Find An Obituary

Perry Chiago passed away peacefully on August 14, 2012. He is survived by his brother Michael, two sons Ralph and Brian, grandsons Andy, Junior and Nathaniel and granddaughters Samantha and Alyssia. Perry will be remembered as a hard worker and a very generous, caring and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Perry will be missed greatly by all who knew him and we wish him well on his journey. Mass and wake services will be Monday, August 20, 2012, beginning at 6 PM at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Big Field, Arizona. Interment will be Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 6 AM at Big Field Cemetery.

On Friday, August 10, 2012 Margaret passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, AZ, surrounded by her family. She was born in Pocatello, ID on March 26, 1925 to Dr. Robert H. and Lucy Melvina Sutton. Margaret was active all her life in giving service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her family was her greatest joy. She never missed an opportunity to say, “Remember what your name is.

Danny Valencia, 50, 08/08/2012, Scottsdale, AZ. He is survived by his soul mate Irene Carrizosa, 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Visitation will be held from 6-10pm, Monday, August 13, 2012 at Memorial Hall 9849 E. Earll Dr, Scottsdale AZ 85256. Funeral with a burial following will take place at 8AM, Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at Memorial Hall. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Ellen Catherine Binder, 88 passed away peacefully on August 9, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to John and Bessie Beals in Ottawa County, Kansas in 1924. Ellen led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends, and many activities such as painting, sewing for her family, her church and ballroom dancing. In 1944, she married her neighbor boy, Leslie J. Binder and they were lucky to have celebrated over 50 years together working their farms in Iowa and raising their three daughters; Mary C. Peterson (Gary), of Trenton, MO.; Patricia E. Sunde (Jim) of Cherokee, Iowa; and Joni L. Hodapp (Roger) of Osage Beach, MO. Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie, a granddaughter, Sarah Peterson, a son-in-law, Gary Peterson, her parents John and Bessie Beals, her brother Wayne Beals (Alluwee)and all three sisters, Wilma Trott (David), Dorothy Gray (Roland), and Doris Holman (Ted) and all of their respective spouses.

Ellen loved her three daughters and her six grandchildren; Julile Klages (Jim), David Peterson (Stacey), Cory Hodapp (Sarah), Garrett Peterson, Katy Travis (Brooks), and Jillian Brown (Chad) and her twelve great-grandchildren: Katie and Braley Peterson, James and Jeric Klages, Sailor Van Loo, Rocco and Vince Hodapp, and Teague and Brett Travis, and Calvin, Amelia and Hayden Brown. Memorial Services are pending at the Warner Funeral Home in Spencer, Iowa.

Dona Belle Ortlund, 93, died on Saturday, August 4, 2012 in hospice care in Mesa, AZ. She was born May 6, 1919 in Sioux City, IA, the daughter of Harry E. and Nellie A. Shoberg. She grew up in Sioux City and, on April 21, 1942, married her life-long mate, Robert B. (Bob) Ortlund of Des Moines, IA. Eventually, the Ortlunds moved to Arizona where they raised two children, gave generously of their time to church and youth activities and enjoyed the beauty of the Southwest. Dona Belle was a gifted pianist and organist and particularly enjoyed accompanying the church choir, which Bob conducted. They were a team in every sense of the word. Dona Belle retired in 1983 after over 25 years of service with the Mesa School District as executive secretary to at least two high school principals. Dona Belle is survived by her husband Bob, her son Robert A. Ortlund of Payson, her daughter, Charlotte Wells of Kingman, three grandchildren (Sarah, David and Breanna) and two great-grandchildren (Faith and Zion). Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Garland Ellsworth “BUCK” Wallace, passed away Aug. 8, 2012 in Mesa, AZ. He was born Feb. 8, 1913, in Liberty, MO to Carrie June Allen and Byron Procter Wallace. Buck moved to Arizona as a young man. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 yrs, Juanita L. Morehead Wallace. He is survived by his children, Archie Lobb (Carolyn, deceased) and Wanda Thompson (Charles), grandchildren, David Lobb, Sheryl (Curt) Stradling, Richard (Kristi) Carpenter, Russell (Kristyn) Shumway, Steve (Shannon) Thompson; great-grandchildren Austin, Jenna (Josh) Wood, Trey, Chad, Seth, Race, Zane, Preston, Parker, Porter, Charlize, Adelaide Rose, and great-great-grandson Freddie Wood. He is also survived by his dear friend, Barbara Lamburtes. Mr. Wallace served in the Navy during WWII. His varied career included construction, AZ Highway Patrolman, and 20 years as a State Ranger with the AZ Game and Fish Department. Buck loved working in the beautiful mountains and lakes of AZ with his horse, Pard. A 60 yr member of the Masonic Temple, he was a well-liked and generous man, recognized by his western hat, cowboy shirt w/pearl snaps, wranglers, leather belt ‘BUCK’, and cowboy boots. Buck always had a smile and a story. He is cherished by his family, friends and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial gifts to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, 3405 N. Higley Rd., Mesa, AZ 85215. Funeral services are Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Gary Duane Brewer, 69

