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Matilde Alvarez Cañez de Cañez of Mesa, AZ passed away suddenly on March 1, 2014 at the age of 93. Matilde was born on October 29, 1920 to Santiago Perez Cañez and Carmen Alvarez in San Miguel de Horcasitas, Sonora, Mexico. She married Rodolfo Acedo Cañez in Imuris, Sonora, Mexico on March 10, 1943 and had four boys. In 1950 she moved with her husband and sons to Superior, Arizona where they had six more children. She loved being a mother and homemaker. She took pride in her role and was excellent raising her ten children. She also raised some of her grandchildren and was the go to person for home remedies when they were sick. Matilde was known for her tortilla making and by word of mouth she was asked to be featured in the Mesa Tribune. In the article she talked about how tortilla making was a source of pride and a lost art. She was a dynamic woman who loved life to the fullest. She was a traveler, loved flying and fought for the window seat. She was a lover of animals, baseball, “la perrica”, crossword puzzles, music, cooking, dancing, her “chuchupate” and had a green thumb. Matilde is survived by her sons, Rodolfo “Rudy” Jr., Ramon (Margarita), Santiago, Arnoldo; daughters, Ofelia, Herlinda and Matilde; daughter-in-law, Anita De Anda Cañez, 25 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren and caregiver Francisca. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodolfo Acedo Cañez; brothers, Santiago, Antonio, Jose, Jesus Maria, Carlos and Francisco; sisters: Carmen de Gracia and Rosario C. Acedo, and by her loving sons, José, Rogelio and Bernardo and grandson, Richard. She also leaves hundreds of extended family members and friends. She was the matriarch of our family and she will be incredibly missed. She will never be forgotten. Her spirit will live in each of us always and forever. Viewing and Rosary will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 5-8 PM. Mass will be at Queen of Peace Catholic Church,141 E. 1st Street, Mesa, AZ on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 10 AM. Burial will follow at City of Mesa Cemetery.

Verlie Beth Nelson White, born Sept. 21, 1917 in Chandler, AZ, died peacefully Saturday, March 1, 2014 at home in her sleep at age 96. Verlie was one of 6 children born to Edward Banks Nelson and Myrtle Libbie Sellers Nelson. She married Eldon Nesbit of Kansas City, MO in 1948 and after a divorce she moved back to Phoenix. She later married Jack White in 1967. They were married for 43 years until his death in 2010. Verlie was active in several community groups and loved to travel. She was a strong woman with a constant willingness to help others and loved being a grandmother. She was passionate about family history long before the computer era and spent countless hours researching. She was an inspiration to her entire family for her quick wit and excellent humor. Verlie is survived by her son Bob Nesbit of Arizona, daughter Frances Davis (Don) of Utah, her step-children, Jack White Jr. (Teri), Jane White, Jean White (Joan), her sister Theda Wright and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones. Visitation will be Saturday, March 8th from 9-10:20 AM at the LDS church, 616 South Extension Rd., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will immediately follow at 10:30 AM.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Michael Terry Pickett “Mick”, 69 of Mesa passed away on February 24, 2014. He was born on July 6, 1944 in Burley, Idaho, to M E Pickett and Vesta McKinlay. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School and received a degree in Business from Brigham Young University in 1967. Mick worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He served a mission to New Zealand and was currently an ordinance worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He is survived by the love of his life, Wilhelmina Nielson Pickett, and his children, M. Todd (Penni) Pickett, Shondelle (Jason) Hales and eight grandchildren (Nichole, Kristine & Zoe Pickett and Macy, Porter, Marlee, Addison & Sadie Hales). Surviving siblings include a brother, Philip Pickett and a sister, Peggy Price. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Sydney Pickett. The visitation is Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel (33 N. Centennial Way – Mesa). Funeral services are on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 10AM preceded by a visitation from 9-9:30 AM at the LDS Church, 2835 E. Des Moines Street in Mesa.

