Find An Obituary

Sandra Louise Brooks, our family’s beloved mother, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10 after years of struggling with dementia. She is reunited and dancing with her sweetheart, William (Bill) Thomas Brooks. The love, care and kindness she showed everyone will not be forgotten.

Sandy, daughter of Lewis Henry Littledyke and Pearl Andrews, was born in Logan, Utah on March 7, 1938. She had one younger brother, Lewis Daniel “Danny” Littledyke, who died a few months after birth from a heart condition. Sandra grew up surrounded by her beloved cousins, aunts, and uncles.

While Sandy attended Utah State University, she met Bill and they fell in love. They were married on July 3, 1959 and later sealed in the Logan, Utah Temple. They had five children and adopted four more.

Kind, loving, fun, life of the party, creative, genuine, and true friend are just a few words that described Sandy; however, the word that describes her best is service. From her children to extended family, friends, and neighbors, she was always found serving others. She would cook, bake, sew, crochet, knit or do whatever the situation demanded. Oft times, her service to others was as simple as holding someone’s hand, listening to them and showing she cared. Sandy graduated from the University of Utah as a Registered Nurse and spent the next 50 years serving patients in many different nursing roles. Her last and favorite nursing position was with LDS Church insurance company where she helped LDS missionaries around the world receive needed healthcare.

Family was everything for Sandy and she continually served her husband and all nine children throughout her life. We marvel at how much she did for all of us; she prepared our meals, kept laundry going at all times, worked a full-time job and somehow made it look easy. She found ways to attend our plays, games, concerts, recitals, graduations and more. What’s most impressive is that above all the noise and activity generated by nine children, she found quiet moments to show her love for each one of us. As we grew and moved away from home, she remained a phone call away, ready to listen and help. We are blessed to call her mom!

Singing was Sandy’s passion and as a young girl she dreamed of singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She spent many years singing in smaller choirs and taking voice lessons. She had a beautiful alto voice and her dream became a reality in 1983 when she was called to serve in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. During her 20 years singing in the Choir, you could find her on Temple Square rehearsing every Thursday night and performing every Sunday morning for the broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word. In addition to those times, there were additional rehearsals and performances for special concerts and tours. She traveled all over the world entertaining and bearing testimony of Jesus Christ through music. Her most memorable trips were to Brazil, Japan, England, Eastern Europe, Russia, and singing in two presidential inaugurations.

Sandy was always the life of the party, she loved going to and hosting parties. She knew how to have fun, how to make us laugh and how to embrace life with a smile. People were drawn to her and she made many friends that she kept in touch with over the years.

Sandy had an unwavering testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She did not doubt it. Her life spent in loving service to others exemplified her belief. We miss her dearly.

Sandy is survived by her nine children: Holly (Mark) Curtis, Becky Best, Max (Melissa) Brooks, Dan (Teresa) Brooks, Andy (Angela) Brooks, Shad (Jason) Brooks, Mary (Jason) Michael, Joy Horan, and Chelsea (Dustin) Brooks. She had 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis Henry Littledyke and Pearl Andrews; infant brother, Lewis Daniel Littledyke; and granddaughter, Amy Curtis.

The family will hold a small graveside service and interment will be at San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms on May 20th, 2024.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Donna Mae Walker Richards passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, April 28, 2024. Born on August 16, 1936, in Oakley, Utah, Donna grew up surrounded by family and friends that loved her. At the tender age of 5, her father was killed in the mines of Park City, Utah.  A few years later, her mother remarried, and Donna and her sisters happily welcomed a baby brother into their family. Donna loved her siblings and cherished memories of mischief and fun they had growing up in a small town.

After graduating from South Summit High, she married her life-long friend, Arnold L Richards, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 10, 1954. After schooling, they moved to Orem, Utah in 1964 where they raised their two daughters and created forever friendships.  In 1996, they moved to Mesa, Arizona to be with family. In 2021, she moved to The Summit where she made new friends and touched many lives.

Known affectionately as the “Energizer Bunny” to her family and friends, Donna was full of life, extremely optimistic, and spread sunshine wherever she went. She was a friend to everyone. Donna’s main concern in life was that there were not enough hours in the day to accomplish what she wanted to do!

Throughout her life, Donna embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. She was a cheerleader in high school, an Oakley rodeo queen, a skillful seamstress, she loved learning new words, she could talk on the telephone for hours and she sang in a trio “The Versatones”. Donna worked many years in the Provo School district, then went back to school in her 50’s to become a massage therapist. Donna was an avid writer of poetry and delighted in planning memorable activities for her grandchildren to do on holidays. Donna enjoyed making her famous toffee each year at Christmas and looked forward to delivering it to her neighbors and friends.

