylor. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Vicki (Taylor) Jayne; daughters Jessica (Spencer) Inglish, Vanessa (Joey) Gornik, and Tiffany (Rocky) Brown; brothers Clancy and Tim Jayne; and mother-in-law Lillian Taylor. He is Papa to 10 grandchildren that adore him: Maggie, Jaycie, Gunner, Reese, Grady, Brighton, Brigham, Abby, Macy, and Lainey. John graduated from Mesa High School in 1974. He worked for the City of Mesa for 40 years, spending the last 34 years on the Mesa Fire Department. He loved his job and serving the citizens of Mesa. John’s life revolved around his family. He loved nothing more than spending time with his kids and grandkids. John was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, sincere compassion for people, and selfless service he rendered to so many. A viewing will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2014 from 6-8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 10am, preceded by a visitation at 9am at the Emerald Acres Ward building, 1415 E. Southern, Mesa.

Vance G. Chapman 87, born on May 22nd 1927 in Flint Michigan passed away peacefully at the hospital with his loving family by his side in Mesa Arizona on July 21st 2014. He joined the Navy at an early age to help defend our great country and was a proud WWII veteran. Vance and his wife Mary Lou moved their family from Flint, Michigan to Mesa, Arizona in 1959 where he continued his proud career as a Union Bricklayer and eventually served as the Business Agent for Local #3 in Phoenix AZ. Vance was a 32nd degree Mason at the Oriental Lodge No. 20 in Mesa AZ. Vance was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou. He is survived by daughter, Sandra Moody (David), son, Vance G. Chapman Jr. (Rebecca), 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ on Friday August 1st at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Wounded Warrior Project if you so choose.

Ted H Carpenter, beloved husband and dad, returned to his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2014. He had been a resident of Mesa since September 1994.

Ted was born on May 17, 1926, in Pima, AZ, to James Harley and Gladys Maloy Carpenter, the 2nd of five children and quite a few foster children. His older sister Ruth Crabtree (Graydon) preceded him in death. Ted is survived by his sister Bonnie Gregg of Safford, AZ, two brothers, Doug (Barbara) of Pima, and Dan (Peggy) of Gilbert, and two foster siblings Uleta Duncan and Dorice Cheschilly.

Ted enlisted in the Navy at age 17 during World War II on May 13, 1944, and served until June 10, 1946 for a total of 2 years and 28 days. He was with the Hedron FAW Eight, USNAB Navy #807. First he was a chauffeur for a captain on a base in California. He was then sent to the Marshall Islands at Ebeye in the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean as a Seaman First class where he remained throughout the rest of the war. He was in charge of keeping generators running on the island and in charge of Shore Patrol. The U. S. was planning for the invasion of Japan when the first two atomic bombs exploded on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. This brought about the end of World War II.

Once Ted returned to Pima, he met and married Imogene Jensen on August 2, 1947, in Safford with whom he had five children: Karen, Danalea, Jody Martinez, Ted Elliot, and Kelly. Following work with the Forest Service in Oregon, Ted drove trucks for El Paso Natural Gas, next working on the pipeline. He worked for TransWestern pipeline for 12 years. Wanting to drive semis, Ted got a job in Flagstaff with Yellow Freight Line Co. Eventually they transferred Ted to Albuquerque where he and his family lived. Ted retired from Yellow Freight in 1988. Following a divorce, Ted and his son Ted E. had a towing business together in Sacramento, California.

In 1994 Ted moved to Mesa, AZ, to be close to his brothers Doug and Dan. Ted served a mission with the Mesa Family History Library from June 1995 – May 1997. Ted and Judith Rittenhouse were married on December 27, 1996, in the Mesa, AZ Temple. Ted and Judith served a mission at the Salt Lake City Family History Library August 2001 to July 2002. Ted was a very fine father to her children. Ted and Judith have lived together in Mesa for the past 17 years.

Ted is survived by his wife Judith Rittenhouse and her two children: April Tucker of Gilbert, and Lt. Col. Thomas W. Tucker (Carola) of Springfield, VA, parents of Judith’s only grandchild, Sonja Judith Emily Tucker. Ted was preceded in death by his parents James Harley and Gladys Maloy Carpenter and a granddaughter Jamie Cope Bennee. Ted is also survived by his former wife Imogene Jensen Carpenter and their five children: Karen Mueller (Monty) of Sacramento, CA; Danalea Cope (Dennis) of Mesa, AZ; Jody Martinez (Ron) of Sacramento; Ted E. Carpenter (Kaylea) of Oceanside, Ca; and Kelly Patrick (Craig) of Provo, Utah, along with 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

The Friday night viewing on August 1 will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way. Funeral services are Saturday, August 2, at 10:30 a.m. at the 34th Ward of Mesa East Stake, 2152 E. Adobe St., Mesa, AZ 85213 preceded by a visitation there at 9: 30 a.m. Final interment to follow at Mea City Cemetery, Mesa, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Ted to Hospice of the Valley, 2020 E. Woodside Court, Gilbert, AZ 85297.

