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Russell Wayne Rusk died November 30, 2012 in Mesa, AZ. He was born July 26, 1929 to Chester and Neoma Ruth Taylor Rusk in Rolla, KS. Russell married his sweetheart, Sybil Crandell on May 27, 1955 in Mesa, AZ. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa, AZ LDS Temple.
He served his country as a diesel engineer in the US Navy from 1949-1953, spending much of his enlisted time in Korea during that conflict. Russell was a founding member of the Arizona Fire Mechanical Association and a fulltime charter member of the Tempe Fire Department. He served that community with honor and distinction, retiring in 1990.
Russell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sybil Crandell Rusk and children Don (Joy), Alicia (Terry) Fair, Jim (Liz) and Donita Eade. Twelve grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren also survive. While Russell was a man of few words, his strength of character was evident in his actions. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed!
A viewing will be held Friday, December 7, 2012 from 6-8pm at the Lindsay LDS Ward, 1150 N Lindsay Rd in Gilbert, AZ. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 10am with a viewing prior at 9am. Interment will be in the Mesa City Cemetery.
1946 ~ 2012
Our most beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, Alison, passed away December 1, 2012, in Mesa, AZ, at age 66. She was born to Maren Eccles and Ralph Williams Hardy in Ogden, Utah, on April 9, 1946. She was raised in Washington, D.C., and lived in Salt Lake City, the greater areas of Los Angeles and San Diego, and Mesa, Arizona, where she spent the final 15 years of her life.
Alison is remembered for her warmth, love, generosity, and her magnetic personality. She dedicated her life to family and serving others. Her family and close friends knew of her unrelenting strength and qualities forged by significant events in her formative years. The unexpected death of her father when she was 11 was a seminal event. Her widowed mother entered the workforce and singlehandedly raised Alison and her four siblings, providing a lifelong lesson in courage, work, and devotion. She was injured in a severe car accident at age 18 the aftermath of which was burden she bore well contributing to her bedrock trait of perseverance and a fighting spirit.
After viewing “Cheaper by the Dozen” at an early age, she determined that she would have twelve children. In what serves as the epitome of her persist nature she went on to bear six boys and six girls, adopted three children who were refugees of the Vietnam War, and along with her husband, raised fifteen children.
Alison studied music at the University of Utah, where she was first chair violinist. The tone of her violin was moving, reflecting both the joy and pain of her life, and she set the tone for many weddings and church events throughout her life. She was also a talented singer, pianist, and organist. Alison married Craig Allred Decker, on December 22, 1967, in the Salt Lake City Temple. She was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She is survived by all 15 children: Annie Tran Dinh, David Tran, Amy Tran, Nathan, Alison Russell, Jared, Rachel Clifford, Joshua, Jacob, Maren, Hyrum, Elizabeth Caradine, Seth, Laura Peterson, and Clare Thomas. She has 28 grandchildren. Alison is also survived by her mother, husband, and siblings: Ralph Williams Hardy Jr., David Eccles Hardy, and Maren Hale; and her beloved brother-in-law Jonathan Edwin Johnson II. She is preceded in death by her father and sister, Clare Hardy Johnson.
Funeral services will be held at the Mesa Arizona Kimball East Stake Center 4640 E. Holmes at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2012. Flowers and on line condolences may be directed to Bunker Family Mortuary, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 and bunkerfuneral.com. Viewings will be held from six to eight on Friday evening at the Mortuary and at ten Saturday morning at the Stake Center. Interment will take place on December 12 at noon in the Ogden City Cemetery in Ogden, Utah, where her father is buried.
Hazel Phyllis Chapman, born on February 2, 1940 in Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2012. She is survived by her son Curtis Koleber (Sandra) of Maricopa, AZ., her brother Norman Hansen (Judi) of Bakersfield, CA., her sister Delores Ohler (David) of Chandler, AZ. and 10 grandchildren. Hazel will be remembered by all who knew her as a loving person who was always willing to help others. Services will be private. Contact the family for more information.
