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Jerry Edward Dexel passed away on March 22, 2024, surrounded by his daughters and life partner. He was born in Flint, MI on September 6, 1942, to Jack and Dorothy Dexel. Jerry proudly served in the US Navy and was a sailor on the Henry B. Wilson. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Vera Mae Rodabaugh, on August 1, 1961, and had four daughters whom he affectionally called “his girls.” Jerry retired from Arizona Water Company as a Division Manager after 35 years of service. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandpapa and friend.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Dorothy Dexel, wife Vera Dexel, daughter and son-in-law Rhonda & Billy Tate, and great-grandson Kage Schiewe. He is survived by his brothers Tom (Kay) Dexel of Seaside, CA, Dennis (Susie) Dexel of Ignacio, CO, Steve (Marilee) Dexel of Bayfield, CO, life partner Debby Sutch of Cortez, CO, his daughters Kim (Wade) Goodall of Mesa, AZ, Mischel Dusek of Tucson, AZ, Melissa (Steve) Streitmatter of Heyworth, IL, grandchildren Amber (Matt) Szymeczek of Vail, AZ, Casey (Vanessa) Goodall of Mesa, AZ, Ashely (James) Hinkle of Sapulpa, OK, Chance (Alyssa) Tate of Aquilla, TX, Kaylee Mason, Evan, Cameron, Sofia and Jenny Dusek of Tucson, AZ, Sarah (Robbie) Ashenbemer of Heyworth, IL and great-grandchildren Ella and Sawyer Szymeczek, Zach and Lilly Goodall, Zayda and Zackary Williams, Jake and Jayden Hinkle, Billy and Madison Tate, Elija, Peyton and Ollie Mason, and Ian, Wesley, Jane and Josie Ashenbremer.  Jerry also had a special relationship with Cory and Cyndal Sutch and their children Kaydence and Steven, who also called him Grandpa Jerry.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Reata Rancho Clubhouse, 9828 E. Pueblo Avenue, Mesa, AZ. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Mancos, CO. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry’s name can be made to the American Lung Association.

 

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.

Jorge M. Hernandez, 82, went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.

He was born in Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico but always called Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico home, lovingly referring to it as “God’s heaven on earth.”

Jorge was an electrical engineer who holds over 25 patents in the electronics field. He loved everything science especially space exploration. He had a great sense of humor and his favorite movie was The Three Amigos.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Yolanda, children Yolanda (Jeff France) and Jorge and three grandsons Cameron, Nathan and Aaron.

 

Funeral services are Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 2:00pm preceded by a visitation at 1:00pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Walter E. Sokalick Jr., born May 27, 1936, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 20, 2024.  Walt was born to Walter “Eddie” Sr. and Rosalia Marie Gorel in Simpson, PA. He and his brothers, Carl and James (Brian) were raised by their beloved mother in Passaic, NJ.

Walt joined the Air Force in 1957 and while stationed at Lowry AFB in Denver, CO. met Lois Kathryn Meyer.  After a brief courtship the two were married in 1963 and enjoyed over 61 blessed years together. Along the way they welcomed three children: Keith, Jeff (Cindy), and Karen McBroom (Timothy).  Walt was also blessed with and is survived by seven grandchildren, Kyle, Brittany, Kayte, David, Katherine, Dyne, and Jordan, and four great grandchildren, Mia, Sebastian, Aiden, and Max.

Walt retired from the Air Force in 1978 and then enjoyed a second career at Martin Marietta.  When Walt and Lois retired to Mesa, AZ in 1990, he had a third career at Dillard’s.

Walt was a social butterfly who never met a stranger, and if you were fortunate to have met him, you never forgot him or his sense of humor.  He was never without a smile or a song in his heart and could turn anything into a Walter original song.  In addition to serving his Lord he enjoyed traveling and cruises with his family.

 

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on April 20, at the Broadway Christian Church, 7335 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85208

In lieu of flowers donations to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation in memory of MSgt (ret) Walter Sokalick are suggested: Donate – Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.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.

 

Jerry Henrickson passed away peacefully at his home on March 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family who cared for him during his final days.

He is preceded in death by Doris (Jacobs), his soul mate and wife of 63 years, who passed away less than two years earlier.  Also greeting him in heaven is his son Gordon and grandson James.

Jerry is survived by his son Ken (Deb), and daughters Lynda Schaeppi (Scott) and Julie Nicholson (Kevin) and a legacy of 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Jerry was born in Saint Paul Minnesota on June 2, 1941.  After his father returned from serving in WWII they moved to the family farm in Sisseton, South Dakota and then later to the Pierre area.  It was while in High School in Pierre that he met Doris and would become married at a very young age.

