Find An Obituary

Marie Frances Nasch, of Tempe, AZ, took the hand of The Lord March 1, 2011, at age 84. Born on February 28, 1927, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the tenth of twelve children, born to William and Helen Lancette. Marie married Lt. Ralph L. Nasch, then a World War II bomber pilot, on December 18, 1944. Following 20 years of service in the USAF, the couple moved from Ramstein AFB, Germany, to retire permanently in Tempe, Arizona, where now, Lt. Colonel Nasch, joined the Arizona Department of Transportation, while Marie began her long awaited dream of becoming a teacher. She enrolled as a freshman at Mesa Community College at age 40, graduating with honors, followed by attainment of a B.A. and a Master’s Degree in Education, both with honors, followed by an Administrative Degree in Education, from Nova University. She subsequently taught elementary school, followed by Junior High English and Literature for the Mesa Schools, retiring after 16 years of classroom teaching, and ten years of volunteer service to the school district. Marie, along with the entire family, were always active with Scouting, church, community, Little League, and extracurricular school activities, besides her love of gardening, writing poetry, collecting blue glass artifacts, and traveling with other retirees. Ralph and Marie were joyfully blessed with four children; Craig (Delyte) of Camp Verde; Gary (Terri) of Prescott Valley; Johanna Marie Decker (Curt) of Glendale and Glenn (Patty) of Spokane and their grandchildren, Jacob, Janelle, Brooke, Casey, Lynsey, Brett and Kennedy. Memorial Services will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa Arizona on March 5, 2011 at 3 PM. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ. Following Marie’s request floral gifts will be distributed to nursing homes and hospital, and monetary gifts will be given to the Child Crisis Centers of Mesa. Come say good-bye. She would love to see your smiles, and no tears.

Kempton, Albert N. “Newt,

LEAH SABIN RAY, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday February 22, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Leah was born in Pomerene, Arizona on May 1, 1916 to David Hyrum Sabin and Ellen Elva Naegle. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Leah is survived by Margo Wendelboe, Elaine Ashcroft, James Ray Jr,(Linda), Lyal Ray(Dorothy), Glenna Shappell(Lyle), 28 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, one brother Richard Sabin and one sister Helen Lamoreaux. Leah loved to travel with her late husband James and has been all over the world. Everywhere she traveled she collected salt and pepper shakers for her collection of over 200 sets. She always remembered souvenirs for all of her children and grandchildren. Leah served in various LDS Church callings until she passed away. She was loved by all who knew her and will be missed greatly. Visitation is Friday March 4, 2011, 6-8 pm at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday March 5, 2011 at 10:00am, with visitation 1 hour prior, at the Lazona Ward Building, 1500 E. 6th Avenue in Mesa.

Mary Alice Jarvis, 88, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2011. Mary the daughter of Fred and Miriam Rothlisberger was born December 23, 1922 in St. Johns, Arizona. Mary was living in Mesa, AZ with a granddaughter at the time of her passing. Prior to this time she lived in the following areas: Yuma, AZ for 6 years; Heber, AZ for 25 years; and the Phoenix, AZ area for 35 years. Her sweetheart, Anthony (Tony) Ivins Jarvis, preceded her in death after 63 years of marriage. She is survived by their five children, Ivins (Rhoda) Burk of Tempe, AZ, Rodney (Linda) Jarvis of Phoenix, AZ, Fatha (Gary) Lineweaver, of Hurricane, UT, Michael (Jeanine) Jarvis of Yuma, AZ and Tonya Jarvis of Tempe, AZ, 22 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 4, at 10:00a.m., with a viewing at 9:00a.m. at the LDS Church at 2152 E. Adobe, Mesa. Burial will be at Desert Lawn Cemetery in Yuma. Arrangements entrusted to Bunker’s University Chapel. 480-830-4105

