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Robert Alvin Peel, 68, passed away April 3, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the LDS Centennial Ward, 422 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Glenn Donald Pugmire, 90, passed away peacefully on 2 April 2014 in Gilbert, AZ. Glenn was born on 19 August 1923 as the son of Justin and Clara Pugmire in Midvale, UT. Glenn grew up in typical Depression era circumstances with little material wealth. Family, faith and industry, however, more than compensated for financial challenges. Glenn grew up with seven siblings, Gerald, DeVearl, Farrell, LaVon, Theora, Glenn and June. Glenn met June Leitzell at Jordan High School and married her before leaving for WWII military service in the Air Corps. When he returned from Pacific theater service, Glenn and June raised six children, Donald Glenn (Jolene), Robyn June Stone (Ron), Mark Dee (Laurel), Brent Justin (Terri), Julee Ann Brady (Pat), and Marcee Jo Alston (Steve). Glenn’s love for construction and building not only provided for his family as a construction engineer for Amoco Oil but building was also his happiest hobby. During Glenn’s and June’s life together, Glenn and June were unusually happy and devoted. Their most enduring legacy is their exceptionally strong romance. Glenn was also devoted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many church callings, including bishop in Portland, OR and Overland Park, KS, an ordained patriarch, a temple ordinance worker, and a full time mission in Bermuda. Glenn cared for June until her death on 25 April 2011. He later married June’s best friend, Martha Barton and loved his time with her. Glenn is grandfather to 33 grandchildren and great grandfather to 97 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be Monday, 7 April 2014 at the Queen Creek North Stake Center, 22035 East Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, AZ at 10 AM. The family will greet visitors at a viewing that begins at 9 AM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Christa Jolene Wiemer Johnson peacefully left this earth on April 1, 2014 after a four and a half year battle with cancer. In the final days and weeks preceding her death she was surrounded by loved ones. She passed away in the early morning hours with her daughter, Cassidy, and mother, Sharon, by her side.
Christa was born to Randy and Sharon Wiemer on September 30, 1978, in Davenport, Iowa. However, since the age of 1, and with the exception of a few years in Idaho, she has called Arizona her home. In her youth and throughout her life she has been extremely active in sports and in her church.
In 1997 Christa married Morgan Lund Johnson in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple, and they had four children together: Cassidy, Lund, Sarah and Will. Christa loved life! She built her life around family; especially her children. She was quick to love and serve everyone she met.
With determination and faith Christa courageously fought cancer since November, 2009. Even during this struggle she looked for and recognized the many blessings and miracles in her life. Christa was also quick to show love and support for others experiencing similar trials.
As a talented writer and photographer, she left a legacy of love, optimism, and courage in the face of adversity through her on-line blog “Johnson Stories.” Her quick wit and compassionate heart have helped her to be an inspiration to all. The unquestioning faith and strength that Christa has shown will light the way for many generations to follow.
She is survived by her husband, four children, her parents, and siblings: Alisha Newman, Becky Rogers, and Ryan Wiemer.
Funeral services:
Saturday, April 5
10:30 am Visitation for family and close friends
11:30 am Funeral
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1100 North Cooper Road (Near Cooper and Houston)
Gilbert, Arizona

In place of contributions to the family, Christa asked that donations be made to Camp Kesem (Camp for children of Cancer patients). See direct link below:
http://campkesem.org/asu/donate

