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Nelda Elaine Huber Anderson, 87, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2012, at her home in Mesa. An Arizona native and the youngest of 12 children, Nelda was born on the family farm east of Mesa to Arizona pioneers, John Jacob and Percis Huber. After graduation from Mesa Union High School, she attended Utah State Agricultural College in Logan, Utah. There she met and married her husband of 58 years, Jay O. Anderson in the Arizona Temple. Following WWII and graduate school in Maryland, they moved back to Logan where they lived for 33 years and raised their 6 children. Nelda was busy in community and church activities. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as a stake Primary president, ward Relief Society president, and as a teacher in both the primary and young women’s organizations. She also worked in the PTA, serving as a chapter president. In 1985 following retirement, Jay kept a promise to Nelda and returned her to live in Arizona’s warmer weather where they served as officiators in the Mesa Arizona Temple for over 12 years. Jay died in 2002. Nelda and Jay loved to dance and traveled to attend dances around the West. Nelda was an accomplished family woman and homemaker. She took pride in her children and the things she did in her home. As an outstanding cook she was known for her chocolates and cake decorating. Nelda is survived by her six children: Wayne (Genan) of Orem, Utah.; Ray (Lynn) of Mesa; Russell (Charmaine) of Orem, Utah; Elaine (Doug) of Canyon Lake, Texas.; Dale (Helen) of Tucson, and Keith (Barbara) of Deweyville, Utah. She also leaves thirty-five grandchildren and thirty-two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Olive, Mattie, Thelma, Mae, Inez and Irma, and brothers Lee, Ernest, Albert, Waldo and Paul. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 11 at 11 AM in the LDS chapel at 422 E University Dr. A viewing will be held Friday, February 10 from 6 to 8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, and for one hour prior to the memorial service. Burial will be in the Mesa City Cemetery. In honor of Nelda, donations can be made to the Perpetual Education, Humanitarian or Temple Participation Funds of the LDS Church.

After strong arming the Death Angel for 15 years, Ralph Jackson entered into final rest surrounded by his family in his home on February 6, 2012 at the age of 92. Ralph was born in Hazen, Arkansas on February 6, 1920. He retired to Mesa, Arizona in 1970 after 27 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He then worked for Valley National Bank as an Assistant Comptroller. He was active in the Sons of the American Revolution, Military Officers of America Association and the Mayflower Society.

Ralph served in World War ll in the European theater as a pilot and received the Air Medal. He received a bachelor’s degree in Military Science and a master’s degree in Accountancy.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeane Jackson, whom he loved dearly and four daughters, Linda (Michael) Brown, Margo Allerton, Rhonda (Luccia) Jackson and Becky (Tom) Scotney, five grandchildren, Tim (Carra) Brown, Chris (Venus) Brown, Nathan Stipes and Tyler and Laura Scotney, three great-grandchildren, two sisters and two brothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Terrell and Margaret (Maggie May Sanders) Jackson, and four brothers and a sister.

Ralph was a man of courage and honor and an inspiration to his family and friends. He will be missed. Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at 11:00a.m., at Grace United Methodist Church, 2024 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to a charity of your choice.

Mary Alice Griffin Hackitt, 85, was born on May 11, 1926. She died Sunday, Jan 29, 2011 in Mesa AZ. Mary was a World War II war bride, she married Jack Hackitt, a young lieutenant in the army at Ft. Worth TX in 1943. They were married 53 yrs. Mary and Jack had four children Jackie, Sandra and twins David and Dale. Mary was born in Kansas City, MO and lived most of her life in Mesa. She was preceded in death by her son Jack R Hackitt (Jackie) in 1969 and her beloved husband Lt Col Jack Hackitt in 1997. Mary is survived by daughter Sandra Macdonald (Duane) of Elk Ridge, UT, sons David (Gail), Dale (Tana) of Mesa AZ, brother Gary Griffin of Long Beach CA, 16 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Mary became an accomplished painter later in life and was also a member of the Mahnah Club. She and Jack loved to bowl and travel and most of all she loved every moment spent with her large family. Viewing will be Thursday Feb. 2 from 6-8PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Carla Wagner, much loved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend passed away January 29, 2012 in Mesa AZ. Carla was born in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico to Wilbur Wagner and Carel Robinson Wagner on June 12, 1961. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. Carla was a dedicated employee for almost 25 years for the City of Mesa, working in the City Attorney’s office and most recently in the office of the City Manager. She is survived by parents of Mesa AZ and siblings, Teria (David) Mortensen, St George UT; Paula (Art) Whiting, Mesa AZ; Tami (Larry) Reeves, Friendswood TX; Brenda (Eric) Larsen, Orem UT; Ted (Shauna) Wagner, South Jordan UT; Jana (Kirk) Tryon, Allen TX; Kevin (Kim) Wagner, Chico CA and Shauna Wagner, Mesa AZ. Carla is also survived by 27 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by niece, Savannah Wagner. Services for Carla will be on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the LDS church at 2334 E. Pueblo (24th St & Pueblo) with a viewing 1 hour before. There will also be a viewing Thursday evening, 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University. Burial will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Anderson,

Janna Sue Anderson, 48 of Gilbert, AZ, passed away January 28, 2012.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012, 11:00a.m.

