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Bradley DeRossett, 60 passed away peacefully on June 19th, 2024 in Mesa, Arizona.

There to meet him was his Father, Jesse Franklin DeRossett and his Mother, Bertha Francis Lefler.

Bradley is survived by his Sister, Yvonne Ogawa and Brother, Timothy DeRossett, 7 Nephews and Nieces, Greg Lefler (Cousin), Fiancee Rhonda Marlene Andrews, and his extended Pono Family.

Brad proudly served in the US Army from 1987 – 1991 and within that time served in Operation Desert Storm.

Brad grew up in North Phoenix and attended Paradise Valley High School.

You would find Brad active in riding dirt bikes, hanging out with his friends, tearing down cars/engines and putting them back together.

Brad was always looking for his next meal of Mac-n-Cheese and Kool-Aid.

Brad had worked with Pono for over 14 years, he was not just an employee of Pono, but he was part of their family.

Brad was head of labor and lead machine operator.  He had the uncanny ability to solve problems that no one else could.

That man could fit a square peg in a round hole if that is what was asked of him, he would find a way to make it work.

Brad was a hard worker and a team player, making an unforgettable impression on all those who met him.

Brad’s kind heart and soft demeanor will be greatly missed, as the absence of his light will never go unnoticed here at Pono.

Brad will be greatly missed and was loved by all.

Service Date:  7/3/2024

Service Time:  9:30 – 10:30

Service Location: Garden Chapel

33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ  85201

Committal Service:   National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ  85024

1:00 pm, Military Honor Service (Taps, Presentation of Flag)

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Donald Lee Peyton (Donnie) was born in San Francisco on May 5^th, 1948, the second born son of five children.  He and his family relocated to Phoenix when he was 7 years old where he remained the rest of his life. After serving his country in Vietnam, Donnie returned to Phoenix and started a life raising three children and teaching them the beauty of the world.  Donnie shared his love of nature with family and friends; camping, fishing, and hiking the Grand Canyon as often as possible!   When he wasn’t in the outdoors, Donnie devoted much of his life providing trauma informed services to help others address and navigate crisis impacting their health and wellbeing.  Shortly after he returned from Viet Nam, Donnie was on the ground in the formation of Terros – an early drug counseling and crisis intervention program in Phoenix, Arizona, acting as a Volunteer Crisis Worker, EMT and developing and managing the inpatient and outpatient detoxification programs. Donnie later obtained his Masters of Social Work at Arizona State University, going on to use his talents and compassion in public service working with the Veterans Administration’s Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program; managing the  Psychiatric Social Work Department at the Phoenix Veterans Hospital; developing and managing the Community Assistance Program with the Phoenix Fire Department to provide crisis intervention services as well as developing and managing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program in the Phoenix Fire Department. Donnie also worked as a reserve fire fighter with the Laveen Fire Department and the Daisy Mountain Fire Department as well as a K-9 Search Specialist with the Phoenix Fire Department FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force. Donnie retired in 2019.

Donnie fell ill in his later life due to agent orange exposure in Vietnam, succumbing to complications of treatment, he passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024 with family at his side.    Donnie was preceded into death by his sister Karen, brother David and his mother Dorothy Peyton.   He is survived by his remaining siblings; Lannie and Linda Peyton, his brother-in-law Peter Rossi, his three children: Keith, Eric and Chelsea Peyton, daughter in law Stacie Peyton. He is also survived by his grandchildren Connor and Isabelle Peyton, great grandchildren Waylon and Micah Peyton, nephews David and Daniel Rossi, and nieces; Linda and Helen Peyton.

Donnie’s resilience and passion for life and nature, his sense of humor and the work he did in the Phoenix communities will have an enduring impact on the lives of many. He is loved and will be greatly missed.

