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Ryan Gordon Putman, 23 passed away April 12, 2012 in Chandler, Arizona. He was born November 23, 1988 in Mesa. He was a student with a passion for learning new things.

He enjoyed photography, firearm collecting, debating, fishing, and researching new topics. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Pat, and grandfathers Gordon and Ray. He is survived by mother Melanie Koebbe, father Randall Putman, brother Kevin Putman, step-father Robert Koebbe, step-mother Jean Cheah, grandmother Ruth, uncles Wayne, Robert, Mike, Mark, aunts Cindy, Sheila, Twila, Wanita, Debbie, Cammie, cousins Andy, Misty, Debbie, Marilyn, Candace, Beverly, Tammy, Diana, Heather, Douglas, Sandy, and Robbie. He is also survived by his close friends including James, Clayton, Nicholas, Chase, Evan, Chris, and many others. No service is planned, his ashes will be scattered at Sycamore Creek. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Ireta B. Updike, age 92, died on April 9, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona, and is reunited with family and her eternal companion Paul J. Updike, who passed in 1996. Nancy Ireta Bench was born in Fairview, Utah to John L. and Elvira Cox Bench, the seventh in a family of 8 living children. Her early life was shaped by her Mormon faith, a loving father and mother, the trials of the Great Depression, farming, a large extended family, and the mountains and valleys of central Utah. Upon graduating North Sanpete High School, she began nursing training at LDS Hospital in 1939 in SLC. She came to Mesa, AZ for health reasons and to further her nursing training at Mesa Southside Hospital. She also met her future husband, Paul at a Mezona dance. Upon her graduation in Utah as an RN, she returned to Mesa in the fall of 1941. Paul finished his LDS Mission in the summer of 1942. They married that November in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Their family grew quickly, with seven children eventually gracing their Phoenix home. Ireta also continued as a nurse, periodically helping to supplement the family’s income. Her nursing skills were her hallmark for over 45 years. Besides nursing, she served in her church as a teacher and in compassionate service. She was also elected as PTA president twice at Emerson School in Phoenix. Most famous of her many skills were her legendary homemade bread and rolls, enticing many to just skip dessert. Ireta is survived by seven children Lisle (Julene), Robert (Margaret), John (Janet), Galen (Maxine), Janet ( Rod Campbell), Paul Jr.(Cari), and Nancy (Art Case), 43 living grandchildren, (2 pre-deceased her) and currently 79 great-grandchildren. Her Funeral will be Saturday, April 21, at 10:30 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Vineyard Ward, 1054 W. 2nd Place, Mesa. Burial at Greenwood Memory Lawn in Phoenix at 2 PM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Bruce Chester Hunt, 88, peacefully died on Tuesday April 10, 2012 as he lost his battle with Parkinson’s disease. He had been lovingly taken care of by the staff of The Carriage House in Snowflake Arizona for only 4 days before he passed away. Bruce was a loving, hardworking son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather; a brave soldier, an honest business man with integrity and a righteous, valiant man of faith. Bruce was born November 6, 1923 in Joseph City, Arizona. He was sixth of nine children born to Benjamin and Pearl Hansen Hunt who owned and operated Homestead Dairy. He was herding and milking cows as early as age 4. Bruce graduated from Holbrook High School in 1941 where he played on the Men’s basketball team. He put in the final basket for the Holbrook Roadrunners to win the State Championship game his senior year. He served in the Army Air Force as a radio operator. He had many harrowing experiences while serving all over the world. He often delighted his children with bedtime stories of his many adventures from China, India and Iceland. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Staff Sergeant. He married Zena Louise Beadle on December 31, 1947. He attended and graduated from the University of Arizona in 1951 with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. He was a Manager of Foxworth Galbraith Lumber Company in Mesa and Wickenburg Arizona. In 1967 he moved his family to Flagstaff Arizona as manager of Kaibab Cash and Carry Lumber Company. He later purchased this business and renamed the company Hunt’s True Value Lumber Company. He was active in his community as a leader in the Rotary Club. He served faithfully as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in many capacities; one of which was Branch President in Wickenburg Arizona for 12 years. He and his wife Zena served 2 LDS missions in Ireland and Africa.