Fred Merrill, born on July 25, 1947 in Springerville, Arizona, passed away on March 27, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Rex Theron Merrill and Elna LaFon Merrill. He was the only boy with three sisters Marlene, Fonda and Brenda. He was married to Brenda Joy Seedall and had six children; Chad, Brady, Amy, Jake, Jenny and Katie. Fred and Brenda are the grandparents of 14 beautiful grandchildren; Presley, Paris, Stella, David Cole, Jake, Ellie, Lyla, Brynlee, Veda, Charlee, Jackson, Thomas, Smith and James.
“Freddy” Merrill also known as Pappa loved his grandchildren and they loved to be around him. He would play the guitar and sing to them, they all have wonderful memories of Pappa and will miss him so much. Fred was known for his love of music; he played the guitar and sang to his own children passing this wonderful talent on to them. He was all about family and spending quality time taking vacations and camping trips as much as possible. His father was a real cowboy and passed that heritage along to his son Fred. He had an attitude of extreme optimism up until the day he passed and a strong work ethic. Fred started his career as a mailman like his father and mother early in his marriage while studying at ASU until he spotted an ad in the paper for a job as a car salesman at Berge Ford which sent his life in another direction. His desire for success paid off and he became a legend in the car business always being #1 in sales at Berge for 21 years straight. He later was recruited by Brown and Brown Chevrolet until he retired due to health issues. He achieved “Rockstar” status being recognized everywhere by someone he sold a car to. Fred was also very passionate about food and would not hesitate to expound on every detail about the food. He was a master chef, especially the barbecue. He would frequently host the whole neighborhood to his famous chicken tacos, “Sonoran style” which he learned to make from his frequent trips to Mexico. He was a fisher of the sea, he loved to go fishing whenever possible. We will all miss “ole Freddy” and will always remember the intense love that he showed to friends and family. We love you dad and papa and know we will see you again someday and await one of those monster hugs you so freely gave. Funeral services for Fred Rex Merrill are Friday, April 4, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Church at 1911 N. 24th Street, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Mona LaRee Millett Lofgreen, 94 years of age, passed away March 31, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to Artemas T Millett and Hazel Casa Pomeroy Millett in Mesa on May 14, 1919. She was the second of three children with an older brother Max and younger brother Keith. She married Torry Dana Lofgreen on June 23, 1942. They have 11 children: Torry Lofgreen, Jr. (Stephanie); Jana Porter (Dale); Marsha Russell (Keith); Carol Robertson (Gary); John Lofgreen (Jill); Peggy Wooden (Bob); Art Lofgreen (Jacquie); Donna Lofgreen; Kim Lofgreen (Amy); Chris Lofgreen (Jenni); and Missy Gardner (Corby). They have 64 grandchildren, and 126 great grandchildren. Mona was preceded in death by her husband, Torry Lofgreen, Sr.; daughter, Carol Robertson; brother, Max Millett; and parents. Mona, a great lover of music, graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Music. She taught music for a short time in the Mesa Public Schools and piano for many years. She had a great love for drama, acting in many plays in high school and in the Mesa Little Theater where she met her sweetheart, Torry. Mona was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was most remembered for her love of the Savior, her kindness and cheerfulness, and many acts of service. A viewing will be held Friday, April 4, 2014, 6-8 PM at the Parkcrest Ward, 3920 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Saturday, April 5, 2014, 11:30 AM at the Parkcrest Ward, preceded by a family viewing at 10:30 AM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

William “Paul” Smith, born May 24, 1917, was called home at the age of 96 on Friday, March 28, 2014. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Annie Bolton Smith. Paul was born in Cardston, Alberta, Canada and lived his early years on the family farm in Hillspring, Alberta, Canada. He has 10 siblings; all but three (Ellen Bunting, John Smith, Ruth Gifford) are enjoying a wonderful reunion on the other side. He served a mission in the Northwestern States Mission and was sealed to Dorothy in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in 1948. He and Dorothy raised their 2 children, Brad and Sarah in Tarzana, CA. After Dorothy’s passing in 1986, Paul was sealed to Melba Woolf Smith in the Mesa, AZ Temple in 1990. He is survived by his second wife, Melba Woolf Smith, their combined 9 children, 47grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. He loved life and loved people. His favorite pastimes were knitting hats, afghan blankets, reading and working in the Mesa LDS Temple. Funeral Services will be held at the LDS Chapel at 15 W. 1st Ave. Mesa, AZ on Thursday April 3, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a viewing at 10 AM.

By the time he was done living on March 29, 2014, Walter Lyman Haws 94 had left the world a little more beautiful and a little warmer.

Lyman was born in Gilbert, Arizona, in 1919, seven years after Arizona was granted statehood. He was called by President Heber J. Grant to serve a two year Mormon mission in the Northwestern United States mission. Except for his mission and a tour of duty in the Pacific as a WWII medic, Lyman never lived outside of Mesa and Gilbert, AZ.

