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On October 20, 2013, in her 87th year, Jeanne Wright died peacefully in her home from complications due to age. Jeanne was born January 14, 1926 in Mesa, Arizona to Norma Guthrie and John Garnett Nix. She grew up on the N-X Ranch with her brothers and sisters and attended the LDS 2nd Ward in Phoenix.

Her early schooling was at Riverside School, a three-room schoolhouse, and graduated top of her class at age 11 from the 8th grade. She entered Phoenix Union High School at age 11. Despite her young age, Jeanne excelled in all her classes and participated in many extracurricular activities. One of her favorites was the Auditorium Club where her love for plays and musical shows began. During her senior year, her piano-playing talent blossomed, as she worked for Newberry’s in the sheet music department, playing songs for prospective buyers.

Jeanne graduated from PUHS in 1941 and then moved on to Phoenix College and finished her teaching degree at Arizona State College (now ASU). That first year, Jeanne would meet Jack Wright from Mesa, with his ‘now-famous’ smile and after dating a few years, they were married on June 22, 1944 in the LDS Arizona Temple. They were married for 56 years.

Beginning in 1948, Jeanne taught for six years at Mesa Irving and Alma Schools. Years later when people asked, “Were you a dancer?

Albert Charles Levesque, 69, passed away October 19, 2013 in Tempe, Arizona. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 4:30 PM at the Sun Valley Community Chapel, 6101 S. River Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283.

Charlie, 84, born Dec. 14, 1928, in McNary, AZ, to Roy Nelson and Ellen Freeman Daniel, was called home to his Heavenly Father on Sat., Oct. 19, 2013. He spent his youth in Snowflake, AZ, served in the Navy, and was employed by APS for 50 years. His life of service to others and in numerous LDS Church callings has been a great example to all. He recently celebrated 58 years with his eternal sweetheart, Georgia Marie Dixon. His legacy lives on through his 3 sons, Roy (Deanna), Gene (Julie), and David (Lawanna), 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Visitation is Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10 AM, at the Gilbert Arizona Freestone Park Ward, 230 N Val Vista Dr, Gilbert, with viewing at 9 AM.

Mary Louise Jones of Mesa, Arizona, died on Thursday, October 17, one week short of her 92nd birthday. Mary Lou was a speech therapist and long-time elementary school teacher in the Mesa public schools. Born in Wooster, Ohio, in 1921, she served in the U.S. Army in World War II in England as a registered nurse. She came to Arizona in 1946 and was married to Harry (Bank) Jones in 1948; Bank predeceased her in 1985. She is survived by a son, David, and his spouse, Don; a daughter, Susan Lyon, and her husband Randy; a grandson, Joshua Lyon, and his wife, Becki; and a great-granddaughter, Anabelle. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 25, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, at 1 PM.

Ivy Montierth Hinton, born August 28, 1922, in Safford, AZ to Leslie and Hedevig Montierth, was called home Monday, October 14, 2013. Family members preceding her in death include husband Jack Hardt Hinton, grandsons JD Childers, Blake and Blair River, and son-in-law Bob River. Ivy is survived by daughters Linda Childers and Kathy River and son John (Kelly), 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ivy taught school in the Phoenix area for many years. Her greatest passion was her family and she authored several books regarding family history. Ivy was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A viewing will be held Friday, Oct. 18, 2013 from 6-8 PM at the Udall Ward Building, 1st Avenue and Center in Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Saturday at 10 AM at the same location. Burial will take place at 4:30 PM on Saturday at the Safford Cemetery in Safford, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Richard E. Durfee, 76, of Mesa, was called home on October 15, 2013. He was born in Salt Lake City, on May 19th, 1937, to the late Fahy Martin and Ethel Cropper Durfee. He married Joyce Bateman on June 28th, 1956. Richard lived in Utah and Idaho until he moved his family to Mesa in 1968. The focus of his life was his family, faith, scouting and music. He served as a scout leader and trainer for his whole life. He served on many Woodbadge courses, and also as a Course Director. He received numerous scouting awards including the Silver Beaver, Award of Merit, Scout Family of the Year, the Ben Heywood Award, and others. He played the trumpet and ukelele and had a beautiful tenor voice. In 1994, Joyce passed away and Richard married Marilyn Sparks. Richard is survived by his wife of 19 years, Marilyn, and his 12 children: Rick (Janel), Roxanne Coleman (Doug), Vaughan (Diane), Russell (Karen), Dale (Kathy), Suzette Done (Craig), Ginger Adams (Frank), Jon (Kari), Jenni Brimley (Merrill), Joyce Judd (Justen), Elizabeth Curtis (Brian), Rebecca Young (Ryan) and Marilyn’s 5 children: Kevin Sparks (Kirstan), Andrew Sparks (Annaliza), David Sparks (Mandy), Robert Sparks (Holly), Melina Crosby (Jonathan), and their combined 96 grandchildren (with 12 spouses), and 22 great grandchildren for a total of 164 descendants. Richard was versatile and dedicated in working hard to provide for his family over the years as a farmer, book binder, salesman, temple security guard, and locksmith. Richard Durfee was a kind and loving husband, father, friend, grandfather, and great grandfather — he will be missed by all who knew him! Like his mentor, Baden Powell, he left this world better than he found it and has gone home! Visitation will be Friday, October 18, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa 85201. Funeral services are Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the LDS South Stake Center, 24th Street and Pueblo, Mesa, 85204. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that we all “Do a Good Turn Daily” and/or contribute to the Durfee Scout Foundation at 1423 S. Higley Road, Suite 127, Mesa, AZ 85206 – contact melodie.durfee@gmail.com or 480-505-6226 for more information.

