Find An Obituary

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.

Melissa Robinson, 42, of Mesa, Arizona; passed away on March 15, 2014 in Mesa. Funeral Services will be at 10 AM, with a visitation one hour prior; Saturday, March 22, 2014 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Leonora Ward, 3344 E. McDowell Rd. in Mesa. Interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery, Lakeside, Arizona.

Zack Ashoor passed away March 15, 2014. A celebration of his life will be Saturday, March 22, 2014 from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. For more information, please go to http://www.zackashoor.com/. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to GiveForward at https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rh64/in-memory-of-zack-ashoor.

Lars Peter Nielson Sr., 79, of Mesa, Arizona passed away March 18, 2014. He was born April 20, 1934 to Frihoff P & Marie C Nielson. Lars is preceded in death by his wife Elberta Brown Nielson and daughter Debra Nielson. He is survived by six children, Tana N Alldredge (Michael D Alldredge), Lars Peter Nielson Jr. (Michelle Moffat Nielson), Heidi N Gifford (Daniel Grant Gifford), Jon F Nielson (Pamela Harmon Nielson), Christopher E Nielson (Melanie Arnett Nielson), Eric R Nielson (Cindy Turner Nielson), 28 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and three sisters Frieda Ross, Melba Cram & Wanda Ericson. Lars was a graduate of Mesa High School and attended BYU. He worked for 35 years in the family owned car business at Brown & Brown Chevrolet. Lars enjoyed life to it’s fullest always going to great lengths to ensure and create “family fun”. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and a loyal friend to all. Lars & Elberta were inseparable since the 1st grade and were high school sweethearts. Lars will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Viewing will be Friday March 21st from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Services will be Saturday March 22nd at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS church, 1345 E. University. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery.

Mason M. Merrill, 22, passed away March 12, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at the LDS Vineyard Ward, 1054 West 2nd Place, Mesa, AZ 85201. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Frances Loretta Goodwin, 78, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away March 13, 2014 in Phoenix. Wake services will be held Friday, March 21, 2014 at 6 PM at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 8 AM at Salt River Cemetery, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

J. Walter Shumway, 85, of Mesa, Arizona passed away at home on March 15, 2014. Walter was born in Woodruff, Arizona in 1928. He was the second of 18 born to Charles and Belle Shumway. After serving for 20 years in the Air Force, he brought his family back to Arizona, and then worked another 20 years for the US Postal Service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a tinkerer, a fixer, a handyman, a collector, and a go-to man for many people who loved and respected him. Walter is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Eva Goodman Shumway, as well as 8 siblings. He is survived by his children Lynnette Stewart, Chuck, Jeriann Keeling, Phil, Becky Hansen, and Sharon McPeek, as well as 24 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, March 21, 2014 at 9:30 AM, with funeral services at 11 AM, at the LDS Salt River Stake Center, 6942 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Joan Anderson, 83, of Mesa, Arizona passed away March 15, 2014 in Mesa following a lengthy illness. Joan was born May 7, 1930 in Marion, Wisconsin. She lived in Appleton, Wisconsin for many years prior to retiring in Mesa. Joan enjoyed playing bridge, the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Diamondbacks, and activities with family and friends. She is survived by her children Terry (Denise); Todd (Ginger); a grandson, Jake; and special friend Tom Wilson. In accordance with Joan’s wishes, no funeral services will be held.

Dr. Russell O. Glauser, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 14, 2014. He was the second, and much loved, son of Alfred and Emma Glauser born on December 30, 1927 in Logan, Utah. As a young man, Russ was an outstanding student, a good athlete, and a talented singer. After graduating from high school, he entered the Navy V-5 program in Pensacola, Florida where he trained to become a pilot. In 1948 Russ married his sweetheart, Ramona Bell, in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple. In 1951 he enrolled in the School of Dentistry at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and it was during this time that he joined the U.S. Public Health Service. After a two-year internship in Flandreau, South Dakota and three years as a dentist at Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah, the P.H.S. was so impressed by his work that he was authorized to specialize in orthodontics. He and his growing family moved to Rochester, New York where Russ attended the Eastman Dental Dispensary, graduating in 1962. After returning to Utah to begin his career in orthodontics, Russ published a well-received manual on serial extraction in 1967 and was awarded a Commendation Medal from the U.S. Surgeon General. In 1970, the family moved to Mesa, Arizona where Russ continued his active PHS duty at the Phoenix Indian Hospital until 1981 when he launched a successful private orthodontic practice from which he retired in 1997. He continued to be as active in retirement as he had been throughout his life, dedicating himself to his wife, his family and his church. Russ was working two days a week as a volunteer at the LDS Mesa Temple at the time of his death. He never lost his love for life, music, church and family. He was a kind, guileless man who genuinely loved other people and was deeply loved and appreciated by all who had the privilege to know him. Russell was preceded in death by his parents and his elder brother Alfred Junior Glauser. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ramona Bell Glauser, and his five children; Diane Campbell (Jim), Sandi Glauser (Sheila), Cheri Christensen (Bob), Marci Shill (Rolland) and James Russell Glauser (Cathy). His legacy includes nineteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. A viewing will be held Wednesday, March 19 from 6-9 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way. Funeral services are Thursday, March 20, at 10AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS chapel, 3920 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ.