He didn’t preach much. Instead, his life was a sermon on consistency, patience, and an increasingly softening heart. For over 40 years he showed up to work at the Haws Flower Shop, which he founded. He has hundreds of Grandkids (and scores of Greats and Great-Greats). Most of them will remember some variation of a brown outfit, nature walks behind the Hawsienda in Greer, and a ticklish mustache… He only shaved the mustache once he became a worker in the Mesa Temple (which commenced construction the year he was born).

After his mission, Lyman married Rhoda Farnsworth. Together, they settled in Mesa, and gave life to Laura Gunnell, Marilyn Barnes Merrill, Walter Lyman Haws Jr, Carol Hatch, and Jerri Mabry. The kids would call him “Daddy” from the time they could speak till the day he passed away while they surrounded his bedside. The Haws girls all got their mother’s beautiful high cheekbones and their fathers gift of looking much younger than they are. He lost Rhoda suddenly to a car accident.

He remarried Mary Ferrin and they gave life to Echo Itaaehau who shared her sisters’ gift of youth and got her mother’s love of education. He also helped raise Mary’s children Merrilee Beals, Marshall Martin, Mike Martin, and Mark Martin.

After many years together, Mary passed away. He married Marilyn MacDonald (he loved Marilyn’s children; Jeff Cottrell, Dan Cottrell, Becky Clarke, Donna Allen, Tom Cottrell, and Dave Cottrell) and together they spent their golden years… years inaugurated by a 10k run with his daughters when he turned seventy. Five years later Lyman discovered quilting and spent years in his garage quilting for free. He loved the thought of his quilts warming a suffering child. Most of his grandchildren also have a quilt made by Grandpa Haws.

His laugh was a few brief, memorable, chuckles and he loved to tell the unexpected joke. He loved America and freedom. He mowed his own lawn into his 90’s.

He renewed his AZ drivers license when he was 92 years old.

Lyman Walter Haws passed away, but the world is a little better because he lived.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 4, 2014 with a Visitation one hour prior at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Signal Butte 1st Ward, 1720 S. Ironwood Drive in Apache Junction.

Rodney Harold Cardon of Mesa AZ passed from this life 29 March, 2014. Rod was born Sept. 24, 1929 in El Paso, TX to Joseph Harold and Mary Johnson Cardon. He was raised in El Paso, where he graduated from Austin High School, and went on to the College of Mines, (UTEP) and graduated from Texas A&M in 1955 with a degree in Architecture. He worked as a draftsman in California where he met his first wife, JoAnn Williams. After 3 children were born they decided to move back to El Paso where they had 2 more children. Rod was an Eagle Scout and worked many years in the Scouting program. He taught Seminary for 4 years. After the marriage ended, he later married Joan R Mortensen. They helped take care of Rod’s parents. Next they were called to serve as Senior Missionaries in Sheffield, England. When they returned home, they moved to Mesa, AZ, to be near Joan’s parents. He served for 22 years in the Mesa AZ Temple. He was a member of the Mesa Lamplighters Barber Shop Chorus for 18 years. Rod is preceded in death by his beloved son Tony, and his brother Wayne. He is survived by his sweetheart Joan Rollo Mortensen Cardon of Mesa, AZ. and brothers Mel Cardon (Ada) of Brookings OR, Earl Cardon (wife Lucille) of Heber City, UT, Charles Cardon (Jackie ) of Pleasant Grove, UT, sisters Hallie Marie Cardon Pratt of La Luz, NM, and Bonnie June Cardon Wheelhouse (Lee) of La Luz, NM, children Jill Cardon Pratt (Marshall) of Show Low, AZ, Gail Cardon Dickman (Larry) of San Antonio, TX, Christopher Cardon (Becky) of Pleasant Grove, UT and Jennifer Cardon Young (Wayne) of Provo UT, Step-Children Mike Mortensen (Tammie ) of Safford AZ, Cheryl Mortensen Wright (Norman) of Virden NM, Les V. Mortensen (Crystal) of Queen Creek, AZ, and Lyle C. Mortensen (Tronie ) of Morenci, AZ. He blessed the lives of many and will be missed by all that knew him. Funeral services are Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Cornerstone Ward, 422 E. University Dr. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Dustin Howard Owens, born May 30, 1989, was called home Wednesday March 19, 2014 while serving his country in Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Dustin was a very happy go lucky man. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone with anything. He loved to go camping, hunting and fishing in the White Mountains of Arizona. He served in the United States Air Force in the 355 Equipment Maintenance Squadron, specifically as an Ammo troop. He was stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base from 2009-2014. Most of all, Dustin loved his family and made that very apparent to anyone he met. He is survived by his wife Brianna, children AmyLynn, Mavvrick, EllyMae and expected daughter TessieAnn, his mother Cheryl Skiles Owens, father Joseph Owens and sister Kalyne Owens. Visitation is Monday, March 31, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services are Tuesday April 1 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2228 E Brown Rd Mesa, AZ 85213. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E Apache Trail Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dustin Owens Memorial fund at any Wells Fargo Bank or via PayPal with the email address stelarammojunky@gmail.com.

