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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.

Boyd Earl Farnsworth passed away in Mesa, Arizona on April 27, 2014 at the age of 91. Boyd was born on February 14, 1923 in Colonia Garcia, Chihuahua, Mexico, the third of eight children in the family of Earl Benjamin and Nora Leona Humphreys Farnsworth. He graduated from high school at Juarez Academy in Colonia Juarez. He later joined the United States Army during World War II and fought in New Guinea and the Philippines. He married Mary Hull in 1948. After they divorced, he moved to Placerville, California, where in 1953 he married Adeline (Kitty) Griggs. There he worked for Michigan-Cal Lumber Company, Aerojet General Corporation, and the USDA Forest Service, from which he retired in 1984. Boyd served faithfully in many callings in the LDS Church, including as a beloved Bishop of the Placerville Ward. He loved playing basketball and could hold his own with much younger players. He also loved to arm wrestle with the young men. When he retired, he and Kitty moved to Mesa, Arizona. They were missionaries in the Chile Angol Mission in 1987-88. A great joy in Boyd’s life was serving as a temple worker in the Mesa, Arizona Temple for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Adeline, daughters Debra and Betty, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. A viewing will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, on Thursday, May 1, 2014 from 10-11AM, followed by a brief graveside service at City of Mesa Cemetery.

Stanley Frederick Turley, 93, passed peacefully away on Saturday, April 26, 2014. He was born February 27, 1921 in Snowflake, AZ to Frederick Andrew Turley and Wilma Fillerup Turley and was raised on Sundown Ranch in Aripine, AZ. He attended Brigham Young University from 1938-1941 where he was a member of the wrestling and football teams. Following a mission for the LDS church to the Eastern States, he served in the Army Air Corp during World War II and married his college sweetheart, Cleo Olson on October 17, 1944. He was a farmer and rancher as well as Assistant Vice-President of First Interstate Bank. For twenty-two years (1964-1986) he served in the Arizona State Legislature, including terms as Speaker of the House and as President of the Senate. He also served as chairman of the Arizona Parole Board.

Active in local LDS church leadership, he served as a Stake President and later as a Stake Patriarch. From 1986-1988, Stan and Cleo served a mission to St. George, UT, where they directed the church visitors center.

Stan leaves as a legacy a large and happy family. He is survived by his seven children Tauna Lowe (Bryan), Margo Freestone (Steven), Jana Short (Mike), Rick Turley (Marysue Tidwell), Mimi Bowden (Brent), Lisa Stevens and Lesley Shepherd (Mike). He is also survived by his sisters Wanda Smith, Moneta Robison, and Marilyn Larson. Stan loved and cherished his 28 grandchildren and, even at age 93, knew the names of all 56 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Cleo, and his brother Grant Turley.

He loved his family, his religion, and the state of Arizona. The world is diminished by the loss of his common sense, kindness, and sense of humor.

Visitation will be Friday, May 2, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services are Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 10 AM with visitation one hour prior to services at the LDS church, 1266 S. 32nd St., Mesa, AZ 85204. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Perpetual Education Fund, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150, ldsphilantropies@ldschurch.org.

Hortense “Hoot” Orr, 96, passed away peacefully April 25, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. She was born the oldest of 5 children to William C. and Verne Oakden in Beaver, UT and was preceded in death by her dear husband, Lunday “George” Orr and sisters, Katherine and Mary. Hoot spent most of her adult life in Medford, OR, but she and George wintered in Arizona for many years. She loved her family, her church, reading, gardening, visiting, sewing for her grandchildren, dancing with the “Holiday Steppers” and telling stories of her childhood. She will be sorely missed by her 3 children; Connie Fletcher (Darrell), Richard Orr (Darlene), Dale Orr, her 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, family and friends. Funeral services are Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1455N. Harris, Mesa, AZ. 85203. She will be put to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Eagle Point, OR. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

STAPLEY, Doris Loraine Garrett, 85, passed to the other side peacefully, 4/23/2014, due to a stroke. Born in Phoenix, AZ, she is survived by husband, A.T. “Fred” Stapley, and sons Thyrle (Roberta), David (Marcia), & Jack (Melody); daughter Vicki Porter (Dale) deceased 2008. Doris, a member of the LDS church, was passionate about family, teaching, education, art, politics, decorating, and shopping. She was known for her quick smile and generous nature. Doris will be missed by her 16 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren and many other family and friends. Viewing: Friday, April 25, 6-8 pm Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa 85201. Funeral: Saturday, April 26, 10 am, LDS Stake Center, 1430 N Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201.

John Edward Martin waltzed into heaven on April 20 2014. He was born January 20,1947 in Three Rivers, Texas to Eva Maxine Rodgers and Dewitt Clinton Martin. He spent his younger years in Texas with his beloved Papa and Grandma on a ranch called Ray Point. When he was 12 he lost his Grandma so he came to live in Arizona with his mother. He loved the outdoors, hunting with his hounds, camping, boxing, karate, dancing, and football. He served in the Navy 1962-1970 both as an active and reservist. He served on shore duty in Vietnam for two tours. He worked at Mountain Bell Telephone throughout the years until it was turned over to QWest. He retired in 2000 after over 28 years as both a lineman and router. Preceding him in death is his Mother, Father, brother Butch Martin and daughter Kimberly.
He was a loving husband, Father, brother, uncle and Papa. He is survived by his wife of 31 years Jeanette. Sons, Clint (Kimberly) Martin, Rick Charon, Daughters Melissa Veres, Melanie (Karl) Menhennett. Sister Patsy (Bill) Brooks and 11 grandchildren. Three special nieces Rene (Randy) McFall, Sherry (Mark) Novad, Donna Garcia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 25, 2014 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5620 E. Adobe St. in Mesa, Arizona.