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Louise Tanner Pratt (born Billie Louise Compton) came into this world on February 20, 1935, in the small town of Grants, New Mexico. She was born to loving parents, Calvin and Lucille Compton, and was the fifth of eleven children. She would always describe her childhood as a happy one and, in turn, provided an idyllic one for us. While they lived in several areas in New Mexico and Colorado during her early years (she attended 6 different schools before 5^th grade), it was Monticello, Utah that she called home. Moving there changed her life significantly. For the first time, they lived close enough to town to walk to school—and compared to the one-room schoolhouses they’d attended up to that point, this one felt huge. Oh, how she loved Monticello! And the town loved her back—voting her the school sweetheart of 1952.  She always advised us to honk anytime we drove through in order to show respect for the town that raised her. They lived there six years, by far the longest they’d ever spent in one place, and then moved to Farmington, New Mexico, where she would attend her junior and senior years of high school.

 

The love story between Louise and Don Tanner began in true 1950’s fashion: at the local drive-in where she’d ordered a soda while cruising Main. Don and his buddy pulled up next to Louise and her friend, who were sitting in her friend’s white and blue convertible, and to hear Don tell it, there were fireworks. For him, anyway. Louise took a little more convincing. Not much though, they met in early May, were inseparable by June, engaged in August, and married that November 5, 1955, in a small church in Farmington. They would later be sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona temple on June 3, 1959. Don and Louise welcomed six kids in the short span of 11 years. They filled their home with laughter, love, joy, and an enduring faith in Jesus Christ. It was that deep and abiding faith that sustained Louise as she lost her son, Sheldon, in 2004, and then Don in 2007. After losing her sweet husband of 51 years, she declared to anyone who asked (and often those who didn’t) she would never marry again. Then along came Wayne Pratt and she quickly changed her tune. They were married on December 29, 2009 in Mesa, Arizona. In speaking of finding love twice, Louise would often borrow a quote from the Sound of Music: “Somewhere in my youth and childhood, I must have done something good to deserve not just one, but two, amazing husbands.” We’re quite sure Don and Wayne would both say they came away the winners.

 

We are blessed to have learned invaluable lessons from Louise during her 89 years. Here are just a few: food is a love language (no one who sunk their teeth into her warm homemade bread slathered in butter and homemade jam or ate one of her cinnamon rolls or had a slice of her currant pie would doubt she loved them), if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing beautifully, and when life is hard, serve others. Spend as much time as you can in the garden, take good care of the birds (Don said they often ate better than he did), and there are few problems not made better by a good nap or a big bowl of ice cream. She took bed-making seriously: ironed sheets and hospital corners were a must and, she’d argue, led to a better night’s sleep. You couldn’t leave the house without hearing “lock your doors and remember who you are.” We knew we were hers and we were loved. Holidays (especially Christmas) should be full of magic and never miss an opportunity to make life more fun. She could often be heard reminding her grandkids to look sharp and not stand out like a sore thumb—her lovely sense of style was unmatched. One of the most crucial lessons she taught us is that we can do hard things. She handled fortune and misfortune with the same grace, confidence, and decorum. (Strength and beauty are synonyms.) Even as dementia took her more and more from us, she never lost her beautiful smile or failed to thank others for the care they provided her.

 

We’re a little jealous of the reunion Louise is having in heaven with our father, Don, and brother, Sheldon—as well as her parents, nine siblings, and countless close friends and family. We can almost hear the stories and laughter from here. She leaves behind her husband, Wayne, her five remaining children, Don Jr. (Pam), Mitch, Tyde, (Linda) Sterling (Brenda), Rachel (Matt), and Sheldon’s wife, Liliane, as well as 22 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and her sister, Jo Ellen Martin. In lieu of flowers, Louise would love for you to plant some of your own, feed the birds, or fix yourself a heaping bowl of ice cream.

 

Funeral Service:

 

Saturday, March 9^th at 11:00am

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

601 Susan Ave.

Gallup, NM 87301

 

Memorial Service:

 

Saturday, March 30^th at 11:00am

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

3572 E Guadalupe Rd

Gilbert, AZ 85234

 

 

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.

 

Julie Daniel, 66, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 in her Queen Creek, Arizona home surrounded by her family.

