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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.

Larae Cunningham Lewis, 85, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 9, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona. She was the eldest child of Lee Cunningham and Effie Fugal. Larae was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on August 21, 1938. In her early years, she enjoyed tap dancing and baton twirling, and she represented Rigby High School during her senior year at the Eastern Idaho State Fair, where she won first place. In 1955, Larae and her family moved to Mesa, Arizona. It was there that she met and married Clyde Lewis. They had four children. Larae loved being a wife and mother, and she took pride in raising her children and teaching them loving principles. She had a tremendous love for her family and cherished every moment spent with them. Larae enjoyed sharing her family history with others. She celebrated 65 years of marriage until Clyde passed away in 2021. Larae was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Effie, her husband Clyde, her brothers, Mont and Kevin, and her son Bryan. She is survived by her sisters Annette, Carol, and Lesa, her children Gary, Kyle, and Lonna, as well as her eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Mountain Vista Ward building, located at 10305 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85209. The services will begin at 10:00 AM, preceded by a viewing at 9:00 AM. Following the services, a gravesite dedication will take place at the Mesa Cemetery at 11:30 AM. Flowers may be sent to Bunkers Mortuary, located at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. For further assistance, you may contact them at phone number 480-964-8686

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.

Rossland is survived by her spouse Stanley and three children; Jessica, Nathaniel and Brian. She died peacefully 09 Jun 2024, Sunday evening at 11:52pm, after battling cancer since 1998. She was faithful until the end, looking after the sisters in the Tempe Ward. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and friend. She was active in her callings and served her community. She was strong and fought through many trials. Despite her major health issues, she remained positive. She was devoted to her faith and loved Heavenly Father. She kept her covenants and strived to follow Jesus Christ to the end of her life.

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.

Finnley Oak Starr Udall was born on November 11th, 2011 in Provo, Utah and passed from this life on June 8th, 2024 in Provo, Utah.

Finnley was a young man full of love for his family and his puppy.

He had an imagination that created fun worlds with his toys, like his beloved Legos.

Being out in nature and exploring was something else he enjoyed, whether in Arizona or Utah or anywhere in between.

Please join his family in honoring Finnley at the visitation and memorial service:

Visitation: Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 6:00-8:00 PM  at 1150 W. Combs Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85140

Memorial Service: June 22nd, 2024 at 11:00 AM at 1150 W. Combs Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85140 (there will be a viewing one hour prior at 10:00 AM )

Burial: June 22nd, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the San Tan Memorial Gardens at 22425 E Cloud Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85140

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.

Larry Eugene Sunday passed away peacefully at Emerald Glen Memory Care Plus (although he did not require memory care!) in Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, just six days before his 64th wedding anniversary. He was 85.

Larry was born in Toledo, Ohio on Sunday, January 1, 1939 to John Franklin Sunday, Jr. and Stella Isabell Harmon, the eldest of their two children. As Swanton, Ohio’s “New Year’s Baby” he and his parents were given many gifts by local merchants.

Larry lived in Swanton for over 37 years. Beginning at age twelve, he played the organ for Trinity United Methodist Church, maintaining a passion for the instrument throughout his life. He also played the trombone in the Swanton High School marching band and performed the lead role in the junior class play.

In the second grade he sent a note to a cute little girl named Priscilla Witker. It read, “When we grow up, will you marry me?” They dated during and after high school and were married June 4^th, 1960, by Priscilla’s brother Bill, an ordained minister. On the evening of their wedding, Priscilla’s grandmother Leah Wilbur approached Larry holding the second-grade note and said, “I am glad to see that you are finally going to honor this.”

Thanks to his father-in-law Lawrence Witker, Larry was hired as a draftsman by the Dana Corporation, an automotive parts manufacturer, in 1963. For a lifelong “car guy” (he bought his first car before he obtained his driver’s license), this was a dream job at which he excelled. Eventually he was promoted to technical writer and wrote many “how-to” manuals for installing aftermarket part kits such as a cruise control.

Larry’s other “pastime” besides the organ and cars was serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Swanton Fire Department. He spent most of his 16.2 years of service as a pumper driver and engineer.

In February 1975, Larry and his family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The family loved the missionaries and became (in)famous for traveling throughout the Michigan Lansing Mission to visit them, eventually drawing a gentle admonition from mission President Russell Hansen. Until neuropathy prevented him, Larry served as a ward organist in every ward he resided, and also various Church missionary and leadership callings.

Larry relocated his family to Tempe, Arizona, in November 1976 in both an effort to eliminate his asthma and to obey a prompting he received from the Holy Ghost.

He obtained his real estate license in February 1977 and became a broker in 1984, maintaining his licensure until his passing. Larry served with distinction on multiple real estate boards and committees at the local, state, and national levels. He received Realtor Emeritus status in 2017 after 40 years in the profession.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and sweet wife Priscilla. He is survived by his sister Martha (Tom) Gerity of Whitehouse, Ohio; daughter Deborah (Jay) Kristofferson of Chandler, Arizona; son Timothy (Cheri) Sunday of Tempe, Arizona; and four grandchildren.