Donnie wishes to be cremated and have his ashes, along with those of his beloved Shelby and Mac-his rescue dogs- spread in the Grand Canyon. A Celebration of Donnie’s life will take place in the Fall. The exact date remains to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Mohammad Ali Parkinson Center are appreciated. Donations can be made at https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/mapc

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Hawkins (nee Rivard) on June 25, 2024, in Scottsdale, AZ. Born to George and Alyce Jo Rivard in Peoria, IL, on July 13, 1952, Rita lived a life filled with love, kindness, and determination.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Hawkins, her brothers, Jay Rivard and Tom Rivard, and her parents. She is remembered as a devoted wife, daughter, sister and friend.  She is survived by her brothers Jimmy (Lynda), Mike (Bridget), and Andy along with her sisters Linda (Paul), Anne, Mary (Jim), and Jeanne (Murray). Rita was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Rita worked as an administrative assistant for an engineering firm in Mesa, AZ, where she was known for her meticulous attention to detail and her sense of humor.  Her love for animals was unparalleled. She adored her dogs, treating them each as cherished family members, and was always ready to open her home and heart to any animal in need.

Family would like to thank all the staff at Azalea Blossoms who cared for Rita as well as those with Hospice of the Valley; without exception they were wonderful to her.

A graveside service coordinated by Brintlinger and Earl will be held to honor Rita’s memory on July 13, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Elwin, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arizona Humane Society (www.azhumane.org) or Rescue A Golden of Arizona (www.golden-retriever.org) as rescue causes were close to Rita’s heart.

Rita will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her compassionate spirit, unwavering love for animals, and sharp wit will always be remembered.

Connie Jean (Lewis) Sawyer passed away on June 23, 2024 in Tempe, Arizona, in the presence of her husband and children. Born to Ralph and Beatrice Lewis of Smithfield, Utah, Connie graduated from North Cache High School before relocating to Ogden, Utah to pursue her education in nursing at St. Benedict’s Hospital.. While in Ogden, she met and married Richard (Pete) Sawyer on October 12, 1962. They raised 7 children together, starting in Utah and California before settling in Arizona in 1977. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Connie lived a life of quiet and constant service, always ensuring that the lives of her family members were safe, happy, close, peaceful, and full of treasured memories. Connie was an incomparably devoted wife, loving and steadfast mother, adoringly joyful grandmother, committed healthcare professional, and a gentle and gracious presence to all who were blessed to know her.

Connie is survived by her husband Richard, her children, Michele Ward Payne (Ed), Kae Sawyer, Ann Black (Jim), Richard Lewis Sawyer (Jodi), Amy Sawyer, Jared Eugene Sawyer (Amanda), and Jenna Lyn Hartley (Eric), 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, sister Eunice Kent, brother Robert Lewis (Shauna), and sister Tamara Grange (Vance). Funeral Services will be held at the Tempe South Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1111 East Knox Road, Tempe, Arizona at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 6 with viewing held at the same location at 9:00 am. The service will be webcast at .

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

On June 14th, Zada Jo Perkins graduated from her Earthly life. She was gently encircled by a room full of loved ones, without pain, & holding the hands of her children.

Zada was born on March 2nd, 1958, in Santa Monica, California to Larry and Alice Matthews. Zada was amazingly talented and enjoyed creating things. She took pride in everything she did and it showed in her beautiful quilts, her handmade greeting cards, her toll painting, and the beautiful blessing dress she made for her granddaughter. Everyone enjoyed receiving her delicious toffee, thumbprint cookies and other little crafts. She loved FaceTiming her grandkids and with them being so far away, she would buy two sets of storybooks and send one to the grandkids so they could have their own book as she read it to them. She was looking forward to being able to do this with her newest grandkids as they got a little older. She looked forward to her weekly lunches with her sisters and nieces. Zada was surrounded by many friends that loved her. It showed by the service that was rendered to her these last few years. She was active in her church and loved the peace she found serving at the temple.

Zada had a fun sense of humor, a sparkly personality, & was stalwart in her Faith, to the end.