Bruce is preceded in death by 5 siblings; Max, Rex, Bud, Rolf and Helen Hunt, and one grandchild, Casey Nimmer. Bruce is mourned by his sister Nona Kingsbury and his brother Kern Hunt, his wife Zena Hunt, his children, Lois Waterman, Deborah Esquibel Hunt, Jennifer Menegas, Colleen Crane, Sandy Harenberg, Jeff Hunt, Doug Hunt and their spouses, 36 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 3 PM, preceded by a visitation at 2 PM at the LDS Chapel, 3025 S. Hawes Rd., Mesa, AZ 85212. Interment at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207. Funeral arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Charles C. “Smokey

Max S. Blazzard, age 87, died April 7, 2012. He was born March 10, 1925, in Thatcher, Arizona. He and his wife, Mae, were sealed in the Mesa, Arizona temple and enjoyed 64 years together. Max and Mae are the parents of 5 children, 27 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Max served in World War II as a radio operator and was later employed by the Arizona Highway Department for 29 years. Upon retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to 49 of the 50 states. A viewing will be held at 9 AM on April 14th, in the LDS Del Rio chapel in Tempe, AZ, followed by a funeral service at 10 AM. Burial will take place later that day at the Emery Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Roger Nephi Ferguson, born September 6, 1932, returned home to his Father in Heaven on April 7, 2012. He died of Asbestosis, peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family. He was born to Byron and Fawn Ferguson in Santa Monica, California. He was the second of 7 children. His family moved to Provo, Utah, where he graduated from Brigham Young High School and attended Brigham Young University. At the age of 19 he married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Sybil Rae Clarke, on July 10, 1952, in the Manti, Utah Temple. They would be married 60 years this coming July. His wife and 5 children were the most important achievements of his life. Roger always enjoyed the outdoors; he loved golfing, fishing, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. Roger always needed to stay busy, and enjoyed people, and sharing what he had. He loved his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was involved in all of their lives and tried to help each one as he felt was needed. Education was so important to him that he set up an education fund for each of them, and a scholarship education endowment fund for others. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he devoted much of his time and talents serving others. Roger was a true entrepreneur. Together with his wife, he developed Diet Center International, where they had over 2600 franchises. He owned farms, ranches, a fish hatchery, an ice plant, a pharmaceutical laboratory and print shop. He had many real estate holdings as well as development companies. Some of his accomplishments were:

• Youngest President of the Utah Asbestos Installation Union

• Farmer of the Year Award from Farmers Merchant Banquet

• President of Diet Center International, Inc.,

• Diet Center Inc. was listed as #13 in the top 100 Franchises in America by International Franchise Association

• Who’s Who in America Business

• Who’s Who in the West

• Inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame,

• Lifetime Achievement Award by the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce.

• Board of Directors of American Health Co.

• 7 hole in one’s

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Gayla Ferguson and Julie Hamling. He is survived by his wife Sybil, children Debra (David) Preece, Michael (VaLene) Ferguson, Wade (Lanell ) Ferguson, Lois (Jeff) Webb, Rissa (Eric) Koenig, 28 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday April 14, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Larkspur ward, 9565 East Larkspur Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. A “Celebration of Life