At Crossroads Nazarene Church, 2950 West Ray Road, Chandler, AZ

Sidney King Stephenson, beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home on January 28, 2012 surrounded by those he loved. He married Rita Darling on June 2, 1950. After Rita’s passing in 1989, Sid married Jeanne Allen in 1990. He was revered and loved by both families. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a businessman with the Albertson’s organization for many years, later owning and operating his own stores. His honesty and integrity were above reproach. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving faithfully in bishoprics and other capacities. He served church missions in Hawaii, the Baltic States, and in the U.S. He was known for his wisdom, honesty, generosity, faithfulness and unconditional love. Survivors include his children, Sharon (Bruce) Skinner, Caldwell, ID; Craig Stephenson, Blackfoot, ID; Mark (Diane) Stephenson, Idaho Falls, ID; Scott (Debra) Stephenson, Stansbury Park, UT; Susan (Mike) Root, SLC, UT; his wife, Jeanne, and her nine children, Sandie, Craig, Susan, Ron, Shelly, Stacy, Shauna, Sherri and Stephanie as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Marion Petersen, Thelma Good, Emma Lou Hartwell, Betty Cushman, Peggy Momb, and Donna Stephenson. He is preceded in death by his wife Rita, granddaughter Stephanie, his brothers, Randall, Robert, and Charles and a sister, Marjorie Armstrong. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 2, at 10 AM at the LDS Cooley Park Ward, 3920 E. Brown Rd, Mesa. Viewing will be one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at Holladay Memorial Park, 4900 S. Memorial Park, SLC, UT on Feb 3, at 2 PM. He will be given full military honors. Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel.

Maria Rebecca Lopez passed away on January 26, 2012 at the age of 94. She was originally from Puerto Vallarta, México and came to Arizona in 1956. She and her husband Bernardo were the original founders of Azteca Bakeries in Phoenix, devoting many hours to the success of the business. She worked all her life and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and Bernardo served a temple mission in México City and she was an ordinance worker for many years in the Mesa Arizona Temple. She was preceded in death by children Eliseo, Bernie, and Jorge and husband Bernardo. She is survived by her children Raquel Whetten, Eva Jessop, Becky Gephart, Xavier Lopez, and Felix Lopez, along with 37 grandchildren, and 113 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 30, 2012 at 11 AM, with visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Church located at 650 W Southern Ave, in Phoenix. The family would like to thank Dr. Gregory Celaya for his many years of loving care, Hospice of the Valley and all of her excellent caregivers. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Eduardo Acosta Avila, 65, passed away January 23, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Monday, January 30, 2012 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Evergreen Ward, 700 South Evergreen, Tempe, AZ 85281.

GUSTAFSON, JOHN M., 79 of Mesa, AZ, passed away on January 22, 2012. John was a Marine Veteran serving in the Korean War. He was born in Brainerd, MN and was raised in Hibbing, MN. He met his wife on a blind date in Minneapolis, they moved to Dolores’s hometown, Isle, MN where they married and raised their family. John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dolores, nee Snyder, his children Mike (Nanci), Julie (Russ) Canterbury, Gregg (Anna), 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, his brothers Ward (Gen), Jim (Mary), sister Marlene and mother-in-law Violet Snyder. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 30, 2012, at 2:00p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa.

Eleanor Jayne Brackeen Bassett Payne. Jaynie Payne filled her life with loving God and serving others. Her life was an influence of good to all those who passed her way. We feel a great loss at her passing. Jaynie was born in Vine Grove, Kentucky on April 18, 1940 and filled her family’s life with joy. She began studying dance and piano at an early age and found herself in mischievous adventures with her two brothers and one sister. As a young child she lived in Kentucky, California, Canada, Ohio, Mississippi and Japan. Her father was in the Army and the Air Force and traveling was a way of life for young Jaynie. At the age of nine she was baptized into her family’s church. She loved Sword Drills, which we call today scripture chase. She also loved memorizing scriptures and began to memorize all of the hymns in their hymnbook on the piano. One year she even won an essay contest in Louisville, Kentucky for a work titled “What the Bible Means to Me.” Jesus Christ became an integral part of her life at an early age. Jaynie continued to study piano, organ, voice, dance and baton. She loved reading, sewing, cross-stitch and crochet. During her high school years she sang at the local radio station, played percussion or saxophone in the band and enjoyed going to dances. This is where she met William Lamar Bassett, who was to be her first husband. Bill and Jaynie had four children, Debra, Lamar, Melanie and Rebecca. Bill, Jaynie and the children joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1970. When Bill passed away in 1979, she showed her strength by raising her four children alone. As her life progressed, she became a senior auditor for Motorola, spent much time teaching piano lessons, being involved in the Easter Pageant for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for 40 years, singing with the Arizona Mormon Choir and the Deseret Choir. She also served a mission at the Family History Center and was a temple organist. In 1991, she married Nevin Butler Payne and spent twenty years being happily married to Nevin. Everyone could see how much love they had for each other. He brought true joy to her soul. Her life ended on January 22, 2012 at the age of 71, much to the sorrow of her family and friends. She will be remembered for her testimony of Jesus Christ and her great show of love to those around her. Visitation is Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Funeral services are Friday, January 27, 2012 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the LDS Desert Ridge Stake Center, 3340 S. Signal Butte Road, Mesa, 85212.