Julie lived a very happy life filled with spending time with her family, having lunch with friends and may activities such as quilting, cross stitching, and jewelry making.

In 1976, she married her high school sweetheart Gene! They just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary in November 2023. In that time Julie and Gene had four children! Kelli Daniel, Karen Cope (David), Kate Hartley (Chad) and Matt Daniel (Ellie) and were able to enjoy 10 grandchildren.  Korbin, Quentin, Ambrose, Isla, Avery, Allie, Emma, Hailey, Cami and Alexa.

 

A visitation will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel at 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213 on March 1st at 5:30 PM; all are welcome to attend.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 21915 E. Cloud Rd. Queen Creek, AZ. 85142 on Saturday, March 2nd at 10:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior at 9:00 AM.

 

 

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.

Lettie “Jean” Farey Woodruff, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024 in Chandler, AZ at the age of 91. She was born to Oliver and Catherine Farey in Delta, Utah on June 23, 1932. She married her sweetheart, George Woodruff May 27, 1950 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Later their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.

She was a stay-at-home mom until the children grew up, then she went to work because she wanted something to do. She was involved in Scounting for 27 years, held many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Relief Society President. Jean loved having family and friends around as well as having parties and get-to-gathers at her home in Magna.

Jean was proceeded in death by her husband, two of her sons Richard and Douglas, as well as her parents and 1 sister.

She is survived by her sons, Dean (Lynn), Wendell (Katrina), daughter Catherine (Kevin) Bersch, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, who will miss her.

A memorial service will be held March 2, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Summit Point Ward House, 2520 N Hartford St., Chandler, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.

She will be interred in West Valley City, Utah

Condolences: www.bunkerfuneral.com

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.

 

Judy Christine Nielsen Dahl (82) was called back to her heavenly home on February 17, 2024 in Mesa, AZ. She was born on May 8,1941 in Logan, UT.

They lived in Logan until June 1942 after which the family spent time at a few military facilities.  They moved to Brigham City, UT in 1945 where Judy grew up.  In 1957 when Judy was 16 years old, the family moved briefly to Fullerton, CA. They then came to Arizona, first living in Glendale before  finally settling in Phoenix in 1958. She graduated from Washington High School.

Judy met Richard J. Dahl Jr. at Phoenix College and fell in love. They were married on June 26, 1961 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  After spending more than 55 years living in the north Phoenix area, Dick and Judy moved to East Mesa to live closer to some of their children and grandchildren.

Judy is preceded in death by her father William Durrell (Quig) Nielsen, her mother LaVon Bott Nielsen, and sister- in-law Glenda Hodgson Nielsen. Judy is survived by her husband Richard J. Dahl, Jr., her five children – Melanie Lowder (Doug) of Vancouver, WA, Gretchen Allen (Covel) of Mesa, AZ, Jon Dahl (Becky) of White Rock, NM, Allison Thompson (David) of Tucson, AZ and Rick Dahl (Marla) of San Tan Valley, AZ, her siblings Durrell Nielsen (Janelle)of Bountiful, UT, Kathy Erickson (Brent) Manti, UT, Steven Nielsen (Glenda) of Mesa, AZ and Lizabeth Archibald (David) of Bountiful, UT, 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Judy was a devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother. She loved talking with family members and finding out more about them. She had many talents and interests and was an accomplished pianist and seamstress. She loved dance, particularly tap dancing. She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings including Relief Society president and Family History Center Director. She was skilled at finding lost ancestors and completing their work. You could find her traipsing around cemeteries wherever her ancestors could be found and gathering details about her family.  Genealogy was her true passion.

Expressions of sincere appreciation are given to Julia Joy and the staff at Citrus Manor for their tender care of Judy during her time there. We are grateful for the special relationship Julia and Mom shared.

We miss her greatly and look forward to the day when we will all be together again. Love you, Mom!

 

Memorial services are Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 11:00 am, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 618 S. Signal Butte Mesa, AZ.  Judy will be interred at the Mesa City Cemetery.

 

 

 

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.

Donald Lee Brummett passed away peacefully on February 16, 2024, in Tempe, Arizona at Mirabella at ASU.

Born in Eugene, Oregon on November 9, 1939, to Gordon and Gladys Brummett, he moved to Douglas, Arizona where he graduated from Douglas High School, and then moved to Tempe, Arizona where he attended Arizona State University and met his future wife Lynda Grace Lecky.