Martina Thompson Peck, 85, passed away on March 2, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Martina and Seth Thompson were married for 36 years prior to Seth’s passing. Seth and Martina had five children: Karen, Keith, Kelly, Kent and Kathy. Martina and Leslie Peck were married in 1993. During their retirement years, they served together as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 6 separate missions. She is survived by her 5 children and her husband, Les. She is grandmother to 22 and a great-grandmother of 15 children.

A viewing will be held Monday, March 17, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker University Chapel Mortuary, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., (preceded by a visitation at 9:00 a.m.) at the Fairfield Ward LDS Chapel, 4640 E. Holmes Ave., Mesa, AZ.

Martina will sincerely be missed by all who loved her. She will be laid to rest at the Mesa City Cemetery.

Donna Nelson Wright, daughter of David Sanders Nelson and Martha Elizabeth Fuller, was born April 23, 1930, in Phoenix, Arizona. Donna married Robert Wayne Wright in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 5, 1952. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her twin sisters, Noreen Nelson Taylor and Doreen Nelson Tenney. She is survived by her four children (Eva Kathryn Openshaw, Karen Elizabeth Decker, Robert David Wright, and Richard Wayne Wright) and also by her aunt Pearl Loftin. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom love her and miss her very much.

Donna was a student at Brigham Young University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music with a minor in English. She later attended Northern Arizona University, earning a Master of Arts degree in elementary education. She studied music and organ performance with J. J. Keeler, who taught other students that later became organists of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Donna also studied with Frank Asper, Tabernacle Organist (her last lesson with him was on the Tabernacle organ).

Donna taught elementary school, music, and piano lessons for many years. In 1974, she purchased a Mary Moppet’s franchise and eventually expanded her daycare business into two successful schools, which she operated in the Chandler area for many years.

Donna was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served faithfully in the church for her entire life. She served as the ward organist beginning in her youth and continued in that calling until her passing. Indeed, Donna’s life is an example of love and service. After her retirement, Donna served as a full-time missionary in the Family History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Donna was very involved in temple and genealogical work in the church for many years. She served as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple, and also spent many happy years doing extraction and indexing work, preparing approximately 300,000 names for proxy work in the temple.

Donna’s legacy is one of love, music, and family. She will be greatly missed, and her posterity will rise up and call her blessed. She was truly an elect lady. We announce her viewing March 5th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, from 6:00 to 8:00pm; her funeral service will be March 6th at 10:00am in the Mesa 25th Ward Building, 848 N. Westwood, Mesa, AZ 85201 (viewing at 9:00am).