The family would like to thank his good friends Nelson Butler, Lauren Bolks, Bill Webster, and his wonderful caregivers for their love and support of Larry.

Maxine Ray Steiner, age 98, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024 at the Emerald Grove facility in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by family.  She was born on September 11, 1925, in Gilbert, Arizona, to Sims Flood and Nellie Ellsworth Ray. She was the cherished wife of Boyd E. Steiner, who preceded her in death in 2013. Together they shared a deep bond and raised a loving family. Maxine is survived by her children Sherry Gillespie (Paul), Mike Steiner (Cara), Doug Steiner (Patty), Christine Montgomery (Kent), and Kelli Reed (Steve). (Deceased: David Steiner and Rae Lynne Donkin.)

Maxine was a devoted grandmother to 37 grandchildren, 106 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Raised in Mesa, Arizona, she was known for her love of sports, sewing, politics, and family, especially her grandchildren.

She married the love of her life, Boyd E. Steiner, on January 1, 1945. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 5, 1945. They then embarked on their journey of raising seven children.

Maxine was a pillar of strength in her community. She was actively involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having been baptized on September 30, 1933.

Maxine Ray Steiner was a pioneer in her own right, with an unwavering love for God and family. Her legacy of service, resilience, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Viewing: 6/13/2024

Bunker Mortuary

33 N. Centennial Way

Mesa, AZ 85201

From 6 to 8 p.m.

Funeral Service: 6/14/2024

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

3344 E. McDowell Rd.

Mesa, AZ 85213

Viewing from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m.

Service begins at 9 a.m.

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/97034209717

In Loving Memory of Aysia Nichole Gilliam:

Aysia Nichole Gilliam went to her final resting place on Friday, June 7th, 2024. Aysia will be greatly missed by her family and friends and remembered for her charismatic personality and unique sense of humor. Aysia attended elementary and middle school in Dodge City, Kansas, and attended high school and graduated from Highland High School, in Gilbert, AZ in 2020. Aysia is survived by her parents, Lori (Reynolds) Gilliam, Dodge City, KS and Troy F. Gilliam, Little Rock, AR; sisters, Alyssa (Jayme) Humphrey, Dodge City, KS, and Aspen Gilliam, Scottsdale, AZ; niece, Aria Humphrey, Dodge City, KS; nephews, Griffin and Odin Humphrey, Dodge City, KS; maternal grandmother, Dorotha Reynolds “Nana,” Dodge City, KS; paternal grandparents, Fred and Dorothy Gilliam, Shreveport, LA; aunt, Stephanie Reynolds, Phoenix, AZ; uncles, Scott (Carrie) Reynolds, and Jerrod Gilliam, Shreveport, LA; cousin, Logan Reynolds, Enid, OK. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Larry Reynolds “Papa,” Dodge City, KS; paternal great-grandmother, Dorothy (Reynolds) Allen, Dodge City, KS; maternal great-grandmother, Elizabeth West, Scott City, KS; and numerous other family members.

Robert Craig Gadberry—beloved son, father, and friend—passed away at home on June 1, 2024, at the age of 44.  Rob was born November 8, 1979, in Mesa, Arizona, as an only child to parents Ann Petersen Gadberry and Robert C. Gadberry.  Rob graduated from Red Mountain High School in Mesa in 1998 and continued his education at the University of Advancing Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in software engineering.

Rob married Amy Rachelle Crawford on November 17, 2007, in Mesa, Arizona.  The couple had two children, Robert C. Marvin Gadberry and Karter Ann Gadberry.  Rob loved family time and enjoyed all types of games and taking family vacations.  His children were his priority, and he treasured opportunities to support their activities and prized time together.

Rob’s family and friends would often comment on his bright smile.  Those who know Rob would describe him as a man with an incredibly warm and loving heart.  He gave his full attention to others, and friends and family enjoyed being with him.  Rob had a gift for making others laugh. He was a man of great loyalty. He was kind and gave others the benefit of the doubt. Rob valued peace, and always wanted peace in his life.

Rob was an excellent cook, who enjoyed watching cooking shows and improving his craft.  He thoroughly enjoyed cooking for his family, and they were happy to gather to savor his cooking!  His family was especially fond of his gourmet sandwiches and smoked brisket.  One day Rob hoped to have his own food truck.  He had a remarkable mind for trivia and was gifted in remembering all kinds of facts.  He had a love for the great outdoors. An avid football fan, Rob enthusiastically supported the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, and cheered on the Arizona State University Sun Devils in college football.

Rob’s professional career, which began in software engineering, shifted to becoming a much sought-after recruiter specializing in talent acquisition, predominately in the technical and medical fields.  His valued services were used by a variety of companies and institutions.

Rob is survived by his father Robert C. Gadberry, his mother Ann Burns (husband Patrick), son Robert Gadberry and daughter Karter Gadberry, former wife Amy Dunn (husband Aaron) and children Kaity, Lukas, and Landan.