Rena Gibson, 68, passed away July 27, 2014 in Scottsdale, AZ. Visitation is Monday, Aug. 4, 2014 from 6-10 PM at the Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Dr., Scottsdale, AZ. Funeral services are Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014 at 8 AM at the Salt River Presbyterian Church, 1801 N. Longmore Rd., Scottsdale, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Elger Lorenzo Cutler, 92 passed away on July 28, 2014. Born on September 17, 1921 in Mesa, AZ to Lettie Maria Shumway and Lorenzo Earlies Cutler, he spent most of his youth in Hayden, AZ. Elger graduated from Hayden High School. He participated in all sports, however his first love was baseball. Elger worked in the Morenci Copper Mine prior to WWII. He served in the Army Air Corps during the war. He married Virginia Lou Martin and they were blessed with one daughter, Sherry Lynn. Elger was a heavy equipment operator and worked on jobs all over the state of AZ. He completed his career constructing the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. He was very proud of his 50 years of service to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 428. Elger served 12 years as a missionary for the LDS Church. He is survived by his daughter Sherry Tuft of Mesa; 5 grandchildren Virginia Jacobson of Mesa, Sara Singleton of Mesa, Heber Cutler Tuft of Monroe (LA), Shauna Evanson of Mesa, Rachel Allen of Gilbert; and 19 great-grandchildren call him “Papa.” Funeral services are Saturday, August 2, at 11:30 AM at the LDS Church (Porter Park Ward) 1852 N. Stapley Drive, Mesa, with visitation one hour prior to service at the church. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Mae Haws Mish, age 95, of Mesa Arizona passed away July 29, 2014. Mae was born on May 15, 1919 in Naples, Utah to Heber Bertel Haws and Rowena Virginia Larsen Haws. Mae married Frank Joseph Mish on March 9, 1937 in Coaldale, Alberta, Canada. They arrived in Mesa in 1951 and within a few years established Mish Portrait Studio on S. Macdonald St. In later years she worked at Mesa Temple View Bookstore. Mae loved her family and would often say, “There is nothing more important than family”. She was skilled at sewing and crocheting, especially her beaded doilies. Since childhood Mae loved books and poetry and lately would entertain others with her memorized poems and sense of humor. She will be missed. Who will keep us trying and to “NEVER GIVE UP”? Mae is survived by her four children, Lloyd Mish (Kim), Marlene Anderson (Bob), Karen Bushman and Rayma Moore, 18 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren, a brother, Francis Richins, two sisters, Freda Caldwell, and Avis Ashby. Services will be held at 10 AM on Monday, August 4, 2014 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mesa North Stake Center, 933 E. Brown Rd, with visitation in the Relief Society room one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at the Mesa City Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201

Marian Randle Romney, 71, passed away peacefully in Tempe, Arizona on July 30th, 2014. She was joyfully reunited with those who preceded her in death, including parents Allan and Sarah Randle, sisters-in-law Roseann and Margaret Randle, daughter Sandra Troop, son-in-law David Troop, and grandson Isaac Troop.

Marian was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She often reminisced about playing on the streets of her Sugarhouse neighborhood, embarking on adventures with her siblings and friends. She had fond memories of attending East High, and participating in Pep Club and A’Capella. In 1961 she took her first job as a ward clerk at Primary Children’s Hospital, and spent the following summer as a counselor at the MIA Brighton Camp. These treasured experiences working with children would lead her to major in Education at Brigham Young University, receiving her BA. Prior to graduation she attended U of U and served an LDS mission in the Southwest British Mission from 1964-1965. She fell in love with the country and the people, and would return twice with friends to travel and collect information for genealogy work. Teaching the gospel and teaching children were her lifelong passions, and she received great joy from her work as an elementary teacher in Las Vegas and Utah.

In 1981 Marian married her best friend and love of her life, Gene, in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Arizona, where she fulfilled her most beloved dream of being a mother. She was a voracious reader and an adventurous camper, and encouraged those same loves in her children. She would later tutor students from home before returning to teach at Fees Middle School, and finally retired from McKemy Middle School as a reading specialist. Marian served faithfully and joyfully in various responsibilities in her LDS congregations, including Young Women’s President and Relief Society President. She served with her husband in the Maryland, Baltimore from 2008-2009. Marian spent her life serving, teaching, and loving, and was constantly looking for someone to welcome with open arms.