Following an enlistment in the Army, during which his first three children were born, he worked in various career fields to support his young family.  He eventually entered the telecommunications industry, obtained a college degree, and worked at 3M in the burgeoning data networking field.

Jerry enjoyed reminiscing with his children, sharing stories of the cars he owned, tales of struggles and hardships endured, and the trips he took with Doris.  He was eager to discuss current events with his children and always willing to offer his opinion.  He could usually be found at his computer reading articles until his final days.

Jerry was a very intelligent, successful, and self-made man.  He set an example for his children of what can be accomplished with tenacity and perseverance.  He encouraged his children to be independent and strive toward their goals.  And he was generous toward them throughout his entire life.

Jerry will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dorothea Carol Thomas Shawcroft, 90, received her heavenly “transfer” assignment on March 18, 2024, reuniting with her eternal and favorite companion, John Lynn Shawcroft, as well as their daughter, Marianne, who died as an infant. She is preceded in death by great-grandchildren, Parker, Ignaci, Marigold and twin brother to Nephi.  She leaves behind her children Diana Palmer (Ron), Karl, Carolyn Rasmussen (Ed), Janet Rasmussen (Ward) and Paul, her 17 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Dorothea was born on September 15, 1933 to Millard Harold Thomas and Bertha Sophia Nielson in Manassa, Colorado, joining two older brothers, Dale and Leland. Her younger sisters, Mary Jane and Sharon later completed the family. She loved her parents and siblings and they were a close-knit family throughout her life.  She loved growing up on a farm and worked hard as the oldest daughter.  She helped feed threshing crews, milked the cows, rode horses and chopped kindling.  She loved the time her dad sent her to Primary driving the tractor, even though she was so small she could barely see over the steering wheel. She was also grateful for the older boys that helped her crank it up and start the engine so she could drive it home when Primary was over.  She talked lovingly of evenings sitting at her dad’s feet after dinner while he read great books to her and her siblings.  Dorothea loved school, loved learning and was always reading a book or two. She earned her BA in Music Education from BYU in 1954.

She was invited to a dance by Lynn Shawcroft, their courtship began, and they were married on June 8, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  They lived in LaJara and worked on the family farm, until they decided they needed a career change to support their growing family.  They left their beloved San Luis Valley in 1959 and moved to Broomfield, Colorado, where Lynn began teaching in the Boulder Valley school district.  They lived in Broomfield for the next twenty-two years and were involved with the community there, raising their 5 children, teaching piano students, serving in many church callings and making life-long friends.  In 1981 they moved to Mesa, Arizona, where Dorothea continued to serve her family, church and teach many more piano students.

In 1984 they accepted a mission call to serve in the Ecuador Quito mission.  At 51 years old, Dorothea worked hard and studied to learn to speak Spanish, which she mastered and retained until her final days.  She and Lynn also served as Mission President in the Ecuador Guayaquil mission, as missionaries in the Guatemala Guatemala City Central mission, and then were blessed to open the Guayaquil  Ecuador Temple and serve as the President and Matron. The impact they had on the lives of many missionaries and beloved people living in Ecuador and Guatemala continues on today.  When they weren’t serving in the capacity of missionaries, they loved spending time at their Colorado cabin, and Dorothea (Nana) was her happiest when the family gathered to spend time there.  Their winters were spent with family in Arizona, and many wonderful times will be remembered.

Dorothea was always a very positive, happy person, who enjoyed being a homemaker, music teacher and loving wife and grandma.  She had a valiant testimony of Jesus Christ and tried to follow His example in the way she lived her life. She spent her final years at Serenade Assisted Living home and always loved the many visitors and family who spent time with her there.  She will be dearly missed and we hope to celebrate and honor her life by following her example.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 5, 2024 with a 10:00 am viewing and services at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 920 S Lindsay Rd, Mesa, AZ, 85204.

The live stream link for people out of town or unable to attend the service in person: Dorthea Shawcroft Funeral

A graveside service and interment will be held at 11:00 am at the Sanford Cemetery, Sanford, CO on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

 

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.

Sylvia Lynn Sherman Hays, 62, of Mesa, AZ passed away on March 16, 2024 surrounded by her family. Her body could no longer keep up the fight against Ovarian Cancer, but her spirit was still strong.

Sylvia was born in Bisbee, AZ on February 17, 1962 to Sadie and Walter Sherman. As a child, her hair was so blonde, her father called her Sylver. The nickname stuck, even though her hair darkened, and was used throughout her life by many other family members and friends.

