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Robert Carl Verhaaren, 42, passed away September 8, 2012 as a result of a cycling accident while riding the LOTOJA race. Rob is survived by his wife, Bridget (Banfield), and children, Ava (preceded in death), Ansel, Helena and Karl, parents Richard and Laurel Verhaaren of Alpine, Utah, siblings Leslie (Erznoznik), Brenda, Mark, Jeff (preceded in death), and Mike. Visitation will be Friday, September 14th from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, September 15th 9 a.m. Funeral services are Saturday, September 15th at 10 a.m. Both visitations and the funeral will be held at the LDS Hermosa Vista Stake Center 2701 E. Lehi Road Mesa, AZ 85213. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through any Wells Fargo Bank to the Rob Verhaaren Memorial Account.

Irene Cardon Christensen, age 95, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in her home on Sept. 11, 2012. Irene was one of nine children, born to Mae Whiting and Junius W. Cardon in Vernon, AZ on July 6, 1917. She married her high school sweetheart, Vaughn L. Christensen in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She was treasure to family, friends, and community and a woman without guile. She was preceded in death by her husband Vaughn, son Kenneth Christensen and daughter Janice Loar, two grandsons, a granddaughter, and a great-great granddaughter. She is survived by her daughters, Carole (Irvin) Mathews, Lynette (Craig) Carver, Maureen (Dru) Wyeth, and her sons, Steve (Candace) Christensen, Marvin (Alice) Christensen, David (Deena) Christensen, and Mark Christensen and son-in-law, Marvin Loar, 57 grandchildren, 143 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by countless nieces and nephews who dearly love their sweet “Aunt Irene

Alberto Hernandez, 48, of Mesa, Arizona passed away September 6, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Visitation will be Thursday, September 13, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Friday, September 14, 2012 at 11 AM, also at Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Cleah “Peggy” Brown Mortensen, 94, passed away in Jerome, Idaho on September 7, 2012. Cleah was the daughter of Major Lee Brown and Annie Louisa Lillywhite. She was born in Bisbee, Arizona on June 13, 1918.

Cleah’s parents moved to Virden shortly after she was born and lived there until 1924. She attended grade school and high school in Miami, Arizona, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Mesa, Arizona. After she graduated from high school she went to beautician school and in 1936 started work as a beautician in Duncan, Arizona. Cleah met and married Marion K Mortensen on December 7, 1939, in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. Cleah and Marion were longtime residents of Virden, New Mexico. They farmed and ranched there until 1974, when they retired. Cleah loved being active with her family, supporting all their activities. She loved to camp and fish and spent many years going to girl’s church camp while serving in the LDS Stake Young Women’s presidency. She was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, served a mission with Marion in the Eastern States Mission and held many church callings.

Cleah is survived by one brother, Gerald Brown, and one sister, Gwen Waite. She is also survived by her 7 children, M. Kay Mortensen (Beverly) of Sandy, Utah, Richard L. Mortensen (Gloria) of Chandler Arizona, Sherrill Meisner of Phoenix, Arizona, Deborah Thompson (Gary) of Rupert, Idaho, Dorothy Reidhead (Rick) of Pinedale, Arizona, Karin Frodin of Jerome, Idaho, Sharin Nye Wells (Lawrence) of Phoenix, Arizona and their families. Cleah is survived by 30 grandchildren and 75 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion K Mortensen, her parents, 7 siblings, 2 grandsons and 1 son-in-law. Cleah lived with her daughter Karin in Jerome, Idaho and was cared for by Karin and Zoila Beltran.

A visitation will be held at the Bunker Mortuary, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Phone: 480-696-6883) Friday, September 14, 2012, where family and friends may call from 6-8 P.M. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday September 15, 2012 at the Duncan LDS Chapel, 105 Fairgrounds Rd., Duncan, Arizona, with a visitation beginning at 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow in the Virden Cemetery, Virden, New Mexico.

Florence Lambert Mecham, 87, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on September 4, 2012 of causes incident to age. The second of three children, she was born May 5, 1925, in Hanna, Duchesne County, Utah to Clyde and Martha May Rhoades Lambert. She graduated as valedictorian of Altamont High School in 1943 and also graduated from LDS Business College later that year. She married Evan Mecham in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 11, 1945. They settled in southern Arizona, where they were blessed with seven children. With Evan’s many church, business and political responsibilities, Florence dedicated herself to providing a loving and supportive home for the family. Although a private person by nature, Florence willingly supported her husband in his many endeavors, faithfully labored in many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and provided an exemplary role model for all who knew her. After Evan’s election as governor, she served as Arizona’s first lady with dignity and grace. In her later years, she found great joy serving with Evan in the Mesa LDS Temple. She was preceded in death by her husband and her sister, Lucy Lambert Back. She is survived by her brother, Ray Lambert, of Salt Lake City, her children, Suzanne (Scott) Haycock of Glendale, Dennis (Linda) of Mesa, Christine (Tom) Marsh of Peoria, Eric (Bessie) of New Hampshire, Teresa (Greg) Allen of Mesa, Kyle (Lori Ann) of Mesa, Lance (Tawnya) of Phoenix, 29 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 15th at 11AM in the Gilbert LDS meetinghouse at 4629 E. Guadalupe Road. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:30 AM. Interment will be in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 9 AM Monday. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Bunker’s Garden Chapel of Mesa.