She is remembered for her vivacious spirit and passion for life by her husband, Eugene (Gene) Romney III, son Grant Romney (Karri), daughter Rachael Carlson (Michael), son David Romney (Natalie), four siblings, and her beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Jordan and Kiley Romney, Amos Troop, Aedan and Owen Carlson, and Jacob and Luke Romney. Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 9th at 12 PM at Lakeshore LDS Chapel, 6001 S Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, AZ, preceded by a visitation at 11AM. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 8th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Harry James Rodgers, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on August 1, 2014 after an 18 month battle with Leukemia. With him, at his bedside, were his beautiful wife of 52 years, Marge Rodgers and other family members. Harry leaves behind 2 children, 7 grandchildren, and 12 great grandkids.
Harry and Marge have been active members of the Fountain of the Sun retirement community in Mesa, since moving from Simi Valley, California 28 years ago. They organized and personally lead numerous wonderful trips around the world for their friends and neighbors in FOS. They were also known for their Christmas Parties.
While raising their kids Harry and Marge were avid campers, boaters and off-road motorcycle riders. After the kids grew, they gave up two wheels for off-road dune buggies, then spent years traveling in their motorhomes seeing the country.
Harry was born on December 25, 1930 in Bell, California. He was the youngest of 7 children. Served in the Navy for 5 years and saw active duty during the Korean War as an aerial photographer.
After the Navy Harry became a Teamster line truck driver for AM Lewis Certified Grocers in San Diego, then Northridge California, where he worked for 37 years before retiring and moving to Mesa, Arizona. He lived a full life, with a very outgoing personality that could put a smile on anyone’s face.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Aug 9th, at 11:00 am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1007 S. 72nd St, Mesa, AZ 85208.

Jack Dempsey Combs, age 94, passed away May 13, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Jack was born July 3, 1919 in Anabel, Missouri. He was preceded in death by a daughter – Kristy Combs Valentine, and a granddaughter – Aimee Nicole Garrett. He is survived by his wife Carma R. Combs, three sisters – Louise Wallace, Rose Marie Welch, Pat Hackley; four daughters – Nancy Combs Garrett, Penny Combs Willis, Darcy Combs, and Karry Combs Merrill; three sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

His life’s work was as a master carpenter, including work for Twentieth Century Fox Studios before WWII and supervising finish carpentry work for Farnsworth Construction Company.

Jack’s hobbies included reading and studying the scriptures, hunting for arrowheads and pottery, and while in Hawaii, searching for glass floats. He served in the Navy for four years during World War II, and was honorably discharged as a Chief Petty Officer. He held and magnified many callings in the LDS Church, including Bishop, High Councilman, and served many missions throughout his life. He was called on a Building mission for the LDS church to Hawaii in 1960. He served as the Chief carpenter for the building of the Polynesian Cultural Center and the dormitories for Brigham Young University in Hawaii.

Jack was a devoted husband, wonderful father, and grandfather. He was a loving son, brother, and uncle. Even though he is away from us for now, his love, service and example will be forever with us. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 11 AM at the LDS Lazona Building, 1345 East University Drive in Mesa, Arizona. There will be a visitation from 9:30-10:30 AM, prior to the service.

Mettie Skye Tingey, 26 days old, of Mesa, Arizona passed away in her home May 9, 2014 in Mesa. She taught us about the important things in life in her short time on earth.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 8:30 AM, at the LDS Mountain View Stake Center, 1550 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213. Funeral Services will follow at 10 AM at the same location. Mettie will be buried at the City of Mesa Cemetery following the funeral services.

Deanne Glad Darger, 77, passed away surrounded by her loved ones Saturday, May 10, 2014 in Queen Creek, AZ. Deanne is survived by her husband Darryl, her 8 children: Debbie Gessel (Mark); Donetta Tayrien (Grant); Joy Allen (Tracy); Ann Call (Ladell); Dina Gardner (Brent); Scott Darger; Bizzy Esplin (Brad); and Jamie Darger (Heather); 41 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Deanne was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as she served in various callings. She loved children and spent many years caring for them at her day care (Heavenly Days) and later in her preschool. For many years Deanne served in the Lupus Foundation; even as she battled the disease herself. She fulfilled the responsibility of Local Chapter President and later as Regional Coordinator. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 14, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 11 AM, at the LDS Church, 22035 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek, AZ. She left a legacy of love and service for her family and will be greatly missed.

