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Melvin (Mel) E. Tietjen, 84, passed away in his Mesa, AZ home on July 10, 2012. He was born in Monroe, UT November 15, 1927, the son of the “greatest parents in the world

Pearl Maxine Daily Pietz

Pearl Maxine Daily Pietz of Dewey, AZ, Known to all as Maxine, was called to the eternal kingdom on July 14th, 2012. Born June 2nd 1927 to Omer and Mabel Daily in Galena Missouri. Maxine moved to Chino, California and graduated from Chino High School in 1945. She married John Pietz in 1948 and they had 5 sons. The family moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1963. Maxine walked with Christ and taught her children to pray and love God. She was an avid seamstress, taught Sunday School, was a Cub Scout leader, and served as president of the Mesa Lutheran Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of St Peter Lutheran Church in Mesa until she moved to Dewey and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Prescott Valley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mabel Affentranger, her brother William and sons Jarman and David. She is survived by her husband John Pietz, sons Marty (Stephanie) Pietz, James (Linda) Pietz and Mitchell (Sandie) Pietz, her sister Inez, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Services will be in Prescott Valley at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, July 27th at 10AM and in Mesa at St Peter Lutheran Church, 1844 Dana Ave, on Saturday, July 28th at 11AM.

Lynn Renee (Kohler) Gibson, 49, of Gilbert, Arizona went home to the Lord on July 10, 2012 after a brief illness. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, Lynn was born on March 19, 1963 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lynn graduated from the University of Iowa in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. During college Lynn greatly enjoyed her involvement with Alpha Xi Delta, Sigma Chapter sorority. Lynn moved to Arizona after graduation, working for St. Luke’s Hospital and at Salt River Project as a Senior Computer Analyst. Lynn was actively involved with her children’s education, her church and did everything with purpose. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert, children Cameron and Shelby, mother Betty Priske, step-father Larry Priske, sister Kimberly Peach (Chris), step-mother Margaret Kohler, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, James Robert Kohler Jr. One of Lynn’s favorite hobbies was family genealogy research including indexing names on Saturday mornings. Lynn’s time with us was way too short and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation is Friday, July 13, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel located at 1150 N. Lindsay Road, Gilbert. The family expresses their gratitude to all who have offered support through fasting, prayers and service during Lynn’s brief illness. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Hospice of the Valley for their gracious aid during Lynn’s final week.

Duane Arlen Hansen left this earth for his heavenly home on July 5, 2012. He passed away at home surrounded by family.

Duane was born August 19, 1936 to Chris and Evelyn Hansen in Yankton, South Dakota. In 1953 he met and married the love of his life, Verna Thornton. She survives along with 4 daughters: Karen Kokemoor of Snook, Texas; Cynthia (Brad) Currey of Peoria, Arizona; Roxanne (Cyler) Groseth of Surprise, Arizona; Joy of the Home (Matt) Hansen of Lincoln, Nebraska; eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was proud of his daughters and was very involved in his grandchildren’s lives until his death. He is also survived by a sister, Carole (Charles) Miller of Champaign, Illinois; sister-in-law Marie Thornton of Spearfish, South Dakota; seven nieces and seven nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Renae (Charles) Frick of Pickstown, South Dakota.

As a teenager he had an avid love for horses. To the dismay of his parents, he broke and tamed wild horses and rode broncos in rodeos. Duane graduated from the University of South Dakota and worked for 35 years as an Analytical Chemist for the State of South Dakota. After retiring from that position, he served as the Executive Director of the Yankton Senior Center for three years. Duane was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, boating and playing golf. He also had a love of music and played the 4-pedal steel guitar for many years.

After retirement, Duane began spending winters in Arizona, and soon Apache Junction, Arizona, became a permanent location. He met the challenges of illness with the same extraordinary faith, grace, sense of humor, and patience that marked his life as a husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He was always capable of finding the humor in any situation and was loved by all who knew him.

A memorial service for Duane will be held Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 1 PM at 400 North plaza Drive, Lost Dutchman Resort, Apache Junction, Arizona.