Zada is survived by her five of her siblings, three children: Sean, Rachel, & Andrew, her husband David, & five grandchildren whom she adored. We love & miss her dearly already.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Randall Lee Wight, 45 of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024. Randy was born in Mesa, Arizona on September 1, 1978 to Dennis Randall Wight and Arlene Gunnell Wight. Randy was a happy energetic little boy who loved cars, sesame street, driving his electric motorcycle and his family. A significant illness at age 4, left him physically and mentally disabled and unable to speak. This however did not slow him down or change his sweet spirit or his ability to positively impact others. Throughout his life Randy exemplified faith and perseverance. He gracefully endured many physical trials over the years. All who had the privilege of becoming associated with Randy had their lives forever changed for the better, as he had the ability to lift and strengthen those around him without saying a word. He was truly one of God’s angels.

He is survived by his parents, Dennis and Arlene, brother Jeff(Melanie), sister Andrea Hunt(Jace), brother Joseph as well as his 5 nieces and one nephew. Services will be held Saturday June 29th at 10 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 422 E University Drive. A viewing will be held the night before June 28th from 6-8pm at Bunkers Family Garden Chapel and also on Saturday June 29th at the Church at 9am preceding the service. His final resting place will be the Mesa cemetery.

For those unable to attend services will be streamed : https://zoom.us/j/95682663067

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Rodney Mac Matheson was born on July 14, 1944 in Tucson, Arizona and passed away in his Queen Creek, Arizona home on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

He is survived by Norma, his wife of nearly 52 years and their 5 children: daughters Elizabeth Mulleneaux (Jean-Marc) and Anna Stephenson (Adam) and sons Alexander (Julie), Montgomery (Alies) and Lincoln (Summer). They have 23 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

The second of 7 children, he is preceded in death by his parents, Mac and Ouida May, and a younger sister.

Following full time service as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Mexico, he was drafted into the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War. Twice a Bronze Star recipient, he was honorably discharged after 2 years of service and returned home to Tucson, where he graduated from law school at the University of Arizona.

His greatest joys were always found in his family. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, son and brother, he constantly sought to create happy memories with those he loved the most. This included countless sporting events, family reunions, and road trips.

At the time of his passing, he and Norma were serving as Member Leadership Support missionaries in the Gilbert, Arizona Mission. This punctuated a life of church service, having blessed countless lives as a bishop and member of the stake presidency, amongst many other church callings. He tirelessly sought to aid in the growth and success of others through family, community, and church service throughout his life.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 29 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 21915 E Cloud Rd, in Queen Creek, AZ. Visitation is from 9-9:45am, with the funeral service from 10-11am. A graveside service will be held immediately following at the San Tan Memorial Gardens. A Zoom link is available upon request for those unable to attend in person.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

On Monday, June 17, Gary Kains passed away from natural causes in Mesa, Arizona with his wife and brother-in-law by his side. He was 90 years old.

Gary was born on December 4, 1933, to Louis Stanley and Ruth Berger Kains in Nyack, New York. He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1951 and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1955.

He worked as an aerospace propulsion engineer beginning in 1955 with North American Aviation in Downey, California, then with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, Connecticut and finally with AiResearch (later Honeywell) in Phoenix, Arizona.

He lived in Scottsdale, Arizona from 1966 until 1987.

Surviving him are his children John (Kathleen), Cynthia and David (Andrea) as well as his grandchildren Ransom and Audrey and step grandchild Carolyn Bullock.

Also surviving him are his wife of 36 years, Lee Ana Brimhall Kains, brother-in-law Gail Brimhall (Mariann Mirelez) and sister-in-law Cathy Johnson.

Gary and Lee Ana lived in Mesa from 1987 until his passing.

While living in Arizona he was a member of Scottsdale Masonic Lodge No. 43, Scottsdale Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, Phoenix Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Scotland and the Caledonian Society of Arizona.

His hobbies included team roping, golf, hunting, fishing, photography, playing the bagpipes, cooking, reading and gardening. Gary also had a passion for anything connected to his primary ethnicities: Scottish and Hungarian. This included cuisine, music, language and attire. He also enjoyed spending time with his wife at their cabin in Overgaard.

Masonic graveside services will be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery on the morning of Tuesday, June 25 at 9:00.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Carl Adolf Laurens Jr. (Big Dad) 88 of Mesa, Arizona, born July 21,1935 (Worcester, MA), passed away June 13, 2024 under Hospice care after a long struggle with health problems.