Andre Emanuel Bluth, 58, of Queen Creek, AZ, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2014 in a car accident. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and 4 children, Dustin, Crystal, Matthew and Shaun, who adored him. His greatest joy was being a father and grandfather to 6 grandchildren. Andre was born to Ora and the late Gayle “Chato” Bluth in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico. He was raised on a farm and shared an ideal childhood with his siblings, Tito, Yvonne, Alex and Lucy. Nothing brought Andre more happiness than spending time with his family and friends. He brought excitement and joy with him everywhere he went; his smile and his laugh were contagious. Andre left this life far too soon and will be deeply missed by many. Memorial Services will be Friday, February 28, 2014 at 3 PM, preceded by a visitation from 1- 3 PM at the LDS Queen Creek North Stake Center, 22035 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85242. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Larson, Ordell Bryce, 90, of Sun Lakes, AZ passed away on February 16, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Katherine (Kaye), sons Jon of Denver, CO and Tom, of Santa Barbara, CA, and his step-daughter Tanya of Sun Lakes, AZ. Additional survivors include his brother and his wife, Ted and Mona Larson, nineteen nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Ordell was born in Solomonville, AZ February 26, 1923 to Moroni and Annie Larson. The family owned a large dairy and farm where Ordell, along with his sister, Geraldine, and his brothers Rulon and Ted, learned his farming and ranching skills. After graduating from Safford High School, he served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre. In 1942, Ordell married Wille Reese Hoopes, and after being discharged from the army, he moved his family to a cattle ranch northeast of Colorado, Springs, CO where he ranched until 1983. The first marriage ended in 1970 and Ordell married Kaye Schaefer in 1972. Upon his retirement, he and Kaye moved to Sun Lakes, AZ. Ordell was also a real estate broker as well as a valued member of the cattle and horse communities in the Colorado Springs area. He was a lifetime member and past president of the Pikes Peak Cattlemen’s Association, the Pikes Peak Range Riders, the Soil Conservation Society of America and a charter member of the National Cattlemen’s Association and the Pikes Peak Quarter Horse Association. An accomplished southwest-style jewelry maker, Ordell taught jewelry design in the Rock and Gem class for the Sun Lakes community, where he was known as Chico. He was also a wood carver and created many authentic kachina figures that are prized by family and friends. The family would like to extend its thanks to Grace Hospice for its very professional and attentive care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ordell’s name to Grace Hospice, www.gracehospice.org. Arrangements were handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Frank Dallas Floyd, age 86, passed away on February 22, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. He was born April 11, 1927 in the riverside town of Boonville, Missouri son of Percy M. and Mabel (Mellor) Floyd. He attended schools in Boonville and served in the Coast Guard at age 15, and in WWII as a Naval Air Force aerial gunner. Upon conclusion of his service in the US Navy he enrolled and graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia, was a proud Kappa Alpha fraternity man, graduated in 1950 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. He married Marilyn Marcella Miller of Indianapolis, Indiana on September 14, 1952. He worked in sales management for most of his career, initially for Proctor and Gamble for 15 years in test markets, new product introduction and advertising in Philadelphia, Rochester and New York City. He moved his family to Idaho to work for Rogers Brothers Potato Company in 1965 and served as the administrator of the Idaho Potato Commission from 1971-1973. He subsequently worked for Albertsons as Director of quality control and product development. In 1976 he changed careers and for the next 20 years was a District Manager and stock broker for AXA/Equitable in Boise.
Frank was blessed with three children. He was an Eagle Scout, a great father who served in BSA District leadership positions, and was an example of consistent volunteering to serve in his church. Dad had faith in the Savior’s atonement and earlier in life attended Protestant churches. He was subsequently baptized and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints — his scriptures and Priesthood manual are heavily marked with his notes, underscoring his faith in our Heavenly Father.
Dad married Judith Ellis Nielson in 2006, and has enjoyed their homes in Mesa/Leisure World, Salt Lake City and Boise. Judith and Frank in recent years have loved to travel, dance, and be active in the Leisure World community.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn, in 2003. He is survived by his loving 2nd wife, Judith, as well as Frank’s three children: Patrick M. (LaVonne) of Salt Lake City, UT; Gregory S. (Suzanne) of Boise, ID; and Carol Ann (Dale) Hooper of Boise, ID. At the time of his passing he was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers: Harold Dene Floyd of Great Falls, MT and Percy Miller Floyd of Sterling, VA.
A viewing at Bunker University Chapel Mortuary in Mesa will be held on Friday, February 28th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the LDS Century Gardens Mesa Ward, 633 S. Higley, on Saturday, March 1st at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will also be held at the LDS Century Gardens Ward chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1st.
Burial will be at the Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise, ID.

Vilda Jane Johnson, 87, passed away February 23, 2014 in Paulden, Arizona. Visitation is Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Graveside services are Friday, February 28, 2014 at 10 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, 85201.