Sylvia was a kind and caring person. She was able to strike up a conversation with anyone that she met and make personal connections. She listened and remembered details about others’ lives. Sylvia touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

The last few years of Sylvia’s life, she worked for Southwest Airlines. She enjoyed the perk of traveling for free to often visit her grandsons in Texas and Georgia. Sylvia expressed desires to travel, especially foreign, and had been planning a girls trip to Fiji with her daughters. And, though she will not be physically with them, the girls trip will still take place.

Family was extremely important to Sylvia, and she often tried to maintain ties with as many family members as she could. She loved and was proud of each of her three daughters. Sylvia will continue to watch over her family as a guardian angel as we wait until we can see her again.

She is survived by her three daughters Rachelle Truhler, Katie Walker, and Lora Schillemat, and their families which includes her six grandsons.

Sylvia is preceded in death by both of her parents, James Walter Sherman (father) and Sadie Loraine Bailey Sherman (mother), her brother, James Rodrick Sherman, and a most beloved sister, Sheila Gay Sherman Waldon.

Sylvia’s remains will be buried in the Elfrida Cemetery with her beloved family members who have already passed. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The family of Sylvia would like to express thanks to the many nurses and doctors that took the time to help her find answers. And, thanks to Hospice of the Valley for ensuring that Sylvia’s last days with us on Earth were painless and comfortable.

JASON , age 51, passed away on March 19th after a battle with cancer.  His father, Walter, preceded him in death.  He will be missed by his mother, Marilyn, brother, Ken, sister- in law, Wendy, niece, Quincy, nephew, Zion, aunts Michelle and Maureen and Uncle Jake plus cousins and many friends.

His life was best summed up by one of friends, Ashley Smith: “At first glance, he was a simple guy.  And in a lot ways, he was exactly that.  When you got to know him, though, he was anything BUT.  Drove a pick-up, always dressed like a cowboy in his duster and big ol’ Smokey the Bear hat, was even a truck driver for a while.  Honestly, probably the closet thing to a real-life Ron Swanson I’ve ever met.”

But he also backpacked through Europe after high school, spoke SEVERAL languages (he’d have conversations with the Polish owner of a restaurant we’d go to – in Polish), and had a deep love for the symphony and classical music.  When you hopped in his pick-up that was probably dusty as hell, he’d have KBAH,(classical radio station)  or NPR on the radio.  I used the term “multi-faceted” once, and he really liked that. Even with how worldly he was, I was the one that taught him how to use chopsticks – by explaining it in engineering terms, since that’s how his brain was set up.  He was just as happy at a hockey game as he was at a Dvorak symphony.

I hope he gets to see the Northern Lights where he’s headed.  I hope there’s a beach, and forest, and lots of room to wander, and I hope there’s music.  All the music”

 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future.  If you care to make a donation please make it to MD Anderson Cancer Center research.  Go to https://www.mdanderson.org/– click Donate today -Memory of Jason Bialobrzeski, where donation goes select- Cancer Research.

 

 

 

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.

L. Reed Tucker passed away from post-surgery complications on March 15, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Always known as Reed, he was born on Mother’s Day, May 11,1947, in Provo, Utah, to George Travers Tucker, Jr., and Thaola Humphrey.  Reed was the third of six children: George Terrell, Karen, Steven Sidney, Neil Blair, and Van Richard. Reed spent his entire childhood in the same house in Orem, Utah, where he enjoyed riding horses, camping, hunting, and fishing. He graduated from Orem High School in 1965, where he participated on the state championship football and track teams, playing tight end and setting state records in pole vault. Reed continued his love for sports after college by officiating high school and college football and basketball for thirty years. He served as district basketball commissioner and state rules interpreter for ten years and earned State of Idaho Official of the Year awards for his work in both football and basketball.

Reed was attending Dixie Junior College in St. George, Utah, on a football and track scholarship when he met his forever companion, Diana Rose Olsen. They were married in the St. George LDS Temple on July 7, 1967. Together, they had four children: Jennifer, Gary, Karen, and Alisa. After living for a short time in Utah, the family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, in 1973 where Reed worked for Boise Cascade before founding Tucker Lumber in 1984. He later worked as a salesman for various businesses and as a commercial driver. He loved driving big diesel trucks around Magic Valley and buses to various local sports competitions. Reed loved driving the teams around and would often watch them compete before driving them home.