Donna loved being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings. Donna also served in the Mesa LDS Temple as an ordinance worker, a volunteer in the office and an organist. The highlight of her week was attending the temple. Her unexpected passing has truly left a hole in many hearts, but her legacy of love, kindness and service will endure.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold, and her parents, Edmund “Ted” and Ima Walker. Donna is survived by two sisters, Geri Craven and Darlene (John) Carpenter and one brother, Allen (Carol) Wilde, two daughters, RaShell (Kurt) Rice and RaLyn (Matt) Heninger, six grandchildren, Kurt (Shirlene) Styers, Shaun (Annsley) Rice, Jami (Brandon) Hall, Chris (Hannah) Heninger, Alexis (Tyler) Camp, Holly (Redden) Clouse and 15 great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Donna will be laid to rest in the San Tan Memorial Gardens. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. We love you Mom, Grandma and GG!

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Vaudean R. Williams, passed away on May 7^th, 2024 in Mesa Arizona.

She was born in Mesa on Aug. 8^th 1936.

June 26, 1953, she married her sweetheart, Robert, and is now reunited with him. They served two missions and enjoyed working in the Mesa Arizona Temple together.

Her life was very fulfilling.  She treasured her family and her faith.  She loved music and gardening.

Her legacy continues on with her son, Robert Dean, daughters: Sheryl, (Gau) Carolyn, (Marcotte) and Lorna (Larsen).  26 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Her Memorial Services will be held, Sat. May 18^th at 10:00 am. at 1911 N. 24^th Street, Mesa, Az. 85213

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Crystal Burger, 38, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on May 9, 2024. She was born on October 9, 1985, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, to Rick and Joan Burger. Crystal loved to listen to country music, watch the Minnesota Twins, and play board games.

In 2000, Crystal moved to Arizona where she continued to enjoy and share joyful moments with family and friends. Her kind spirit and infectious smile will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Crystal is survived by her devoted parents, Rick and Joan; her sister, Rachel Pfeifer and family; and her brother, Ryan Burger and family. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the love she brought into the lives of many.

Marilyn Van Kirk Connelly passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in Tempe, AZ at the age of 80. Born in St. Petersburg, FL on September 25, 1943, Marilyn was the first child of Donald Dean Van Kirk and Mary Caroline Taylor. She had three younger siblings: Catherine, Beverly, and Donald (Don). Marilyn grew up in Southern California where she met the love of her life, John James Connelly. John and Marilyn were married in the Catholic Church in Lake Arrowhead, CA on June 12, 1965.

John and Marilyn began their married lives in West Los Angeles, CA including the births of their first two children, Jon and Kelly. A few years later the family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A short while after John finished with his bachelor’s degree, he received a teaching position in Hawaii. Marilyn and her family moved there in 1970 and were sealed together for Eternity in the Laie Hawaii Temple in 1973. She gave birth to 4 additional children: Rebecca, Ganon, Megan, and Amanda. John and Marilyn lived with their ohana in Hawaii for 35 years. Upon retirement, Marilyn and John traveled with their daughter Rebecca around the country in a motorhome for ten years, visiting children, grandchildren, and countless cousins. Marilyn used every opportunity on their travels to do Family History. In 2013, Marilyn, John, and Rebecca settled in Mesa, AZ.

Marilyn loved working on her family history. She loved to reminisce that she had been studying about her ancestry for over 50 years. She researched countless family names, going back several generations, so that she could learn about them and learn lessons from her ancestors. When meeting new people, Marilyn loved to ask them about their name and where they were from. Marilyn’s first love was her family, her second was singing, and her third was family history. Since her childhood, Marilyn has loved to sing. She even performed in a community performance of “Guys and Dolls” while in college. She led the music in her local church congregation for 30 years, thriving on the excitement of creating musical programs, working with the choir, and of course singing.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Beverly, and her brother Donald (Don. She is survived by her husband John, six children, 25 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren: Jon Michael (Catherine) Connelly of West Valley City, UT has seven children: Kevin, Jennifer (Samuel) Farnsworth, her daughters Charlotte and Maya Mae; Michael, Kimberly (Cory) Mansfield, her sons Thomas, Tanner, and Matthew; Benjamin, Aaron, and Nathaniel (aka Everly). Kelly Ann (Rycharn) Freeman of Kaysville, UT has four children: Stephanie, Christopher, Melissa (Thomas) Jones, and James. Rebecca Velani is unmarried and lives with her father John and brother Ganon Patrick (Heidi) Connelly of Mesa, AZ and their six children: David, Rebecca, Sarah, Thomas (aka TJ), Joseph, and Peter. Megan Pualani (Arnold) Hammari of Boise, ID has four children: Bethany (aka Bennie), Malia, Kaitlyn (aka Kat), and Jessica. Amanda Catherine (Eric) Reynolds of Saratoga Springs, UT have four children: Emma (Derek) Reese, Lily, Carson and Macy.

