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Margaret Vehrs King, 63, of Tempe, AZ passed on December 5, 2011. The visitation will be Thursday, December 8th from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Her funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 9th at 9:30 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 2121 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ. In her honor please consider a contribution to St. Mary’s Food Bank.

Obituary for Martha E. Sauer

Martha Elizabeth Sprenger Sauer, 88, of 2089 Leisure World, Mesa, Arizona, died peacefully in her sleep November 26, 2011. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, December 6 at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9601 Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85207. Martha was born October 27, 1923 in Schenectady, NY two days before her future husband George M. Sauer, Jr., also of Schenectady. Their relationship began in the fourth grade, and they were married 2 weeks after George returned from the Pacific in 1946. Martha graduated from Albany State Teacher’s College with majors in English and Music. She taught English in Long Island and Scotia, NY. When the family moved to Cleveland, OH, she taught Sophomore English at Lutheran High School East from 1968 to 1980, where she published the yearbook and the newspaper, and directed 12 drama and musical productions. She was a consummate educator, using her skills and love of God, nature and the arts to teach Sunday School, lead a Girl Scout troop, work as archivist for the Cleveland Play House Theater, research and publish histories and genealogies of her extended family branches, and many other activities with and for others. For many years her family hosted foreign exchange social workers as they studied American culture and social work. These guests soon became part of the family and life-long friends. Martha’s loves were her family, her church, bird watching, canoeing, camping, riding on the back of George’s Honda (especially going fast), all of nature and its Creator. She was curious, determined and always strove for excellence. Martha is predeceased by her daughter Ellen B. Corbin. She leaves behind her husband of 65 year, George, her daughters Amy (Joe) Helewa of San Diego, CA, Cynthia (Barry Blakeslee) Klenz of Cleveland, OH, and Nancy (Dave) Eberling of Chicago, IL. Martha and George have 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Albany, NY. Donations may be made to: Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Barnett Center for Conservation, PO Box 65, 8 Nature Way, Keene Valley, NY 12943 or Hospice of the Valley, www.hov.org. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Pauline Ricks Rudd, 86 passed away peacefully on November 28, 2011. She was born in Twin Falls,

Idaho on February 2, 1925. Mrs. Rudd was a faithful servant of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in numerous positions in Relief Society, Primary, Young Women’s and Choir, always serving with love and compassion. She was an example to all of us, as how to love and serve others. She is respected and cherished by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband,

Melvin J. Rudd Jr., son, Dennis J. Rudd, 7 brothers and 3 sisters, grandson, Craig and great-grandson Hunter. She is survived by sons Corey L. (Shelly), Gevan C. (Joyce), Tobin G. (Irene), C. Kirk (Sharon), daughter, Shauna A. Lambert (David), daughter-in-law Brenda; sister Betty Williams (Lewis), 32 grandchildren, and 69 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, December 2, 2011 from 6 – 8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, December 3, 2011, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lazona Ward, 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ with visitation held one hour prior.

Montgomery, Arthur Charles, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 24 November (Thanksgiving Day) after a long illness. Born February 1, 1920 in Petersburg, Illinois to Ben and Grace Montgomery, he is survived by his wife Jean Montgomery, a sister Francis Peterson, four nieces Sonia Montgomery, Jean Lasky, Shirley Foulks, Pennie Robinson, a nephew John Montgomery and seven adult relatives who grew up knowing him as “Grampa Art

Urshel Claude Taylor, 74, passed away November 27, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, December 2, 2011 at 11 Am, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at the LDS Papago Park Ward, 1816 N. Extension Road. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker’s University Chapel.

Violet M. Walsh, 86, passed away November 21, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial services are Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 11 AM at the Mountain View Memorial Gardens Chapel.

