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Vernon Bowring Watkins died December 23, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. He was born January 22, 1927 to Nola Bowring and Norman V. Watkins in Brigham City, UT. He married Bonnie Jean Taylor July 15, 1948 in the Logan, UT Temple. She died March 13, 2002. He married Joyce Blain May 18, 2006. Vern was a veteran of World War II, serving in Germany. Vern graduated from Utah State University and completed a Master’s Degree in Education at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. He and Bonnie moved to Phoenix in 1952 where he was a guidance counselor at the newly-opened Camelback High School. Vern was later employed by SRA and IBM providing educational materials and training to schools in the Intermountain West and Hawaii. He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many capacities. He served as Bishop of the Phoenix 11th Ward and later served as President of the Phoenix East Stake. With wife Bonnie, he presided over the Texas Houston Mission from 1990-1993. Vern loved their missionaries and loved having contact with many in his later years. He was a counselor in the Mesa Arizona Temple presidency and treasured the service and friendship of patrons and temple workers. Vern was an ordinance worker and sealer for 17 years in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He also cherished his many years as a member of the Phoenix East Stake and the Mesa Arizona Kimball East Stake where he resided at the time of his death. Vern is survived by his wife Joyce, and children Connie (Lothaire) Bluth, Norm (Suzanne) and Lori (Dennis) Headley. Stepchildren are Claudia S. Blaine and Brenda Blaine. Vern is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren. Two of his three brothers survive; Norman of Highland, UT and Richard (Paula) of Mendon, UT. His brother Jack preceded him in death and sister-in-law Vanja of Salt Lake City, UT survives. Vern dearly loved his nieces, nephews and cousins. Family was everything to him. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and lived a life exemplary of his Savior. Vern was gracious and kind–he genuinely cared about everyone he met. He continually looked for the good in people, and he always found it. We will miss his kind smile, encouraging words, playful laugh and his big heart. Funeral services will be held at the Kimball East Stake Center, 4640 E Holmes, Mesa, AZ at 11:00am on Friday, December 31, 2010. A viewing will be held prior to services at 9:30am. A viewing will also be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ from 6-8 pm on Thursday, December 30, 2010.

George F Prince, 82, passed away peacefully at home on December 23, 2010 with his beloved wife and children at his side. He was born in St. George, Utah on June 23, 1928 to William H. and Lida Cox Prince, where he spent his formative years. At age 12 his family relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. Upon graduation from South High School he joined the Marine Corps. He married the love of his life, LaRue Morgan, on October 25, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. Nothing in life was more important to him nor brought greater joy than his eternal companion, family and posterity. George was truly an amazing man who accomplished many things in life. After his release from military service, he was diligent in his vocational studies, eventually becoming a Master Electrician. He felt compelled to expand his knowledge in the field of electrical engineering, striving to keep abreast of new developments in this ever-changing field. He worked for many years with his father and brothers at Prince Block Company in Salt Lake City. Later in his career he moved his family to Arizona and worked for Union Rock and Materials, Inc., a Peter Kiewit company, until his retirement in 1985. After his retirement he co-founded Prince Electric with his oldest son Michael. George loved the Savior and spent his life in service to others in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an avid scouter, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and received the distinguished Silver Beaver Award. He was a Bishop, a member of the High Council and served two missions with his beautiful wife. He was a temple worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple for many years. George is survived by LaRue, his wife of 64 years, eight children and their spouses: Kay Lynn & Brian Hardy, Michael & Doris Prince, Tricia & Neil Hardy, Janene & Ralph Pew, Lida & Ronald Willis, Christine & Boyd Shill, Eugene & Kathryn Prince and Robert & Laura Prince. He is also survived by siblings Ronald (&Jerry) Prince and Marlene (& Hugh Pearce). His infant son, William Prince and great grandson Copeland Johnson preceded him in death. His brothers, Douglas (& Beth), Wayne (&Lois) and Jack (&Yvonne), preceded George in death although their spouses are still living. He has 53 Grandchildren and 97 great grandchildren. The viewing is Wednesday, December 29, 2010 from 6– 8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. There will also be a viewing one hour prior to the service. Funeral services are Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 12 PM at the LDS Church Lazona Bldg., 1345 East University Drive, Mesa AZ 85201. Burial will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery. The family wishes to express appreciation to Southwest Kidney and Sunrise Health & Hospice for their thoughtful, compassionate, and professional care.