Marshall Corliss Vaughn, 93, passed away September 4, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Monday, September 10, 2012 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Menlo Park Ward, 2618 North Lindsay Road, Mesa 85213. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Patricia Kathleen Eyring peacefully left this mortal world with her family at her bedside 4 Sept. 2012. She was born 17 March 1947 in Mesa, AZ, the 5th child of Verda and Wendell Eyring. She grew up in Chandler, graduating from Chandler High in 1965. When she was young her family called her Pat. She began working for Motorola in 1966. While there she acquired the nickname “Pinky” and has been known as Pinky for nearly 40 years. She retired from Motorola after 32 years. Pinky has 4 brothers and 5 sisters, 45 nieces/nephews, over 117 grand-nieces/nephews, more than a dozen great-grand nieces/nephews – all of whom thought they were her favorite. Swimming at Pinky’s pool was the thing to do every summer. She remembered to send each a birthday card every year. Pinky had a beautiful singing voice. She sang in choirs and also sang many solos. She shared her faith in Jesus Christ through her music. In May 2012 Pinky learned she had cancer. It was hoped chemo would work and she could remain with her family for years. This was not to be. When she learned that her time was short she was at peace with it. Pinky is preceded in death by her parents, sister Shirly, brother Mike. Siblings who remain: Wendell, Jr., Sandra, Murr, Dixie, Nick, April, and Twila. Visitation will be Fri. 7 Sept. 2012 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday 8 Sept. 2012 at 1 PM, preceded by a visitation 12 noon at the LDS Chapel at 1871 E. Del Rio Dr. in Tempe. Interment to follow at the Valley of the Sun cemetery in Chandler.

Donna Francom Packard, our sweet mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died September 2, 2012 in Gilbert, Arizona. She was one of six children (2 boys, 4 girls) born to Ernest Harding Francom and Prudence Hudson. She was born on the Francom Farm on the west mountain in Payson, Utah on January 14, 1920. Her mother died during the childbirth of the youngest sibling when Donna was just eight years of age.

Donna graduated from Payson High School in 1937. She worked on the farm alongside the other siblings and her father, who was well known for his generosity to the town folk after each watermelon season, opening up his fields for the ever-popular ‘Watermelon Busts’ for all to partake of and enjoy.

On December 7, 1938, Donna married Bliss R. Packard, and for several years they raised their young family on the Packard Farm in the Springville west fields before moving into Springville when Bliss became Postmaster in Springville. After retirement they were called to England as Directors of the London Temple Visitors Center from 1979-1981.

Donna cherishes her Springville experiences throughout the years – with neighbors, fulfilling church callings, enjoying study groups, and relationships involving the Daughters of Utah Pioneers.

When Bliss and Donna returned from England, they decided to spend their winters in Mesa, Arizona to be near most of their children and grandchildren – and to enjoy the warmer climate.

Donna and Bliss loved the experiences and new friendships made during the nine years they served as volunteers two days a week in the Mesa Lutheran Hospital.

Donna and Bliss have six terrific children who have brought them great joy, love and happiness:

Diane (Roy; deceased 2004) P. Edwards (Phoenix, AZ)

Dennis (Ruth Tippetts) Packard (San Jose, CA)

Bruce (Jody Powell) Packard (Flagstaff, AZ)

Blair (Cindy Oakley) Packard (Gilbert, AZ)

Richard (Jenny Guthrie) Packard (San Tan Valley, AZ)

Kent (Janet Benson) Packard (Lehi, UT)

Currently there are 38 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 10 AM at the LDS Gilbert 6th Ward Chapel, 2700 East Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert, AZ (visitation at 9 AM).

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all who have had interactions over the years – having positive influence on their sweet parents – stalwarts from another era.

Condolences may be sent to www.bunkercares.com. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to your favorite charity.

Barbara Ruth Reynolds Kinsky, 91, passed away peacefully in her home in Apache Junction, AZ on Aug. 30, 2012. Barbara was born in Andersonville (Clear Creek), TN on June 4, 1921 to Louis Alcane Reynolds and Lelia Mae Jones. She was a hillbilly girl who had the heart of a lion but was gentle as a lamb. Growing up on a farm in the 20’s and 30’s during good and rough times taught her to be strong and self dependent but also show kindness to others in need. Barbara and her second husband bought a little house in the desert in Apache Junction AZ in 1946 and raised her 3 sons while her husband, Albert, was a school teacher who taught school at Superior for a short time and later at Carl Hayden High school. Barbara and her husband were active members of the St. Georges Catholic Church in AJ and enjoyed their summers in their little cabin in Greens peak Hide-a-Way in northern Arizona. She is preceded in death by her 1st husband, Joseph Traxler, 2nd husband, Albert S. Kinsky who passed away on Aug. 9, 2001, 1st born son, David L. Traxler, who passed away on Sept. 2, 2009, older brother, William Carl Reynolds who passed away on Apr. 7, 2010 in Prescott Valley AZ and half brothers and sisters, Bessie, Lillie H. Reynolds, Conda Lee Reynolds and Ulis E. Reynolds.

