Find An Obituary

D. Delos Ellsworth, a former state legislator who also served a stint in Washington, D.C., as U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater’s top aide, died Monday in Mesa, according to his son, Mesa attorney Brent Ellsworth. He was 82.
Ellsworth, a Mesa Republican, served two terms in the Arizona House of Representatives from 1965 to 1969, including two years as House majority whip, and two terms in the Arizona Senate from 1971 to 1975. He also was elected Maricopa County Republican Party chairman and, The Arizona Republic reported in 1968, “headed the county’s party machinery during the pre-election build-up which resulted in a historical sweep of all the Maricopa County offices, long the stronghold of Democrats.”
He stepped down from the county GOP post in November 1968 to become Goldwater’s administrative assistant, the position that today is known as chief of staff.
“Delos was a good worker,” said Judy Eisenhower, another longtime aide to Goldwater who also had a tenure as the senator’s administrative assistant. “He’s not like they are today: You ask a question and he’s going to find you an answer.”
Goldwater, R-Ariz., had won a third U.S. Senate term in 1968. Goldwater previously had served two Senate terms from 1953 to 1965, but did not seek re-election to the Senate in 1964, the year he was the GOP’s unsuccessful presidential nominee. Goldwater sat out the next four years and ran again when veteran U.S. Sen. Carl Hayden, D-Ariz., decided to retire.
“Dad had worked on Goldwater’s presidential campaign,” Brent Ellsworth said. “So they knew each other, but it’s not like they were best buddies. But Goldwater asked him if he would come back and be his administrative assistant. He was the head guy who ran the office and everything.”
Goldwater told Ellsworth that he didn’t want him to get “Potomac fever,” the son said. Goldwater instead encouraged Ellsworth to stay in Washington for a couple of years and use the experience “as a springboard to other things” back in Arizona.
“My dad loved it back there — he loved the whole political scene and climate,” Brent Ellsworth said. “He and Senator Goldwater got along great.”
After returning to Arizona, Ellsworth was elected to the state Senate, where he served with then-Senate Majority Leader Sandra Day O’Connor, who later become a U.S. Supreme Court justice. He was talked about as a possible Republican gubernatorial candidate in 1974, but opted to exit politics for a teaching career at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
He was director of BYU’s Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute for several years starting in 1978.
Ellsworth is survived by his wife, Alba, six children, 36 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Visitation is Friday, December 27, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Funeral services are Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 10:30 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at the LDS Kimball East Stake Center, 4640 E. Holmes Ave., Mesa, 85206.

Evan Stephen Crandall, a resident of Great Falls for 56 years, passed away on December 12th in Mesa, Arizona, from natural causes. He was 91 years old. Born 25 April 1922 in a log cabin in Tabiona, Utah, Evan was the son of Joseph Cook Crandall and Lucile Martha Wilcken Crandall, both products of Mormon pioneer families. Evan spent his youth in Tabiona and later in Tooele, UT, where he worked as a paperboy, house painter, and at the smelter. He enlisted in the Army in 1943 and served in the Quartermaster Corps in Europe supplying Patton’s army, and then transferred to the Pacific Theater until the war’s end. In 1949 Evan married Pearl Leone King (“Sue”), and they had 2 children: Steve Crandall (Sukie), of Basking Ridge, NJ, and Corinne Geertsen (Jeff) of Mesa. In 1951 Evan was called back into military service to work in the Medical Corps as a clinical psychologist at a disciplinary barracks in California. Evan earned a degree in Psychology at the University of Utah and worked as a clinical psychologist in Utah and North Dakota, before settling in Great Falls in 1957. There he helped to establish the Golden Triangle Community Mental Health Center, a 9-county mental health center that served over 22,000 clients during its first 10 years of operation. Crandall retired in 1984 after 27 years of service to state mental health causes. After retirement he served as a representative to the Montana state legislature for AARP, devoting his efforts to preventing elderly fraud. As a boy, Evan enjoyed playing tennis and working his paper route with his dog Mutt. Later, he enjoyed long drives, vacations in the mountains, ice cream, and getting visits from his grandchildren. When they camped out in his back yard he would sneak out and pretend to be a bear. Evan is survived by his wife and children, and by his sister Louise Tate of Tooele, UT. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, all living in Arizona. He was preceded in death by two brothers. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Opal (Bean) Winsor passed quietly from this life Friday, December 13, 2013. At her passing she was 88 years old. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Thurston Winsor, a daughter Margaret Brouty (Byron), a brother Joseph Mack Bean, Jr. and a sister Violet (Bean) Ralston. She is survived by two sisters, Lois Houston (Art) and Loretta Rosenberg (Bud), a son Joseph Winsor (Robin) and three daughters, Carol Ann Brown (Barry), Jeanette Healey (Jim), and Gayla Shepherd. She was born in Cedar City, UT, grew up in Springdale, UT and lived all of her married life in Phoenix, AZ. She passed away in her daughter, Carol Ann’s home in Mesa, AZ. She has 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was a cosmetologist for 50 years and a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As her legacy, she will be remembered for her strong faith, perseverance and loving and forgiving ways. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Funeral services are Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Church at 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa 85203. Interment will be at the Veteran’s National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, 85024 at 1:30 PM sharp.