He survived his parents Carl A Laurens SR (Lida) both deceased of Woodstock, CT, first wife Lois (deceased) and his son Carl Laurens III (Butchy) (deceased) and 2nd wife Marcia Laurens (deceased).

Carl leaves behind brothers Dave Laurens (Louise) and Robert Laurens (Teresa) of Woodstock CT, Albert Laurens (Christine) of Lewisville TX, sisters Carol Jakola (Deceased)(Robert) of Lake Forth FL, Christine Siart (Joseph II Deceased) of Jewet City, CT. Step-children: Rene Mailloux (Suzanne) of Gold Canyon AZ, Nina Kochanowski (Deceased)(Richard) of Mesa AZ, Mark Mailloux (April) of Oxford MA, Christopher Mailloux (Kim) of Paxton MA. Grand-children April Hough, Dana Mailloux Holly Carter, Crystal Mailloux, Zachary Mailloux,
12 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandson.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Mary Rose Palumbo, 99, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to Joseph and Rose Ferrante in Chicago, Illinois in 1925. Mary lived a very happy and active life filled with family, friends, and many activities such as ballroom dancing, cooking, playing cards, and crafts. She was a volunteer activity manager at the Mesa Multigenerational Center for more than 20 years and a Past President of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. In 1945, she married her sweetheart, Vito R. Palumbo.  Together they had three children, Adeline Allen (Albert deceased), Frank Palumbo, and Joseph Palumbo (Mary Agnes). Mary loved, and is survived by her three children, four grandchildren; Anthony Palumbo (Jessica), Michael Palumbo (Amanda), Jourdan Palumbo, and Michaela Palumbo, and two great grandchildren; Alyssa Palumbo and Joseph Palumbo. She is also survived by her sister, Florence Mellone (Antonio), and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Vito, grandson Vincent Allen, grandson Baby Vito Allen, great-granddaughter, Baby Kaitlyn Rose Palumbo, her parents Joseph and Rose Ferrante, four sisters; Josephine Forte (Jack), Jennie Ferrante, Antoinette Bustos (Bennie), Dominica “Mamie” DiLello (Patrick), and one brother Anthony Ferrante (Joan). 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 10 a.m., at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 North Recker Road, Mesa, AZ 85205. In lieu of flowers, donations to All Saints Catholic Church are suggested. 

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Lottie Mae Basner Davidson passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband and family on the afternoon of 14 June 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona.

Lottie was born on 4 February 1939, in Gladwin County, Michigan; the third of nine children born to Walter Edward Basner (1908-1970) and Bessie Marie Ruse (1917-1976).

Lottie was known for being a hard worker with abundant energy; her first job was at age 15-16, in a dime store in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where she lived with her uncle and aunt. Other places of employment included J.C. Penny Co., Chrysler Co., Motorola, and several doctor’s offices in Mesa, Arizona.

Before leaving Michigan in 1965, with three young daughters, Lottie joined the LDS Church and was an active member all her life, serving in many and various callings and capacities.  On 22 October 1965, Lottie married Gene Paul Brimley.  They were sealed in the Mesa, Arizona temple on 4 November 1966.  Four more children were born of that union; 2 daughters and 2 sons.

From the time Lottie left Michigan, in 1965, she lived most of her life in Mesa, Arizona.  She loved Mesa and the people of Arizona.

Lottie is preceded in death by her parents; six of her siblings; her husband, Gene Paul Brimley, and their son, Glade Eric Brimley. Lottie is survived by her husband, Dan Davidson, and three younger siblings; Arthur James Basner, Dorothy Viola Basner Unger, and Judy Marie Basner (Jerald) Vincent.

She is survived by 6 of her 7 children; Geri Lee (Paul) Palmer, Mary Lou (Steve) Wilson, Kimberly Marie (Mike) Crockett, Shawna (Scott) Papenfuss, Robyn (Dan) Carroll, and Jason LaMar Brimley.  She is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren who will miss her.