Diane Norman, 45, of Chandler, AZ passed away on December 12, 2010. She was born in Aurora, CO on September 3, 1965. Diane enjoyed spending time with her family, was a loving mother, wife, aunt, cousin, sister, and friend. Diane worked at the Mesa Fire Department for 10 years. She is preceded in death by her mother Maria Miranda and father Richard Fifield. She is survived by her husband Larry, daughter Ashley, son Justin, brother Rick Fifield, sister Tara Fifield Papano, stepsister Malinda Hunt, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held on December 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Sun Valley Community Church, 456 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296. Arrangements are being entrusted to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, 480-696-6883.

Donna Fay Hanberg Brimley, 84, passed away December 11, 2010, at her home in Mesa. She was born Oct. 5, 1926 in Latuda, UT to Roy and Armida Petty Hanberg. She was married for 50 years to Jay Brimley, who died in 2000. They are the parents of Stan (Colleen), Susan Court (Steve), Linda-deceased, Kent (Margaret), Bart, Steven (Mary) and Matt (Susan). She had 34 grandchildren and 26 great- grandchildren, and counting. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara McGee and brother, Ted Hanberg. Many friends and neighbors called her “Grandma Donna

Glen O. Dixon, 73, passed away peacefully Dec. 6, 2010. Glen loved hiking, camping, service to others, and most of all his family. He was truly a kind and “gentle man”. He is survived by his loving wife Genevieve, 7 children, Tammy Gunderson, Becky Self, Lori Robison, Patty Wright, Kathy Whiting, David and Kevin Dixon, 33 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 grandchild. Services will be held at the LDS church on 810 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa, AZ, on Monday, Dec. 13, at 10:00.

Ronald Allen Willis, 79, of Mesa, passed away surrounded by his family Dec. 7, 2010. He was born in Taylor, AZ on Feb. 7, 1931 to Clarence Edmund Willis and Eva Josephine Allen Willis. Ronald married his high school sweetheart, Veleda (Penrod) Willis. They were married 61 years. He was active in sports and was named Outstanding Athlete his senior year. He was a general contractor and built many homes and government projects in AZ and NV. Ronald and Veleda were served as directors of the LDS dance festivals held at ASU for 15 years. He served as a stake missionary and in many other callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ronald loved the outdoors, especially camping and hunting. He shot many deer, elk, antelope and one Chevy floorboard. Ronald is survived by his wife Veleda, brother Chan (Linda) Willis & brother in law Charlie Hall-Taylor; children Rhonda (Ronald) Smith-Snowflake, Keevin (Judy) Willis – Mesa, Stacey (Gary) Farr – Mesa, Cricket (Doug) Hatch – Flagstaff, Mark Allen Willis – Mesa; 22 grandchildren and soon to be 38 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jordan Hatch, his parents, brother Loye (Ione) Willis, and sisters Kate Hall and Violet (Earl) Reeves. Visitation is Friday, Dec. 10 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Mountain Vista Ward, 6655 E. Preston Rd. in Mesa.

Victor A. Escobedo, 82, passed away Dec. 1, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. He was born Nov. 6, 1928 to Guadalupe and Mercedes Escobedo. He married Felipa Vasquez Dec. 27, 1946. They are the parents of George (Rebecca), Robert and Gloria; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Visitation is Thursday, Dec. 9 at 10 AM followed by services at 11 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 15 East 1st Ave. in Mesa. A reception will follow the burial. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Charles Michael Edward McFarland, 60, passed away December 2, 2010 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born November 14, 1950 in Mesa, AZ. He is survived by his siblings Liz, Sean, Earl, Cindy, Laura and Lisa; five children; Karen, Michelle, Michael, Sean and Whitney. Services will be Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 11 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. with a celebration of life to follow at the Superstition Dairy, 3440 S. Hawes, Mesa, AZ 85212. In lieu of flowers donations are welcome for Whitney’s school fund at Chase bank, account # 29 75 4809 36