Iris Eleanor Perkins entered into heavenly rest February 20, 2011. She was born July 29, 1916 in Ten Mile, MS. She was predeceased by her husband Andy C. Perkins, son Ronald C. Perkins, parents Jesse and Elisha Purvis and sister Bernice Hicks. Iris was a very good hunter in her early years, with many of her trophies still hanging in the diesel business that she and her husband Andy co-founded in 1947. She continued to work until she was 90 years old. Perkins Diesel survives to this day and is owned and managed by her son Kenny, his wife Mary and two of their sons Jay and Ron. As a civic leader, Iris held office in the Business and Professional Women’s Club from 1960 unto 1985. Other groups that she served were United Methodist Women and Eastern Star. Iris is survived by her son Kenny (Mary), grandsons Andrew (Mirka), Jay (Laura), Ron (fiancé Faith Allen), great-grandchildren Andrew, Hannah, Ryan, and Trey. Her family is especially grateful to her caregiver Betty Fuchs and the devotion shown by her grandsons and great-grandchildren. We wish you a wonderful journey dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. As you travel, may this be your best adventure yet! Funeral services are Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at 11 AM preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the 1st United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Ave. Mesa, 85210, officiated by Reverend Jack Troutman. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Grace will be remembered as a compassionate, cheerful and optimistic mother, grandparent and friend. She passed away President’s Day, February 21, 2011. The descendant of the Leesburg, Virginia Whaley Family, Grace was born October 8, 1916 to Fitzhugh (better known as Hugh) Bird Whaley and Sally Laura Mills Hardin (she preferred Lura). Tall and slender, Grace could outrun her brothers and loved to play basketball, unusual for a young lady at the time. After high school graduation she studied nursing in Kansas City and then went to work in Brownsville, Texas where she met her future husband Al. Grace devoted herself to her family of four children. Her melodious voice graced the Queen of Peace church choir and her harmonica playing cheered many a family gathering. She found pleasure in raising flowers and cultivating vegetables, and was a proficient seamstress and cook – her specialty was southern style fried chicken. Grace will be deeply missed by her children Don, Ken (Julie), Eileen (Marc), son-in-law Mike, grandchildren, Phil, Dave, Nancy, Cathy, Alex, Tanya, Matthew, and Shannon. Grace met her sole great-granddaughter Kiley, before she joined her husband Al, daughter Delsie, and daughter-in-law Ruth, who preceded her. Funeral Services are Friday, February 25, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation from 9:00 -10:00 a.m., at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Burial will be in the City of Mesa Cemetery. Donations to the Serenity Hospice are appreciated. www.serenityhospicefoundation.org

Elna Nelson Echols, 85, died February 19, 2011 at her home in Mesa. She was born in Bisbee, Arizona, the fourth of 12 children of Eleanor Price and Alvin David Nelson. Mrs. Echols is survived by her husband of 66 years Malon Reed Echols, sons Garren (Susan) Echols, Richard (Sandy) Echols, Douglas (Susan) Echols, Lewis (Kathy) Echols, and two daughters, Jennifer (Lloyd) Fenn and Allyson (John) Morris. Elna has 39 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren and a great legacy of faith and love. Elna lived an exemplary life of gentleness, kindness and love. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep love for the gospel. She and her husband served a mission for the church in Scotland from 1985-86 and at the Mesa Cannery. Elna was quick to accept and love those around her, and was adored by all who knew her for her smile, her laugh, her hugs, and her cookies. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 10:30a.m. With a viewing 1 hr. prior at 9:30a.m., in the Lehi Horn Ward Building, 830 East Lehi Road, Mesa, Arizona. A viewing will also be held the night before at Bunker’s University Chapel. 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, 85213. She will be buried in the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Durward Walter Black, 94, of Mesa, AZ passed away February 14, 2011. As a young man, he was a Tech Sergeant in the US Air Force at Williams Field. From 1947 to 1979, Durward worked for Alpha Beta Markets, retiring as Vice-President of Merchandising. In 1973, he was also the President of Western Association of Food Chains. He served as a Bishop for the LDS Church and served missions with his wife to Mexico Torreon, West Indies, and the Family History Library. He is survived by his wife, Eileen Guthrie Black; his children, Elizabeth (Steven) Fuller, Barbara (Jack) Fox, Duane (Linda) Black and Kenneth (Inga) Black; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at the LDS 34th Ward Building, 2152 E. Adobe, Mesa, AZ on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Arrangements entrusted to Bunker’s University Chapel.