Tuc loved the mountains dearly and spent nearly fifty years traveling and guiding horse pack trips in Idaho’s backcountry, where he also worked as a backcountry trail rider for the US Forest Service. He thoroughly enjoyed riding, training, packing, and shoeing his horses. He also loved his country. He proudly flew the American flag in his yard and often teared up when he heard “Battle Hymn of the Republic” or “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Reed was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. While he always loved serving in the Church, his favorite calling was serving in the Twin Falls Temple with Diana. He served as an ordinance worker and trainer for eleven years. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loved to share it with friends and family.

Reed never met a stranger and loved to chat. More than anything, Reed loved with his whole heart, and his family meant everything to him. He rarely missed an opportunity to express his love for each one and attended as many concerts, plays, matches, games, and recitals as he could. He took every opportunity to nap with his grandkids, tell Scratch stories, and “play rough.” He was famous for giving wet Willies and eating Falls Brand hot dogs, root beer barrels, diet Pepsi, and root beer floats. We will all miss his signature “Love you, Heber,” and big hugs and kisses.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diana; brothers Neil Blair (Debbie), Van Richard (Sue), and sister-in-law Pat Tucker; children Jenny (Brad) Denton of Mesa, Arizona, Gary (Heather) Tucker of Malad, Idaho, Karen (Matthew) Thompson and Alisa (Matt) Radmall, both of Twin Falls, Idaho; 20 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Terry and Rocco (Steve), sister Karen, and one grandchild.

Services will be held in both Mesa, Arizona (where he had recently moved), and Jerome, Idaho. A visitation will be held Tuesday March 26 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at Bunker Mortuary 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, followed by a graveside service around 1 pm at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street. A memorial service will be held Friday March 29 from 10-11 am Mountain Daylight Time at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 825 East Avenue B, Jerome, ID (Zoom link for memorial service: https://zoom.us/j/94554589920).

Family will greet visitors directly after the memorial service.

 

 

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.

Tabitha Lang, age 81 (3 weeks shy of her 82^nd Birthday), of Mesa Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on March 14,2024 in Mesa.

A Life Celebration will be held at Mesa Spirit March 26^th from 3pm-5pm. Please come share some stories and loving memories of Tabitha’s.3020 E Main Street, Mesa AZ 85213. Social Hall off main building, in the Hopi room.

A memorial service will be held at Victory Lutheran Church in Jamestown to celebrate and honor Tabitha’s life and Legacy on June 15,2024. A private internment of Tabitha’s ashes will take place at the Miller Cemetery southwest of Streeter, ND.

Tabitha Lang was born in Bismarck, North Dakota to Walvin and Martha (Miller) Diede on April 6,1942. She went to a rural elementary school in Ketterling, N.D. Graduated Gackle High School in 1961. She wed Norman Lang in December of 1961. They were married 28 years and were lifelong companions until his death in 2016. She attended Interstate Business college and took other general education classes at Cabrillo College in California. While raising her two children; Lyle & Christina (Tina), she was active with volunteering for Vacation bible school, sewing the Choir gowns and being a Den Club Leader. An avid gardener, she cultivated and maintained a large garden that included a variety of vegetables, Rhubarb and a large Strawberry patch! She canned vegetables, made jams & sauces, including ketchup from the garden’s many offerings. She participated in Holy Trinity’s church community garden.

Tabitha’s main passion was sewing. Many beautifully hand-crafted garments are being worn by friends and family today, and with her attention to detail, and quality tailoring, these will certainly stand the test of time, memorializing Tabitha in a tangible way for many years to come. The mark she left on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to be in her orbit will continue to endure. She worked at ‘The Status Symbol’, a custom Bridal dress boutique in Wisconsin. She took a European Tailor course while residing there. She completed a full-length custom wool coat. During life in Wyoming, she was a Denny’s Restaurant Manager. She also taught a basic sewing course at the local Community College in Cheyenne. In California, she continued as a Manager for Dennys Restaurants. After sustaining an injury at the Restaurant, she went back to school to update her office skills. She started working at Oak Tree Villa as a front desk Supervisor. She excelled at her job. She won Employee of the month and in 2000 she won Employee of the year.

She still had her love of sewing. She concurrently worked at the Bridal Vail’, a custom Wedding dress boutique, in Santa Cuz. Where she proved to be a valuable asset. She moved to Mesa, Arizona to retire. One day she walked into Sally’s Fabric store, noted a “Help wanted” sign and walked out with the job after a brief interview. She enjoyed working there until the business closed. She enjoyed every workday and commented it never felt like work. Her last job was working at a satellite Post Office at the GoodLife RV Resort in Mesa. She met and made some wonderful friends there. She officially stayed retired in 2020. Even into her 80’s she was still actively sewing gifts for friends and family. Her sewing machine had a current project on it when she passed away.

Tabitha is preceded in death by her two parents Walvin and Martha Diede, and former spouse/life companion, Norman Lang.