Christopher Brady Brewer was born on September 23, 1996 and was reunited with the Lord on November 30, 2010. He will be remembered by all for his caring personality, charismatic smile, exceptional wit and the love in his heart for those he came in contact with. Regardless of place, Christopher had a great ability to make friends with complete strangers and engage in conversation easily. Loving family members left behind are his parents Heith and Julie Brewer, brothers Brian and Nicholas, grandparents Harold and Tamara Brewer, Melvin and Stephanie Campbell, great-grandmothers Melva Brewer and Gloria Campbell and a large number of loving aunts, uncles and cousins. The viewing will be held Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. The service will be held Friday, Dec. 10 at 10 AM at the LDS chapel at 464 E. 1st Ave, Mesa. Donations can be made to the “Christopher Brewer Memorial Fund

Mary Thielman Mahlum of Sun Lakes, AZ, former resident of Minnesota, passed away November 26, 2010 on her 87th birthday. She will be remembered as a loving, caring woman with an unusual ability to relate instantly and compassionately to people. Many sought her caring and common-sense counsel. “A penny for your thoughts

James Samuel Bryan (Jim), 71, of Mesa, AZ passed away November 27, 2010. He was born November 4, 1939 in Mesa. He is survived by his wife Ruby and sons Tom, Fred and Keith. He will be missed by many. A viewing will be held Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 10 AM also at Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

James (Jim) Patrick Wheeler, 73 of Mesa AZ passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 in Houston, TX where he had gone for cancer treatment. He was born on February 18, 1937 in Kansas City, MO. He worked as a Federal Fire Fighter at Williams AFB for 20 years and after retiring worked security at the LDS Mesa, Arizona Temple. In his spare time Jim enjoyed archaeology, traveling, and reading. He is survived by his wife Carla (McMullin) Wheeler, daughter Katharine Martineau (Rodney), sons Jon Wheeler and Michael Wheeler, grandson James K. Martineau (Melissa), granddaughter Michelle Martineau, sisters Judy Kyle and Suzanne Minner and brother Jerry Wheeler. Services will be held December 3, 2010 at the Desert Ridge Stake Center, 3440 S Signal Butte Rd, Mesa, AZ with a visitation at 10:00 am and services at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way Mesa, AZ

Robert Stanton Gildehous, 81, born May 8, 1929 to Earl Gildehous and Nancy Maude Werst, in Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of November 16, 2010 surrounded by his family. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1948 and after graduation enlisted in the Navy. After his honorable service with the Navy, Bob went to work for Western Electric and then in later years worked for AT&T as a Network Engineer where he retired in 1987. He enjoyed many hobbies, which included fishing, building model airplanes, working on jigsaw puzzles and reading a good western. He will always be remembered as a man who loved his family. He loved his “girls

Lillian Capitola Currier, 89, passed away November 16, 2010. Visitation is Monday, November 22, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Memorial services are Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 1 PM also at Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Leonard and Tricia Colpitts died on November 14th. Leonard was 57 and Tricia was 53. They are survived by 4 children and one grandchild; Kenneth 28, Joann 27, Lynn 24, Jake 23 and his wife Stephanie 23, and their son Dylan, 1. Leonard was born in Malta, Montana and joined the army at 17. He has two masters degrees and continued his education until his death. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and archery. Tricia was born in Salt Lake CityUT and met Leonard in Rock Springs Wyoming the day Leonard got out of the Army. She followed him to the University of Wyoming and they were married May 27, 1976 in Green River Wyoming. Tricia graduated nursing school in 1979 and obtained her doctorate of nursing practice in 2008. They were devoted parents and grandparents and still very much in love when they died. They are loved and will be dearly missed. Services will be held at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 2213 N. Lindsey Rd. Mesa, AZ 85213. There will be a vigil Friday the 19th at 7pm and a funeral mass Saturday the 20th at 10 am.