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Kempton, Roberta

of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on June 7, 2010 at the age of 88. She was born February 4, 1922 in Glenbar, Arizona. Roberta is survived by her husband, Weldon Kempton, and her two sons, Arthur Kempton and Curtis Kempton, all of Gilbert, AZ. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren whom she loved very much. Visitation will be held 6-8 pm on Friday June 11 at Bunker Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ. Funeral services will be held Saturday June 12, 10:00 am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 7145 E. Monterey Ave., Mesa AZ.

Fern Shill Bradshaw passed away May 27, 2010 at her home in Mesa, Arizona one week short of turning 89. She was born June 6,1921 in the farming town of Lehi, Arizona. Her parents were Frank and Priscilla Nelson Shill. She graduated Mesa Union High in 1939 and attended one year at what is now ASU. After marrying Air Force Pilot Niles Bradshaw in 1950, they lived in the states of Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, Alaska, and Colorado before returning for good to the warm Arizona climate. An active member of the LDS faith, she served many years as chorister, teacher and Relief Society President. She is preceded in death by her husband Niles Bradshaw. She is survived by her three children Jean Duncan (Harvey), David, and Ginger Fuquay, and her 2 sisters Edna Shill, Ella Deanne Randall and brother Frank Shill. She had 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial, Mesa on Tuesday, June 1 from 6-8 PM. Funeral Services will be held at the Park Center Ward, 422 East University Dr. in Mesa on Wednesday June 2 at 10 am. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior.

Norma Bee Brown Myler peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father on May 26, 2010 after a long illness. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 66 years, George “Blaine

Jack J. Wright, 77, passed away May 25, 2010 in Gilbert, AZ. He was born October 27, 1932 in Weleetka, OK. He is survived by his wife Anabel R. Wright, four daughters and eight grandchildren. Visitation will be Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 9:30 AM followed by funeral services at 11 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa.

Jeremiah Allan Weinland passed peacefully in the arms of family on May 24, 2010. He was born at 5:41 p.m. and was received into the arms of Jesus at 5:50 p.m. the same day. Jeremiah weighed 4 pounds, 15 ounces and was 18 inches long. Jeremiah was the son of SheaLynn LaDonne Weinland. He is survived by his maternal grandparents David and Terri Weinland, great grandparents Dean and LaDonne Weinland of Gilbert, AZ and Lynn Anthony Baird and Barbara Kaye Baird (deceased) of Bartlett, TN as well as uncles, aunts and cousins.

During his brief visit on earth Jeremiah enjoyed listening to music, cuddling with his soft toys, and being held close by family and friends. Jeremiah gave us a lifetime of love during his short time on earth. Jeremiah is deeply loved by his mommy, his grandparents, his great-grandparents, his aunts and uncles, his cousins and so many others. Jeremiah will always remain his mother’s precious baby and we will hold him again in heaven one day. He was loved by all who met him and will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 28th 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker Family Funeral Home, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 29th 2010 at 2:30 p.m. at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery at 6747 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206. A reception will immediately follow the service at Mission Community Church at 4450 E. Elliott Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234.

In lieu of flowers we would be honored to have you send support to the Crisis Pregnancy Center in honor of Jeremiah at 1818 E. Southern Ave, Suite 113, Mesa, AZ 85204. www.choicesaz.org

Mary Louise Couey, born August 7th in Mobile, Alabama, died May 26, 2010 in Mesa, Arizona. She is survived by her dear husband of 52 years, Joseph Couey, her daughter Elizabeth Kelly Slade (Darin), her 7 grandchildren Ciera Eppinger (Tim), Joseph, Elizabeth DeAnn, Jacob (deceased), Joshua, Rylee and Jocelyn Slade. Mary Lou was a veteran in the United States Navy for 3 years and worked in the Civil Service for 23 years. She loved to travel, play golf and dance. She had recently started painting. Mary Lou loved life to the fullest; she was loved very much by her friends and family. She was a past member of the El Zaribah Daughter of the Nile and Ladies Oriental Shrine. She was a current member of the White Mountain Women’s Club. Mary Lou suffered with Pulmonary Fibroses for 6 years; she was a fighter and fought hard to overcome this horrible disease which there is no cure. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Arizona El Zaribah Shrine Clowns. Funeral Services will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 10:30a.m. A viewing will be held on Friday, May 28, 2010 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Bunker’s. She will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Tuesday.