Marilyn’s services will be held on May 18, 2024 at 1500 E 6th Ave. Mesa, AZ with a viewing at 9am followed by the funeral at 10am.

Burial will be at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery at 12pm. Aloha attire is welcome and tropical flowers are appreciated.

We express our mahalo and aloha to all who have cared for and shown love to Marilyn during her recent challenges and throughout her life. She was known and loved by so many. Often when searching for a desired item, Marilyn would say, “I know I left it here somewhere..”

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Rolf Merlin Flake passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona surrounded by family. Rolf was born to Bruce Merlin Flake and Irene Stratton Flake in Snowflake, Arizona on September 16, 1931. Except for his service as a missionary in Mexico and a brief stint working on Church owned livestock properties in Georgia and Florida, Rolf spent his entire life in his beloved state of Arizona. On June 29, 1954, Rolf married the love of his life, Glenna Jean Theabold in the Mesa, Arizona temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During Rolf and Jean’s early married years they lived in Snowflake and a few other locations before moving to Gilbert in 1965. They raised their six children in Gilbert and have been fixtures in the community during its growth from a sleepy agricultural town to the thriving Phoenix suburb that it is today.

Rolf has held a variety of jobs during his long career, mostly centered around the farming and ranching industries. His longest tenured positions were as an appraiser for the Federal Land Bank (15 years) and as a private appraiser with West-States Appraisal Company (14 years). He spent the last 25 years of his career doing what he loved most, which was managing a family ranch on the east edge of the Phoenix metro area. He loved working with his brothers, sons, and grandsons in the ranching business. Nothing pleased him more than checking on the cows or witnessing a good soaking rain.

Rolf is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many positions of leadership and service during his 92 years of life. He demonstrated his faith every day by the way he lived and the way he treated others. Rolf never met an enemy, and any time he saw someone in a cowboy hat he figured it had to be someone he knew . . . and most of the time it was. Many of those who knew him best list integrity as his strongest asset.

Rolf is known and loved by many as a cowboy poet and author. Rolf wrote most of the poems in his Cloud Watchers poetry book during the late 80’s and early 90’s and became a regular attendee at cowboy poetry gatherings around the American West. He loved entertaining his audience with what he called “punch line poetry” and seldom turned down an invitation to perform whether paid or not. His Looking Back series, which includes three volumes of stories about his life which he called “slices of life,” was written in the last couple of years when Rolf’s health would no longer allow him to drive to the ranch every day.

Rolf is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Jean, and five children, LaDawn (Jim) Pyles, Kent (Lori) Flake, Reed (Amy) Flake, Kirk (Lori) Flake, and Kristen (Carl) Bloomfield. Rolf is preceded in death by his daughter Loretta (Pat) Kanavel, and his brother Layne Kent Flake who died in infancy. He is also survived by six siblings, Nena (Arnold) Foster, Lavona Richardson, Leona (Lyn) Kimball, Rey (Margaret) Flake, Garry (Janet) Flake, and Keith (Jodi) Flake. Rolf’s posterity includes 27 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Services for Rolf will include a Visitation on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Funeral services will be May 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilbert Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 777 East Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ.

Burial will be in the Snowflake Cemetery on May 16, 2024, preceded by a brief grave-side service at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Charlene Meyers Morris, a resident of Mesa, AZ, aged 71 passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Mesa.

She was born September 15, 1952 in Long Beach, CA. She was adopted by Raymond and Nettie Meyers and grew up with 4 sisters and one brother in Mesa, AZ.  She married Wendell DuBoise Morris of Queen Creek, AZ on June 11, 1971 in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple.  They were blessed with five children; 2 daughters and 3 sons.

