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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.

Houston Azule, 33, passed away April 17, 2014 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wake services are Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 6 PM at the Azule residence, 9495 E. Virginia Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85256. Graveside services are Friday, April 25, 2014 at 7 AM at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85256. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Joseph L. Daigle (Joe), 89, passed away Saturday, April 19th at home. He was born in Madison, ME and is preceded in death by his Father: Charles; Mother: Salomie; Brothers & Sisters. He is survived by his loving wife: Claire H. Daigle; son: Bruce (Tracey) of Florida; Daughter: Nancy Walker of Madison, ME; son: Brian (Barbara) of Maine. Step-daughter: Elain (Jim). He had 5 grandchildren & 8 great grandchildren. He moved to Arizona in 1987. Visitation will from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 24th and Funeral Services at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 25th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona

Gerald Allen McCormack, Jr., 60, passed away April 19, 2014 in Gilbert, Arizona. Services are private.

Shelly Lynn Chamberlain, 48, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial services are Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 11 AM at the LDS Church at 3920 East Brown Road, Mesa, 85205. Interment will be at 3 PM at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 2300 West Van Buren St., Phoenx, 85009. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Adelaida Hernandez, 82, was called home on Monday, April 14, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. She is survived by her 3 daughters; Carmen, Blanca and Silvia and 4 sons; Carlos, Juan, Jorge, and Carlos (Milo). She was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren (and 1 on the way). Known for her tenacity and home cooking, she will be missed by all. Funeral services are Friday, April 18, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 8:30 AM at the LDS Valencia Ward, 2549 N. 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85213. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Edward Joseph Ball passed away peacefully in his sleep on his 93rd birthday, April 14, 2014, in Gilbert, Arizona. He was born to Mamie and Woodruff Ball on April 14, 1921 in Darbun, Mississippi. Preceding him in death was his wife, Marzetta, a daughter, Cynthia Jo Hancock, a son, Edward J. Ball, Jr., two grandchildren, Rebecca and Nathan Hancock, and his parents. Edward was survived by three daughters and their husbands, Peggy & Jim Jones, Azelene & Greg Allen, and Gail & Jay Armstrong, 16 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and 20 great-great grandchildren. He also left behind two sisters, Donnas Plumb and Ina Faye Hodges, a brother, Larue Ball and lots of nieces and nephews. Edward led a very active and industrious life, filled with family, friends, work and golf. He was a WWII veteran, serving with the Army Air Corps in Italy and the Southeastern U.S. After retiring from the Federal Aviation Agency, he and Marzetta loved to travel in their motorhome. He also loved to golf and as he got older, he would proudly claim that he could shoot his age! Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 18, 2014 at 1:00 pm, preceded by a visitation at 12:00 noon at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. He will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery.

Lenore Hatch Whetten, 87, died Saturday, April 12, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. She was born May 21, 1926 in Solomonville, AZ to George Loren Hatch and Minnie Layton Hatch. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Henry Alden Whetten Jr., daughter Patricia (Philip) Stapley, children; Jack Lowell (deceased), Steven Lowell, deceased (Claudia), Robert (Ruth) Lowell , Vernell Johnson, deceased (Ray), Dion Whetten, Stanley Whetten (deceased), Denise (Ron) Taylor, Kerry (Melanie) Whetten, Marva Sontag, deceased, (Greg), 29 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren. Lenore graduated from ASU in 1962 and taught in Mesa Publics schools for 19 years, she loved all of her students and could remember lots of them even into her 80’s. Lenore had many wonderful talents which included music (piano and organ), she was a talented seamstress, she loved working on her computer and she loved her iPhone! Most of all she dearly loved her family and her church. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Services will be Thursday, April 17 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at the LDS 60th Ward, 2125 E. Adobe St., Mesa, AZ 85213. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

VANCE, Jayne Evelyn (Stradling), loving wife and mother; died at the age of 70 in Queen Creek, AZ on April 9, 2014. Jayne was born in Mesa, AZ on September 20, 1943 to Owen and Fern Stradling. She is survived by her husband and eternal companion, Leland; her children, Gregg, Darren (Sharron), Ryan (Sabrina) and 9 grandchildren. Jayne is preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly and parents, Owen and Fern. In 1963, Jayne married her dear companion and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Jayne will be remembered for her love and devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a woman of faith and the heart of her family. She was an example to all for her tireless Christlike service and dedication. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 14, 2014 at 11:00am at the LDS Queen Creek Arizona Stake Center, 19730 East Ocotillo, Queen Creek, AZ 85142. Visitation will begin at 9:30am – 10:45am. Burial will follow the services at the Mesa City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals.