The family is grateful to Bunker Family Funeral Home for handling the graveside and burial details.  There will be a graveside service on Thursday, 20 June 2024 and Lottie will be interred in the Mesa Cemetery.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Thomas H. Price was born July 26, 1959 in Anaheim, California. His parents, Barbara and George F. Price, Jr.  welcomed him warmly as their fifth son, and 6th child. He is survived by his mother, Barbara H. Price, brothers, George, John, and Bill Price and his sister, Margaret (Pegge) Price Williams. He also has numerous cousins and other relatives.

Tom graduated from Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona where he was a gymnast of note and very good on the rings. He was a carpenter by trade.

He possessed unusual skills in drawing/drafting objects, animals, birds, and motor vehicles which he used to make models of the drafts using only popsicle sticks, water, and glue. His finished products left one to wonder how it could possibly have been created. He truly was blessed with unusual artistic and woodworking skills.

In spite of his many medical setbacks that included a couple of years of paralysis from the waist down, he had a friendly and kind disposition. He “was much loved by his mother” and will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held:

Sunday – June 23, 2024

6:30 – 8:00 pm

A brief service will be at 7:00 pm

Address: 422 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203 (Cross Streets – University and Mesa Drive)

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Veleda Penrod Willis was born in Pinon, Arizona on the family ranch outside of Vernon.  Veleda was born to Wallace Latham Penrod and Martha Alice Adams on March 26th, 1931.  She was the youngest of 3 girls and adored her older sisters Dorma and Alberta.  Life on the ranch was filled with lots of cousins and family gatherings, horse drawn sleighs in the winter, climbing trees, and attending school in a one room school house.

Her parents moved into Show Low, Arizona when she was 8.  Her parents owned a restaurant where the whole family worked many hours but enjoyed many friends and family visiting the restaurant. While attending Snowflake High School, she was a cheerleader, and her future husband Ronald Allen Willis was quite the sports star lettering in baseball, football and basketball.  They saw each other often and fell in love.

Ronald and Veleda were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1949, enjoying 61 beautiful years of marriage when he passed December 7, 2010.

Throughout her life Veleda served valiantly in many opportunities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She loved to work with the youth, and she also volunteered many, many hours assisting with the Indexing Program for genealogists.  Other than Ron, Veleda’s greatest passion was dancing.  She spent three years teaching Ronald to dance in the kitchen before he finally felt comfortable dancing at the dances.  Just a few short years later a call was extended directly from Salt Lake for them both to be Regional Dance Festival Directors for all of Arizona and parts of New Mexico and California.  They served in this calling for 15 years and loved the many people they served, the friendships they made and the numerous youth they had a positive impact on.

Veleda’s gregarious personality, attention to detail and eye for style made her a natural in the real estate industry. First earning her license in 1974, she was an incredible salesperson and remained licensed until she was 89.   It was not surprising that she loved working alongside Ronald to build many family homes and numerous other custom homes.  She had a designers’ eye which showed in the homes they built and, in their efforts, working with the Dance Festivals.  She was gifted at anything she endeavored in, in her 50’s she discovered she could sketch portraits and was very talented in capturing the complexities and spirit in the eyes.  Completely self-taught, she picked up a pencil and just started drawing one day and had a beautiful drawing the next day.  Her capabilities and interests were diverse also including hunting, camping, as well as an excellent seamstress.

Veleda and Ronald are together again.  They were blessed with 5 children, Rhonda Valee (Ronald) Smith, Keevin L (Judy) Willis-Mesa, Stacey L(Gary) Farr-Mesa, Cricket (Doug) Hatch-Flagstaff, Mark A. Willis-Mesa.  Their posterity is 139 including spouses, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Veleda was proceeded in death by her daughter Rhonda Valee Smith, Son-in-law Ronald Kay Smith, Granddaughters Jordan Jae Hatch and Valee D’Lynn Smith, and Grandson Brett Brewer.

The viewing will be held June 21st, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. and Memorial Services at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel of the Mountain Vista Ward located at 6655 E Preston Street, Mesa AZ 85215.