Pamalee Clair Poor Mann, age 70, peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father the morning of Saturday, February 12, 2011. She lived a full life dedicated to the service of her family and others. She is adored by her husband William Ronald Mann along with her children Rick and Carrie Merrill, Hal and Melissa Koozer, Bob and Amy Lindquist, Christy Mann, Ken and Phoebe Morris, David and Sarah Sheperd, Brooks Mann (deceased), Amos and Hillary Abplanalp, Charles and Robin Mann and her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011 in the LDS chapel located at 3920 N 44th Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85018. A viewing will be held at 10AM with the funeral service at 11AM. Funeral arrangements provided by Bunker’s Garden Chapel. Flowers and donations can be sent to the funeral home; 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 85201.

Dr. Keith Edward Boyd, (79), beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, died Thursday, February 10, 2011, in Gilbert, AZ. Boyd was born May 3, 1931 in Salt Lake City, UT. Boyd graduated with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah in 1955 and went to work for Lockheed. Boyd was hired to teach at the UofU one year later. While on the faculty, Boyd, with his brother Bill, started a company called Research Engineering. Boyd graduated with a M.S. degree in Natural Sciences and then shortly after, moved to Arizona to attend ASU, where he earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Boyd worked as a Mechanical Engineer in the Aeronautical industry through the remainder of his career, while serving as adjunct faculty at ASU for many years. Boyd returned to teaching at Chandler/Gilbert Community College after retirement. Active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Boyd served as Stake Mission President for the Scottsdale Stake, on the High Council, in the Bishopric for the Scottsdale Third Ward, and was the Family History Specialist, among other callings. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, sister, Bonnie, brother, Bill, and five children, Kathy (Mike Gannon), Keith, (Lark Boyd), Leslie, Richard (Carol Ann Boyd), Carol (David Foster). He was also the grandfather of 24 grandchildren and 4 great-grandsons, including Brigg Edward Boyd, born on the day of his passing. Viewing will be held for family and friends Thursday, February 17, from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201. Funeral services will be Friday, February 18, 10 a.m. at Hillcrest Ward, 2618 N. Lindsay Rd, Mesa AZ 85213, with a viewing just prior at 9 am. Burial will be in the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Richard Terry Miller passed from this mortal life on February 7, 2011, in Mesa, Arizona. He resided in Queen Creek, Arizona, and was employed by DRR LLC, a mining company. Richard was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on November 14, 1979 to Terry and KimBerly [Story] Miller. He began his school years after his family moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah. At Valley View Elementary Richard began many lifelong friendships that would last through high school to present time. After graduating from Pleasant Grove High School, Richard fulfilled his childhood goal of serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the Santiago, Chile West Mission. He often referred to his mission as the best two years of his life. He loved the people of Chile, and loved teaching the Gospel. Richard attended the University of Utah, graduating in Chemistry and Biology. Any free time that could be found, Richard and his dog “Ebby

Joseph Alexander Barber Jr., 85, born December 17, 1925 in Douglas, WY passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family Tuesday, February 8, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and grandson, Joseph. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Joan, four children Mary Ann Parry (Dennis), Carlene Weberg (Don), JoAlice Garbrick (Bob) and David Barber (Belinda). He is the proud grandfather of 26 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He served honorably in the US Army and retired from General Motors Proving Ground in 1980. He loved fishing, hunting and camping with his family. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he and his wife served a mission at the Mesa Family History Center for 9 years. Visitation will be Friday, February 11, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Services are Saturday, February 12th at 10 AM at the Madera Ward building, 1150 W. Elliot Rd., Gilbert, with a viewing one hour prior. Burial will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Our Mom, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Veledia Regina Ehlert Brown passed away on February 4, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born April 12, 1918 in Glenwood, Alberta, Canada. She was the third child of eleven children born to Martha Anna Thur and Richard Max Ehlert. Both her parents were from Germany and she was proud of her German ancestry.