Crandall Bland Giddings, 96. Born 28 December 1915, in Weiser, Idaho. Died 8 April 2012, in Mesa, AZ of complications from a broken femur sustained in a fall. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Anna Kiefer, of Kings Park, Long Island, New York. He was a magnum cum laude graduate of Brigham Young University, with MD and PhD from the University of Cincinnati. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in WWII and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was a pioneering physician, a founding member of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists who established the first nuclear medicine facility in the Valley (1959). He played the cello with Pablo Casals and Zara Nelsova, and helped found the Mesa fine Arts Association/Mesa Symphony Orchestra, the Arizona Cello Society (1969), and the San Marcos Symphony Orchestra (1989). He was Mesa Artist of the Year (1972) and received the San Marcos Symphony Distinguished Service Award. He was a lifelong genealogist and family historian who took great pleasure in tracing elusive connections, and published numerous books on his family history and ancestors. He loved the wilderness of the American southwest, and was an Eagle Scout and Silver Beaver, and a river-rat who made six Colorado River descents through Glen Canyon and the Grand Canyon with Scouts and Explorers. Wherever he lived, he planted trees; many hundreds over his lifetime, and he was well known for his love of geese. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Lucille Layton Giddings; step-daughter Cathy Wiggins (Olympia, WA); step-son Hal Trost (White Fish, MT); sons Thomas Crandall (Mesa, AZ) and Luther Val (Silver Spring, MD); grandchildren Calvin Aono Giddings and Naomi Anna Haruko Giddings, and many who loved and will miss his impish sense of humor, generous spirit, and citrus gifts. Funeral services are Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 11, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the LDS Harris 2nd Ward, 1455 N. Harris Dr., Mesa, AZ. Burial will be in the American Fork, UT Cemetery on 5 May 2012. Donations may be made to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, 425 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.

Katherine Mary Solsten van Mourik, 63, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, April 7, 2012. Born on November 12, 1948 in St. Louis, MO, she was the fourth of thirteen children. After her childhood in St. Albans, WV, Katherine began her career as a school teacher where she taught the 4th and 6th grade. Katherine’s young adult years included time living abroad in Kenya and Great Britain prior to her living in Green Bay, WI where she had two sons and served on the Green Bay school board from 1979-1981. Katherine’s life travels then took her to Melbourne, Australia where she had a daughter and earned her Master’s in Computer Science. After returning to the U.S., Katherine began her career as a software developer in the education industry and eventually went on to earn her MBA. Katherine is remembered as bright, conscientious, and talented in multiple disciplines. People loved her enthusiastic and cheerful nature. Katherine is survived by her husband, Jerry; her three children, Eric, Ethan (Elaine), and Lauren (Nam); and her eleven siblings, Eric, Kristine, Marit, Tom, Martha, Ann, Laura, Clare, Ellen, Paul and Karen. A service in her honor will be held on Saturday, April 14th at 11AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 5620 E. Adobe Rd. in Mesa, AZ.

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jean Meyer, of Goodlife RV Resort on April 10, 2012. She was preceded by her parents Len and Margaret and brother Teddy. She is survived by her daughter Sandra (Elmer), granddaughters Tania (Brian), Kezia, great-grandchildren Colby, Branden, Ashleigh and Brittany, Her beloved husband Rolly, his daughters Carol, Phyllis (Lennie), Judy (Jamie), Rena Faye (Dennis) and family, grandsons Patrick and Tony (Erin). Also survived by one sister Stella in England, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and numerous friends. Jean will be sadly missed. Her memorial is on April 16th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr, Mesa, at 10:00a.m. In lieu of flowers contributions to Hospice of the Valley would be appreciated by the family.

Britten, Flora Mae. Our mother Flora Britten, 87, passed away at the Hospice of the Valley on April 2, 2012. Her family was with her to see her on her journey to be with her late husband Geoff. She is survived by her three children Alan (Phyllis), Michael (Kim), and Patty Rollins (Larry), as well as seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is also survived by her brothers Jim Ferrin (Violet) and Levin Ferrin (Marsha) and sister Janice Jenkins. Flora was born in 1924 in Pima Arizona to Ether and Julia Ferrin. She is preceded in death by brothers Paul and Mac, and her sister Leila Branch. Flora was ever the romantic. She loved music, opera, sculpture, paintings, and a good story. True to her name, her greatest pleasure was to nurture flowers — especially roses. She marveled at the color, shape, and perfume of a single rose. Flora and Geoff met in 1944 while Geoff was in pilot training for the Royal Air Force at Falcon Field. They corresponded during World War II until they married in 1946 in Northhampton, England. Flora’s first child, Alan, was born in 1947. In 1952, Flora, Geoff, and Alan moved to Illinois. There, Flora gave birth to Michael and Patty. The family later moved to upstate New York. After Geoff’s death in 1966, Flora moved her family to Mesa. With inner strength and resolve, she single-handedly raised her family. She learned to drive, sent all three children through college, and earned a degree in education. Flora was a beloved third grade teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School. She instilled in her students the qualities of passion, curiosity, humor, playfulness, and high values. She touched hundreds of children, many of whom owe their successes to her teaching. She was active in the LDS Church throughout her life and served in many positions, including music director for the Relief Society. Her caring, gentle, and eternally youthful spirit will be missed by all that have had the privilege of knowing her. Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 7 at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Elmwood Ward at 925 N. Harris Drive, Mesa. She will be interred at the City of Mesa Cemetery following the service. Viewings will be held between 6-8 PM Friday evening at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa (www. bunkerfuneral.com) and at 9 AM at the Elmwood Ward Relief Society room.