Charlene was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and faithfully served in many callings throughout her life.  Her humor touched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

She is survived by: her husband of 52 years, Wendell Morris; daughter, Shelley Howard (married to Scott Howard); son, Nathan Morris (married to Prudence Morris); son, Dana Morris; son, Cameron Morris; and daughter, Heather Koester (married to Brian Koester); sister, Gerry Cook; brother, David Meyers; sister, Ruth Solomon; sister, Naomi Lowry; as well as 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Raymond and Nettie Meyers; her sister Mary Kathleen and her sister Susan Flikkema; her in-laws Robert and Marie Morris; as well as many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 1430 N. Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Family visitation will precede in the Relief Society Room from 9:15-10:00.

Graveside service immediately following the funeral at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Juan Carlos Choto, born May 18th, 1983, was called to heaven on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024.

There to meet him were his brother, Bryan, Paz (grandmother), Socorro (sister in law), Homero (nephew), Bacilio (father in law) and many more family members.

Left to carry on his legacy is his wife Lala, daughter Diana, sons Juan Carlos Jr and Johnathan, mother Ana Miriam and many more family members and friends.

Juan Carlos was a hardworking man. He dedicated a lot of his time to his work, where he touched many lives. Outside of work, he loved spending quality time with his family. He didn’t care what he was doing, as long as he was with his family he was happy.

Juan Carlos Choto, nacido el 18 de mayo de 1983, fue llamado al cielo el jueves 2 de mayo de 2024.

Allí lo recibieron su hermano Bryan, Paz (abuela), Socorro (cuñada), Homero (sobrino), Bacilio (suegro) y muchos más miembros de la familia.

Para continuar con su legado quedan su esposa Lala, su hija Diana, sus hijos Juan Carlos Jr y Johnathan, su madre Ana Miriam y muchos más familiares y amigos.

Juan Carlos era un hombre trabajador. Dedicó gran parte de su tiempo a su trabajo, donde tocó muchas vidas. Fuera del trabajo, le encantaba pasar tiempo de calidad con su familia.
No le importaba lo que estuviera haciendo, mientras estuviera con su familia era feliz.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Oliver William Hartfield, 15 months, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 26^th, 2024, in St. Petersburg, FL in his mother’s arms surrounded by family after a long and complex medical journey.

Oliver was born December 30^th, 2022, to parents William and Kylie Hartfield.  Oliver was born in St. Petersburg Florida and was immediately admitted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to receive specialized care for congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Oliver weighed just 2 pounds and 14 oz at birth.

It was discovered that he also had esophageal atresia tracheal fistula and several heart defects. All these abnormalities required multiple surgeries, which Oliver conquered one by one. He beat all odds and was thriving. Oliver was discharged from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in September of 2023.  A few weeks later he was able to go home to Mesa, Arizona where he had the best five months of his life experiencing life as a “normal baby”. In February of 2024, Oliver returned to Florida to have his last needed surgeries and was recovering well.  However, a few weeks later Oliver unexpectedly experienced cardiac arrest which left him with a brain injury that only worsened over time.

Oliver was a strong, resilient, happy, and feisty little red headed boy that was loved by everyone that met him. Even those that never had the opportunity to meet him knew how special he was. Oliver loved to play with his toys and to explore around him. His favorite toy was the “O ball” or “Ollie ball”. This ball was a comfort to him from a very young age.  Oliver loved play time with his mom and dad and kept them very busy at home.  He also loved watching mickey mouse clubhouse, which was especially comforting to him when he was in the hospital.  Oliver brought so much joy to everyone around him.

He is greatly missed by his parents, family, nurses, and doctors.

Oliver is survived by his loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A special thank you to all those at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital that gave Oliver the very best of care. You are like family, and we are forever grateful for each one of you.

Services for Oliver will be held Friday May 17^th, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Porter Park Ward (933 East Brown Road. Mesa, AZ 85203).

Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM.  Funeral Service 11:00 AM.

If unable to attend, you can join on zoom with this link https://zoom.us/j/92924810230.

If ordering flowers, they can be delivered to the church the day of the service by calling Crismon’s Flower Shop (480) 485-1580.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Clayton Lee Tew of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on April 25, 2024 at the age of 78, while in the hospital in Mesa, AZ.

He was born on May 6, 1945, to Rex and Lucille Tew and raised in Crestview, Florida. He graduated from Crestview High School and then graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he earned an electrical engineering degree.