In Loving Memory – Frank J Krawza III -50 – passed away in his sleep in his home in Mesa AZ on the morning of March 23rd, 2014. Frank was born in Robinsdale, MN and lived in Superior WI until moving to Mesa AZ in 1987. Frank lived a vibrant life and all that knew him could see that he was larger than life. Franks true skills were his ability to help people, making someone laugh and finding the best in people. Frank was employed at SRP for 14 years and enjoyed a lifetime of hunting, camping and 4 wheeling. Frank had a heart of gold and will be truly missed. Frank is survived by:
• Glenn & Jan Johnson – Father and stepmother– Wascott Wi
• Sharon & Ralph Law –Mother and stepfather– Superior Wi
• Belinda Krawza – Sister – Superior Wi
• Melissa & Randy Johnson – Sister and brother in law – Solon Springs Wi
• Waylon & Dolores Johnson – Brother & sister in law – Mesa, AZ
• Ariel, Ryan, Monica & Melanie – Nieces and Nephew
• Many uncles, aunts and cousins
• Dave & Rocky Nichols and Ron Christie and many friends
Funeral services are Wednesday April 2nd, 2014 4-6 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213. Burial services to be held in Hawthorne WI at a later date.

Madeline “Gracie” Burns, 12, passed away March 22, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. Memorial services are Friday, April; 4, 2014 at 10 AM at the Mission Community Church, 4450 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert, Arizona.

Travis Scott Williams, 40, journeyed back to his heavenly home on March 22, 2014. There to meet him were his mother, Linda, and his older brother, Justin. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Andrea, and children, Olivia, 15, Ethan and Ella, 11 and Ryan, 9. Travis was an eagle scout and served an LDS mission in the Missouri, Independence Mission. He graduated from ASU Law School in 2000 and has practiced law ever since. He loved snow and water skiing, scuba diving, going on trips to Hawaii and fly fishing. Travis had an easy-going personality, a kind and generous spirit and sense of humor that made him loved by all he met. He was most devoted to his wife and children and his faith. The visitation is Thursday from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Friday, March 28, 2014 at 10 am, at the LDS Stake Center, 1010 S Recker Rd in Gilbert.