Donald spent over 30 years working as a Research Technician for the USDA Cotton Research Lab in Phoenix where he met many lifelong friends and often said “he never worked a day in his life.” Donald especially enjoyed spending time with his wife and two boys on their small ranch in Chandler, Arizona raising and showing Arabian horses, hunting, fishing, and spending time in Pinetop-Lakeside.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law Dan & Sandi Brummett, Dave & Jaime Brummett, 3 grandchildren, 2 great-granddaughters, his sister & brother-in-law Patricia & Charlie Chandler, brother Bob Brummett, sisters-in-law, Judy Haefner and Kay Ruston, and multiple nieces and nephews who each held a dear place in his heart.  He will be greatly missed and is now resting peacefully with his wife of 60 years, Lynda Brummett.

Funeral arrangements for Donald will be through Bunker Family University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr, Mesa, AZ with a graveside ceremony at 10:00 am on Friday, February 23rd at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 719 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ

 

 

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.

Max Bradford McKee was born on November 18, 1944, in Vernal, Utah, to Newell S McKee and Lona May Bradford McKee.  They lived in Vernal until moving to a farm in Smithfield, Utah.  In 1955, they moved to Mesa, AZ, where he graduated from Mesa High School in 1963 and attended Western Int’l University.  He worked for 20+ years at Honeywell (previously Garret Corp/Airesearch), starting in the shops and eventually working in engineering control.  He also worked at a private school and BITS in IT.  A veteran, he spent 6 years in the Arizona National Guard.

Max was preceded in death by his parents and a younger sister, Margene and former wife, Bertie Wehr.  He is survived by his partner, Judy; children, Kelly (Jami), Mariann, Michael (Cris) and Casey (Maggie); grandchildren, Kevin, Ashley, Derek, Carter and Cooper; and great grandchildren, Blake, Calvin and Lucy.  Max is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Ginny McKee.

Max loved life and had an adventurous soul, living and traveling full time in his RV for 17 years.  He circled this country three times and has RV’d not only every contiguous state in the U.S., Max took his RV to Alaska and many of the Canadian provinces and Mexico.  Loving to travel, he has been overseas to many countries and has hiked around Mt. Blanc in Europe and Machu Picchu in South America.  Max came back to Mesa and spent the last few years of his life around family.

Sometimes great love transcends this life.We are heartbroken to announce that our father, James H. Allen, age 85, reunited with his beloved wife of 65 years, Joy, in heaven on Valentines Day, 2/14/2024, only 6 weeks after she passed. He is missed and loved by the legacy of his family, including his six children Donna Boxerman, Diane Ware, Janice Wagner, Michael Allen, Karl Allen and Rebecca Swann, 15 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. 

Jim grew up in Odessa, TX and proudly served 4 years in the Marines after high school. He went on to get his BA and Masters at ASU. He is best remembered in Mesa as the first detective of the Mesa Police force, retiring as Major after 23 years. Family was very important to Jim, and even though he could seem tough on the outside, those fortunate to know him well knew he had the most generous heart, and always made sure everyone around him was taken care of. He had a passion for raising chickens and cock fighting, as well as hunting, fishing, piloting, traveling the world with his wife Joy, sports, and going to his home in Rocky Point with family. 

Jim lived by the marine motto of the 7 P’s, an adage for life that he passed on to his family with his legacy. His funeral and Celebration of Life will be a private ceremony. 

Dale Fredrickson, age 89, was called home to be with the Lord, while surrounded by family on February 17, 2024.

Dale was born in Loyalton, South Dakota on July 9, 1934, to Anna (Loveland) and Oscar Fredrickson, as the seventh of their eight children.

With his father as the coach, Dale was able to begin playing ball at the early age of 12 for the Loyalton Baseball Team. Softball quickly became a passion for Dale. He played on several softball teams in Aberdeen and as a manager he led his team to the South Dakota Senior Games for many years. He and his brother Roy went on to be drafted by teams from Nebraska, Washington, and Winnepeg, Manitoba. Dale was so proud of the ring he earned as part of the winning team of the 2008 Senior Softball World Championship in Phoenix. Dale’s accomplishments were honored in 2009 when he was inducted into the South Dakota Softball Hall of Fame.

