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Porter, Robert (Bob) J.,82, departed his earthly home for his heavenly one on December 31, 2012, much to the extreme sadness of everyone who knew and loved him, especially his wife of 22 years, May. Bob began his earthly journey in Michigan 82 years ago and ended it in Chandler, where he was a past Masonic Lodge Master (2003), a member of Scottish Rite, a board member of his homeowner’s association, and attended Tri-City Baptist Church for some time, where he was a member. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, then trained in Chandler, Arizona, and Marana AFB, also in Arizona, and served as a jet fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of Major. Bob’s academic degree was in electrical engineering, and as such, he worked for a variety of companies including General Electric and concluded his career here in the Valley of the Sun at Motorola Electronics Group where he worked for 25 years. Bob even tried his hand at ranching for a time. He was a man of extreme intelligence, quick wit and sociability, always gracious to business acquaintances, friends and family alike, being especially well loved by his wife’s considerably large family. Bob is preceded in death by his mother Mary, his father Lyle, and his sister Jean. Besides his dear and beloved wife, May, Bob leaves behind his five children: John, Kevin (Grace), Diane (Bill), Eileen (Tim) and Dan (Janet); his stepdaughter Kelly (Jim) and their beautiful daughter Evelyn, with whom he was very close; also ten grandchildren: John Lee, Brandy, Alana, Stephanie, Erin, Kyle, Sean, Danielle, Kaitlan, and Colleen; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Tri-City Baptist Church, 2211 W. Germann Rd. in Chandler, with graveside services and interment with military honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix, at 1:00 p.m. Please consider your heart when sending flowers: Bob loved lilies, roses and tulips, but there are also many worthy charities to which you may contribute in his name. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.
Rex Jay St. John, born May 19, 1938 in Albany Indiana, entered Eternal Life on January 1, 2013 in Chandler, Arizona. He was preceded in passing by his parents, “Rollie” and Lavon St. John. Rex was the beloved husband of Mona St. John, loving father of Rex H. St. John and Renee (Randy) Bastic, and the cherished grandfather of Bond, Alec, Spencer, Jacqueline and Ryan. Rex was the founder of Dairy Dream Ice Cream, Inc. in Indiana and Mother Earth Water in Arizona. He enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, motorcycle riding and fishing. He loved people, loved life and adored his grandchildren! He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Visitation is Sunday, January 6th from 4-7pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Funeral services will be Monday, January 7th at 9am, at the same location.
Dr. Nathan Edward Painter, 88, of Tempe, Arizona passed away on December 31, 2012. Nathan was born in Elk City, Kansas on July 22, 1924 to Jesse and Electa Painter. He moved to Phoenix
at the age of 2 with his sister Carmon and widowed mother. Nathan served as a Marine Combat Medic during WWII in the South Pacific. Nathan was married to his sweet wife Pauline for
68 years; he spent the past 3 years caring for her prior to her passing in August. Nathan is survived by their children Paul (Anne), Natalie, Bruce (Janet), Brian, 16 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. He was a teacher and school principal in Phoenix Dist.1 in the 50’s and 60’s. Dr. Painter retired from Mesa Community College but never gave up teaching – there was always a lesson to be taught and a story or joke to re-tell. An open house will be held in his remembrance on January 5, 2013 at the family home from 12:00–2:00pm.
Jay Lavan Boyle, 89, passed away on December 30, 2012 at age 89. He was born on February 26, 1923 in Pima, Arizona, to Lavan Henry Boyle and Blanche Dodge. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, where he met and fell in love with Jeri Jones. In 1943 they were married for time and all eternity in the Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was 19 and she was 16. They remained happily married for 51 years until Jeri’s death in 1994. Jay graduated from Arizona State University in 1950, and he and Jeri moved back to Los Angeles where they raised a family of six daughters. In 1968 they returned to Arizona where they started and operated a successful home furnishings business for many years. Jay loved his family. He loved hunting and fishing and the outdoors. He loved music. He loved serving in the church. Jay is survived by his daughters April Montierth, Delores Wright, Robin Allen, Leslie Woods, Star Bailey, and Lyric Boyle, along with 25 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 5 at 11 AM at the Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 North Harris in Mesa, Arizona, with a viewing at 10 AM that same morning. There will also be a viewing on Friday, January 4 from 6 to 8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa.
