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Barbara Vieyra, 22, also known as Barbie passed away September 18, 2010 in Afghanistan fighting for what she believed in. She was born July 2, 1988 in Phoenix, Arizona to Raul & Elizabeth Vieyra. She attended Smith Junior High and graduated from Skyline High School in 2006. She was full of life and always so happy, and out going. She was very caring and had a close relationship with her brother and sister; they use to go inside a blanket and fill it with pillows and one of the three would be in there and the other two would push them down the stairs. She is survived by her daughter Evelyn Vieyra, her parents Raul & Elizabeth Vieyra, two immigrants from Mexico, her sister and brother Guadalupe & Roberto Vieyra, and grandparents Roberto & Leovigilda Vieyra. She was preceded in death by her nephew Carlos Cardenas who passed away September 14, 2008. There will be a visitation Friday October 1, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201 (480) 696-6883. Funeral services are Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 11 AM at the LDS Lehi Ward building, 830 East Lehi Road, Mesa, AZ 85203. Any donations can be made at Wells Fargo Bank for Evelyn Vieyra. Thank you to everyone that has donated and helped our family though this difficult process and to the army. SOMEONE ONCE TOLD ME… LOVE POEM “Like the stars in the sky, I am calling to you. From the heavens above, I am looking for you. In the depths of my soul, I will live and breathe for you. Sadness dwells inside you; You have nothing to fear, for I am next to you. I can feel your sadness; Let me be sad for you, so you will feel love once again. Worry not about life, let me worry for you. You should always love life, for it is a part of you. I’ll be there when you fall, to catch you and say I Love You … Happy, caring, and loving.

Westlyn Riggs, 76, born June 1, 1934 to Rockford R. Riggs and Julia Whiting in St. Johns, AZ, returned to his Heavenly Father on Sept. 23, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. He will always be remembered as a man who loved his family and his Savior. He is survived by his wife Marlene and their seven children Rita Pico, Raylene Anderson, Rosemarie Gunnell, Russell Riggs, Renay Barnwell, Ryan Riggs, Rebecca Tingey; 5 brothers Ray, Larry Charl, Ken and Wayne Riggs; 37 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Wes and Marlene served faithful missions for the LDS church in Mexico, Virginia and twice in Ecuador. Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa 85201. Funeral services will be Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 at 10 AM at the LDS Alta Mesa Stake Center, 5350 E. McLellan, Mesa, AZ 85205. He was loved dearly and will be missed. The family requests any donations be made to the LDS mission fund c/o Bishop Gary Porter, 5345 E. McLellan #56, Mesa, AZ 85205.

Carlyle Hyrum (Curly) Larkin was born August 24, 1915 in Snowville, UT to John Larkin and Vera Stratford. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded with love, September 23, 2010 in Gilbert, AZ. Through their love of dance, Curly met and married Naomi Pickford December 15, 1939 and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple. They had four children, Bob Larkin of Plain City, UT, Don Larkin of Sandy, UT, Jack Larkin of Pleasant Grove, UT, and Bonnie Metcalf Simonton of Gilbert, AZ. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife on August 13, 2000. Curly was loved by all for his quick wit and friendly conversation. He had a deep love of horses, reading, and travel. He was a man of devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the ethic of hard work. From a young age his work never ceased, working as a brakeman for the railroad, a milk truck driver, cattle inseminator, fruit farmer, dairy farmer, and rancher. Curly enjoyed “heaven on earth

Bernard Chandler Hansen, 91, of Tempe passed away on Sept. 16, 2010. Bernie was the beloved husband of Ada Hansen. His first wife, Melva and his oldest daughter, Janet Hansen Konopnicki (Bill) preceded him in death. He was the beloved father of 5, Janet, Gregory Ray (Deana), Kathy Hansen McVaugh (Joseph), Alan Bernard and Gary Kent Hansen. He had 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was raised in Weiser, ID. He was a Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended BYU on a track scholarship. He set records in the 100 and 220 yard dashes that held for 10 years. After graduating from BYU he joined the Air Force, became a pilot, then a decorated pilot instructor with the rank of Major when he retired. He loved flying and even got to fly with the Thunderbirds at Williams AFB. He loved to tell stories about his AF years. Bernie was known for his calm demeanor and love of gardening. He LOVED giving his friends and family the fruits and vegetables he would grow. He loved taking his kids and grandkids fishing. He lived in Safford, Chandler, Mesa, Yuma, Payson and had a summer home in Pine, AZ. He loved taking his 3 sons on father and sons camping trips. He was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he loved the Lord and his family. He will be greatly missed until we meet again in Heaven and are reunited as an eternal family. Funeral services are Saturday, Sept. 25 at 10 AM, with a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Del Rio Ward, 1881 E. Del Rio, Tempe. Interment will be at the Pima, AZ Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Please run the following obituary in your paper Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. The photo is attached. Please call for credit card information.