He attended grade school in Loyalton and went on to graduate in 1954 from high school in Ipswich, SD. As a team member while at Ipswich High, Dale helped to earn the 1952 State Class B Basketball Championship.

Dale met the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Leann Jones while attending Ipswich High School. After dating for five years, they were married on Father’s Day, June 17, 1956. Leann accompanied him to California while he served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon discharge, Dale and Leann returned to South Dakota where they made their home in Aberdeen. Dale was employed by Hub City Iron Store and went on to join the United States Postal Service in 1967 until his retirement in 1992. For seventy years, Dale honed his comedic Weeping Willie performance, bringing many to tears – of laughter.

In 1994 Dale was eager to join his siblings at Val Vista Village in Mesa, Arizona. He enjoyed the sunshine – it was a ball player’s dream! Dale and Leann continued spending their winters in Mesa, making many deep friendships over the years. Dale enjoyed spending his time playing softball, and later cornhole and shooting pool. Sharing a cup of coffee with friends was his favorite pastime.

Dale and Leann became the parents of Scott Dale in 1967 and Sara Leann in 1970. Dale is remembered for his deep love and support for his family and his generous spirit. As a devoted follower of God, Dale was a member of New Life Fellowship in Aberdeen, SD, and Mesa First Church of the Nazarene. Dale was known to invite new friends and acquaintances to attend his church and was always happy to share the word of the Lord.

Dale is lovingly remembered by his wife, Leann; sister, Ardyce Buntrock (Northglenn, CO); sister-in-Law, Gen Fredrickson (Grand Island, NE); son, Scott (Beth) Fredrickson (Sioux Falls, SD); daughter, Sara (Brian) Gayley (Paola, KS); grandchildren, Nathan (Jenelle) Fredrickson (Sioux Falls, SD), Shawna (Dustin) Riggins (Iowa City, IA), Jacob (US Marine Corps) and Jillian Gayley (Paola, KS); and great-grandson, Miles Riggins (Iowa City, IA).

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Anna Fredrickson; and siblings, Clyde, Wayne, Myrtice, Lyle, Denys, and Roy.

To hear Pastor Rodney of New Life Fellowship speak in memory of Dale, please follow this link, https://youtu.be/7fYdXmcRqvs

 

 

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.

Lieutenant Randall B. Jackson (U.S. Navy Retired) passed away on February 6^th, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 67. He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years Melodie, his loving daughters Tanina and Marin, his sister Carrie (Fred), and brother Bruce (Melissa).

Randall Bruce Jackson was born in Chicago Illinois on April 18^th, 1956, to Victor and Marlene Jackson. The son of entrepreneurs, his father owned/operated a gas station and automobile repair mechanic shop. His mother was a hairdresser who serviced her clients in the family’s house basement.

Randy completed a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Illinois State University in 1977 and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Upon graduation he was 14 years active and reserve duty in the United State Navy earning his wings in 1980. He served his country as an attack pilot (A-4 Skyhawk), stationed in Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, Kingsville, TX, Jacksonville, FL, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was a Navy Recruiter in Orlando, FL, and Los Angeles, CA. While recruiting at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, CA, Randy interviewed Melodie, and quickly recruited her for his own “Private Navy”. Randy and Melodie were married in Los Angeles, CA in April 1983 on their sailboat “El Lobo” with family and friends.

Following his military career the Jackson’s moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1985. Randy continued to fly the skies. Randy was a Flight Engineer at Continental Airlines flying the Boeing 727 and was based in Houston, Tx. He was soon promoted to 1^st Officer flying the Boeing 737 based in Denver, CO. He was later transferred to Los Angeles, CA during his six-year career with Continental Airlines.

Randy led a life defined by courage, creative vision, and adventure. He founded local home building company Jackson Properties in 1987 with his brother and wife. Jackson Properties was responsible for the design, development, financing, construction, and delivery of homes in over 30 subdivisions. His real estate development included single-family, multi-family, commercial properties, and apartment redevelopment. Jackson Properties, with the contribution of hundreds of employees and trade contractors, was able to build thousands of homes in the Phoenix-metro area.

Randy was an avid boater and turned his passion into designing and importing yachts from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. He owned/operated a yacht dealership in San Diego, CA for eight years. After decades of real estate development, shipbuilding and importing operations, he worked with Delta Marin of Finland, V-Ships of Monaco, and Y&S of Norway in the design of a condo-cruise ship “Magellan”.