Kenneth Edward Stone of Mesa went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 12, 2013 after a valiant fight against brain cancer. Ken was born in Orangeburg, S.C. on June 8th, 1941 to the late Edward Stone and Montine Turner. Ken served his Country by enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He later moved to Mesa and joined the Mesa Police Dept. where after 22 years he retired as the Assistant Chief. He went on to work for both Mesa and Gilbert Public Schools. Ken had many academic achievements including attending the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia; received a degree from Mesa Community College, and was a certified bomb technician, just to name a few. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 and an active member of Real Life Christian Church in Gilbert. Fishing was a big part of his life; he enjoyed wood working as well as gardening. He is preceded in death by his brothers: James Stone, Michael Stone, Steven Stone; and sister: Susan Stone. Survived by his wife Sheryl of 46 years; four children: Katherine Rowse (Paul), Marshall Stone, Kenna Stone (Cort), and Tamera Stone; Eleven grandchildren: Nicole Herd (Kevin), Kyle Fic (Alyse), Michael Stone, Shannon Stone, Jake Stone, Tyler Carr, Zachariah Carr, Nikolaus Stone, Blake Weaver, Doodle Weaver and Dillion Davis. Four Great grandchildren: Tyler, Drew, Rayven, and Marley. Sister: Carol Gay of Charleston, S.C. Ken was also thought of as dad, grandfather and uncle to many. Ken was truly a loyal friend and neighbor. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at the Mesa Police Training Facility, 3260 N. 40th St., (Greenfield and the 202), Mesa, AZ at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 19, 2013. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Velma Joan Busby, 80, passed away peacefully October 10, 2013 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born November 16, 1932, in Binghampton, AZ. She is survived by her 8 sons Robert, Ronald, John, Walter, Larry, Richard, Jordan, and Benjamin Busby, 3 daughters Frances, Holly and Amy Busby, siblings Eunetta Arnold, Leanna Rucker, Eugene McCall, 35 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, John M. Busby, parents James Felix and Anna Marva Johnson McCall and 2 grandchildren. Velma was a homemaker, talented writer and artist. She was known for her charitable, compassionate spirit and was loved and cherished by all who knew her, especially her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was every child’s “grandma” on Orange Street. Her presence will be missed by all. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 15th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Vineyard Ward, 1054 West 2nd Place, Mesa, AZ.

Haylee Belle Smith, infant daughter of Michael and Stefanie Smith, passed away October 7, 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, October 11, 2013 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the LDS Ashley Heights Ward, 1865 South Higley Road in Gilbert. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Eleanor Inez (Dutch) McEntire, 95, passed away October 6, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born January 1, 1918, the 9th of 11 children born to Sybil and Orson Cooper and the last surviving sibling. She was preceded in death by her husband John, daughter Shirley and granddaughter Cindy. She is survived by her children Roger (Connie), Sue (Al), Kenneth (Sharon), and Terry, grandchildren Lori, Dale, Dani, Debbie, Chapelle, Holly, Mike, Kenna, John, Clayton, Johnny, Erin and Megan, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 9, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Funeral services are Thursday, October 10, 2013 at 10 AM at the same location.

Sylvia Ann Portee Bailey, 58, passed away October 2, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, October 11, 2013 at 11 Am, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the Apostolic Redeemer Church, 200 East 1st Street, Mesa, 85201. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

John William Sherwood IV, 36, passed away September 27, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services are Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 1 PM, preceded by a visitation at 12 PM at the home of Lou and Kathy Kerby, 3145 East Jerome, Mesa, AZ 85204. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Harold Aaron Bahr, 93, passed away September 28, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his wife Freda. He is survived by his wife Joyce, children Rosa Lee Bond-Hathaway, Diana Lorenzen, Pamela Waters, Ronald Bahr, Joseph Bahr, Shauna Biggs, 15 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 1, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral Services are Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 10 AM at the LDS Miller Ward, 933 East Miller Road, Mesa, 85203.

Cort Thomas Zeigler, 25, passed away September 21, 2013 in Mesa, AZ. He was born October 17, 1987 to Stephen and Becky Zeigler. He was a Certified Respiratory Therapist and loved playing the guitar, 4-wheeling and helping and befriending others. He is survived by his parents, his son Tommy, siblings Levi Ouillette, Zachary Zeigler, Nyles Zeigler, Kerrith Ouillette, Stephanie Korth, and Nichole Ballentine. Funeral services are Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at the LDS Kleinman Park Ward, 616 S. Extension, Mesa, 85210. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Larry William Bowers, 81, passed away November 28, 2013 in Bakersfield, CA. Funeral services are Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10:30 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201.

Ron, 84, of Mesa, passed away on Dec 1, 2013. Born Aug 19, 1929 in Orem, Utah, Ron was the fourth of ten children born to Jay and Lula Backus. His early years were spent in Orem and Spanish Fork, Utah where he met and married Beulah Hansen. After sixty-three years of wonderful marriage, Beulah passed away in 2011. Ron is survived by his five children, Jim Backus, Lynda Williamson, DeeAnn Ford, John Backus and Joe Backus. Ron’s posterity also includes 30 grandchildren and 70 great-grandchildren. Ron was never happier than surrounded by family. A simple man, Ron loved the values of hard work and a job well done. He loved people and cherished his friendships and to Ron everyone was a friend. Ron was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities throughout his life. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec 7th at 10:00 am at the LDS chapel on 1249 S. 48th Street in Mesa. A viewing will be held one hour prior at 9:00 am also at the building on 48th Street. Interment service will be held in Colorado at a later date.