Edmond Adolph Backlund, 89, passed away November 20, 2011 in Gilbert, AZ. He was born May 25, 1922 in Ft. Bragg, CA. He is survived by his wife Donna Backlund, sons Steve (Myra) and Gary (Jerry) Backlund, step-sons Michael (Karen), Matt (deceased), Mark and Mitch (Sue) Cutchen, 7 grandchildren & 17 great grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11 AM at the LDS Fairview Ward Bldg., 2700 E. Galveston St. Gilbert, AZ 85295. Private interment services will be held. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Virginia Lucille Cardon, beloved by family, friends, and all who knew her passed away on Monday, November 14, 2011, almost two months after her cherished husband left this earth. Born in Lansing, Michigan, her father a physician and her mother a nurse, Virginia attended the University of Arizona where she met her true love. After a whirlwind courtship of two weeks, she married Helaman and began her 71 year love affair. While in Michigan, Virginia was active in a number of volunteer organizations and ran the family sheet metal business. Soon after she joined the LDS church, she became a Stake Relief Society President. She also served in the Chicago Temple for 5 years, and as a missionary in the Duck River Indian Reservation. Virginia loved children. Her home was filled with dolls and toys that she would cheerfully give to any child who walked through the door. She was the epitome of grace and gentleness with a playful streak that delighted everyone. She was preceded in death by her husband, Helaman Pratt Cardon, her parents, Dr. Harold A. Miller and Winifred B. Miller and her brother, Harold (Ruth) Miller. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn (Bill) Kameese, her daughter, Amy (Jerry) Nickles, her son, David (Pam) Cardon, her grandchildren, Heather (Matt) Bills, Heidi (Charles) Hillman, Melissa (Maggie) Nickles, Jeffrey Nickles and five great-grandchildren, Andrew, Sophia, Tyler, Ava, and Elin. The family would like to thank Charmaine Caruso and Jeanette Griffith for their loving care. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, November 21, 2011 at the Grandview 1St Ward Building, 1455 N. Harris, Mesa; the viewing will begin at 9:00AM and the service at 10:00AM with internment to follow at the Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Herlinda Guebara Parra, 60, passed away November 12, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luis and Josepha Guebara, her brothers, Juan and Danny Guebara, and her sisters, Rosa Vega and Juana Riggs. Linda is survived by her husband, Manuel Savala Parra, and her children, Teresa A. Hill, Lorraine Parra, Gabriel Parra, and Jesse Parra. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren, Paul Parra, Jenica Perez, Faith Gould, Ashley Goodpaster, Joshua Hill, Nicholas Hill, and Alexander Jacob Leyva and 1 great-grandchild, Kellianne Parra. Linda is also survived by her brothers, Richard Guebara, Ramiro Guebara, and Joe Hernandez, and her sisters, Lydia Cavazos, Elisa Garcia, Irene Van Wambeck, Elsa Munguia, Rachel Rubio, Rebekah Plama and Mary Venegas.

A visitation will be held Monday, November 21, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Mickelson, Ruth Adelia Lillywhite of Mesa, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died in Mesa, AZ on Nov 9, 2011 at the age of 93. Ruth was born in Mesa on Feb 24, 1918 to Horace and Georgana Lillywhite, members of pioneer ranching and dairying families. Ruth was the oldest of their five children. She married Morris L. Mickelson in May of 1941, in the LDS Mesa Temple. Always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ruth gave a life time of service in her assignments. Ruth and Morris enjoyed their missions to Ireland and Ohio, along with working many years in the Mesa Temple. Besides caring for her family, Ruth owned her own printing business, and then worked as a secretary for the Church Education System for 12 years. Ruth and Morris are parents of seven children: Marvin (Joyce), Elaine (Jared) Huish, Susan (Jon) Meilstrup, Gerald (Cari), Morris (Susan), Donna (Dave) Lamoreaux, and Grant (Karla). She is survived by her 7 children, 43 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren and 2 sisters, Beth Osborn and Helen Poulson. Her life was one of loving service devoted to her family and God. She was always a loving mother with tender hands and a caring heart. She will be greatly missed by those she touched. Her family expresses appreciation to those at Pleasant Living Assisted Home, who have gently taken care of her. Services will be held Sat, Nov. 19, 2011, at 10 am at the LDS church building at 940 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, with a viewing 1 hour prior. A viewing will also be held on Fri. the 18th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa 6-8 pm. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Luverne Swart, 93, our loving mother passed away Nov. 8, 2011 and is now our angel in heaven. She is survived by 8 children and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was born in Minnesota and moved to Arizona in 1958. She enjoyed baking and cooking. Her heart was filled with love and kindness, and she will remain in our hearts forever. Private family service.

Linda Darlene Dulworth, 49, passed away November 5, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Visitation is Tuesday, November 15, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 11 AM, also at Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Frank Fregoso, 77, passed away November 5, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be Friday, November 11, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the LDS McQueen ward, 1451 W. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, Arizona.

Lt. Colonel James M. Harris passed away November 7, 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Jim will be remembered as a man who served his country, loved his family, and worshipped his God. He was born in Logan, Utah to Cliff Harris and Leona Hobbs. A beloved teacher of the gospel and American History, he retired from the U.S. Air Force, wearing the uniform in Korea and Vietnam. He is survived by his wife Marae, brother Kent (Jenice) Harris, children Kerry (Doug) Richards, Jamie (Kevin) Young, Michelle (Craig) Hollis, Scott (Karen) Harris, Brad, Lisa (David) Jones, Mark, Jenny (James) Mecham, 29 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held Friday, 11/11/11 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, 11/12/11 at 10:30 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM, at the LDS chapel at 3345 E. McLellan in Mesa.