Tabitha is survived by son Lyle and wife Lori Lang, daughter Christina (Tina) and husband Chris Johnson, grandchildren Madeline, Alex and Olivia Lang.

 

 

 

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.

 

William (Bill) David Swatscheno passed away peacefully on March 12th, 2024 in Gilbert, Arizona.

He was born on July 21, 1954 to parents William Nels and Jacqueline Marie (Geiger) Swatscheno in Neenah, Wisconsin. Both of his parents have passed on. He grew up in Murray, Utah and graduated from Murray High School in 1973.

William is survived by the love of his life, Linda Rae (Kenney) Swatscheno. Married in Murray, Utah in 1974, they celebrated 50 years by each other’s side.

Carrying on a legacy of love are his three sons: Shamus Henry, Brandon Dee and Michael David Swatscheno, three grandchildren: William Dee, Kortney Rae and Noah Reily Swatscheno, sister : Linda Marie Swatscheno,  brother-in-law: David D Kenney (Robynn) of Murray, UT, sister-in-law: Diana E Kenney of Layton, UT, nieces and nephews: Tina Tesch Pulver (Ryan), Bradley Tesch, Eric Kenney, Erin Kenney, Justin Rich and Christopher Swensen.

William served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era 1974-1976 and then served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Florikan ASR-9 from 1976-1979. He worked at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah, after his military service. He has resided in Mesa, Arizona for the past 23 years, where he retired from truck driving.

William loved to hunt, fish, go camping and being around his sons, teaching them life skills.

Cremation services by Bunker Family Funeral Homes in Mesa, Arizona.

A Memorial Service will be at a later date.

The family wants to extend a thank you to the Hospice of the Valley -Lund Home in Gilbert, Arizona, for the kind, gentle care they gave to William.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

By Earl Zarbin (His last “By” line).

Earl Arthur Zarbin, 95, a retired newspaperman and author of All the Time a Newspaper: The First 100 Years of The Arizona Republic, and five other history books, died March 9, 2024.

The Chicago-born (Jan. 3, 1929) newsman, who arrived in Tucson, Arizona, in January 1951, joined The Republic March 17, 1958, as a night police beat reporter, and took early retirement Dec. 31, 1988.

After accepting retirement, Zarbin completed writing The Republic’s history under contract. The book was published in 1990.

Starting October 1, 1989, Zarbin became a part-time contract worker for the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, operator of the Central Arizona Project (CAP). He resigned from the CAP in March 2005 to be his wife’s care giver.

Initially for the CAP, he served as a public relations writer and consultant, but early in 1997 began giving background talks and escorting visitors on tours of CAP facilities. For the next eight years, he gave many talks about the CAP to civic, educational, fraternal, governmental and retiree groups. He represented the CAP at various public events, such as Earth Day.

Zarbin also gave many talks about Arizona history, primarily about water. His other books were Roosevelt Dam: A History to 1911 (1984); Salt River Project: Four Steps Forward, 1902-1910 (1986); The Bench and the Bar: A History of Maricopa County’s Legal Professions (1991); Two Sides of the River: Salt River Valley Canals, 1867-1902 (1997), and Let the Record Show…Gila River Indian Reservation Water Rights and the Central Arizona Project (2004).

The 1984, 1986 and 1997 books were published by the Salt River Project (SRP). The SRP also published two of Zarbin’s booklets, The Swilling Legacy (1978) and Salt River Valley Canals: 1867-1875 (1980). The Swilling Legacy first appeared as a series of 18 articles in The Republic in August 1978 to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of John W. (Jack) Swilling, a leader in restoring irrigated agriculture to the Salt River Valley.

A third booklet, Celebrating 50 Years of Vision, containing articles about the founding of the Central Arizona Project Association and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, was published by the CAP in September 1996.

Zarbin contributed to three other books: The Taming of the Salt (1979), Arizona Highways Album: The Road To Statehood (1987), and Phoenix in the Twentieth Century (1993).

Besides editing The Taming of the Salt’s 2nd edition, Zarbin contributed original articles about Dr. Alexander J. Chandler, founder of the City of Chandler; Arthur Powell Davis, the U.S. Geological Survey engineer who drew the original plans for Theodore Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River; and President Theodore Roosevelt, who dedicated the dam March 18, 1911.

Zarbin contributed articles to The Journal of Arizona History, published by the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson, and gave many talks at society annual conventions. His article, “Henry Garfias: Phoenix’s First City Marshal,” was selected by the editors as the best by a non-professional historian published by The Journal of Arizona History in 2005 (spring edition).