Vernon ‘Leroy’ Lemmon passed away peacefully November 29, 2012
in Mesa, Arizona. Anxiously waiting on the other side was his beloved eternal sweetheart Lurrine, and his parents Vernon & Rae Lemmon. Leroy will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind, gentle, fun loving character! He was known for always ‘snapping his fingers’ when happy, and also for teasing everyone all the time! What a sense of humor! When younger he worked for Douglas Aircraft in CA, later at his dads A&W Family Restaurant in Mesa, AZ, and the Crippled Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. Leroy was born in Silver City, UT on November 21, 1937. He is survived by his younger brother Phill Lemmon, sisters Joanna Carbone and Carol (Charlie) Sutton. He was loved by all & will be missed. Funeral Services are Wed Dec 5, 2012, visitation 10:00 am, funeral following 11:00, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on South Hobson and 10th Ave in Mesa. Services by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, for more info go to www.bunkercares.com.¬ Interment & graveside services in Panguitch, UT, Thurs Dec 6, 2012 at 2:00 pm.
Naomi Lurline Arnett, 81, loving mother and grandmother, passed away November 29, 2012 in Tempe, Arizona. She was born November 23, 1931 to Millard and Mary Hildreth in Castleford, Idaho. She is survived by her son Terry Arnett, daughter Lurline Arnett and granddaughter Vicky Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin. Visitation will be Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Graveside services are Friday, December 7, 2012 at 10 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, also in Mesa.
Inez June Brimley Marler, 85, passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at her home in Mesa, Arizona with her loving husband at her side. She was born to J. Clyde and Fontella Bradford Brimley on June 24, 1927 in Salt Lake City, UT. She married her high school sweetheart, Dale H. Marler in the Salt Lake Temple in 1947 and they raised four children Jeff Marler (Linda), Jill Poll (Gary), Joel Marler and Cory Marler (Ronda). She was preceded in death by an infant son, Gary. She is survived by her husband, children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Inez loved life. Family and friends were everything to her. Her door was open to all at the Bear Lake cabin where countless unforgettable and cherished memories were made. She enjoyed church service, ceramics, travel, and Family Search indexing. Friends may call on Monday, December 3 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213 from 6-8 PM. Funeral services are Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the L.D.S. church at 1007 S. 72nd St., Mesa, AZ 85208 preceded by a visitation at 1:00 PM. Graveside services and interment will be Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Larkin’s Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 So., Salt Lake City, UT 84108.
Tod Glenn Guiles II, passed away November 22, 2012 in El Mirage, Arizona. Services are private.
Earl Allan Brooks, age 84, passed away peacefully in his home on November 26, 2012 in Mesa, AZ. He was born to Bert Josiah and Lottie Mae Brooks on June 26, 1928 in Mesa, AZ. Allan graduated from Mesa High 1946 and served an LDS Mission. He married Marion Avon Dodge in 1952, they were married for 48 yrs., she preceded him in death December, 2000. Allan is survived by his wife Wilma Lillywhite Washburn, married 11 years, and 4 daughters Betty J. Ray (Clifford), Joy M. Porter (Gil), Nancy J. Roberts (Kelly) and Linda L. Johnson (Daryl). His legacy will continue through his 19 grandchildren and
22 great-grandchildren. Allan was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served 2 LDS missions. His civic responsibilities included being instrumental in the D.A.R.E. program that was used in the Public Schools. He also helped in the formation of E.V.I.T. (East Valley Institute of Technology). He served on the Mesa School Board for one term, and was elected for a second term, but resigned to serve a LDS Mission to Australia. Funeral services are Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 10 AM preceded by a visitation from 9 to 9:45 AM at the Kimball East Stake Center, 4640 E. Holmes Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206. There will also be a visitation Wednesday night, November 28, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. In addition to flowers, donations to E.V.I.T. would be appreciated. Contributions can be mailed at Kona Purcell/EVITEF 1601 W. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201 or you may call (480) 461-4114.
Ronald Joe Greenhalgh, 69, passed away November 21st, 2012 at the Banner Gateway Hospital in Gilbert, AZ. Ronald was born November 30th, 1942 in Safford, AZ. He is survived by his wife, Trelva Gardner Greenhalgh, Children; Joseph (Venetia), Bradley, Brenda (Tony) Knight, Catherine (Brandan) Rogers, Melissa (Dwight) Kartchner, Michael (Keeley), and Debra (Mike) Pierson, 32 grandchildren, father Grant Greenhalgh of Tucson, AZ and sisters Marilyn Busby of Tucson, AZ and Marsha Robertson of Benson, AZ
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 28th, 2012 at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Emerald Acres Ward, 1415 E. Southern Ave. Mesa, AZ 85204 at 10:00 a.m. Preceded by visitation from 9:00-9:45 am.