Aurelia Nelson, 90, passed away with her family by her side on February 19, 2014, in Mesa, Arizona. Services will be on Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 10 AM, at the Desert Ridge Stake Center, 3440 S. Signal Butte Rd., Mesa, preceded by visitation on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, from 6 to 8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa, and 9 AM at the Stake Center. She is survived by her husband Rey, daughters Nadine Crandall, Judy Michael, daughter-in law Nelda Nelson, sons Jim Nelson, and Jeff Nelson, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Charlcey Sudekum McBride, 95, passed away Feb. 19, 2014. Charlcey was born in Tempe, AZ on May 31, 1918, but was raised in Nashville, TN. She often told her children that she was delivered by the Governor of Arizona, who was a doctor. In 1938, she moved from Nashville to Arizona, where she met her husband, Jim McBride, at Gila Academy. In October 1939, they were married in the Mesa Temple. They had 4 children, Jim McBride Jr., Glenn McBride, Lynette McBride Hays, and Virginia McBride Fletcher (deceased). In 1952, Jim & Charlcey moved to Phoenix where they farmed for many years. Charlcey was very active in the LDS Church and did all kinds of church jobs, including: going on a mission, working in the Mesa Temple, leading the music, Seminary teacher, Singing Mother’s, Relief Society President and many others. In 1985, she was Mother of the Year for Tolleson, AZ. She enjoyed shopping and crafts. Charlcey has 17 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ on Feb. 24, 2014 at 9 AM, with a visitation to follow. Burial will be at the Pima Cemetery, Pima AZ on Feb. 24, 2014 at 4 PM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers a contribution be made to the LDS Missionary Fund.

Gilbert, AZ – Grant Briant Roberts, 88, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, February 17, 2014. He was born October 4, 1925 in Clearfield, UT. He is the son of William Robert Roberts and Enid Murdock Roberts. He graduated from Davis High School and served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953. He married Deon Harman on October 18, 1956 in Granger, UT. He lived most of his life in Layton, UT where he farmed and drove a school bus for Davis County School District. He and his loving wife retired to St. George, UT then later moved to Gilbert, AZ where he spent this past year surrounded by loving family. Grant enjoyed traveling with his wife in their RV to visit family and friends across the country. He was an avid reader. Yet, his greatest joy was spending time and enjoying his family. He is survived by his wife, Deon (Gilbert, AZ), children Cal Roberts (Chay), Kerry Roberts (Sheila), Michelle Elliott (Steve), 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Paul Roberts and Barbara Anderson. Funeral services will be Monday, February 24, 2014, 11 AM at the LDS Power Ranch Second Ward, 4170 S. Ranch House Parkway, Gilbert, AZ 85297. Friends may visit Monday from 10-11 AM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Thomas Kevin Jackson was born on June 2, 1973 in Salem, Oregon and passed away on February 13, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona after a long battle with liver disease and very recently, lymphoma. Kevin was diagnosed less than two years after marrying Kerri Smith Jackson on August 1, 1998. After the diagnosis, he continued on in his ever optimistic way and started a family. He went back to school and completed his Bachelor’s degree and began law school before becoming very ill and needing a liver transplant, which he received in September of 2010. He was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in early January 2014. He is preceded in death by his mother Gail. He is survived by his father, K.Arnold “Jack” Jackson, his wife, Kerri and his three children Katelyn – 11, Calvin – 7, and Ashley – 5. He is also survived by his sister Ruby (Mike) Moore, Boyd Jackson, and Victor (Kyoko) Jackson, and many nieces and nephews. His sense of humor, positive attitude, and laughter that touched so many will never be forgotten.
Services for Kevin will include a closed casket visitation at 9:30 am before the 11 am funeral service on February 21, 2014 at the LDS Church, located at 1111 E. Knox Rd in Tempe, AZ. In lieu of flowers, Kevin asked that monetary donations be made for the children at Wells Fargo, The Kevin Jackson Memorial Fund. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Elizabeth Louise Fowler Powell, 83, passed away Friday, February 14, 2014 at Hospice of the Valley, Mesa. She was a longtime resident of Farmington, Utah and since 2005 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born on January 24, 1931 in Topeka, KS the daughter of Ben Harold and Dolly Elizabeth Frantz Fowler and step-daughter to Allie Elizabeth Fowler. Elizabeth married Dale G. Powell, September 16, 1977 and they were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
She was employed for many years at the Davis County Health Department. Beth was actively involved in her church callings. Especially near to her heart was visiting teaching and attending the temple. She was an amazing example of love and kindness to all those around her. She will live in our hearts forever.
Mom was an avid reader who especially loved history. She loved attending plays-especially those of the great grandchildren and Hale Theater performances; her passion was sewing-especially quilting and humanitarian projects, camping, fishing, square dancing, and traveling with her family.
Surviving are her daughter, Elizabeth Louise (John) Kuran, Norwalk,CT; two step-daughters, Vorelle (Stephen) Sill, Layton, UT and Andrea (Gregg) Byrum, Clearfield, UT; grandchildren Kerri Barker, Stamford, CT, Jennifer Newcomer and baby Grace, Albuquerque, NM, Sonya Bria, AZ, Garrett Sill, UT, Nicole Williams, UT, Tyson Sill, UT, Amberly Martinson, WA, and 19 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law Gene Powell, UT; and two sisters-in-law, Rhea (Norman) Law, ID and Bernice (Vernon) Bingham, AZ.
Proceeded in death by her parents; three brothers, Harold Fowler, Melvin Fowler, John Fowler; and step-sons Travis Powell and Clifford Powell.
Viewing at Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr, Mesa, AZ, will be Wednesday, February 19 from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 20 at 10 am viewing and service at 11 am at Hawes Chapel, Hawes Rd. Mesa. Mrs. Powell will then be entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton, UT. Friends and family may call at Lindquist’s Saturday February 22, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm followed by a graveside service with interment next to her beloved husband, Dale.
Special thanks to Chandler Regional Hospital, Chandler, AZ and Hospice of the Valley in Mesa, Arizona.
Email condolences to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com and www.bunkerfuneral.com

