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Mary Bisignano Beck passed away peacefully in her Phoenix, Arizona home Sunday night February 9th, 2014 shortly before her 95th birthday. She was born March 13, 1919 in Oak Creek, Colorado to Pietro Bisignano and Mary Stella Caruso Bisignano. She is survived by her brothers, George and Albert Bisignano and her sisters Molly Sergi and Marie Rowell and her children Marie Holley Meshkin, Nancy Cosgrove Corson, Jack Beck and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary lived a long and full life in various parts of the country. She contributed to the war effort working as a welder for a ship builder during WWII. She spent part of that war in Fairbanks, Alaska while running a photo studio. After retiring as a cosmetology Supervisor and teacher in Phoenix, AZ, she spent many hours gardening and would never miss a Diamond Backs baseball game. She volunteered much of her time to The Arc of Arizona, an organization for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 15th, 2014 at 10AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Mortuary located at 9925 W. Thomas RD, Avondale, AZ.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
The Arc of Arizona
P.O. Box 90714
Phoenix, AZ 85066-0714
Website: www.arcarizona.org
Phone: (602) 234-2721
Email: thearcaz@gmail.com

Diana Heard, 77, passed away February 6, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Interment will be at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.

Harm Jan DeJonge, 87, of Apache Junction, Arizona, passed away February 6, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Christopher Robert Page, 43, passed away February 9, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial services are Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 1 PM at the LDS Sunny Mesa Ward, 4640 East Holmes, Mesa, AZ 85206. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Coy Hugh Johnston, 80, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2014, at his home in Mesa. Coy was born on May 29, 1933 in Bryce, AZ. He was preceded in death by his wife, Becky Johnston. Coy is survived by his children Diana Celeste, Rod (Cindy) Johnston, Coy (Tami) Johnston, Rick (Darla) Johnston, Velma (DaLane) Turner, Coleen (Joel) Shumway, and Cathy (Terry) Richardson, 41 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and a brother LaVar Johnston and sister Verba Meteer. Coy served for fifty years with the Arizona Highway Patrol/Department of Public Safety. Visitation will be Thursday, February 6th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. Services will be held Friday, February 7, 2014, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mesa East Stake, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, 85213. Visitation will be at 11:30 AM with the service starting at 1 PM. Arrangements were handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85213, telephone 480-696-6883.

Orville William Matheny, 98, born in Lawton Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in Gilbert, Arizona on Thursday, January 30, 2014. He is survived by his loving wife, Joy Lee, (married 76 years), 8 children and respective spouses, 39 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren. After serving as a Navy pilot in WWII, he participated in the pioneering of the petroleum industry in Alberta, Canada. Orville was a faithful, devoted member of the LDS church. He served as the Texas Dallas Mission president from 1979-1982. Funeral services will be held Wed, Feb 5, 11:00 AM, preceded by a viewing at 10:00 AM at the LDS Chapel, 1150 E Guadalupe, Gilbert, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Clevenger, Ernest Andrew, 94, passed away peacefully Wed., Jan. 29, 2014 at his home in Lehi, AZ. Ernest was born Dec. 25, 1919 in Mesa, AZ to Andrew Benton and Lola May (Pepper) Clevenger. Ernest married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Shill (deceased). They were blessed to have 5 children, Ernest Andrew Jr. (Irene), David Benton, Jack Eldon (Peggy), Judith Roland (Gary) and Linda Sue Smith (Michael, deceased).They had 15 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held Fri., Feb. 7, 2014 at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ with a visitation Thurs., Feb. 6, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their help at this time.

Constance Ann Tanner, born January 3, 1950, passed away at home in the presence of her husband Friday, January 31, 2014. Constance was born in Chicago, and moved at an early age to the Phoenix area with her mother, Eileen Ann Larkin. She is survived by her husband Wayne Edward Tanner, sons Seth, Zachary (Deborah) and Reed (Jennifer), and daughter Meghan (Aaron) Adamski, a brother, John (Peggy) Lotspeich, and three sisters, Susan Larkin, Nancy (Albert) Paciotti, and Barbara (Steve) Proctor. Constance was known for her gentle and kind demeanor. She was liked by all that knew her and loved by all that knew her well. Constance took great pride and joy in her four grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, February 7 from 6 to 8pm, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, Feb. 8, with visitation from 10 to 10:45am, with services beginning at 11am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 1455 N. Harris, Mesa. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to family and friends for all their kind expressions and support.

Tony Higgins passed away on January 28 after a brave battle with Cancer. Tony was a gentle, caring man who loved life. He touched us with his humor and kindness. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Tony is survived by his fiancé Rose Williams; his children Cheyanne Higgins age 13, Jay Higgins age 10, and Daniella Higgins age 8; his parents Danny and Genet Higgins of St Mary’s, West Virginia; brothers Jeffrey Higgins of Mesa, AZ and Shawn Higgins of Friendly, West Virginia; and a multitude of friends whose lives he touched throughout his life.
Tony owned his own self-storage maintenance business. He had great respect and appreciation for the people he worked with and truly valued the friendships he made through his work. Tony’s positive outlook effected everyone he met.
We will miss you Tony. We will never forget you.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 6:30 pm at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church at 1159 South Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your preference. Since Tony felt for the plight of children, you may consider St Jude Children’s’ Research Hospital.