Marta Isabel Sanborn, 70, passed away March 29, 2012 in Gilbert, Arizona. Memorial services are Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 7 PM at the Redemption Gateway Church, 8743 East Pecos Road in Mesa. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

James Grant Morris was born on April 22, 1943 in Moncks Corner, S.C. He was the 10th of 13 children born to Robert McNeil and Marie Wyndham Morris. He passed away from this life on April 1, 2012 after a short yet valiant fight with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Sherry. Also his children Shane (Ruth), Cary (Amy), Randon (Anne), Weston (Christine), Darin, Mandy (Spencer Nally) and Wendy (Jeremy Capron), 33 adoring grandchildren, many extended family members and life long friends. A viewing will be held in his honor on Thursday April 5, 2012 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ. Funeral service will be at 10:00 am Friday April 6, 2012, Parkcrest Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3920 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ. Family viewing will be at 9:00am preceding the services.

Gore, Amelia C. (Millie), 100, of Scottsdale, peacefully passed away at her home on March 28, 2012. She is now in heaven with her husband Richard, her dear friends and her savior Jesus. Millie was born October 4, 1911 in Clinton, Iowa. She married Richard Gyoerkoes (Gore) and they lived in Lincolnwood, Illinois for 40 years before she moved to Arizona 19 years ago. She was a devout Catholic and member of Saint Daniels the Prophet in Scottsdale. She was loved by all and many considered her their second mom. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. Services will be at Saint Daniels, 10:00 a.m. on April 3 at 1030 N. Hayden with a reception celebration of her life after mass in the clubhouse at Wheel Inn Ranch, 7010 E. Continental Dr. Scottsdale, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

LoRee Munson Shurtz, 89, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. LoRee was born on July 27, 1922 to Lewis Leo Munson and Hortense Cope Munson in Tropic, Utah. When she was four years old the family moved to Escalante, Utah where she attended school. As a young woman she was student body president, played piano and trumpet with “The Rhythm Swingsters,