Joyce Myretta Layton Carlson, Born 7 May 1928 passed peacefully Sunday, 9 February 2014 with her four children, Trish Calhoon, Deb Hocking, George Dodge, and Brian Dodge nearby. We have been remembering her with love, humor, and much gratitude. Mom, though gone from this Earthly life, is not gone from our hearts and memories. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss their loving and humorous interactions with her. Mom has always been a strong, independent, caring person who was more comfortable serving others than being served. These attributes helped her to be an outstanding cashier for many years. She must have been outstanding because that is how she met her husband, Robert Carlson, who preceded her in death. And her love of the mountains led to them spending as much time as possible each summer at Big Lake and Alpine. Mom enjoyed sports in her younger years, and played volleyball, basketball, bowling, and tennis. When the participation years passed, the spectator in her kicked in, and she could be quite vocal in her opinions on games, especially football. So, when visiting in recent years, we were fairly certain that if the TV was on, then surely a sport’s program was on or soon would be. Her last outing was enjoying the super bowl with family. Mom instilled in us a sense of independence, caring, gratitude, and humor. Her love of the mountains and travel lives on in us. So, we express our gratitude for her and the love she freely gave us. And to all who loved her, and cared for her throughout the years, we express our sincere appreciation. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Mary Esther (Johnson) Gooch, 67, of Tempe, Arizona passed away on February 10, 2014. Mary was born March 29, 1946 in Rockford Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Alice Johnson. She has two surviving siblings Ginger Allen and William Johnson. Mary is also survived by a loving husband John Gooch. Her greatest accomplishments were her children; one son Ryan Gooch and four daughters, Jennifer (Dean) McCleve, Kelly (Steve) Deming, Lesley (Nathan) Scoresby, and Michelle (Justin) Gardner. She has 13.5 grandchildren who adored her: Tyler, Casey, Hunter, Carter, Jacob, Jessica, Jonathan, Jana, Matthew, Brayden, Preston, Kate, Madison. Her greatest joy in life was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She worked vigorously to create a united family. Mary received a Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University in Home Economics Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. She thoroughly enjoyed her 20 year teaching career at Mesa High. She was a great champion of all the students she taught and enjoyed having past students ask “Remember when we made ______________ in foods class.” Mary was always a strong devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various areas in the Church including, Relief Society President, working with the young single adults and Young Women’s President. Her heart rejoiced in watching the Young Women grow strong in the Gospel. One of Mary’s interests was working diligently on family history. She was proud of her Scandinavian heritage. Her testimony of the Savior is evident by the kindness and service she showed to anyone who knew her. Mary was loved by all and will sincerely be missed. The Viewing will be at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa on Feb. 14, 6-8pm. Funeral Services will be on Feb. 15, 10am at LDS Church 6001 S. Lakeshore Dr. Tempe, AZ 85283