Craig Dwayne Timothy, 48, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2010 in Arizona. Craig was born on July 31, 1961 in Spokane, Washington but lived in Arizona for most of his adult life. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ruth Timothy, and his children, JR, Devin, Erin, Blake, Joseph and Caleb. At this time Elder Devin Timothy is serving an LDS mission in Uruguay. Craig is also survived by his mother, Patricia Helen Timothy, sister, Debbie Goulding, and brother, Michael Timothy. He is preceded in death by his father, Bobby D. Timothy. Craig was a Mortgage Broker by profession and owned his own mortgage company since 1994. His genial nature, quick wit and wonderful sense of humor made Craig a successful businessman and a friend to all. As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Craig loved to study scriptures and other books of history and doctrine. He was also very musical and was a member of the Percussionauts Drum Corps when he was younger. Craig loved to swim with his children, accompany them on school field trips and also go on Boy Scout campouts. One of Craig’s favorite places was Hawaii, where he met his wife, Patti, and made many wonderful memories throughout the years with his family. A viewing is scheduled for Friday, May 28, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel (33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85210). Funeral services will be held at the Citrus Heights Stake Center (2549 N. 32nd St. Mesa AZ 85213) on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 10 AM. (No viewing will be held before the funeral service on Sat.) Interment will be at Green Acres Cemetery (401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale AZ 85257) immediately following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Timothy Children’s Fund

Verdell R. Williams Hodnett, 91 passed away on May 18, 2010 in Mesa, Arizona. Born on May 17, 1919 in Preston, Idaho to James Peter Rassmussen and Sarah Jensen. She grew up in the Preston area until her marriage to her first love and eternal companion, Garth B. Williams, on January 21, 1938. They lived in Idaho, Colorado and Utah until moving to the Phoenix area in 1953. She was a faithful, lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in numerous callings including Relief Society President of her ward in Phoenix. She was blessed to develop a strong testimony of the restoration and had a personal relationship with the Savior and Our Heavenly Father. If a family member was in difficulty she was known to set her alarm clock to remind her to pray each hour until the trouble had passed.

Verdell was an excellent seamstress, sewing many articles of clothing for those in need. She even designed a ‘Purple People Eater’ costume for a ward roadshow. This costume was similar to Barney the dinosaur now showing on PBS channels. She also sewed many suits, some worn by her sons as they served missions for the church.

After the passing of her beloved husband, Garth, she prayed for another companion to share her life and love with. She had impressions of a ‘Man in Blue’ that turned out to be her second husband, William L. (Bill) Hodnett whom she met in the Mesa Temple. He was wearing a blue suit when they met and she knew he was the ‘Man in Blue’ she was looking for. Once again her prayers were answered. Soon they were married and gave each other love and support which extended both their lives .

She is survived by her husband Bill Hodnett with whom she lived happily for the last 10 years, her sons James R Williams(Ola Mae), Terry Lorin Williams(Darlene), David Garth Williams(Rachael), Steven R Williams(Mary) and Bruce R Williams(Betty). She has been blessed with a large posterity counting 38 grandchildren and 85 great-grandchildren.

She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, she was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. We are comforted knowing that Verdell is with many of her loved ones who have left this mortal life and are rejoicing with her even now.

A viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, 2010 from 6 to 8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral Services will be held at the Mesa Kimball East Stake Center, 4640 E. Holmes Ave, Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 10am. With a viewing one hour prior to service. Interment to be at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center immediately following the service.

DUDLEY JOY ASHCROFT, 92, Born 22 October 1917 in Cannonville, Utah to Josiah Emer Ashcroft and Arrilla Hamblin. He was reunited with his eternal sweetheart, Lola Whiting and 20 siblings, on May 17, 2010. Youthful memories include growing up in rural Eagar Arizona. As a loving and dedicated father and grandfather he leaves Moe (Gale), Lynn (DeeAnne) and La Kay, 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. His family and children were his whole life. “If Grandpa can’t do it, nobody can.