LaRae Horne Wimmer returned to our Heavenly Fathers care on April 8, 2014 at the age of 69. She was born in Rupert, Idaho on July 6, 1944 to Rulon Fulmer Horne and Ruth Barlow Horne. She will be missed by many and loved by all who knew her. She is survived by husband Lamon of 50 years; son: Brad, Phoenix, AZ; daughter: Kristi (Jeremy Randall), Phoenix, AZ; son: Douglas (Heidi), Chandler, AZ; and son: Todd; grandchildren: Martin, Roxie, Zoey, Hudson, and Bennett as well as sisters: Karlene (Garry) Crook of Afton, Wyoming and Julie (Ron) Taylor of Colonia Juarez, Mexico. Her son Martin R. Wimmer preceded her in death. She was an active, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) and had a great love for her family, the Relief Society of which she was President twice, the Primary, the Cub Scout program, the Temple and Genealogy Work. The family gives thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their gracious caretaking and to the many members of our Ward family who loved us, prayed for us, cared for her and fed us often.
A viewing will be held at the Bunker Funeral Home at 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1911 North 24th St., Mesa, AZ 85213 with a visitation from 9:00 – 9:45 prior to services. Burial will be in the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201.

Franklin J McMillan (aka Frank, Papa, Big Papa, Dad, Old Man, Big Cheese, and probably more than a few expletives), left this earth in the early morning on 5 April 2014. He fought a long, tough battle against pulmonary fibrosis. We would like to say he won this battle (and so we will) because he surprised us, infuriated us, impressed us, and kept us guessing every single day of his 5 month tour of East Valley hospitals. He gave us more twists and turns than an E ticket ride at Disneyland (for the young’uns, those were the best, scariest, most fun rides). His final gift was his rally the day before his passing. He was alert, smiling, and laughing at his daughter and caregivers, followed by cantankerous disapproval of all of the poking and prodding. No matter what else is said about Frank McMillan, he did things his way, right to the end. It is our sincere belief that he tired of the whole hospital process and decided it just wasn’t for him. That’s it. Over and out.

Frank was born on 22 July 1939, and was a Leo. He was a self-avowed expert in all things politics, religion, social welfare, natural history, and astrophysics. He had an opinion about everything, and was not afraid to share it. His turn-ons included verbal sparring, rocks, and casinos. His turn-offs were mean people, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and political party affiliations (or, as he would say, Repugnants and Dumbcrats). He loved to watch “The Price is Right”, and continued to enjoy it even when hosted by Drew Carey. He was also a big fan of “The Big Bang Theory” (perhaps because the teacher in him enjoyed seeing nerds win?). Although Frank preferred dogs, he had no real objection to cats. He was the ultimate connoisseur of mayonnaise. In fact, he might have been the world’s foremost expert on the substance, and knew at least 10,000 ways it could be used in everyday life. (Who knew mayonnaise could be spread on donuts?) He never bought the cheap, store brand mayo. He invested quite regularly in the large Best Foods jar that can be purchased at Costco. Frank prayed for world peace and an end to global warming.

Papa was the oldest of 6 children born to Gordon and Ida McMillan. He took his oldest sibling role very seriously, and continued to school his brothers and sisters on every topic all throughout their lives. He took a hands-on approach to their education. Legend has it, he taught his brother, Butch, about electricity by hooking him up to a car battery to see what would happen. Like all children born in this era, Frank woke at 4 am every day to cut firewood, hunt “edible” critters and clean the house from top to bottom. He then walked, barefoot, 6 miles in the snow (both ways!) to a 1-room schoolhouse, where 25 children had to share one pencil and there was no such thing as recess. (At least that is how he told the story to his daughters.)

After graduating from Rudyard High School in 1957, Frank served a brief stint in the Navy (less than 30 days) and was honorably discharged. Then he got uppity and went to college!! He attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo Michigan, and received a Bachelor of Science degree. Exposure to the Big City seemed to broaden his world view. He converted to Catholicism and, legend has it, he considered joining the seminary to become a priest. Evidently, that priest thing didn’t work out, because, shortly after graduation, he found himself married, with children, and a paying job as a teacher.

(Big Daddy would probably like us to pause here to tell you he had many, many jobs over the years. Teaching was the joy of Frank’s life, but he did take a few hiatuses from the profession. He started working around age 3, when he began the education of his younger siblings. He worked in the woods with his father, cutting lumber. He farmed. He cleaned. He built roads in Kentucky. He joined the Navy. He invented things. He was an amateur horticulturist, and was known for his expert skills in yard maintenance supervision and animal by-product removal. Frank considered himself a jack-of-all-trades and expert in all. No matter the job, the main thing he would want you to know is that he worked his whole life and found joy in everything he did. He definitely passed this gift to his daughters.)