Katherine Lucille Muth Krupp, beloved by family and friends, was born on December 9, 1923 in Huntington, West Virginia and passed away March 15, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Preceding her in death was her husband of 52 years, Edwin Sims Krupp, and their son, Edwin Krupp, Jr. A shining, creative and generous spirit, strong in her faith and a lover of life, she enjoyed singing in the church choir, reading, geneology, gardening, crafts, decorating, puzzles, classical music and movies. Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Cathy Rivers, Jenny Wiegand, Bill Krupp (Debra), John Krupp (Lisa), Frank Krupp (Jill), Marta Jorg (Lucian), Fred Krupp, Louisa Landers (Dann); ten grandchildren (Jonathan, Andrew Wiegand; (John) Justin, Janelle; (Frank) Katy, Cory, Anna; (Fred) Emma, Jack, Olivia. She is also survived by brothers Dan Muth, David Muth and Jim Muth, and many nieces and nephews. Also preceding her in death were her parents, William H. And Garnet Lee Muth; sisters Mary Mildred and Martha Jean Muth, Joan Karl; brothers Bill and Jack Muth.
Katherine grew up in Huntington, attended St. Mary’s College (South Bend, IN) and the Illinois Institute of Design (Chicago, IL) where she studied under teachers
Maholy-Nagy and Buckminster “Bucky” Fuller. She lived with her sister Mary Mildred while they both worked at Marshall Fields in Chicago. Katherine met Edwin on a blind date and they married on June 26, 1948 in Huntington, West Virginia, living in Chicago on E. Elm Street until moving to Northbrook, IL in 1953. Katherine and Edwin lived on Blackthorn Lane for 42 years, raising their brood of nine in a busy, creative and often chaotic household. They enjoyed suburban life and some wonderful times with dear friends and neighbors, playing bridge, hosting lobster parties and taking trips to Sims Ranch in Au Gres, Michigan. Katherine had strong faith and sang in the choir at St. Norbert church for 30 years. Neighbors recount hearing her beautiful voice wafting out through the kitchen windows. The Blackthorn house was often a refuge for kids other than her own. She made everyone feel welcome and at home. She loved learning, reading her Scientific American, decorating magazines and Bible. As an artist, she was very creative, making beauty all around her, often with skimpy resources. She recycled wrapping paper and other scrap materials before it was fashionable. She loved crafts, decorating (especially for the holidays), flowers and gardening. Mom appreciated the beauty in everyday life and people around her. She loved to laugh and didn’t really know how to hold a grudge. She was elegant and beautiful, independent and resourceful. She loved color and had a keen eye for design. Always beautifully dressed, she wore matching earrings and headbands, right up to her last days. She was well known for her distinctive hairdo, always up in a neat bun.
Mom and Dad moved to Mesa Arizona in 1995, enjoying many happy, maintenance- and snow- free years together in the Wells community. Dad planted grapefruit trees near the patio. Louisa and her husband Dann moved in with Mom after Dad passed away in 2001, giving her wonderful care, for which we are especially thankful. The Lund Family Hospice Home gave her excellent care in her last days.
Services will be held Monday, March 17, 2 pm, at the Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ. Internment will take place at the Sims Family Cemetery, Au Gres, MI. A Celebration of her life will be held in Au Gres this summer.
Thanks, Mom, for all the blessings you shared so gracefully. You set a whole new universe in motion. The world will never be the same without you. It is forever better for your having been in it. We love you, miss you and send you on your way to your next adventure with the greatest affection. With the faith you taught us, we trust you’ll be safe on your new journey.
———————————————————
Donations gratefully accepted by Hospice of the Valley,
Lund Family Hospice Home, Gilbert, AZ. hov.org

Shirley Rockford (nee Beyda) 83, of Mesa, AZ; passed away March 11, 2014. She was born in Chicago on July 5, 1930. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Tony, her parents Jack and Sarina; two brothers: Joseph (the late Adele) and Samuel (the late Esther); a sister: Selma Teel; a daughter: Jacqueline (David) Lineback and a step-son Thomas. Shirley is survived by her sister: Rachel (the late Harold) Asper; two daughters: Serena (Juergen Gebhardt) and Shari (Karel) Muns; step-daughter: Sandra (Frank) Mucciante; and four grandchildren: Anthony, David, Tony, and Taylor. She was a loving aunt, cousin and friend to many. A Memorial Service will be held to honor her at a later date. Donations in Shirley’s honor can be sent to Mayfair Assisted Living, 6930 E. Granada St., Mesa, AZ 85207.

Derek James Allen, 39, of Mesa, Arizona passed away March 10, 2014 in Mesa. Visitation will be Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 9 AM, at the LDS Park Crest Ward, 3920 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will follow at 10 AM at the same location. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Florine Phyllis Gutierrez, 79, passed away March 9, 2014 in Scottsdale, Arizona. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 7 AM at the Lehi Cemetery, 926 East Thomas Road, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.