Julia Ann Lewis, 55, passed away May 4, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. Wake Services will be Friday, May 9, 2014 at 7 PM at 3623 North Longmore Street, Scottsdale, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 8 AM at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 East Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Trelva Mae Merrill Riggs. Born Safford, AZ on October 4, 1930. Died Gilbert, AZ on May 5, 2014. The last living child of Orson Pratt Merrill and Irene Mae Sabin Merrill. Youngest of 4 brothers and 1 sister. Survived by Lyle Alton Riggs Jr., her loving husband of 64 years and 8 children: Deborah Wood (David), David Riggs (Donna), Rebecca Allen (David), Mark Riggs (Suzie), Deena Heap (Bob), Paul Riggs (Mary Ann), Matthew Riggs (Dawna), Kimberly Boynton (Matthew); 42 grandchildren; 57 great grandchildren; with one more grandchild and 5 more great grandchildren expected by years end. Family and Gospel of Jesus Christ were the center of her life. She was an active member of the Maplewood Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with most of her adult life as a member of the Mesa Fourth Ward. Served as leader and teacher in every women’s organization, including Stake Relief Society President. Active in civic affairs: the Sirrine Adult Day Care of Mesa; Mesa Farm Museum; and Arizona Ecumenical Council. The epitome of grace, love and service. Known for warmth, making all feel loved and accepted. Loved animals, caring for the stray creature that crossed her path. Funeral services will be held Saturday May 10th at the LDS Chapel 3301 S. Greenfield Rd, (Next to Gilbert Arizona Temple) at 10 AM. Viewing Friday, May 9th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa and Saturday 9 AM, prior to the funeral in Gilbert.

Paul James Gurrola, 59, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2014 at his home in Mesa.
Paul was born at Downey Community Hospital in Downey, California on December 2, 1954. After 40 years in Southern California, he and his family moved to Mesa. Paul developed many hands on skills during his lifetime, including woodworking, exhibiting musical skills on guitar and other instruments, and working on computers and printing equipment. He also enjoyed helping friends and neighbors with a variety of do-it-yourself projects. When he had time to relax, he loved to listen to all types of music.
Paul always demonstrated a positive attitude and he was the “life of the party”, at all family and friends events. He could always be depended on to pick you up, or to help with any problem situation.
Paul was a dedicated and loved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife Sabrina, and his daughters Melissa and Kristin and many other family, friends and neighbors. Paul will be missed deeply by everyone who knew and loved him.
There will be a Service to celebrate Paul’s life on May 17, 2014. The Service will be held in Southern California at Green River Country Club, 5215 Green River Road, Corona, CA 92880 from 3-6 PM.

Brian Ellis Kelley, 60, of Apache Junction passed away Saturday May 3 2014. Mr. Kelley a Marine-Army Vet and member of the SMPC, was born in St. Louis MO. He was a very charitable and humble man, welcoming anyone with open arms. He lived to see smiles on kids faces. He is survived by his son Brian; nieces Brandy and Tia; nephew David and many great nieces and nephews. Memorial services are Friday, May 16, 2014 at 4 PM at the Elks Lodge, 2455 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119.

Marvin Rex Arnett, 78, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2014 in Gilbert, AZ. Rex was born on March 29, 1936 in Franklin, AZ. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and June Arnett, and sister, Ilene Crawford. Rex is survived by his wife Lois, and children, David Arnett, Diane (Bryon) Blackburn, Susan Arnett, Michelle (Aaron) Clark, Jon Arnett, Christopher (Danielle) Arnett, 5 granddaughters, 1 grandson, brothers, Tom (Sheryl) Arnett, Don (Marsha) Arnett, Steven (Bobbi) Arnett, and sisters, Junetta (Harvey) Clifford, Barbara (Jim) Wright, and Mary Ann Price.

Rex will be remembered for his remarkable talent as an organist, musician, teacher, and story teller. He enjoyed many years as an educator and school administrator, shaping countless lives teaching music, Spanish, English, and giving private music lessons. He had a wonderful wit and sense of humor, and a deep love for his family, his heritage, music, the Spanish language and hispanic culture, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and telling stories to delight children and adults alike. He was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which membership he cherished, and particularly enjoyed serving in the Mesa LDS temple in his later years.

A visitation in honor of Rex will be held Thursday, May 8, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Bunker Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will take place Friday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Kimball East Stake Center, 4640 E. Holmes Ave., Mesa, AZ, with a one-hour visitation preceding. Rex will be buried in his birthplace of Franklin, AZ, with graveside services to be held Friday, May 9, at 4 p.m. at the Franklin, AZ Cemetery.