Ulrich Hermann Haase, my dearest Uli died December 14th 2013. He was born February 29, 1940 in Koenigsberg, E. Prussia to Charlotte and Friedrich Haase. Siblings Michel, Eva, and Jane survive. Also left to mourn, are his English wife Margaret, daughter Heidi, his sons Gregory, Jason, and Jeffrey, grandchildren Meagan, Alex, Hanna, and Sabrina. Also his great grandchildren Coben and Izabela. We love you Uli! Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Marilyn Larsen, born November 13, 1957, passed away peacefully the morning of December 5, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was welcomed home by her Savior, Jesus Christ, her mother Patricia Nielson, mother-in-law OrReva Larsen and her granddaughter Ella Standage. Marilyn’s legacy will be continued by her beloved husband Terry Larsen, seven children, Jennifer Roberts, Rick Larsen, Amy Standage, Jessica Brooks, Steve Larsen, Daniel Larsen and Alyssa Sellers and 14 grandchildren, her father Mervin Nielson and her sisters Ginny Checketts and Louise Hammer. Marilyn has a wonderful heritage of membership in the Mormon faith. She always loved the Spanish language and for the past several years served in a Spanish speaking congregation where she became fluent in Spanish. She had a passion for learning, sewing (especially quilting), gardening and especially for her grandchildren. Marilyn led a happy and very active life filled with family and friends. She will be sorely missed. The viewing will be Thursday, Dec. 12th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa.
Funeral services are Friday, December 13th at 4640 E. Holmes, Mesa, AZ 85206 at 10 AM.

Afton Penrod Gardner, 84 of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully at home Dec 6, 2013. Afton was born Feb 9, 1929 in McNary, AZ. She married Guy M Gardner in 1947. They were married over 61 years till his death in 2009. Afton was a member of the LDS church and fulfilled many callings of service. She owned and operated a cosmetic company and hair salon for over 40 years. Afton lead a happy, active life, filled with family, friends and many activities. Afton is survived by her loving husband Dr. Joseph Collins, her brother, Leon Penrod (Annette) of Fullerton, CA, her five children, Edd Gardner, Ron Gardner, Teresa Wurts (Burkie), Lance Gardner (Marti), and Lisa DeWitt (Danny), 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held Fri., Dec. 13, from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Private graveside services for close friends and family Sat., Dec 14th at 10 AM at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St., Mesa, AZ.

Bullion, Debra Lynn (Wills), 57 years young went to be with the love of her life, Gregory Bullion, on 12.3.13. Debra (a.k.a. Debbie) was born on 5.29.56 to Leslie and Dortha Wills in Mesa, Arizona. She was raised in Scottsdale, Arizona where she was known as one of the “Wills Girls” who attended Hohokam Elementary and Coronado High School. She was a “live and let live” person that appreciated the simple things in life; crossword puzzles, watching Star Trek or NCIS, computer games, and most of all, playing the slots at the casino any chance she could! But nothing was more important or treasured to her than being the mother of Travis and Angela Bullion. Family members that preceded Debbie in death are her soul mate Gregory, father Leslie, brother Stanley and mother-in-law Dorthy Bullion. She will be greatly missed by so many, which include her children: Travis (Kathie), and Angela, her faithful furry companion Candy, mother Dortha, sisters Sandra (Rudy), Sheryl (James), Kathie (Ron), Tammie (David) and Doni Rae (Geoff), her step grandchildren Nik, Cody, Nathan and step great-grandchild Oliver, she also was blessed with many, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, plus the entire loving Bullion family. Friends and family are invited to gather in a celebration of Debbie’s life at a place she spent many hours catering to guests “The Arizona Golf Resort” on December 13th 2013 from 3-5 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Hospice of the Southwest; 450 N Dobson, Suite 108, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Dennis Pickett Blackhurst, born August 20, 1937, in Pocatello, Idaho, passed away on December 3, 2013, in Mesa, Arizona. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rose Mary, five beautiful daughters, Melenie Reynolds (Lane), Jennifer Cava, Juliette Qureshi (Ahmed), Brigitte Snowden (David), Alison Knudson (Kelly), 18 grandchildren and brother Hoyt Blackhurst (Kathy). A graduate of Brigham Young University and University of Arizona School of Law, Dennis was a successful lawyer for 36 years. Highlights were service as a Maricopa County prosecutor and partnership at Udall, Shumway, Blackhurst, Allen, Lyons & Bentley, where he represented the Mesa and Gilbert Public School Districts. He served his country in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1963. Dennis served faithfully as a bishop and missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including full-time missions in England as a young man and in Hawaii and New York with Rose Mary after he retired. He loved golf and the friendships it brought. He was a talented pianist who loved to play hymns and classic Broadway show tunes. Dennis was a darling husband, devoted father and loving grandfather. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 10, 2013, 6-8 pm, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona and from 10:00 to 10:30 am, prior to funeral services at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2835 East Des Moines, Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the LDS Missionary Fund at www.ldsphilanthropies.org/missionary/.