Survivors include her other two sons, Fred A. Kinsky and Eric F. Kinsky of Apache Junction AZ, two grandchildren, Christopher R. Kinsky and wife Sarah of Show Low AZ, Sara A. Kinsky of San Diego CA, brother, Louie C. Reynolds and wife Bea of Show Low, AZ and little sister, Ruby Mae Reynolds Csuy and husband Paul of Peoria AZ.

Mom, your body and mind may have succumbed to the wear of time, but your goodness, love and kindness of others and your spirit will live on in the hearts of your sons and the ones you touched until the end of time. Goodbye and we will miss you dearly!

Daniel Wesley Brock III passed away suddenly August 29, 2012 in Mesa, AZ. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, to Daniel Wesley and Thella Wilson Brock, May 2, 1946. He was raised and educated in Los Angeles along with his four brothers and two sisters. He was the “big

Thomas Seth Merrill, 87, peacefully passed away August 28, 2012 surrounded by his precious family. He was a valiant servant to his family, God & country. He was loved and will be missed by his eternal sweetheart Margaret Ruth Daley, children Tom Merrill (Jeralyn), Jeanne Meldrum (Bob), Gregg Merrill (DeeDee) & Julie Stapley ( Brent), 12 grandchildren & 5 great-grandchildren who adored their forever Popsie. Services will be Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at the LDS Chapel on 1150 W. Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233, viewing from 9-10:30am, followed by the service at 11:00. Interment Wed., Sept. 5, 2012 at 11:00am at the Thatcher, AZ Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Brimley, Parker Clyde, passed away in Seattle, Washington on August 23, 2012, due to complications of Trisomy 18. He was born August 21, 2012, to Lucas and Annie Brimley. In his short time on earth, he touched the lives of his great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He passed away peacefully in the arms of his mother and father. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the LDS Church located at 920 S. Lindsay Rd. in Mesa. Funeral services will be on Saturday, September 1, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Burial will be at the Mesa City Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Gwen Elaine Siedler, age 38, of Tempe, Arizona, passed away August 21, 2012. She was born and raised in Arizona. Gwen, a CPA, was employed by Cleveland Estes Avellone, PLLC. She treasured and was treasured by her work family. She was a “foodie

Gerry McClelland, eighth and youngest child of Noble and Jaunita McClelland, passed away August 21, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Gerry’s education started at Irving Elementary and Carson Jr. High. He graduated from Westwood High in 1979. He was an A star, as he would say. We all knew he was good. He played football and basketball during his years at Westwood High. He loved those Cowboys! Gerry worked three years for Standard Brand Paint Company, in Mesa and four years in Phoenix. Gerry retired in 1993. He also worked part-time with his uncle Bill. Preceding him in death are, his father Noble and his mother Jaunita McClelland. He leaves to cherish his memory six brothers and one sister. Charles Zell (Callie) of Phoenix, AZ, Jessie James of Mesa, AZ, Jim (Joan) of Phoenix, AZ, John L. of Mesa, AZ, Princess Ann Thomas of Tempe, AZ. He also leaves numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly. Visitation will be Thursday, August 30, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Friday, August 31, 2012 at 11 AM at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 56 South Robson in Mesa, followed by interment in the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Mary “Geneal” Smith Goodman, 91, died peacefully at home Aug 23, 2012. She was preceded in death by her 1st husband Paul Lincoln Goodman, daughter Mary Fern, as well as her 2nd husband G. Melvin Johnson. Survivors included Roland and Judy Goodman of Green Valley, Michael and Claudia Goodman of St Johns, Lincoln and Lorry Goodman of Gilbert, Gale and Teresa Goodman of Apache Junction, Robin and Don Cluff of Pima, Cindy and Bill Clites of Queen Creek, Kelly and Cheryl Goodman of Gilbert, and over 150 loving grandchildren and great grandchildren and her sister Barbara Pedersen from Bakersfield, CA. Geneal was born in Virden NM in 1921. Her life’s passion consisted of building a wonderful loving family. She served 2 missions for the LDS church and traveled extensively. She will be dearly missed. Viewing will be held from 6-8 pm Monday Aug 27 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral Services will be held Tues. Aug 28 at the Chandler East Stake Center, 21320 S Greenfield, Gilbert, AZ at 10 am. A Graveside service will be held in Taylor at 5pm at the Reed Hatch Memorial cemetery where Geneal will be placed beside her husband Paul.

Carl DeWayne Standing Elk, 59, passed away August 13, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Wake services will be Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 6 PM at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85256. Graveside services are Friday, August 24, 2012 at 7 AM at the Lehi Cemetery, 926 East Thomas Road, Mesa, AZ 85203. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.