Of Mesa, Arizona

Died August 6, 2012

Visitation: Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, from 6:00-8:00pm, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213.

Funeral Services Saturday, Aug. 11, 9:00a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

Dana Ranch Ward, 1266 S. 32nd St., Mesa, with visitation one hour prior to service. Army Veteran

Schnorr, Margaret passed away Aug. 5, 2012, in Mesa, AZ, after being sick for a short time. She was born March 22, 1924 to Lula and Pink Swaim in Oklahoma; she moved to Phoenix when she was fourteen years old. Margaret was part Choctaw Indian and was very proud of this fact. She met Albert Schnorr at a USO dance and started dating him after World War II, when he asked if he could walk her home from the dance. Albert served in the Navy in the Philippines during the war. They married in 1947 and had three children, Russell, Timothy and Christine. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Albert and her son Timothy. She is survived by her son Russell (Geri) Schnorr and her daughter Christine (Jim) Bucalo, six grandchildren, Anthony, Nina and Tom, Russell’s children, Zebulan, Jacey and Jenna, Timothy’s children and five great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, Aug 9th at 11:00a.m., at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ

John Thomas Koontz, 56, passed away on Monday, July 30, 2012.

John was born on August 30, 1956 in Evansville, IN. Early in his life, John and his family moved to Mesa, which he always considered his hometown. John graduated from Mesa High and ASU. His passion was his family and friends. Everyone who knew him was touched by his generous spirit and devotion to those he loved. John was preceded in death by his parents, Dora Kirkham and Harry Koontz. He is survived by the love of his life, Kimberly, and three children Justin, Kayley and Tanner; his sisters Diana Teachout, Bobby Smith, Peggy VanSant, Sharon Fort, and his brother Steve, as well as many nephews and nieces for whom John will always be the favorite uncle. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 8, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201. Funeral service is Thursday, August 9, 2012, at 10 AM at the LDS Queen Creek Chandler Heights Stake Center, 7361 S. Constellation Way, Gilbert, AZ 85298. Those wishing to honor John’s memory and support his children’s education may do so by contributing to the John Koontz Memorial Fund, c/o Todd Johnson, 2900 E. Broadway Blvd Suite 113, Tucson, AZ 85748.

Patsy Ann Espinoza, 81, departed this earthly life on July 29, 2012 in Gilbert, Arizona. She was born on March 17, 1931 (St. Patrick’s Day) to George Lynn Johnson and Alta Mabel Vance Johnson at her grandmother’s home in Mesa, Arizona. She was a granddaughter of Mesa pioneer settlers.

Patsy is survived by her sister, Dorothy (Earl) Zarbin, and stepdaughters, Nancy Anderson and Jan Espinoza as well as many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, George Lynn and Alta Johnson, sister Virginia, brother Vance Dean, and stepson, Danny Espinoza.