Milton Lee, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and East Valley leader passed away March 23, 2012, with his family by his side after a two year battle with cancer. He was born on March 11, 1928, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Elisha Vernon and Kathryn Degrush. Milton is survived by his wife Betty of 32 years, 8 children, Roberta Carambia (John), Hemet CA, Mary Beal, St. Charles, MO, Randy Lee (Suzanne), Las Vegas, NV, Terry Gorham, New River AZ, Patrick Lee, Mesa, AZ, Kelly Lee, Pine, AZ, Danny Lee, Mesa, AZ, Casey Lee, Thornton, CO, 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters; John, Ralph, Pat, Mary and June. He is preceded in death by his brother Jimmy. Milton and his family relocated to Phoenix, when he was three-months old; however, he always considered himself a native. He attended Baltz Elementary and Phoenix Union High School, where he played baseball, football and ran track. In 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and spent 24 months in the South Pacific during World War II and was the recipient of numerous commendations. He was honorably discharged in late 1946. After returning to Phoenix, Lee took up his grandfather’s trade as a barber and ultimately became a member of the Barber’s Hall of Fame. He was a behind the scenes kind of man that had a vision for Phoenix, and the East Valley in particular. He conceived out of the box ideas and helped them become reality. He was a master at bringing the community and politicians together to accomplish a common goal. In the late 1940’s, he took on increasing responsibilities as a labor official, becoming an officer and lobbyist for the AFL-CIO. He managed several congressional and senate campaigns. He supported what he believed were good leaders from both parties, even though he was a Democrat. From 1957 to 1965, he focused on furthering his education and received specialized training from UCLA, University of California-Berkley, Loyola University and National Training Laboratories in Bethel, ME. This advanced education changed his life significantly and moved him from a labor official to a life of social work and community service. From 1957 -1963, he was Employee Relations Director for the Phoenix United Way, all while raising a young family. In the early sixties, he led the effort to provide mass polio immunizations in Arizona. From 1963 to 1966 he took on additional responsibilities as the Assistant to the General President of the Barber’s International Union. During the early to mid 1960s, he worked as a political strategist to President John F. Kennedy and wrote Medicare speeches for Hubert H. Humphrey and the National Council of Senior Citizens. From 1966 to 1991, he served as the President and CEO of the Mesa United Way and Founder and President of the Tri-City Community Service Board. During this period, he found time to mastermind and implement some two dozen community programs that responded to a variety of human-service needs. Recipients of those efforts have included the needy, the hungry, the homeless and the abused. Among his most notable contributions was his involvement in the creation of Tri-City Community Service Center. The Old Southside hospital was redesigned to be used as a central, one-stop headquarters for 116 social services – the largest complex of its kind in the nation. He also developed the community’s Women-Off-Welfare, or WOW program, which has received national recognition. He helped with Mesa’s application for the coveted All-America City Award and was among the city’s key leaders who presented the Mesa presentation in Lexington, KY. Project Time Out, a concept designed to deter school drop-outs, won the top award of the National Association of County Governments. Additionally, he was founder of the Mesa Public Safety Foundation, an organization that honors Mesa police, Mesa fire, and other first responder organizations for outstanding service. In a cooperative venture with the University of Arizona, he conceptualized and helped found the East Valley Cancer Satellite. He led the effort to create the East Valley Behavioral Health Council, an agency which coordinates mental health programs in the East Valley and helps ensure their receipt of state and national funding. He developed the concept of the United Food Distribution Center, which stands as a national model for the efficient distribution of food to food banks and pantries. He was co-founder of the East Valley Partnership, a group of community leaders whose efforts are focused on ensuring the equitable distribution of state and national resources to the East Valley. He was a consultant to Republican John Rhodes, further illustrating the breadth of his ability to work with widely varying political interests. At the same time, he represented the interests of two leading Democrats, Governor Bruce Babbitt and U.S. Senator Dennis DeConcini. Lee’s other activities have included his service on the Rio Salado Authority and the 1986 Maricopa County Citizens Bond Committee. He was a founding Board Member and President of the Arizona Department of Economic Security. In addition to his other honors, was named Outstanding Citizen of Mesa in l980 and “Man of the Year in 1981. In 1988 he received a Key to the City of Mesa. No other Mesa citizen has ever received such an honor. He has also been honored with the top Rotary Club award, which is named “Service Above Self

Kenneth Charles Walters of Chandler, Arizona, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away March 27, 2012 at age 77 after a valiant battle with diabetes. He enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. Born August 15, 1934 in Magna Utah, he was the last surviving child of Alfred B Walters & Hazel Kate Steadman. He married his sweetheart of 56 years Betty Jean Schwinn in 1955. He is survived by his wife, and children, Scott Walters (Susan), Traci Layton (Ken), and granddaughters, Brooke, Sydney, & Whitney. He was preceded in death by son Randy Walters. Funeral services are Monday April 2, 2012 at 11am, Pleasant Ward Chapel, 800 W. Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler AZ. Visitation 1 hour prior at 10am. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel in Arizona. In Utah, friends & family are invited to gather on April 4th from 9:45am to 10:45am at Lindquist Mortuary, 2140 Wash. Blvd. Ogden UT. Graveside Service & Interment to follow at 11am at Ben Lomond Cemetery in No. Ogden. Flowers may be sent to either mortuary.