James (Jamie) Lester Porter passed away early on the morning of Saturday, January 21st 2012, after a 15-year courageous fight with cancer. He was surrounded at his bedside by his wife Sharon, and five beautiful daughters, enjoying his final moments in mortality with those he loved most. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marlin and Ruth Porter and his brother, Farrell Porter. Their reunion must have been sweet. Jamie was born in July 27th, 1950 in Snowflake, Arizona. He grew up in Heber, Arizona where he might have been the best amateur switch-hitting shortstop who ever lived! Jamie loved “playing ball

Carolyn Ruth Brown Lobb, returned home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 18, 2012 after a courageous and heroic battle. Carolyn was born in Whiteriver, Arizona on September 14, 1937. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 55 years, Arch; son David; daughter Sheryl; son-in-law Curt; grandchildren: Trey, Chad, Seth, Jenna and Josh, and Austin. Carolyn will always be remembered for her courage and strength. She is our hero. Carolyn loved life and loved helping and taking care of others. She was always the best wife and mom and outdid herself as a grandma. She will truly be missed. We are grateful for a lifetime of cherished memories. We love you, mom, a bushel and a peck. We will celebrate her wonderful life at Tuesday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa.

Annette Davis Bowen, of Gilbert, AZ passed away peacefully on January 7, 2012. She was born February 1, 1937 in Greer, SC to Harry Lee and Helen Davis. She began her employment with Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in 1974 as office coordinator in Family Practice. In early 1989, she transferred to the Medical Education department as an administrative assistant, and was soon promoted to office coordinator and later became the office manager, where she retired after 33 years of service. She witnessed more than 3,000 residents and fellows graduate from the residency programs during this time and had the uncanny ability to remember each one of them by name or face no matter how many years had passed. She was referred to by many titles during her lifetime, ‘administrator, supervisor, confidant, counselor, life coach, friend, house mother or den mother’ but none did she hold more dear than that of Mother and Nana. She was the epitome of love, grace, and courage and will forever remain ‘the heart of the family’ and an example for us all. Annette is survived by her mother, Helen Davis of Anderson, SC; her children, Theresa Cody (Mac) of Richardson, TX; Michael Bowen of Tempe, AZ; Scott Bowen (Brenda) of Gilbert, AZ; Lori Whittle (Cory) of Parker, CO; Shauna Dixon (Kenneth) of Gilbert, AZ; and Tracy Brothers (Scott) of Liberty, SC; her brothers, Guy Davis of Anderson, SC; Tony Davis (Donna) of Simpsonville, SC; her beloved grandchildren, Jayson Cody; Heather Mueller (Randy); Sara Cody; Michael Bowen; Michele Bowen; Scott D. Bowen; Kyle Whittle; Taylor Whittle; McKenzie Whittle; Jordan Dixon; Devin Dixon; and Holle Brothers; and one great-granddaughter Margaret (“Maggie

Harold Palmer Mosley passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2012. He was the son of Palmer Duncan and Faye Almeda Helquist Mosley. He was born on May 20, 1923, in Blanding, Utah, and grew up in Phoenix. He attended Phoenix College and was drafted into the US Army, earning the rank of Tech 4. He helped build an airstrip for the B-19 bombers in India and worked at another airstrip in Burma. After the war, he worked as a mechanic in Blanding. He married Joan Hurst and they had six children. On Sept. 19, 1987, he married Willa Jean Lechner. They spent their winters in Phoenix and their summers in Aztec, New Mexico.

Harold was a hard worker and was employed in many different jobs including uranium mining, logging, plumbing and a variety of mechanic work. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A funeral service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at the chapel located on 4343 E. Waltann in Phoenix, AZ. Harold is survived by his wife, Willa, his sister, Irene Kurtz, and his brother, Benton (and Margie) Mosley. He is also survived by his children; Wade (and Sue) Mosley, Susan (Mrs. Samuel) Robinson, Kirk (and Karen) Mosley, Stephen (and Charlotte) Mosley, Denise (Mrs. Drew) Daniels, and Karen (Mrs. David) Wilson. Harold has 25 grandchildren and over 35 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley.

Carol Lindley, 94, passed away January 6, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will be Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Friday, January 13, 2012 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Udall Ward, 15 West 1st Ave., also in Mesa. Interment will follow at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery.