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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.

Russell D. Kinsey passed away April 22, 2010. He was a life long resident of Mesa and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is survived by his wife Patsy, sons Jim and Shawn, daughters Kathleen and Joleen, 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 29 at 10 AM preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Mesa North Stake Center, 933 E. Brown Rd. in Mesa. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

John Nance Bevell, Sr., passed away April 19, 2010 at his home. John was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and leaves a legacy of faith. He owned the JB Sales Water Distiller Company. John is survived by his wife Betty; their eight children Nancy Randall, Judy Michaud, Lori Shumway, Sheri Bennett, John N. Bevell, Jr., Kathy Durfee, Glen Bevell, Melanie Hull; 34 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Frances Folkersen, Linda Bevell, Stella Horne; brothers “Mac

Leonard L. Paschall Jr. 3/28-1938 to 4-17-2010, of Mesa AZ formerly of Norwood, PA. Born in Philadelphia, PA, graduated from Darby High School. Employed 25 years at Boeing Vertol in Essington PA as quality control manager and 15 years at McDonnell Douglas, Mesa, AZ. Survived by wife of 53 years Marcia, children Leonard, Sherry Bock and Jacqueline Bauer, grandchildren, Amanda, James, Kaycee, Kelsey and Lenny, sisters Doris Paschall and Kathy Ilean Frederick, MD. Memorial Service Friday, April 23, 2010 at 4:00p.m., Bunker’s University Chapel 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Michael L. Masciantonio Scholarship Fund, Neumann College c/o Institutional Advancement, One Neumann Dr., Aston, PA 19014-1298

Lovel U. Wheeler. Grandma quietly passed from this world to the next on April 14, 2010. She is mother of eight children, Bill, Dick, Lovel, Ben (deceased), John, Doug, Karen and Diane, and a multitude of grand and great-grandchildren. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, she lived her 96 years in the Valley of the Sun. Grandma knew what made life good: family, friends and service to God and mankind. She instilled these values in her family. She is proud of the accomplishments of her descendents. We are proud to call her Grandma. Her viewing will be from 6 – 8 PM Friday April 16, 2010 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, preceded by a viewing at 9 AM, Saturday April 17, 2010 at the LDS Chapel, 745 N. Val Vista, Mesa, AZ. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Evelyn Leona Martin, 78 passed away April 7, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. She was born January 14, 1932 in Blanchard, OK. She is preceded in death by her husband John C. Martin, Sr., son Ralph J. Gaalaas and her mother Ollie V. Bailey. She is survived by her sons John C. Martin, Jr., David W. Martin; daughter Kimberly Legault; brother Ralph (Barbara) Thomas; sister Mary (Butch) Scott; grandchildren Cory and Sean Gaalaas; Christian, Cody and Jessica Martin; James, Amber, Kaitlyn, Michael, Joseph, Lauren, and Isaac Legault; great-grandchildren Aaron Craig, Bailey Parker, Ian, Maddy and Rachel Gaalaas; Seth and Heather Gaalass and life long friend Patricia Burton. Visitation will be Monday, April 12 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 11 AM, also at Bunker’s Garden Chapel followed by burial at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

Anna Rae Vance Jones Collins, 79, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully April 5, 2010. She was born May 21, 1930 in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico. She is survived by four loving daughters Kathy Farnsworth, Debi (Gary) Hall, Donna (Rohn) Robinson, Lory (Rob) Fenske, 15 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husbands Doyle Calvin Jones and Sidney Collins and granddaughter Sharon Ann Farnsworth. Services will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11 AM preceded by a visitation from 8:30-10:30 AM at the LDS Elmwood Ward Chapel at 925 N. Harris in Mesa. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.