Growing up in Canada she loved playing sports and spending time with her large family. She credited her mother for teaching her how to work, sew and cook.

She married James Nelson Brown on Jan 14, 1941 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They lived in Glenwood and raised four children Gary, Cheryl, Candy and Bernie. They had a busy life running the town garage, hardware store and working the family farm. They always found time for friends and enjoyed dances in Waterton and family vacations to Lake Blaine, Montana.

In 1956 the family moved to Mesa, Arizona and purchased land east of Mesa to build Brown’s Trailer Town and Trail Riders. They enjoyed the association with many new friends that lived in the park. After Dad passed away Mom continued to run the trailer park with the help of her son Gary.

Mom enjoyed her life. She had the opportunity to travel the world and loved taking care of her house and yard. At fifty she learned to oil paint and earned awards for her work.

She loved her family and loved to cook and plan parties for her nineteen grandchildren and fifty great-grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than having everyone swimming in her pool and eating at her house. She had her last traditional Christmas Eve Party in her home this past December.

She was a lifelong member of the L.D.S. church and always accepted any opportunity to serve. Her current calling at the age of 92 was as a greeter at the weekly Sunday meeting.

We would like to thank church members, friends and neighbors who have loved her through the years. We know how much she looked forward to your visits and she loved you dearly.

Mom is survived by her children: son, Gary(Robin) Brown – Mesa, daughter, Cheryl (Jim) Zaharis – Mesa, daughter, Candy(Dick)Belliston – Orem, Utah, son, Bernie Brown – Scottsdale, brother, Marion Ehlert – Montana, sisters Della Dickenson and Arlene Poorman – Florida, 17 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, two sisters and 2 grandsons.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb 12, 2011 at 11:00a.m. in the Maricopa North Stake Center, 1716 North Date Street, Mesa, Arizona. A viewing will be held Friday, February 11 from 6:00-8:00 at Bunkers Garden Chapel, Mesa, Arizona. An additional viewing will be held at the church prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45. Interment will be in the Mesa Cemetery. Donations in Veledia’s honor may be made to a New Leaf at www.turnanewleaf.org or Hospice of the Valley at www.hov.org.

Elizabeth (Liza) Megan Koski, passed away on January 27, 2011 in Amherst, Massachusetts. She was 21 years old.

Liza was born in Portland, Oregon on November 27, 1989, and lived in Lake Oswego, Oregon until moving to Gilbert, Arizona in 2005. She graduated from Gilbert High School in 2008 where she excelled in academics and was an all-star lacrosse player. In 2008 she attended the fall term at the University of Oregon. She loved the outdoors and rugged wilderness of Oregon where she served with the Northwest Youth Corps for two years.

She is survived by her parents, Kent and Mary Anne Koski, and eight brothers and sisters: Steven, Maryjane, Sarah, Anne, Emily, Katie, Dorothy, and William.

A service will be held in her honor on Friday, February 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Windrift Ward at 777 E. Elliot Rd. Gilbert, Arizona, 85234. There will be a viewing on Thursday evening, February 3rd, 6:00-8:00 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel at 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona. A second viewing will be held at the church Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Mountain View Memorial Park, Mesa, Arizona. Donations may be made in her honor to the Northwest Youth Corps, at nwyouthcorps.org

Arthur T. Reynolds age 86, went home to be with the Lord January 27th 2011. He will be missed by his wife of 64 years, Frances Reynolds, daughters, Sheila (Gary) Darst, Teresa (Bruce) Juhl, Debbie Hicks, 8 grandchildren,16 great grandchildren and sister Betty Cogswell. Art worked for The City of Mesa 30 years before retiring to their summer home in Heber, Az. Arthur was born in Talihina, Oklahoma March 16th, 1924 and moved to Arizona in 1941 with his parents and siblings. Services will be Wednesday February 2nd at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Visitation is at 10:00 AM followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.

Nettie Mae Hughes, 83, passed away January 24, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial services are Friday, January 28, 2011 at 2 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.