Patsy Jo Eagar Tucker was born 03 July 1949 in McNary, Arizona to James Pratt Eagar and Vera Mae Sharp Eagar and passed away after a prolonged illness in Mesa. Arizona on 08 July 2012. She is survived by Bruce, her husband of 28 years, son Joshua of Florida, daughter Heather of Mesa; sister Vera Rae Chapman of Kingman and brother Larry of Phoenix.

Patsy enjoyed growing up in rural Eagar, Arizona where she would spend most of each summer barefoot wading in the irrigation ditches, riding horses bareback, and having bonfires and picnics in the mountains. She developed a strong work ethic having to help weed the huge family garden and by participating in the family canning projects each fall. One of Patsy’s favorite things was to help her dad on the ranch, feeding, rounding-up or branding cattle.

In 1968 Patsy graduated from Round Valley High School where she played drums in band, participated in chorus, was Business Editor of the yearbook and President of the FHA. In 1970 she graduated from Eastern Arizona Junior College where she was editor of the college yearbook. She received a bachelor degree in 1973 and did post graduate work in Special Education and Developmentally Handicapped Children at Arizona State University.

Patsy taught Special Education at the RICH school in the Roosevelt School District in South Phoenix 1973 through 1988, working with the trainable mentally handicapped students ages 12 – 16. She participated in the development of a vocational program at RICH, preparing many handicapped students to live on their own, hold jobs and to participate successfully in society. She was Co-Chairman of Special Olympics in Maricopa County for several years and was a City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation leader where she planned and led the city’s summer recreation program for the Trainable Mentally Handicapped students. During the late 1970s and early 1980s Patsy served on the governor’s advisory board for special education. After leaving RICH Patsy taught a combination second and third grade class and first grade for three years at Maxine O Bush elementary school in the Roosevelt School District.

Patsy developed an exceptional talent for tole painting. She enjoyed cutting wood crafts and painting them. She also enjoyed counted cross stitch and embroidery work.

Many benefited from her sharing these talents. Patsy found delight in providing service to others and was always concerned about the underdog. Patsy was a life-long active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Viewings will be held Thursday, July 12 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa, and Friday, July 13, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Burnham Funeral Home in Eagar. Burial will be in the Eagar Cemetery at 11:00 am on Saturday 14 July, 2012.

Treva Langford Hills, 87, died Saturday, July 7, 2012, in Gilbert, AZ. Treva was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Clayton Hills. She is survived by eight children; Barney Hills, LueDean Andersen, Jeanene Vowels, Vernon Hills, Susan Redford, David Hills, Carol Kent, Loren Hills; 42 grandchildren, and 98 great-grandchildren. Treva graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from Northern Arizona University and was retired from the Flagstaff Unified School District, Weitzel School, where she taught first grade for almost two decades. Treva was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was highly involved in community organizations including Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and the Coolidge, AZ 4-H, specializing in raising pigs. Treva worked tirelessly alongside her husband Clay in their businesses, Flagstaff Tire Company and The Tire Factory in Coolidge, AZ. In celebration of Treva’s life, a graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at 9:30 am at the Valley Memorial Park, Coolidge, AZ. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ. In honor of Treva’s love of education, donations may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Perpetual Education Fund (PEF).

Soledad Navarro Groehler, 54, of Mesa, Arizona was taken to be with her Savior in Heaven while at home on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 after a long and fiercely fought battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born in Masbate City, Masbate, Philippines on August 23, 1957 to Andres and Nonita Navarro. Soledad earned a degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine from Centro Escolar University in 1980. Soledad was a dentist in the Philippines until 1986 and was passionate about helping and caring for others, even going so far as to visit patients in rural areas who would not otherwise get to see a dentist. She was married in the fall of 1986 to Larry and emigrated to the United States to eventually settle down in Mesa, Arizona. They were blessed with a son, William, in 1988. Soledad became a CNA and provided care for nursing home patients throughout the East Valley of Arizona’s Phoenix metro area. After being divorced in 2001, she continued her work at nursing homes and caring for others.

Soledad was a very fun-loving person and had the love and respect of many relatives, extended family, and friends because of her passionate and caring nature. She loved to sing, dance, play guitar and piano, cook, travel, and watch Korean TV drama. She especially loved caring for and spending time with her son, traveling and vacationing around the world.

She was preceded in death by her father, Andres; grandmother Conception; sister Milagros; and aunts Budi and Naida.