Clayton moved back to Crestview and immediately accepted a Civil Service job at Eglin Air Force Base in Research and Development of Munitions. He retired from Eglin after 26 years. He continued his career in the Defense Industry by accepting a position with Motorola in Scottsdale, Arizona. He worked out of the Shalimar, Florida office for a year, waiting for his youngest son to graduate high school. In 1996 Motorola moved him to Scottsdale. Motorola was purchased by General Dynamics in 2001. Clayton retired from General Dynamics in 2011 as a Business Development Director.

At the age of 21, Clayton was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while attending BYU. He was an active member, serving in many leadership roles throughout the years and recently enjoyed serving as a Mesa Arizona Temple worker.

He was a proud father and grandfather. He took all opportunities to share his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He enjoyed watching and cheering on the grands in their extracurricular activities. A favorite hobby was coin collecting and family history research.

Clayton’s legacy will be his notable work ethic and providing well for his family, which he learned from his parents.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his children (grandchildren): son, Brian and Diana (Shasta), daughter Gretchen and Kevin (Andrew), son Jon and Amie (Tate and Rhys), son Phillip and Brittny (Benjamin, Capri, and Emmy), son Chad and Megan (Talmage, Olivia, and Sophia), and his brother Pete. His parents, Rex and Lucille and sister-in-law Ginny, preceded him in death.

All services are private. Contributions in memory of Clayton may be made to the Online Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which if selected, provides the family with notification of memorial donations made).
https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Melton Martin, 50, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona, after a long and challenging illness. He was a man of faith.

Melton was born in Crownpoint, New Mexico, May 1974. As a child he lived in Crownpoint, New Mexico, and then moved to Klagetoh, Arizona, in his teen years.

He was the middle child of Tom and Louise Martin. He had many siblings – Wilbert, Gabriel, Fernando, Gilbert, Susie, Marilyn, Leonard, Tom Jr. and, Albert, Calvin, Martha, Anthony, and Samson (Darrell). Melton never married nor had any children of his own.

Melton lived a tough life, still, he remained humble throughout, and he had a heart of gold. He will be remembered best for caring about others, having a sense of humor, laughter, kindness, and the courage to deal with life’s trials. He was a generous man. He would go to any length to make others whole, and he would literally give the shirt off his back without hesitation. His greatest joy was caring for his mother, visiting family, and spending time with the Lord. He was a caregiver, a jack-of-all-trades, a carpenter, a lumber jack, and he made sure his ‘mom’ had a cozy and warm home.

Our brother, Melton, will be greatly missed. He now lives with our Heavenly Father, in peace and joy.

Services for Melton will be held at the Klagetoh Chapter House, Klagetoh, Arizona, on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 12 Noon. A farewell dinner will follow the services – as held in our Navajo tradition.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Kenneth “Kenny” Lawrence Jones, 73, was called home on April 26, 2024 in Mesa, AZ. He was born to Kenneth Lee Jones and Ruth Louise Jennings in Mesa, AZ on March 5, 1951.  Kenny grew up to be intelligent, honest, hardworking, goal-oriented and willing to give 100% or more in whatever he did.  Ken attended Lincoln and Emerson Elementary, Carson Junior HIgh, Westwood High School and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Arizona State University.  Ken was a marketing director for Xerox, Apple, Canon USA & Tokos.  Ken’s hobbies were hunting, fishing, reading and working out.  Ken served many callings in his church.  Some were scout master, stake executive secretary and young single adult bishop.  In August 1974, he was sealed for time and eternity to his sweetheart, Darla Jean Wright in the Salt Lake Temple.  They were lucky to have celebrated 50 years together and raised four wonderful children and enjoyed 15 grandchildren.  Ken is survived by his wife, Darla, son, Rustin Jones (Ashley),daughters, Staci Brinkerhoff (Troy), Kendra Brimhall (Broc) and Kilee Chamberlain (Mark).  Ken was the best papa to his 15 grandchildren.  They are Sarah, Rylie, Joshua, Rachel, Anna, Samantha, Rex, Brooke, Colton, James, Annie, Vanna, Sally, Dylan & June.  There will be a viewing Friday evening, May 3, 2024 from 6-8 pm at Bunkers Funeral Home 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 (Val Vista & University).  Funeral services are Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10 am. At the Lehi Stake Center 1430 Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201. Burial will be at City of Mesa Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are suggested.

Funeral webinar link: https://zoom.us/j/91632363051

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Raymond Alan Pedersen, 70, passed away on April 28, 2024 with the love of his life, Alice Amator, by his side.  It was his wish to die at home with her near him, and his cats and dogs, who had brought him so much joy.