Lauretta C. MacLeod, 94 passed away peacefully on December 23, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Alex MacLeod and is survived by their three daughters; Merilyn (Meri) MacLeod, Holly MacLeod and Vicki MacLeod. A memorial service will be held at her church, Bethany Bible Church in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 2 PM. Burial will be in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Dennis Earl White, 66 of Mesa, AZ passed away on December 28, 2012. He was born on December 5, 1946 in Scottsbluff, NE to George and Geraldine White. Dennis graduated from Julesburg High School. He received his undergraduate degree from University of Colorado Boulder. He went on to receive a Master’s Degree from the University of Arizona. Dennis was an entrepreneur and owned several computer companies over the years in Nebraska, Flagstaff and Cottonwood. He loved people, nature and God and will be missed by all who knew him. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dennis was preceded in death by his father George White; brother David White; son Andrew White and step-son Brice Pearson. He is survived by his wife, Tamralyn; his mother Geraldine Pflaum of Lincoln, NE; daughters Stephanie Brown (Gary) of Valley Center, CA and Samantha White (Rich) of Lake Montezuma, AZ; sons Alex White (Jackie) of Magnolia, TX and David White of San Antonio,TX; step-son Jeremy Pearson (Steina) of Glendale, AZ; sisters Edella Pohl and Laura Hontz; 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 11 AM at the Cottonwood LDS Church located at 1377 E Hombre Drive in Cottonwood, AZ, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
Donald Gary Sorensen, Jr., 33, passed away December 28, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services are Wed., January 2, 2013 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at the LDS Tempe West Stake Center, 1050 W. Grove Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85282. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
Wanita Mae Hestrin,88, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away December 27, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be Tuesday,January 8, 2012 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Interment will be at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
Margie L. Hanson, 90, passed away December 26, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona.
Taysom, Myrtle Hall, 91, of Tempe, AZ passed away December 24, 2012 in Tempe, AZ. Myrtle was born in her home on February 9, 1921 in Garland, UT to Warren Elmer Hall and Mary Olive Haws. She was the fifth of six children. She married Elvin Taysom on September 5, 1939 in the Salt Lake Temple. During her younger years she spent time going to school and working on the family homestead. In high school she played the tenor sax in the band and at age 13 she stared playing the drums in her older brother’s band. Later she joined her family band on the drums until she graduated from high school. After graduation she attended Henager Business College in Salt Lake City for one year, got married, and went with Elvin off to complete his schooling at the University of Idaho. Over the next 12 years Myrtle spent time with her husband at several military assignments and furthering his college degrees until in 1953 they finally settled in Tempe, Arizona. She was actively involved in many church callings including 10 years as an advisor to the Lambda Delta Sigma Sorority at Arizona State University. After Elvin retired they served a couples mission in San Diego, CA and enjoyed their service to the people in the El Cajon Spanish Branch. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, five siblings, Elmer Hall, Olive Fifield, Dean Hall, Vica Germer, Dee Hall, and great-grandson Tanner Allen. She leaves behind 3 sons, David (Beverly) of Gilbert, Jay (Elly) of Littleton, CO. and Rex (Megan) of Tempe, 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank many of the extended family and Hospice of the Valley for their loving care. Visitation will be Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 6-8 PM at the Tempe LDS Stake Center, 2707 S. College Ave, Tempe with funeral services Monday, December 31, 2012 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation from 8:30-9:30 AM, also at the Tempe LDS Stake Center. Myrtle will be laid to rest in the Green Acres Cemetery in Scottsdale, AZ. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the missionary fund of the LDS Church. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
Patterson, LaVelta
82, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on December 22, 2012. Born in St Johns, Arizona, she was the beloved wife of Earl McGregor Patterson; mother of 7, Virginia (Larry) Sanders, Don (Leslie) Patterson, Terri (Gerry) Ownby, Greg (Leni) Patterson, Christine (Bradley) McBride, Jeanne (Criss) Padilla; 38 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband Earl, her parents Etta and Henry Ward Heap, daughter JoAnn (Dendy) Grant. She is also survived by one brother, Norman Heap. After teaching school for over 35 years, she served four missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the Ukraine, Thailand, and two family history service missions. Services will be held on Friday, December 28, at the Val Vista LDS Stake Center at 1005 N. Voyager Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85234, with visitation at 9:00am. A second service will be held in St. Johns, Arizona at 2:00pm,, Saturday December 29, with visitation beginning one-hour prior, at the downtown LDS chapel.