Johnson, Emmy Lou, 78 of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully on the evening of May 15, 2010 surrounded by family members. Emmy Lou was born June 25, 1931 in Los Angeles, CA, the daughter of Joseph and Florence Westerdahl Kendall. She will be remembered as a wonderful, caring and giving wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She was dedicated and devoted to her family and friends. Her grandchildren always looked forward to visits at grandma’s, which always ended with a bowl of ice cream. She was a widow for the past 25 years and raised her children in righteousness. She was very active in the Republican Party and volunteered at the Mesa LDS Temple for many years. We are comforted with the knowledge that she is finally reunited with her beloved Mac, never again to be separated. She holds a special place in all of our hearts and she will be missed. Emmy Lou is survived by her sisters, Karen Chapman and Karol Layton, her six children, Michael (Kelly) Johnson of Mesa, AZ, David (Joylene) Johnson of Mesa, AZ, Kathy (Rick) Carlsen of Mesa, AZ, Gregory (Lori) Johnson of Gilbert, AZ, Timothy (Alicia) Johnson of Pleasant Grove, UT and Jennifer (Roger) Goodman of Mesa, AZ, her 26 grandchildren, 1 deceased grandchild, and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held May 20, 2010 at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1911 N. 24th St. in Mesa (1 block south of McKellips between Gilbert and Lindsay Roads). A viewing will be held May 19 from 6-8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Luise B. Holmes, 90, born January 30, 1920 in Salt Lake City, UT passed away May 10, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. She retired from the City of Mesa and was an accomplished artist and published poet. She was a devoted temple worker for over 20 years. She was preceded in death by her husband James C. Holmes; daughters Marjorie H. Weeks, Becky Lee Stephens; sons Stephen T. and James C. Holmes. She is survived by her children Lynn Jackson, Leslie (Herbert) Snyder, 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Services will be Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 10 AM at the LDS Cornerstone Ward, 422 E. University Dr. in Mesa. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Henry G. DeVeau of Mesa, AZ passed away May 7, 2010 at home. Henry is survived by his wife June, 5 children, 3 step-children, 33 grandchildren and more than 40 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the LDS Church. Henry served his country in the Air Force as a pilot from 1943-1946. He was a co-founder of the Phoenix Flyers. He was previously employed by Berge Ford and later owned an Exxon station at McKellips and Mesa Drive. Funeral services are Wed., May 12, 2010 at 9 AM preceded by a visitation at 8 AM at the LDS Three Fountains Ward, 1852 N. Stapley Dr. in Mesa. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the HDSA (Huntington’s Society). Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Kay Jean Smith Allen, born May 30, 1933 in Bisbee, AZ, passed away May 5, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. She was the daughter of Nephi Lot Smith and Zetta Elizabeth Kempton of Safford, AZ. She married Conrad K. Allen on December 14, 1950 in the Mesa AZ temple. They are eternal sweethearts. She loved everyone she knew and they loved her back. She filled her family’s life with love and music. She has left a legacy of faith and will be greatly missed. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is survived by her loving husband, Conrad K Allen, and eight children, Roni Bates (Ivan), Christon C Allen (Debbie), Noel S. Allen (Karen), Cory N Allen (Cindy), Kevin K Allen (Robin), Melodee A Jones, Shawn C Allen (Susan), Elizabeth Banks (David). Her posterity included 53 grandchildren (49 survive her), 79 great-grandchildren (78 survive her), and 1 great-great-grandchild. A viewing will be held on Monday, May 10, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. at the Boulder Creek Stake Center at 3025 S. Hawes Rd., Mesa, AZ. 85208. The memorial services will follow at 10:30 a.m. The family would like to express love and thanks to all those who have blessed their lives and the lives of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

J. Darwin Gunnell, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a well known Mesa Business, Community and LDS Church leader, passed away on April 29, 2010 at the age of 94. His legacy of dedication and generosity to his family, his community and his Church is unsurpassed. He was preceded in death by his wife Olive, of 53 years. Darwin is survived by his children; Brent (Laura), Lamoine (Susan), Steve (Rhonda), Douglas (Ellen), Kay Bradshaw (Mark), and Scott (Rachael); 35 grandchildren, 93 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren; his wife Dorothy and her daughter Rita Abbott Rhodes (Vaughn) of Tremonton, Utah. He leaves two brothers, Karl (Norene) and Grant (Alice) and one sister, Ruth Strong (Raymond).

Darwin was born a twin, the 4th of 9 children to Charles B. and Myrtle Cutler Gunnell in Snowville, Box Elder County, Utah. His boyhood was spent in Howell, Utah where his parents had a dry farm raising Turkey red wheat. He attended grade school through the 8th grade, went on to Bear River High School graduating in 1933. He attended Utah State College in Logan before serving a 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States Mission with headquarters in Denver, Colorado.

Following his mission he married Olive Christopherson from Garland in the Logan Temple on July 5th, 1939. He then entered into partnership with his father in their extensive farming operations for 3 years. In early 1942 he moved his family to Mesa, Arizona to enter the tire business as a franchise operator with the O.K. Rubber Welders Company, a tire retreading and repair company. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, normal supplies of retreading materials were reduced as was the availability of new tires and his growing business was at the crossroads. He saved his business by recognizing he could repair tires found in salvage yards. This was the first of many opportunities he took advantage of as his business prospered over the next 40 years.

In 1963 he and several others founded the “Big O Tire Company

Ernest Samuel Briggs, born March 10, 1919, one of 9 children of Azer R. Briggs and Emilie Osterloh of Magrath, Alberta, Canada, passed away April 29, 2010. In his youth he graduated from “Olds School of Agriculture” and during WWII served his country in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Ernest married Elizabeth “Betty” Spence of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of 7 children: William Azer (Karen) Briggs of Regina, Sask., Canada, Victoria (David)(deceased) Sweat of Salt Lake City, UT, Patti (David) Petersen, Rosemary (Paul) Burt, Margaret (Jay) Kocherhans, Nora Jane (deceased) (Kemp) Farnsworth, all of Mesa, AZ, Spence Ernest (Marla) Briggs of Peoria, AZ and a posterity of 27 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. After farming in Alberta, Canada for 25 years the family sold the farm and moved to Mesa, AZ. Ernest built a swimming pool for race horses (rehabilitation and therapy) near Turf Paradise in Phoenix. Ernest trained and successfully raced horses for many years. Ernest has always been an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to many positions of responsibility; serving as a Bishop, Stake Missionary, Temple Ordinance Worker and Asst. to Quorum President and Bishop’s Counselor. Visitation will be Monday, May 3rd 2010 from 6-8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ and 1 hour before services. Funeral Services are Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 10:00am at the LDS Miller Ward, 933 E. Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.