Ronald William Hines, 80, passed away November 22, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Graveside services are Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 11 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
Hipps, F. Dolores, passed on Nov. 19, 2012 at the age of 91. She was born Oct. 26, 1921 in Belmont, NE and has resided in AZ since 1950. She is survived by 8 children: Jeff and Lola Krummenacher, Steve and Glenna Krummenacher, Bill and Yupa Hipps, Bob and Kristine Hipps, Joan and Garry Boyle, Jean Hipps Buonforte, Jim and Holly Hipps, John and Cindy Hipps, 47 grandchildren and 101 great-grandchildren who all remember her as gentle, powerfully patient and fiercely proud of all of them. We will miss her childlike delight with life, her graciousness to others and her sparkly eyes. She was never tied to the material things of this world, for her confidence was in the Lord. Services will be held Saturday Nov. 24: Viewing 9:15 to 9:45 a.m.; Service 10:00 – 11:15 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 21320 S. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, AZ.
Bledsoe, Sherman W., 65, completed his earthly journey November 16, 2012. Sherman was born February 15, 1947 in Forrest City, Arkansas and passed away in his home in Mesa, Arizona. He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his wife, Laura; children Jennifer (Cameron) Whitney, Eden Bledsoe, Melanie (Luis) Sanchez, Aubrey (Alexandria) Bledsoe, Elaine Bledsoe, Casey Bledsoe, Jason (Jen) Schouten, Matt (Amanda) Schouten, and Tara (Josh) Riewerts; 17 grandchildren with two more coming next year. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 23rd at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 925 N Harris Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203 at 11 AM, preceded by visitation at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
Travis Colton Thomas, 44, passed away November 16, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Traditional Wake Services are from Friday, November 23, 2012 at 6 PM to Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 4 AM at the Lehi Community Center, 1231 East Oak Street in Scottsdale. Traditional cremation services will be Saturday, November 24, 2012 at sunrise.
Jenavieve Phillips, 28, died Nov. 16, 2012 in Gilbert, AZ. She was born Dec. 19, 1983 in the Republic of Panama. She is survived by her parents Joe Phillips and Jackie Gresh of Douglasville, Georgia, brothers Joseph Jr. (Kate), and Jonathan, who reside in South Korea and Georgia respectively. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles. Even at a young age Jenavieve loved travel and chose just about a year ago to make Gilbert, AZ her home. An accomplished soccer player she played for and loved BYU Women Soccer and played on the U-19 National Women Soccer Club Champions in 2003. She also served an honorable full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California San Francisco mission from Aug. 2008 – March 2010. Jenavieve was also a proud employee of Alpine Valley Bread. There will be a memorial service to celebrate her life Wednesday November 21, 2012 at 7 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 230 North Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, AZ. There will also be a memorial service in her honor Saturday November 24, 2012 at 11AM at the Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, 8640 Rose Avenue, Douglasville, Georgia 30134. A righteous daughter of our Heavenly Father, Jenavieve Phillips has gone home to Him. Donations may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund in her name as an honoree by going to give.ldsp.org/memorial. Those who wish may share a special memory or express condolences online at www.whitleygarner.com. Local arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
Ula Julian, 89, of Mesa, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 12, 2012, two days after her 70th wedding anniversary. She was preceded in death by her parents, 12 siblings, and husband, Kenneth. She is survived by 89 descendants; children Beverley Gonfel, Max Julian, Roy Julian, Jolene Maynard, Janece Julian, Mark Julian, Karen Julian and Sharon Tognetti; 27 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild.
Ula was a descendant of early, Arizona pioneer families and the youngest of the 13 children of Wesley and Lillian (Bushman) Palmer. She graduated from Mesa High School and lived in Mesa through early adulthood then, having lived in many locations throughout the United States, she returned to spend her final years in her beloved hometown.
As a daughter of early Mormon settlers and farmers, Ula venerated their values and traditions and tried to pass them on to her children and others.
Ula and Kenneth were married in the Salt Lake City temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remained an active member of the Church throughout her life.
Ula loved to sing. She sang in the BYU A Cappella Choir and was a member of the Arizona Mormon Choir for 9 years.
Ula was employed as a secretary for 16 years by the Detective Division, Phoenix Police Department where she retired in July, 1990. The detectives loved her and called her “Mom.
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