Much of her adult life was spent working in a variety of jobs. She held multiple bank positions, and worked for several CPA firms, performing a variety of responsibilities. She was a secretary and receptionist. She had years of seasonal experience preparing income tax returns. She worked for Fry’s Food as a bookkeeper and retired from Sprint where she also worked as a bookkeeper. She made friends easily wherever she worked.

Patsy always loved dogs and had one in her home. She enjoyed reading and spending time with friends. She was fun-loving, humble, and positive. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. She had a great love for her Heavenly Father and family. She loved to give of herself to others. She will truly be missed.

Visitation will be from 6-8 P.M. on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at the Bunker Family Funeral Home, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Az. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Az.

Ross Woodburn Haws, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family and loved ones, on Friday July 27, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona.

Ross was born on September 23, 1929 in Mesa, Arizona to Walter and Maude Haws. Ross and Beth were married for time and all eternity in 1950. He taught school in Mesa for many years before moving to Southern California, where he spent the next 35 years raising his family. After retiring as a School Administrator, he returned to Mesa where he enjoyed playing the organ for the LDS church and Temple, gardening in his backyard, and working in his wood shop. He loved spending time with family at his mountain retreat, Hawsienda, in Greer, AZ.

Ross is survived by his wife Beth Payne Haws, his children Robert (Lorraine) Haws, Kathleen (Mark) Moffitt, Paul (Patti) Haws, Nancy Mann, Sheryl (Kent) Stewart, Jerry (Coleen) Haws, Dennis Haws, Marshall Haws, 35 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren.

The viewing will be held Friday August 3, from 6-8 pm at the LDS church building at 3345 E McLellan Rd, Mesa AZ 85213. Services will be held at the LDS church 1550 N Val Vista, Mesa, AZ 85213 on Saturday August 4, 2012 at 10 am, with a viewing before the service at 9 am. Place of burial will be at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, 85201.

Dylan Dee Brown, 22 months old, San Tan Valley, passed away July 29, 2012 in a tragic accident. He was born September 12, 2010 to Stephanie M. and Charles Lee (CJ) Brown III. This eternal family includes an older brother Charlie and a younger sister Hannah. A large extended family of great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends have been left truly brokenhearted. Dylan gave us all a lifetime of love and laughter in his short time here on earth. His life was taken away too soon. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11 AM at the LDS Chapel located at 33794 N. Gary Rd., Queen Creek. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:45 AM. ALL are welcome to attend! Burial at the City of Mesa Cemetery. An account has been set up at Desert Schools Federal Credit Union.

Beth LaVerl Giles, 86, of Mesa, Arizona, died on July 30, 2012 in Mesa. She was born December 30, 1925, in Ogden, Utah. She is preceded in death by her husband Walter James Giles, and she is survived by her daughter, Jan Giles Cardon, her sons James Giles, Cory Giles, Neil Giles, and their spouses. She will also be missed by 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. LaVerl loved the youth, and they loved her. She had a long career as a teacher and counselor and worked many years as a church youth leader. She spent her life as an active member of the LDS church and she and her husband James served a church mission in Los Angeles. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 4, at 2 pm at the LDS chapel at 2835 E Des Moines, Mesa, Arizona. The funeral service will follow at 3 pm. She will be interred, following a graveside service, on Tuesday, August 7, at 10 am at Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd., South Ogden, Utah. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona, 85213; 480-830-4105

Eldrena Farr Lee, 77, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona.

She was born to Earnest Eldren Farr and Ila Palmer Farr, Sep. 14, 1934, in Taylor, Arizona. She graduated from Winslow High in 1952. She married Ralph “Buzz

Burial will be in Utah.

Lila Kaye Legler, 76, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on July 20, 2012. She was born in Prescott, AZ and lived the majority of her life in Arizona. She is survived by her loving husband, Lamar, a sister Sherril Burge, children Ivan, Ken, Nathan, Julie, & Paul. As well, she had 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Visitation is Wednesday, July 25 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Services are Thursday, July 26, at 10 AM at the LDS Pueblo Stake Center, 2334 E. Pueblo Rd, Mesa, with visitation one hour prior to services.