Kurt H. Merrill, 61, passed away December 24, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born June 12, 1951 in Germany. He grew up in Mesa, graduating from Mesa High. He worked as a mechanic and as a bus monitor for Mesa Public Schools. He married Sharon Morgan and they are the parents of five children John (Felicia), David, Tisha (Ryan) Mortensen, Steven (Rachel), Michael (Brooke). He is survived by his wife, children and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Karen Gardner and Lisa Russell. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was the “real
Robert Eugene Overall, 79, passed away on December 19, 2012. He was born April 9, 1933 in Dallas, Texas to Milton Thomas Overall and Lucy Delphine Holt. Robert was a stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints whose strong testimony and example will be remembered by those who knew him. Robert moved to Arizona in 1957 and married Ima Jean Batmon. Together they had four children: Robert Jr. (Kathy) Overall, Kelly-deceased (Sharon) Overall, Nancy (Kris) Kircher, and Jeff (Denice) Overall. His grandchildren include: Jillene (David) Guzman, Collin Overall, Nathan Overall; Ty (Sierra) Kircher, Lauren (Ted) Brimley, Zachary Kircher; Laynee Overall, Jace Overall, Kylee Overall, and two great-grandchildren, Gibson Kircher and Zoey Brimley. He is survived by his brothers Tom Overall, Atlanta GA and Bill Overall, Austin TX. Robert’s passion for painting beautiful landscapes was only exceeded by the love he had for his wife and family. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Thursday, December 27th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, December 28th at Maricopa North Stake Center, 1718 North Date in Mesa, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.
Donna Juanita Riggs Kenney, 74 passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 9th in Bremerton, Washington. Donna was born to John and Juanita Riggs in Phoenix and spent most of her life in Arizona. She was a devoted mother to her children John and Demetria, and loved deeply by her 8 grandchildren. Donna was a larger than life personality who touched many lives through her generous heart and warm smile. Donna was hard working and gave everything she had to those she loved. In 1958, Donna was crowned Miss Arizona and competed in the Miss America pageant. She continued to utilize her beauty and talents as State Director of the Miss Arizona USA & Teen pageants for many years. Donna also positively affected the lives of thousands of young women through Phoenix Honors Cotillion, a program she co-founded in 1966 and ran for over 40 years. Donna is an accomplished singer, pianist and organist. She has touched many lives through her music and will be missed. We have no doubt she will be organizing the choirs in Heaven. Funeral services are Thursday, December 20th 2012 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS church 3344 E. McDowell Road in MESA, AZ. For more information please visit www.bunkercares.com
Our loving husband, father and grandfather, James Emery Lyman (Jim), 66, of Gilbert, died Tuesday, December 11, 2012 after a long illness. Jim was born August 23, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah; the son of J. Reynolds and Watie Lyman. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Darlene Brown of Sandy, Utah, August 21, 1964. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Survivors include his wife: Darlene; son: J. Randy (Karen) Lyman of Chandler; granddaughter: Jennifer Lyman; Grandson’s: Matthew Manning and Ethan Lyman; sister: Carolyn Hodges of Riverton, Utah. Visitation will be held Monday, December 17, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Highland Ranch Ward Chapel, 4629 E. Guadalupe, in Gilbert, with visitation 30 minutes prior. Burial will be held at Mesa City Cemetery.
Our loving husband, father and grandfather, James Emery Lyman (Jim), 66, of Gilbert, died Tuesday, December 11, 2012 after a long illness. Jim was born August 23, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah; the son of J. Reynolds and Watie Lyman. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Darlene Brown of Sandy, Utah, August 21, 1964. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Survivors include his wife: Darlene; son: J. Randy (Karen) Lyman of Chandler; granddaughter: Jennifer Lyman; Grandson’s: Matthew Manning and Ethan Lyman; sister: Carolyn Hodges of Riverton, Utah. Visitation will be held Monday, December 17, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Highland Ranch Ward Chapel, 4629 E. Guadalupe, in Gilbert, with visitation 30 minutes prior. Burial will be held at Mesa City Cemetery.
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