Burial will be 3:00 pm at the Show Low AZ Cemetery located at 414 E Adams, Show Low AZ 85901

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Gary W. Abrahamson of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on June 14, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.  Gary was born on August 6, 1936 in Minot, ND.

Gary leaves behind his loving wife Ruth Abrahamson, son Dean Abrahamson (Delores), grandsons Matthew Gary Abrahamson (Lanae), Michael David Abrahamson (Hilary), great- grandson Bennett Mark Abrahamson, stepchildren Robert Walker (Donelle), Renee Holmes, and granddaughter Raelynn Holmes.

Gary was preceded in death by wife Betty Jo Abrahamson and daughter Sherri Lynn Abrahamson.

Gary graduated from Minot High School and North Dakota State University with a degree in engineering. He spent his career in North Dakota and Arizona as an engineer and business owner.  He was proud of his work with the City of Payson assisting in the development of Green Valley Park.

Gary’s family held a private remembrance to respect Gary’s wishes.  Gary’s cremated remains will be interned at Mountain Meadows Memorial Park, Payson, AZ.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Carolyn Jean Wolfson was born August 25, 1935

Carolyn loved creating art in any form and found great joy in creating artwork with various mediums. She especially loved creating artwork for great grandchildren. Carolyn was an avid reader devouring any book she could get her hands on, thirsting for knowledge, adventure and history from all sources.

She was the mother of three beautiful daughters, one of whom died during early childhood. The other two daughters blessed her with nine grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. She relished moments with her family and loved playing cards and boardgames with them.

Carolyn married three times and she cherished the special bond that she shared with each of them. However; no love could ever fill the shoes of the love she shared with her father for whom she adored from the moment she was born.

Carolyn found her way to peace on June 15, 2024. She will forever be in our hearts.

Zona May Evans, 93, graduated from this life with honors on Monday, June 10, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Born and raised in Sedona, Arizona, Zona exemplified the character of the state for which she was named; bright, warm, and just a bit ornery and untamed.

Zona is survived by her family; William Evans (son), Tamara Gaisford (daughter), Tahlea Jankoski (granddaughter), Steve Gaisford (son-in-law), as well as countless adopted sons and daughters who were drawn to her infectious spirit and enthusiasm knowing the warmth of her charm was always a welcome respite.

As a young girl, Zona spent much of her time hanging around movie sets where her mom worked as a cook for the cast and crew. Her positive attitude captivated the attention of many iconic figures from the era of classic American westerns filmed in and around Sedona.

These early influences of the pre-diva Hollywood elite helped shape her graceful elegance, which later became an asset when she would meet military leaders and dignitaries in her role as an officer’s wife.

When Zona was in her early 20’s — teaching dance in Phoenix — she caught the eye of a dashing Air Force pilot who had reluctantly agreed to accompany an associate to dance lessons.

One look was all it took to change the feeling of obligation for a friend to one of serendipitous fortune. Zona’s grace, glow, and undeniable gravitational pull was palpable… and Captain William R Evans (Bob) was instantly smitten.

Through a bit of patience — and perhaps some help from his trusty jet — the Captain won the love of our small town girl. And thus began a fanciful life of travel and responsibilities, earning the reputation as the consummate hostess, homemaker, and of course, wife.

Sadly, at a young age, Zona became a widow when Bob unexpectedly passed away. Despite the profound sadness, her expansive circle of family and friends inspired her to carry on with the same spirit and positive outlook toward life.

And now, after 45 years apart, Zona is once again in the embrace of her one true love.

Zona lived her best life, one that she could not have even imagined as a little girl, and doing so brought much joy and perspective to everyone around her. We are grateful for the years she cheered us on, lifted us up, and shared her spunky, fun spirit with us.

Though she has left a void in our family, the memories remain to continue the inspiration of love, devotion, and a commitment to observe humor in the face of adversity.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (9565 E. Larkspur Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260) with the visitation beginning at 9 AM and the service at 10 AM. The grave dedication will be at 12 PM at Paradise Memorial Gardens. Guests are invited to attend a luncheon after the Interment.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.