Soledad was survived by her only son, William, and his father, Larry; her mother Nonita; her sisters Francisca, Nonita, Pilar, Imelda, and brother, Andres.

A viewing will be held from 4:30—6:30 P.M. with the funeral service at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, July 6th, 2012 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa.

Wanda Bickford, 87, passed away June 29, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial services are Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, in Mesa.

Born in the midst of World War I and destined to be part of what journalist Tom Brokaw called the “Greatest Generation,

Kim Fenton Harris, 79, passed away peacefully in Gilbert, Arizona, on June 27, 2012. He was born September 6, 1932, in Linden, Arizona. As a young man, Kim enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country for four years. He later graduated from ASU with an MA in Education and spent the next 30 years teaching in the Tempe, Arizona’s school system. After retiring, he did many service activities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the church’s Employment Center and in the Family History Center in Mesa, Arizona. Kim and his wife Norma also served two foreign missions for the church. Their first mission was in Vientiane, Lao PDR, teaching English to the professors in the School of Architecture and Building and at the Medical Health School working with doctors and medical staff. Their second mission took them to Izmir, Turkey, performing humanitarian service to the Turkish people. In both missions he became known for his good humor, willingness to help others and desire to promote good will. Kim also had the opportunity to teach language arts in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was challenging, but he enjoyed the experience of working in the Dar el Fiker school for boys.

Kim’s surviving spouse is Norma Lois Harris. His surviving children are Russell, Gary, Gregory and Sherri. Kim has eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death are Walter Dodd Harris and Sarah Rebecca Crandell. Surviving brothers and sisters are Art Reidhead, June Nichols, Nadine Reidhead, Pearl Adair and Lawrence Harris.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located on 1050 W. Grove Parkway, Tempe, Arizona, 85283.

Erling Elgene Rasmussen died Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at his home in Mesa, AZ from a short battle with cancer. Born June 11, 1942 in Powers Lake, N.D., Erling was the youngest of four children of Herman and Gunda Rasmussen. Erling was a farmer and engineer who loved creating and completing projects. He earned many awards and patents and built almost everything in his life. He had an intense work ethic and there was no project he couldn’t figure out how to complete himself. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Jean Rasmussen; two sons, Brian and Jason; one daughter, Bethany; and four grandchildren, Nash, Emily, Megan, and Kaitlyn. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, June 30th, 10:30am at Red Mountain United Methodist Church, 2936 N. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213. Condolences and Memories may be offered for the family at www.bunkerfuneral.com. Flowers may be donated to the church.

Minnie Farr Stout, 93, passed away June 24, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born July 22, 1918 in Snowflake, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband Archie Leon, and her children Leon Stout and Idonna Miller. Those who remain to miss her are her daughters, Judy S Medinger, Terry Hall, Lavieta Henry, and Daylene Fowler. She was a homemaker and enjoyed reading scriptures and religious texts. Visitation is Friday, June 29, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the LDS Chapel, 977 E. Broadway Rd in Mesa, 85204. Burial will be Monday, July 2, 2012 at 9:30 AM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, 85024.

Andrea Lewis Walker was born on June 19, 1985, in Hillsdale, Michigan. She lived in Lexington, KY, for 1 year and then St. Louis, MO, for 1 year. At age 2, she moved to Gilbert, Arizona. She attended Val Vista Lakes Elementary, Highland Jr. High, and graduated from Highland HS in 2002. She served in the AZ Army Nat. Guard. On April 6, 2010, she married the love of her life, Kevin Eugene Walker in Gilbert, son of Norman and Kathy Walker (Mesa, AZ). Andrea and Kevin were blessed with a beautiful son, Alexander Lewis Walker, on January 6, 2011. Sunday, June 24, 2012, she passed away suddenly in Chandler, AZ, having just celebrated her 27th birthday. She is survived by her husband Kevin and son Alex, four step-children, Shaylee, Jaden, Layton and Carson Walker, parents John and Katherine Lewis, siblings, David (Melissa and daughter Myah) Lewis, Jennifer Lewis and Brent Lewis, and grandparents Rodger and Helen Gunn. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012, at the LDS Chapel at 1005 N. Voyager Dr., Gilbert, AZ. Viewing at 9:30 AM and funeral at 11:00 AM.