Some of his essays, with libertarian themes, were printed in The Freeman, published by the Foundation for Economic Education. Some were translated into foreign languages. In the early 1960s, he wrote broadcast editorials for KTAR radio.

Proceeds from the sales of Roosevelt Dam: A History to 1911 and Salt River Project: Four Steps Forward, 1902-1910 were contributed to the Arizona Historical Society, which used the money to help underwrite the cost of producing The Arizona Story, a 4th grade book prepared for publication in connection with the 100th anniversary of Arizona statehood Feb. 14, 2012.

He graduated high school from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Ga., in summer 1945, then worked at a variety of unskilled jobs until enlisting for two years in the U.S. Army on May 6, 1948. After basic training, he worked a few months as a clerk before studying and becoming an X-ray technician.

Following discharge from the Army, Zarbin again took unskilled employment. In the fall of 1950, working as a furniture and appliance deliveryman, he was injured carrying a stove. A doctor suggested Zarbin further his education. Zarbin enrolled at the University of Arizona in Tucson. In his junior year, he married Billie Jo Marks of Phoenix April 11, 1953. Later that spring, he became the librarian at The Arizona Daily Star in Tucson. That summer, the newspaper’s city editor, Frank Johnson, employed Zarbin as a reporter.

Zarbin graduated from the University of Arizona with a liberal arts degree in May 1954 (the commencement speaker was Eugene C. Pulliam, publisher of The Republic, Zarbin’s future employer).

In August 1956, Zarbin left The Arizona Daily Star to work as a reporter for The Kansas City Star-Times in Kansas City, Missouri. Eight months later, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to join the Southwestern Bell public relations department. He left that job in January 1958 and brought his family to Phoenix, joining The Republic in March.

Most of his years at The Republic, Zarbin worked as an assistant city editor, serving many years as night city editor.

He left the newspaper at the end of May 1964 to again try public relations, joining the Patton Agency in Phoenix, but returned to the paper Jan. 18, 1965, as a reporter. In a few months, he again became night city editor.

In the 1960s and early 1970s, Zarbin was a correspondent for Life magazine, published by Time, Inc. He also occasionally handled assignments for Time, Fortune and House and Home magazines, also printed by Time, Inc.

Starting in 1973, he began working days as The Republic’s photo editor, then assignment editor, followed by assistant city editor. In the mid-1970s, he also began covering the water beat. He continued the dual work of assistant city editor/water beat reporter until 1980, when he returned full time to the city desk. He became day city editor in 1982. Even then, he worked on special water sections printed by the newspaper.

In 1985, preparing for The Republic’s 100th birthday, he began interviewing retired, current and former employees. This inspired him to begin his research for writing All the Time a Newspaper.

He was a frequent writer of letters to The Republic, enjoyed crossword puzzles, classical and show music, reading and rhyming. He wrote more than 26,000 “IthinkIam” rhymes, all beginning with the same words–“I think I am”–and none longer than four lines. Some examples:

“I think I am a tuna, I think I am a fish, I will not eat the bait, And end up in a dish.” (This was the first.)

“…a cannibal, For dinner was late, Got a cold shoulder, From my vegan date.”

“…a tadpole, Come from lots of eggs, Friends in school tell me, Soon I’ll have four legs.”

“…a mouse, I used to be a pest, Now when I am quiet, A computer is at rest.”

“..self-important, Important always knew, Self is what allows me, To tell you what to do.”

Zarbin was a member of the Arizona Historical Society, Arizona Town Hall, Phoenix Zoo, Society of Professional Journalists, and the University of Arizona and the Arizona State University Alumni associations. He donated his history research and other papers to the Arizona State Library and Archives.

His first wife, Billie Jo Marks, divorced him in July 1972. They had five children: daughters, Cathryn E. (William) Bauer of Glendale, and Elizabeth Claire of Tempe; a third daughter, Jennifer C. Zarbin, and sons, Nicholas E. and Gregory P., preceded him in death.

Zarbin married Dorothy L. Johnson on October 6, 1973. He adopted his wife’s daughter, Denei K. A. (Milton) Pace of Gilbert. He is preceded in death by Dorothy, his stepson Monte (Judie) Wheeler, and his grandchildren Emily Christensen and Collin Pace.

Besides his daughters, Zarbin is survived by stepdaughter, Shelley (Raymon) Christensen of Moccasin; 18 grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23rd at the LDS Church, 3775 S Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297.

As indicated above, Zarbin wrote this obituary, except for the date of death, age, and the place and time of the memorial service. He suggested contributions to the Foundation for Economic Education in Atlanta, Ga.