Katherine Bowen Brenner, 91, peacefully passed away at her home Dec. 3, 2013. Katie was born in Gilbert, AZ to Tom and Genevieve Bowen on Nov. 15, 1922. She attended Gilbert and Mesa schools where she enjoyed sports and being a Rabbet at Mesa High School. She continued her education at ASU, receiving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education. She taught PE at Franklin School and Mesa Jr. High, finishing her career at Mesa High as a girl’s counselor. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and memorable summer trips with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband George and son John. She is survived by her children George (Debbie), Ruth (Jerry) Sullivan, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Visitation is Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013 from 5-7 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Funeral services are Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Lazona Ward, 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203. Donations may be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund at http://pef.lds.org/.

Dorothy Iverson passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30th at her home in Mesa, Arizona with family at her side. Dorothy was a devoted wife, full time homemaker and mother of three sons. She worked several years at the Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator and dial reader early in her career. In addition, she helped run the family auto body shop business for over fifty years. She was a people person who made friends easily and could strike up an impromptu conversation with anyone. In her spare time, she loved to knit, crochet, and craft, but perhaps was best known for her wonderful cooking. Spending time with family and friends was her greatest joy. Volunteering at Birchwood Nursing Home for many years was an activity she also thoroughly enjoyed. Dorothy was a founding member of the Forest Lake Beautification Club. Following her husband Don’s retirement, they moved to their “Arizona Ranch

Ercel Knight Garrett, 83, passed away Monday, November 25, 2013. She was preceded in death by her Husband, granddaughter, eleven siblings, and parents. She is survived by her three children, Brent (Nancy) Garrett, Valerie (Donald) Biggs, and Debbie (Dave) Farris, eleven grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 2, 2013 at noon, preceded by a visitation at 10:30a.m. at the LDS Chapel located at North Horne and Lehi Road in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, donations to the LDS Humanitarian or Missionary Fund are suggested. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel

Erie Lee Bloch, 88, passed away November 25, 2013 in Tempe, Arizona. Services will be private. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Doris Jean Kaye, 60, passed away November 20, 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wake services are Friday November 29, 2013 from 6-10 PM at the Salt River Memorial Hall, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, 85256. Funeral services are Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 8 AM at the Lehi Community Center, 1231 E. Oak Street, Mesa 85203. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Donald Lee Hartmann passed away quietly Wednesday November 20th 2013 at the age of 80. Don was born on May 24, 1933 in Michigan City, IN and earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from TRINE University formally known as Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana. He married the late Beverly Ann Gring who preceded Donald in Heaven on February 20, 2012. Donald and Beverly were married on June 19, 1954 before Don joined the United States Army in 1957 as a Personnel Specialist. Don and Beverly spent 57 glorious years together in Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, and Wisconsin, before retiring to Mesa, AZ in 2000. Donald is preceded in death by his daughter Angela, his parents Marie and Roy, step-mother Charlotte, and his cherished dog Ollie. He is survived by his sister Jeannette, step-brother Robert, children Sandra, Brenda, Douglas and Stephen; 7 grandchildren; Megan, Chad, Evan, Andrew, Hannah, Amanda, & Sara; 1 great grandchild Luke; two beloved pets Jasper and Echo; and many special friends. Donald treasured the LDS Church where he served in many capacities including service as a Temple Worker. Donald will be remembered by his loved ones and dear friends as a very service minded man, devoting time to family, the U.S. Government, The Lions Club International Foundation, and the LDS Church. Visitation will be Sunday November 24th from 5–7 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. A viewing will be held Monday, November 25 at 9AM prior to the 10AM service at the LDS Aspen Ward, 1249 South 48th Street Mesa, AZ 85206. Interment to follow at the Mesa City Cemetery. In lieu of flower’s the family requests that donations in Donald’s name be made to the Lions Club International Foundation; http://www.lcif.org/EN/index.php, 300 W. 22nd St. Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842; specifically the White Cane Program.

Opal Lavona Fuller Jarvis Hopps, daughter of Horace and Gladys Fuller and a Gila Valley native, born June 27, 1922, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 20, 2013. Opal was the devoted and loving mother of seven children, Harley (deceased) & Betty Jarvis, Larry Jarvis, David & Jan Jarvis, Randy & Lucille Jarvis, Sheila Hall, Keith & Channa Jarvis, Elaine & Kendall Ray, and loving grandmother to 33 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren. Opal was a 1941 Mesa High School graduate and performed with the Rabettes and graduated from Phoenix College in 1965. She became a Real Estate Broker in 1972 and built a successful real estate practice known as Jarvis & Associates. Opal was a devoted member of the LDS church and sent five sons on church missions, with all children sealed in the LDS temple. Opal spent her latter days serving in the Mesa Temple and regularly performed in the Easter Pageant. Visitation is Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa. Funeral services are Monday, November 25, 2013 at 1 PM, preceded by a visitation at 12 PM at the LDS Kensington Ward, 3345 E. McLellan Rd., Mesa 85213.

Maurice Kenton Corrington, 100, passed away November 19, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. Funeral services are Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Osborn Ward, 3102 North 18th Ave., Phoenix, 85015. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.