Christine Kerrie Smith, 44, left this earthly existence to return to her Savior’s arms on March 18, 2014. Christine was born on May 28, 1969 in Reno, Nevada to Gregory K. and Darlene D. Smith. Christine was a unique, intelligent, kind hearted, colorful daughter of God. The loss of Christine’s presence on this earth will be greatly felt. Christine’s youth was spent in Reno, Nevada, and Florence & Aloha, Oregon before moving to Arizona in 1983. Christine graduated in 1987 from Corona del Sol High School, Tempe, Az. Christine had a very strong work ethic and started working when she was 16 years old. She worked at various video stores, B. Dalton Books, Sears, Target, Professional Salon Systems, ASM, Ross, and was currently employed at Verizon in Chandler. In her 30’s, Christine enrolled at Central Arizona College, where she was very involved in the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa. She graduated with honors in 2009 and was one of the graduation speakers. Christine attended the U of A on a Coca Cola All American Scholarship, and she was 2 classes shy of graduation. She was also studying for her entrance exam for law school. Christine was survived by her son, Brice, 22, who died on March 23, 2014. He was her firstborn and one of her greatest joys. She is also survived by her other greatest joy, daughter, Brogan, 18, of Mesa; mother, Darlene Smith of Mesa ; father, Gregory Smith of Mesa; brother, Russell of Gilbert; sister, Kimberly (Warren) Wing of Boise, Id.; sister, Denise Smith of San Tan Valley; 15 nieces & nephews; aunts, uncle, and 7 cousins. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 27th, at the LDS Chapel at 1350 S. 24th Street, Mesa with a viewing prior to services at 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Arlie “Jack” Brewer Sr, 84, passed away quietly at home in Mesa, AZ on March 18. Born December 17, 1929 in the area now known as Cottonwood, Arizona, Jack loved his family and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is now joyfully reunited with his beloved wife Helen, who passed away in 2003. Jack and Helen grew up as neighbors together in Sedona, Arizona. Jack served in the US Air Force in Panama, and after his service to his country married Helen Black on June 11, 1950. They raised their children primarily in Flagstaff, Mesa-Tempe and Tucson, Arizona. After serving two LDS missions together in the Dominican Republic, and in the Dallas, Texas LDS temple, they returned again to Mesa where Jack and Helen spent many years serving as workers in the Mesa LDS temple. Jack loved to sing and laugh. The memories of his wonderful voice and unique humor will continue to fill our hearts with joy. Jack and Helen have left behind a wonderful posterity of five children, Margaret (Lyle Hereth), Arlie Jr. (Lorena), Louis (Darci), Patty (Nyles Salmond) and Debra (Bruce Maxwell), 24 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. Jack and Helen leave a legacy of hard-working, service minded family members who were shaped by their influence and example throughout their lives. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, March 29th at 2:00 pm at the LDS Ft. Lowell chapel in Tucson, Arizona, after which Jack will be lovingly laid to rest beside his dear Helen in the Binghampton LDS cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Danny Joe Keath, 69, passed away March 19, 2014 at his home in Mesa, AZ. He led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends and activities such as genealogy, repairing things, serving in the church and in the Mesa Family Search Library. He is survived by his wife Karen, sons David (Jennifer), Thomas, Michael, John (Cara), Jeffrey, 13 grandchildren, sisters Wanda Bollin, Beverly Looney (Jim) and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services are Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 10 AM at the LDS Gilbert Val Vista Stake Center, 1005 North Voyager Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85234. Visitation will be Friday, March 28, 2014 from 4-6 PM at Porter and Sons Funearl Home, 1835 Minnesota, Kansas City, KS. Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 10:30 AM the LDS Chapel Hill Ward, 8616 Haskell Avenue, Kansas City, KS. Burial will take place Monday, March 31, 2014 at 9 AM at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Mesa Family Search Library.

Detective Sean Michael McKenzie, age 41, died tragically in a motorcycle accident Saturday, March 15, 2014. He was born October 23, 1972 in Logan, Utah. His family moved to Arizona in 1973 and Sean became an Arizonan. He is survived by his daughter Taylor and son Jace, their mother Kimala, his parents Lee and Barbara McKenzie, his siblings Michelle Parks (Pat), Jamie Foutz (Tyler), Charlie McKenzie (Sandee), Derek McKenzie, Bree Nguyen (Hai), and 8 nieces and nephews. After graduating from Mesa’s Westwood High School, Sean joined the Army where he served for 2 1/2 years in California and Kansas. After being discharged from the Army he returned to Arizona. Since he was a little boy, Sean wanted to be a Police Officer but his journey was not direct. First he was a Corrections Officer where he served as a guard in the maximum security wing of Florence Prison. Then he joined the Army National Guard and worked at the gunnery training range in Marana. While he was serving in the National Guard, Taylor was born and became a blessing in his life. While working at these other jobs Sean continued to apply to be a Police Officer. In 2001 he was hired by the Chandler Police Department where he served until his death. Jace, another blessing, was born shortly after Sean started his police service. Sean was a Patrol Officer, DARE Officer, school resource officer as well as his current assignment as a detective in the Family Crimes Unit. He was sworn in last week as Treasurer of the Chandler Law Enforcement Assoc. (CLEA). Visitation will be Thursday, March 20, 2014 from 6 to 9 PM at the LDS Church, 2228 E. Brown Rd., Mesa. Funeral services are at the same location, Friday, March 21, 2014 at 10 AM with visitation at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers donations to the 100 Club or CLEA Charities are suggested.