 

 

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.

It is with love, appreciation, and sadness, that we announce the passing of Mary Ann Mason, age 73 on March 9, 2024.

Mary Ann was born to Thomas Ward Rule and Erma Fay Brown Rule on November 14, 1950 in Los Angeles, California.  Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Vienna, Virginia where Mary Ann excelled in school, thanks in large part to instruction she received early on from her brother, Bob. As she grew, she also developed skills in many sports, and was recognized multiple times in the local papers for her performance in bowling, track, softball, swimming, basketball, and volleyball.

In 1965 the family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Mary Ann made new friends while attending Cheyenne Central High School. She won a national competition in creative writing and traveled to Washington D.C. to receive her award at the White House. In Wyoming, she was also an accomplished athlete. She shared her talents with others, teaching swimming and diving at local pools, and tutoring those needing additional help. She first met her future husband, Marc, at a Cheyenne pool. After graduating from high school, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received an academic scholarship to Brigham Young University, dated H. Marc Mason, and started her freshman year in Provo, Utah.  She represented BYU at a national swimming competition, the only BYU women swimmer to qualify for the meet. After her 2^nd year at BYU, Mary Ann attended BYU-Hawaii. There she became involved with student government, served as a tour guide on the campus, learned and performed cultural dances, and enjoyed surfing and college life. She returned to BYU-Provo for her senior year and student teaching. She was sealed to Marc in the Salt Lake Temple on May 25, 1972, the day before graduating with her degree in elementary education. Upon marrying, they moved to Arizona. Five children were born to their union: Clint, Thad, Jeff, Rachel, and David.

During that busy time, Mary Ann served faithfully in many church assignments. She was a ward missionary, a relief society president, a primary president, a stake primary president, cub scout leader, girls camp leader for 17 summers at Camp Lo Mia with the young women, and served in other positions.

She entered the workforce and served as a charter school principal, a teacher for the Mesa Public Schools Franklin program, and assisted her husband in his work. Over the years she developed skills in filming, editing, producing, and broadcasting. She produced various children activities and educational programs for all to enjoy on public access television, and was a strong advocate for year-round public swimming in Mesa Pools. Mary Ann was an accomplished artist, and provided the Mason home with special paintings. She loved teaching art. She loved music of all types, played the piano for her own enjoyment, and sang in ward choirs. In later years she found great comfort in the hymns of the church. During her last two years, a great source of strength and peace came from her listening to Music and the Spoken Word and singing along with that program. Even up to the very end of her life, Mary Ann strived to show her true love to her husband and to her children.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her husband of nearly 52 years, Marc, children Clint (Shauna), Thad (Amber), Jeff (Jennifer), Rachel Mack (Clifton), David (Myra), 14 grandchildren, her brother Bob (Karen), nephew David Rule, and her special extended family, in particular the Romans and Brown families who played a significant role in shaping Mary Ann’s understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ for more than 50 years.

Her legacy is a legacy of love, creativity, the importance of education, and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, she might best be remembered for her frequent reminder to her children, hundreds of students, and others …..  “We always say the kindest things in just the kindest way!”       Rest in peace, Mary Ann!

 

A public viewing will be held at the Monument Ward Building (830 E. Lehi Road) in Mesa from 6-8pm on Friday, March 15, 2024. A family-only viewing will be held at the same location from 9-10am on Saturday, March 16, 2024, with the funeral beginning immediately after at 10:00 am. Bunker Family Funeral Homes is handling the funeral arrangements. A livestream of the funeral will be broadcast at: https://zoom.us/s/92206763549

 

 

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.

 

Fern Leavitt Martin, 84 passed away peacefully on March 11, 2024 in Gilbert, Arizona. She was born in Mesa, Arizona September 1939. She grew up mostly in Mesa the youngest child of Joseph C. and Blanche (Allen) Leavitt with her siblings J. Allen, Bert, Moneta, Floyd, Johnny, JoeAnn, Barbara (Bobbie), and Fawn. She graduated from Mesa High in 1957 and completed two years at Arizona State University.

In November 1961, Fern married James “Jim” Martin. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage together. They lived in Gilbert, Phoenix, Sierra Vista, Scottsdale, and Mesa. Together they raised eight children. They served in the Germany Berlin Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have 35 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband Jim Martin, son, James Allen Martin daughter-in-law Terri (Townes) Martin; Brothers Allen, Bert, Floyd, John, and Sisters Bobbie, and Fawn, and parents Joe and Blanche Leavitt.