Phyllis Ann Pittmon of Mesa fell asleep in death January 17, 2014. She enjoyed a full life despite a long history of heart disease. To the very end she was sassy and spunky and fun loving. She leaves behind many fond memories for family & friends. Those who miss her include her husband Bill, daughters Vicki & husband Tony Pitmon, Sharon Rose, Tina & husband Joel Smith; also Laurie & Dan Price, David & Lisa Pittmon, Judy Kessler, Darryl Pittmon and Darin Pittmon; 27 grand & great grandchildren. She leaves her older siblings, Kenneth Pasano, Rose Butler and Anthony Pasano to carry on the legacy of their parents, Anthony and Eleanor Pasano. Phyllis will be memorialized at 3 p.m. on Monday, February 24th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa AZ 85213. A reception will follow at Sunland Village Golf Club on Rochester & Delta in Mesa. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to Hospice of the Valley, 2020 E. Woodside Ct, Gilbert AZ 85297.

Leona Margaret Sabrowsky, age of 78 years and 9 months, passed from this life into life eternal on Monday, January 27, 2014, as a resident at Arbor Rose Senior Care Assisted Living Facility of Mesa, AZ. Leona was born April 14, 1935 to Elmer Ludwig Brookehardt Sabrowsky and Ida Magadlene (Hamann) Sabrowsky in the rural community of Farming Township, (Albany) of Stearns County, MN. Leona was baptized into the Christian faith and confirmed in that faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Farming Township. She was later united in marriage to Aaron Friederich Sabrowsky of Albany, on June 5, 1954. Leona and Aaron farmed for two years before moving to southern California to raise their family. In 1985, she retired with her husband, Aaron, to Days Creek, Oregon; residing in the area until they moved to Mesa, AZ in 2007. Leona was a lifetime active member of the Lutheran church and avid supporter of their Lutheran schools. While her health allowed, she served faithfully, singing in the choir, and in women’s committees.
Leona will be dearly remembered as a loving, devoted, wife & homemaker, mother, grandmother, and daycare provider for many families over the years. She was happiest with her family members around her, but also enjoyed, and was gifted in using her hands on all kinds of crafts; especially sewing for her children, grandchildren, and home, crochet projects, and building and creating dollhouses, and furniture. She loved all things related to God’s creation; especially birds, butterflies, and flowers. Illustrations of these, as well as her own drawings graced her scrapbooks and collections of poetry. Over the years she graced the lives of her loved ones with her beautiful voice in song, and was honored by being chosen to sing many soprano solos throughout her grade school years, and well into adulthood.
Leona is survived by her husband Aaron F. Sabrowsky; five children, Carolyn (John) Baumann of Cannon Falls, MN; Dwight (Lori) Sabrowsky of Redondo Beach, CA; Ronald (Sharon) Sabrowsky of Sedro-Woolley, WA; Dale (Evelyn) Sabrowsky of Buena Park, CA; and Glenn (Jeanette) Sabrowsky of Mesa, AZ. Grandchildren: LeeAndra (David) Dodge, Melissa (Wayne) Birling, and Daniel Baumann / Rachel (Matthew) Meyer, Samantha and Amanda Sabrowsky / Angela (Matthew) Lopez, Alisha Sabrowsky and Russel (Elizabeth) Sabrowsky / Aaron Alexander, Sonia and Zoe Sabrowsky. Great Grandchildren: Riley and Ella Dodge, and Fiona Sabrowsky. Siblings: Milford (Eleanore) Sabrowsky, Mervile (Ceceilia) Sabrowsky, Willard (Donna) Sabrowsky…sisters-in-law Grace Sabrowsky, Adeline Sabrowsky, Adeline Rohe, and brother in-law Raymond (Erna) Sabrowsky. Many nephews and nieces, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her Father and Mother in-law, Friederich, and Mabel Sabrowsky and husband’s siblings and spouses. Brother-in-law Alfred Sabrowsky, Arthur & Esther Schlueter, Arthur Sabrowsky, Clarence and Eleanore Silbernick, Edward & Hildegard Shadbolt, and Arthur Rohe, and several nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be held at 9:45 AM, Tuesday, February 4, 2014 with a Service to follow at 10:30 AM at Pilgrim Luthern Church, 3257 E. University Dr. in Mesa. All monetary love gifts will be donated to Pilgrim Lutheran School, Mesa, AZ.