Ray was born to George and Marian Pedersen on July 11, 1953 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  When still very young he moved to Park Ridge, Illinois.  He attended Washington School, Lincoln Jr High, and Maine South High School.  He was always the class clown and retained that ability to make people smile and laugh.  He loved playing ice hockey in the winter, and he started to learn to play the guitar, which became a life-long passion.  He loved playing his Martin D-18, which he recently purchased, and was very proud of it.

He chose to explore the country that he loved after graduating from high school.  One of his trips was to Arizona, where he fell in love with the beauty of the desert, and he decided that he would make Arizona his home.

He worked at several jobs before landing a position at Swift Transportation, where he rose up the ranks and retired as Western Regional Flatbed Safety Manager.

Along the way he met a woman who swept him off his feet: Alice Amator.  He told his sister that Alice was the love of his life.  They built a beautiful life together and enjoyed spending time on the beach in San Diego and snuggling with their cats and dogs at the home they created in Mesa.

When Ray was diagnosed with aggressive bone marrow cancer, he approached life with deep strength, which did not surprise anyone who knew him. He battled every day with excruciating pain and great courage.

He leaves behind a heart-broken family:  his life partner, Alice Amator, his sister Janice Pedersen Stuerzl,  brother-in-law Roy Stuerzl, and beloved nieces Jennifer Stuerzl and Jill Stuerzl.  He also leaves behind his brother Jim Pedersen.

The family wishes to thank the staff at MD Anderson-Gilbert, especially Dr. Aileen Go who was by his side every day, and Hospice of the Valley which helped him find peace during his last days at home.

Cremation.

Donations to MD Anderson in Gilbert, Arizona in Ray’s name will be most appreciated: https://www.bannerhealth.com/ways-to-give/foundations

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Nancy Louise Ware, 68, went to be with her Lord on April 25, 2024 in Mesa, Arizona.

She was born on February 27, 1956 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and had lived for the past 36 years in Mesa.

She loved her family and her dogs, along with stuffed animals, lighthouses, reading, singing, studying the Bible, teaching Bible stories to children, listening to gospel music, watching old television shows, and playing board games.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Ann Havener. She is survived by her siblings Patricia (Roger) McClelland, Linda (John) Duncan, Ron (Chris) Havener; her husband Lance Ware; her children Victor (Bonnie) Ware, Justin (Kathryn) Ware, Hannah Ware; and two grandchildren.

Memorial services are Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2 PM, preceded by a visitation at 1 PM, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Friends for Life Animal Rescue are suggested: 952 W Melody Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233 (480-497-8296)

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Marshall Martin, 73 was called home on April 23, 2024 in his home in Mesa, AZ.

Marshall was a loving and devoted father and husband. He was born in Safford, AZ and lived with his sister and two brothers growing up in the valley of the sun. He loved photography, cooking, and gardening through his life. His 50-year career was in the HVAC mechanical industry in the valley and later retired in Payson, AZ working at the Payson School District.

He is survived by his wife Brenda Martin-Tabb. His three children Patricia Limbert, Michael Martin, Christin Kuratko. His six grandchildren Sammantha, Sean, Jestyn, Slater, Haylen, and Brooklynn and one great grandchild, Liam. His siblings Merrilee, Mike, Mark, and Echo.

Viewing at Bunkers Family Mortuary, Tuesday April 30, 2024, 6-8 pm, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213

Graveside Service – Mesa Cemetery, Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 9 am, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Alexa Nicole Wermuth, 25, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and niece, passed away on April 19, 2024.

Her quiet strength, creative spirit, and caring nature endeared her to all whose lives she touched. Her memory will be forever cherished.

Alexa was known for her artistic flair, her meticulous organizational skills, and her passion for baking and cooking delicious meals. She found solace in the simple pleasure of using gel pens to express her creativity.

As a dedicated third-year college student studying microbiology, Alexa pursued her academic goals with passion and commitment. She possessed exceptional managerial skills and showcased her leadership talents through her position at Steve’s Krazy Subs.

Alexa is survived by her parents, Daniel and Lisa Wermuth, her siblings, Aaron, Alyssa (Nick) Puglise, Ashlyn, Ambria (Chris Weiss), Abel, and Abigail Wermuth, all of Mesa, Arizona, and grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins who loved her dearly.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Westwood LDS Church building. Family and friends may visit prior to the service, at 10 a.m. Alexa will be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery, with arrangements by Bunker Family Garden Chapel.

May Alexa’s memory bring comfort and peace, and may her legacy of love and strength continue to inspire.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.