The Big Cheese was the worst driver in the entire world (really, an actual vote was taken), so any car ride with him was an adventure. Frank very loosely interpreted “traffic laws” (merely guidelines, and did not apply to him). He believed it was safer to drive in the middle of 2 lanes (not always going in the same direction). It was more efficient to drive with left foot on the brake, right foot on the accelerator, cigarette in right hand, left hand hanging out of the window. He always ran the heat in the car – in Arizona, in the summer – because that would keep the car from overheating. Parking blocks were like speed bumps (and you don’t really have to slow down for them, do you?). The car flyswatter extended his reach just enough to enforce his will on anyone in the back seat without having to turn around for more than 10 seconds. (Kids and flies could be swatted in quick succession. In fact, the swatting of kids cleaned the fly from the swatter.) Unfortunately, the grand kids and great-grand kids never got to experience a car ride with Papa, as their parents banned him from operating a motor vehicle in their presence.

After a few short years teaching post-college, Frank took a job at Motorola and moved to Arizona. He worked in the semiconductor industry for the remainder of his professional career (although he still never missed a moment to teach anybody, anything, anywhere, anytime). His work took him from Arizona to California, Washington, and then back to Arizona, where he retired in 2004. Vacations were spent traveling in a van, with wife, kids and dogs, and staying in the best KOA campgrounds between Arizona and Michigan. (Some even had pools!) He always took the scenic route. Retirement years were spent in casinos, sending letters to his elected officials, pontificating about politics and religion, and – his favorite – spending time with his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. During the summer, he would return to Michigan, to the home where he grew up and where his parents still resided, to enjoy the peace and quiet, and fight the freakishly large and numerous mosquitoes.

Frank leaves behind a heartbroken family including his 5 brothers and sisters – Gordon “Butch” – this is his nickname, not his partner (Lonnie), Sandy (Abe Perales), Sherry (Butch Sherman), Leonard (Judy), and Kim (Carl Hatch); his 4 daughters – Laura (Bob Allen), Lisa (Shawn Barinka), Karen (Randy Hull), and Sarah; his grandchildren – Chris, Amber, Nicole, Aidan, Emily, Bill, Joshua, Jacob; and his great-grandchildren – Colton and Kinsley. He had many grandchildren of his heart, and was known as Papa to all, especially Juan, Ashley, Aubrey, Justine, David, and Michelle. He also enjoyed 4 step children (Colleen, Chris, Rick, and Brandon) and Colleen’s children aka his other grandchildren (Hannah, Rebekah, Jake, Grace, Luke, Zack, and Jack). Frank was the best father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend a person could have. He was loved unconditionally and will be missed beyond measure.

Services will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N Recker Road, Mesa, AZ 85205, at 10:00 am, Friday, April 11, 2014. There will be a reception (with Food! Drink! Camaraderie!) immediately following at the Masonic Lodge, 726 N Center St., Mesa, AZ

Dad – You will be in our hearts forever.
Love your daughters,
Laura, Lisa, Karen, and Sarah 

On Wednesday April 2, 2014 Dean P. Whitney passed away peacefully at the young age of 49. He was born on January 12, 1965 to Robert O. Whitney and Berta Pratt in Logan, Cache County, UT. He graduated from Mesa High, attended Ricks College in Rexburg, ID and ASU. Dean lived a life full of joy, humility, kindness, and charity. Those who knew Dean or interacted with him, felt his immediate softness and love. He left behind his wife, Dawn Whitney whom he loved dearly, and five wonderful children: Bailey (Daniel) Packer (21), Kara (19), Wyatt (17), Drai (13), and Peyton (7). Dean is also survived by his mother, Berta Whitney, 3 brothers: Robert (Rose), John (Sheila), Steven (Ruth) Whitney, and his sister Dawna Thomsen. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert O. Whitney. Also surviving are his wife’s parents Mike and Janet Rogers, her 3 brothers, Wes, Mike (Christelle), and Rich (Rachel) Rogers, numerous nieces and nephews and beloved extended family and friends. Visitation and services will be held Friday, April 11 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa, from 6-8PM. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 12, with a visitation at 9AM followed by the service at 10AM in the Val Vista Stake Center, 1005 N. Voyager Dr, Gilbert AZ 85234