Thank you,

Alison

Bunker’s Garden Chapel

Feather Lynn Thomas, 31, born October 14, 1978 passed away September 15, 2010. Feather went on to heaven to join her father Craig A. Thomas and brother Craig J. Thomas. She is survived by her mother Geraldine Thomas, 2 brothers Waylon and Roger Thomas and many nieces and nephews. The wake will be Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010 from 6-10 PM at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Dr., Scottsdale. Funeral services will be Friday, Sept. 24, 2010 at 7 AM, also at Salt River Memorial Hall. Burial will follow at the Salt River Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

It is with great love and sadness that we share the passing of our brother, son, husband and father. Todd was loved by many and was the oldest of 4 siblings. Born to Herschel Butterfield and Ila Feltman on December 3, 1960. Todd is survived by his wife, 3 daughters, 1 son-in-law and 3 grandchildren along with his father and mother, brother, 2 sisters, 5 step-brothers, and 2 step-sisters. Born in Murray, Utah, his family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1968. Todd had a passionate, giving heart and a sincere love for those around him. He will truly be missed by all those who knew him. A sincere thank you for the generosity of the Harmony Park Ward Family. Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel, 1266 S. 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85204, on Wednesday, September, 22, 2010 at 10:00a.m.; with visitation 1hr. prior. Arrangements are being held under the direction of Bunker’s University Chapel, Mesa, Arizona.

Jean Ward Davis was born May 22, 1922, in Huntington Park, California to Ralph and Sophronia “Bodie” Layton Ward. Jean graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1941 and lived in Tucson for many years where she was employed by the Tucson Clinic. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother. Jean was a devoted and thoughtful friend who was loved by all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Hurst and son-in-law, Craig Hurst, Mesa: 3 grandchildren, Stacey (Michael) Noble, Amy (Drew) Stewart, and Christopher (Elise) Hurst; 2 great-grandsons, Hyrum Hurst and Merik Stewart, brother Roy B. Ward and sister-in-law Jill Jordan, niece Zoe (Steve) Lonetti, and nephew Ryan Ward. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, H. Harold Davis, daughter Sandra Jean Davis, brother Vaun R. Ward, and her parents. Graveside services will be held 11:00am Thursday, September 16, 2010, Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 719 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix. Special thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their tender and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local heart association, the National Children’s Leukemia Foundation, or Hospice of the Valley.

Neoma Riggs Mecham, age 85 of Gilbert, AZ passed away September 8, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. Preceded in death by her husband Gerald W. Mecham & son Frank Riggs Mecham. Survived by son Jerry Mecham & wife Laurie, daughter Dyann Cox & husband Bill. Also survived by her 14 Grandchildren, 19 Great-Grandchildren & 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. Funeral services Sept. 14, 2010 at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 390 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ. Visitation from 9-10:00 am. Interment at the Mesa Cemetary, Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Roberta Kirkwood O’Banner born May 19, 1933 in Greenwood, Mississippi. Her parents Lillie Hill-Porter and Wallace Kirkwood preceded her in death and to this union were three sisters: Rosetta Harris, Ora Lee Seaberry, and Emma Mae Porter which preceded her in death. Roberta attended school in Monies, Mississippi with only an 8th grade education. Roberta married Dorsey Lee O’Banner in October 12, 1951 and to this union six children were born.

In 1955 they moved to Mesa, Arizona where she joined Mount Calvary Church under the leadership of the late Rev. W.D. Hardison in 1958. Roberta was a domestic housewife. She loved life and her children along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Everyone loved being around her all the time. Roberta will be sorely missed.

On September 6, 2010 Roberta left her flight in life. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband; Dorsey Lee O’Banner Sr. Her children: Dorsey Lee O’Banner Jr. (Clara Brown-O’Banner), Delores O’Banner-Cobb, Mary Ann O’Banner-Brezial (Charles E. Brezial Sr.) From Atlanta Ga., Jimmie Lee O’Banner (June Winton –O’Banner), Mary Louise O’Banner- Conerly (John E. Conerly) and LaVonne O’Banner. Her grandchildren: Lisa M. Hopper, Steven R. Tolton, Syreeta R. Johnson, Charles E. Brezial Jr., Milon L. Brezial, Alichia Chacon, Christine O’Banner, Natalie Gregory, Kimberly O’Banner, Kristen O’Banner, Nicholas R. Conerly, Cierra L Conerly and 17 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Monday, September 13, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 1720 East Broadway Road also in Mesa.