She is survived by; daughters Laura (Bienz), Rita, and Joan (Lasura); and sons David, Kyle, John, and Joseph; and her sisters Moneta Allen, and JoeAnn Brimhall.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 on Friday March 22^nd at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building 1415 E Southern Ave. Mesa, Arizona, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Additional viewing held Thursday March 21^st at Bunker Family Funerals, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, from 6 pm – 8 pm.  Interment will be held at Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, after the services Friday. Arrangements through Bunker Funeral Services.

For those unable to attend in person, you will be able to click on this link at the time of the service:

https://app.zoom.us/wc/4800001111/join?fromPWA=1&pwd=ajg3TkU4N1BLc3RXYUpQWnpxYnhNQT09

 

 

 

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.

Velma Rose Petersen Jarman returned to her eternal home on March 5, 2024, after 94 years of tried-and-true faithful living.  Her eternal companion, Richard Reed Jarman and her son, Mark Randall Jarman, were there to cheerfully and lovingly greet her.  Velma leaves behind her sons, Alan Reed (Teri), Earl Chris (Jill), daughter, Terri Evonne (Eric) Palmer and son, Kelly Richard (Joanne).  Velma also leaves behind a continuing posterity of 33 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.

Velma was born August 18, 1929, to Niels Andrew and Susie Annie Petersen, in the farming town of Pinedale, Arizona.  She started out life tiny, weighing only 4 ½ lbs.  She stayed tiny all of her life, but what she lacked in height, she made up for in spunk and stamina.  She was the last of 8 children and the first for her mother to have a doctor at her birth.  Velma loved her farm life in Pinedale, was a daddy’s girl, loved to dance, loved high school, loved her life-long friends and loved her Savior.

In 1949, a very tall and handsome man with lots of wavy, dark hair swept Velma off her feet and they were married for time and all eternity in the Mesa Temple on December 9, 1949.  They built their home in Phoenix and from their love they welcomed and raised their 5 children there.

Velma’s life was always filled with adventure.  She loved packing the family camper and enjoying the White Mountains in the summer.  Reed was a private pilot and only needed the slightest excuse to go on a trip.  Velma was also busy with fund-raising bazaars, decorating for weddings, going on wild trips across the country with her sisters, creating fabulous cookies to deliver for others and she made the most delicious meals from scratch that were feasts never to be forgotten.  She had a beautiful voice, played the piano by ear and never went anywhere without her hair done.  Most of all, she was a caring, doting wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Velma had a sincere and valiant testimony of our Father in Heaven’s plan of salvation.  She served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Naperville Illinois Mission.  This testimony gave her strength during some of the hardest trials that a wife and mother can be asked to bear.  She left a legacy of faith for her family to follow and we will forever cherish and honor her.  Thank you, Mom, we love you.  Till we meet again.

 

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11 AM, preceded by visitation at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building on the NW corner of Queen Creek and Crismon, 21550 E Queen Creek Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142.  The interment will be at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary and Cemetery, 719 N 27^th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 95009.

 

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.

Karen C McLaws was born on the 23rd of September 1935 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

She grew up and lived in Goshen and Shelley Idaho on a potato farm but moved with her parents and siblings to Mesa, Arizona in 1946 for one of her siblings’ health reasons. She attended Mesa High School and was the “head baton twirler” for the Rabbettes and loved her high school years.

She met and was courted by her to be husband Lester Dale McLaws and after graduating high school they were married and sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 5th 1953. Together they forged their family in Mesa. She was blessed with 4 boys. And was the only one, we believe, that could have raised her sons and prepared them to be honorable men who loved their mother. Dad and mom spent 56 years together in that endeavor.

She worked as a secretary for Charlie Randall for several years and also worked as a secretary for Whites and Associates before retiring.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Dale McLaws on October 18th, 2009, her parents Dennis and Fern Christensen by her sister Betty Jo Abrahamson and her grandson Tanner McLaws. She had 12 grandchildren and has 29 great grandchildren to date. She lived a life full of service and love for family.

Mom passed on the 2nd of March 2024. She left this life peacefully and she knew where she was destined. She had a great and rare quality of total and complete unconditional love and a non critical nature.

Mom we love you, we miss you, and we will be with you again.

 

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.

Evan Timmothy Chavez of Phoenix, AZ passed away Thursday March 7, 2024. Evan was born on August 25, 1986 to Valerie & Marty Chavez of Mesa, AZ.

Evan was a project manager for Power Engineers, where he worked for the last 12 years.

Evan is survived by his parents, Valerie & Marty Chavez, survived by his brother, Ethan Chavez of Mesa, AZ.

Celebration of Life, March 19 at Ashley Castle, 1300 S Price Road in Chandler  9:30-1:00.