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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.

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.