Opal Marie DeWitt, 99, passed away September 6, 2010 in Cottonwood, AZ. She was born June 19, 1911 in Plains, New Mexico and lived most of her life in Mesa and Chandler. She worked in the family business, Sunshine Laundry and Dry Cleaning. She was preceded in death by her husband William Lynn DeWitt. Those who remain to miss her are her daughters Sherrill Crouch (James G.), of Camp Verde and Kathleen Gardner (Al), of Mesa, her grandchildren Debbie Lynne Bennett (Ron), James Allen Crouch (Rebecca), Robin Gardner Juvan, Terry Wayne Crouch (Cheli), Kelli Lynn Shell (Todd), 13 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Nancy Lynn Elliott Farrill, 64, passed away Sept. 5, 2010. She battled Multiple Sclerosis for 29 years. She is survived by her children Kristen Neus (Kevin), Aaron Farrill, Amanda Kolski (Alexander), grandchildren Jessica Walder, Courtney Neus, Kendyl Neus, Connor Neus, Korynn Neus, and Alexandra Kolski. Nancy was a positive person even in adversity. Her faith was unwavering even to the end. Services will be held at the LDS church building at 495 S. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert AZ, on Friday, September 10, at 10:00 AM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Kathy Jean Claridge. Kathy passed into the next life at home on Sunday, September 5, 2010 following a long battle with brain cancer. She was born March 22, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Joseph Fredrick Ehlers and Rose Ida Rosenhan. She moved with her family at the age of 3 to Southern California where she great up attending grade school in Redondo Beach, California, graduating from Palos Verde High School in Palos Verde Estates, California in 1963. She attended Harbor Jr. College as a freshman and married James Duane Claridge from Safford, Arizona in the Los Angeles temple. After the school year they moved to Safford for a year, then Casa Grande for a year and then to Tucson so that James could finish his Master’s degree. They then moved to Mesa in 1967 where she received an AA degree from Mesa Community College and became and EMT working in the Mesa Public Schools.

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many positions of responsibility, Sunday school teacher, Young Women’s advisor, Stake Missionary, Primary counselor and president, Relief Society counselor and president and Family History Consultant. In July of 2002 she served a mission with her husband at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, Hawaii until 2004.

She is survived by her husband James and 5 children; Samantha Claridge of Chandler, David Claridge of Mesa, Carolee Burnham of Gilbert, Jeremy Claridge of Yuma and Amanda Harms of Cambridge, New Zealand. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren and one brother, Stephen Lyle Ehlers of Lancaster, California. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, James Clayton and two brothers, Jerald and John Ehlers.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 10, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the Mesa Boulder Creek Stake Center, 3025 South Haws Road with Bishop Glen Kennedy officiating. Friends may visit the family from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the church. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery in Safford, AZ following the services.

Gregory Winfield Gibbs, November 9, 1968 – August 26, 2010. A bright light has dimmed and a sparkling star has emerged somewhere in the western sky. During the summer evening of August 26th, Greg Gibbs unexpectedly died in his Tempe, Arizona home. His passing leaves an enormous void in the lives of his family and friends; however, a collection of extraordinary memories remain. Gregory Winfield Gibbs was born in Laconia, New Hampshire, on November 9, 1968, following a late fall blizzard. He was the second child and son of Marcia (Guild) and Richard Gibbs. The traits that defined Greg were forged early: creativity, charm, generosity, love of music, sharp wit, tenderness, athleticism, and a defense of the different. He was an incredible talent. Greg collected toys, antiques, memorabilia—anything that “spoke

Daniel Irizarry Obregón Pagán, 53, passed away August 29, 2010 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born July 27, 1957 in Mesa, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his father Daniel Garcia Pagán, his brother Ricardo Obregón Pagán and his nieces Tara Colleen Margarita Pagán and Rosa Cristina Liljenquist Pagán. He is survived by his wife Darlene Chapman Pagán; children Amanda Pagán (Brad), Shelledy, Katrina, and Jonathan Pagán; mother Margarita Pagán; brother Eduardo Obregon Pagán; sister Cynthia Malolo (Brent); and uncle Clint Warner. Funeral Services will be Friday, September 3, 2010 at 10 AM preceded by a visitation at 9 AM. Interment will follow at East Resthaven Cemetery, 4310 E. Southern Ave. in Phoenix. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Diane Marie Perkins, 31 passed away August 29, 2010 in Mesa, Arizona. Wake services will be Friday, September 3 at 6:00 PM at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Drive in Scottsdale. Funeral Services are Saturday, September 4 at 7:00 AM at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 East Palm Lane in Scottsdale.