The family particularly wishes to thank all extended family, friends, and neighbors who have shared love, kindness, and friendship with Rob throughout the years.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 9:00 – 10:15 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Brimhall Ward building, located at 1249 S. 48^th Street, Mesa, Arizona 85206.  A funeral will be held in the same location immediately following, at 10:30 am.

Following the service, interment will be at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the giver’s choice of charity.

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.

Benjamin Aaron Abel, loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away surrounded by family and dear friends on Thursday, June 6, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ben continuously showed courage and bravery throughout his life but especially in his valiant five-year battle against stage four lung cancer. He had unwavering faith as he endured to the end.

Ben was born on March 6, 1984 in Mesa, Arizona to Ronald and Peggy (Meyer) Abel. He was the second of their nine children and spent his childhood in Mesa. After graduating from Mesa High School in 2002, Ben served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cochabamba, Bolivia. On February 4, 2005, Ben married the love of his life, Michelle Judd, in the Mesa LDS Temple. Ben adored Michelle and always spoke highly of her to others. He thought of her as his queen and he loved taking care of her. Ben and Michelle lived in Mesa and San Tan Valley before making Queen Creek their home.

Ben loved children and was so happy to be a father. He and Michelle anxiously waited and persevered to have children and are the proud parents of Brynlee, Tycen, Emery and Kynzie. Ben was a nurturing, hands-on and very present father. He was affectionate with his children, always holding, carrying and playing with them. He played sports and card games with his kids and would participate in any activity to interact and connect with them on their levels. Ben loved supporting his kids in their interests and activities and went to all their games, concerts and recitals up until the very end of his life.

Ben loved his daughters and treated them like princesses. He enjoyed spoiling them and always wanted them to know their worth and that they were special daughters of God. Tycen was Ben’s sidekick and Ben loved his spunkiness and jokes. He taught Tycen to work hard, to be a leader, and to always love and care for his mother. Ben was not afraid of dying, but he fought hard to live because of his care and concern for Michelle and the kids.

Ben attended the Universal Technical Institute for diesel mechanics and spent most of his career in the construction and restoration industry. For the last twelve years, Ben worked for DC Restoration where he made many friends who he considered to be family. Ben took his role as a provider seriously. He always worked hard to provide for his family and to meet all their needs and wants.

Ben was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an Eagle Scout and loved the scouting program. He enjoyed serving with the youth and made a big impact on the young men he worked with. Ben was grateful to be able to reach the milestone of baptizing all four of his children as members of the Church.

As an avid lover of the outdoors, Ben enjoyed spending time camping, hunting and riding ATVs. He was a longtime ASU football season ticket holder and he loved taking his friends and family with him to the games. Ben enjoyed all kinds of music and loved to blare music in his truck and put on the perfect music for gatherings and parties. He loved to cook and grill. Good food was important to Ben and he found joy in making gourmet meals to share with everyone. He was very patriotic and known for going all out with decorating for the big holidays. He was a jokester and enjoyed pranking and teasing his family and friends. Ben had a special bond with his nieces and nephews and loved spoiling them. He would often sneak them treats and soda and was a fun uncle, taking all the kids for rides on his RZR.

Ben was very talented and creative and could build and fix just about anything. He built and made many things for his home and took pride in having an immaculate yard. He was also an excellent mechanic and enjoyed fixing up a Ford Bronco with his dad in his youth.  Ben could often be found helping friends and family with their home repairs and remodeling. He would serve anyone and everyone, helping them with whatever they needed. He sacrificed his own needs for the needs of others until the very end of his life.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Michelle, and his precious children, Brynlee (12), Tycen (11), Emery (9), and Kynzie (8). He is also survived by his mother, Peggy Abel of Mesa, and siblings, Ronald (Cynthia) Meserve of Santa Rosa, CA, Ronda (Larry) Kratzer of Queen Creek, Becky (Josh) Hatch of San Tan Valley, Blake Abel of Mesa, Brenton (Helene Lopez) Abel of Mesa, Brian (Tiffany) Abel of San Tan Valley, Bradley Abel of Mesa, Braden Abel of Mesa, and Connor Abel of Norfolk, VA. Ben will be greatly missed by his 22 nieces and nephews and many cousins and close friends that loved him.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Ronald, whom he loved and had missed for nineteen years. As the oldest son, Ben stepped in to fill the role as a father figure and caretaker to his younger brothers when their father passed away. The absence of his faithful, steady influence will leave a void but there is great joy in knowing of the glorious reunion Ben is having with his father and the many loved ones who have gone before him.

The Abel family would like to give a very special thank you to Ben’s work family at DC Restoration and will be forever grateful for the way they loved and supported Ben and his family during his fight with cancer. Additional thanks to the medical professionals and the many family, friends and ward members that have offered support and service to Ben, Michelle, and their family over the last several years.

A viewing will be held for Ben on Friday, June 14 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Bunker Family Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, June 15 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 22035 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek. There will be a viewing prior to the funeral services from 9:00-9:45 AM. The graveside dedication will follow at San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms, 22425 E. Cloud Rd., Queen Creek.

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.