Macario (Mac) Vega Vasquez, 83, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Los Angeles, died Sunday while in the care of Hospice of the Valley after a brief illness. Mac was born May 24, 1930 in Bakersfield (Arvin Farms), CA. He grew up in Los Angeles in the Bunker Hill neighborhood. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for most of his career before retiring to Mesa in 1990. Mac loved the outdoors. He spent many years camping, fishing, scuba diving, and traveling. Mac also loved to express his creativity through paint and photography. Mac spent most of his years in Arizona living at “The Springs of East Mesa” an assisted living facility in Mesa where he made many friends and will be remembered as the one who “always would greet you with a smile on his face”. He is survived by his sister Angie Salcedo, CA; stepson Guillermo Hernandez, Chino Hills; sons Fred Vasquez, Los Angeles; Ricardo Vasquez, Tempe, AZ; and daughters Susie Vasquez, Los Angeles; and Arleen Vasquez, Glendora, CA, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mac will be remembered in a private memorial service in California in the Spring. Donations can be made to “Hospice of the Valley” www.hov.org or “Arizona Burn Center” http://www.maricopahealthfoundation.org. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Wahl, Leslie Dean
Dean died January 25, 2014 at the Citadel, Mesa, Arizona. Dean was born on a farm near Gorham, Kansas on August 4, 1924 to Jacob and Anna (Hauschild) Wahl. Dean was the youngest of four brothers before the family was blessed with two sisters.
After his 1942 high school graduation in Hays, he continued to farm while Philip and Alvin served in the Army. After they returned he farmed, picked tomatoes in Colorado for a season and began working at Brownies Gas Station in Gorham Kansas. He met Vona Moss at the gas station in 1949 and they were married in May 1950. They had a wonderful life together in Russell Kansas (1950-1961) and Mesa Arizona from 1961 until Vona’s death in 2002. Dean’s devotion to Vona goes beyond words.
Dean was a natural in the gas station, he related to his customers with an engaging personality and sense of humor they appreciated. He knew how to care for their cars and stood behind his work. He ran the Champlain station in Russell from 1952-1961, and Wahl’s Sunset Service in Mesa from 1961-1976. His stations were more than a business; they were a community of families. Dean kept it all going frequently working non-stop from early in the morning till late at night as the business owner, mechanic, counselor, friend and father to two sons who couldn’t wait to see the doors close for the night. After the station he went to work for U-Haul as a mechanic until he retired in 1992 where he knew his trucks and mentored the younger mechanics.
Dean is survived by his sons Mark (Patrice) Wahl of Madison Wisconsin and Jordan (Lisa) Wahl of Mesa Arizona, two grandsons Christopher (Brooke Godfrey) and Jonathan (Alexandra) Wahl. Also surviving are: two great granddaughters; Chyna and Winnie; his sisters Norma (Wahl) Strecker of Galatia, Kansas, Caroline (Wahl) Peterson of Clifton, Kansas. He was predeceased by his brothers Philip, Earl and Alvin.
Dean was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Victory Lutheran Church, 5946 E. University Drive, Mesa. A private burial in the Heritage Garden Section of the Mesa Cemetery will follow. Those considering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Victory Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Citadel and the staff of Sun Valley Hospice for their loving care and compassion.

Judith C. Hempel 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 23rd. Founder and Owner of Norm’s Watch Repair in Mesa. She leaves daughters Jewel Collins, Kathy Parker, son Guy Hempel, 13 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed church, genealogy, family and loved to sing. She will be greatly missed. Funeral services are Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 10 AM preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Udall Ward, 15 W. 1st Ave., Mesa 85210. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Sharon Dian Merrill Nance passed away quietly on January 23, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. She was born in Mesa, AZ on May 25, 1939 to Virgil Merrill, who was one of the Valley’s largest citrus growers, and Evelyn McIntyre Merrill. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Charles Nance. They enjoyed 56 years together; raising a family, traveling, and sharing a life-long passion for collecting antiques. Sharon was strong in faith and spirit. She enjoyed spending time with her family, scrapbooking, reading, and completing crossword puzzles. Sharon is preceded in death by her pioneer ancestors who helped settle Lehi and Mesa, her father Virgil Merrill, her mother Evelyn Merrill, her step-mother Frances Hollingsworth Merrill, two grandchildren, Jacob Brinton and Joshua Brinton, and one great-grandchild, Gavin Sprague. She is survived by her husband Charles, her three children: Stacy Allen (Wyatt), Shelley Brinton, and Scott Nance (Kris), ten grandchildren: Chad Allen, Kasey Allen, Jake Allen, Bethany Sprague, McIntyre Brinton, Vanessa Chaffee, Jessica Curtis, Natalie Brady, Emily Nance, Savannah Nance, and 21 great-grandchildren: Joenick Shipley, Jaxon Chaffee, Evienne Shipley, Jaden Allen, Lily Chaffee, Ema Allen, Austin Allen, Deacon Allen, Annabelle Curtis, Edison Chaffee, Jordan Allen, Leighton Allen, Olivia Sprague, Beckett Chaffee, Chad Curtis, Jr., Juliette Curtis, Dean Brady, Tristan Allen, Truman Brady, Ruby Chaffee, Bowen Curtis, and six siblings: Virgie Maughan, Richard Merrill, Rebecca McMeen, Rex Merrill, Rhonda Lopez, and Robert Merrill. Graveside services are Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 11 AM at Mesa City Cemetery, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Marion F Pearce, 87 of Mesa, AZ passed away January 21, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Diane, their six children, twenty eight grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, his sister Ruby Efros and brother Melvin Pearce. Viewing will be Wednesday, January 29, 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1345 E University, Mesa AZ on Thursday January 30 at 10 AM with a viewing at 9 AM.