Randy enjoyed traveling the world, learning about new cultures and meeting new people. He found solace and joy on the open water with his family and friends. As Captain, he sailed Alaska’s Inside Passage, the West Coast of the Americas – from Alaska to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean. When he was not piloting his own boats, he enjoyed cruising the Mediterranean, South America, South Pacific, and Asia. While working on the Magellan, he lived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with his wife and daughters.

After retiring from homebuilding and shipbuilding, Randy alongside his wife, built Las Sendas Salon Suites, a luxury facility where 30 beauty professionals own/operate their businesses.

Randy Jackson lived embracing each day as a new opportunity. His boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and larger-than-life personality left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements but also for his spirit of humor and the impact he made on the lives of his friends, family, and associates.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Randy Jackson on March 9^th, 2024, 2:00 pm at “Together” At The Landing – 2613 N. Thunderbird Circle Mesa, AZ 85215 (Falcon Field Airport).

 

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.

Murrell Wayne Marmon, Jr. was born June 4th, 1962 in Dallas, TX to Carole Ann Foley (Williamson) and Murrell Wayne Marmon, Sr. Wayne passed away January 6th, 2024 in Chandler, AZ. Wayne attended Ford High School in Quinlan, TX before studying agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. Wayne never met a stranger and always lent a helping hand to anyone whenever he could. Wayne found his career passion in the garage door business and was the owner of Spring Master Garage Door Service of Chandler.

Wayne made the selfless decision of organ donation and continued to help people with the gift of life. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and baby brother, and is survived by his life long partner of 17 years Lorraine June of Gilbert, brothers Keith Marmon, Randy Marmon, sister Marissa Dollar, daughter Kydie Dillon, son Ty Marmon, bonus son Dee and daughter Shar. grandchildren Se’Nya, Maliqkai, KaeLoni, ZiKai, Kyrie, Mack’enzy, Blake, and extended family and friends.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Services will be determined at a later date.

Lewis George Valdes was born August 23rd, 1960 in Miami, Florida to Fausto and Joan Valdes.  He passed from this life on January 30th, 2024 in Gilbert, Arizona.

At the age of 20, he entered the US Army and served for several years, including overseas and then received an Honorable Discharge from service. In more recent years, he worked as a truck driver.

Lewis made Arizona his home over the last 20 years, living most recently in Phoenix.

He is survived by his sister, Ann Marie Peake of Arizona.

Loved ones and friends are welcome to leave their thoughts and memories below in lieu of a formal service.

 

 

 

 

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.

Billy R. Wright was called home to be with the Lord on February 7^th, 2024. Born in Modesto, California in 1949 to parents Ray and Margaret Wright, Bill was the oldest of 5 sons. After the family relocated to Arizona in 1950, Bill has called Mesa his home for the last 74 years. A stalwart in the Heating and Air Conditioning industry for several decades, he also enjoyed a career in landscape design after graduating from Northern Arizona University in 1971. A lifetime lover of all things outdoors, Bill enjoyed many days out on the lake or roaming the dirt roads in his beloved side by side. Away from work, Bill was an avid slow pitch softball player in the 70’s as a member of the Goettl’s Metal Products and Chandler Ready Mix softball teams. As he welcomed his children in the following years, he went on to coach local little league teams and participate in any activity his children and grandchildren were involved in. Bill lived out a life of service to his close friends and family, he considered that a life well lived. An incredible father, Papa, coach and mentor, he will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Margaret; and his four brothers; Bob, Tom, Mike and Rick Wright. He is survived by his 7 children, Scott (Kristen) Wright, Brad (Brandy) Lloyd, Billy (Brandi) Wright, Heather (Rob) Scantlebury, Mark Wright, Katie (Brandon) Thompson, and Taryn (Jake) Wright, as well as 17 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Bill is also survived by his longtime partner Angela Shounkwiler, her children Vickie (Tom) Gregory, Leeann (Ken) Bramble and her two grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday February 24^th, 2024 at One Life Church, located at 2130 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. A closed casket viewing will take place from 9:30 am-10:00 am for those who would like to attend. Bill supported and appreciated the efforts and activities of many charitable organizations in the community. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to your favorite charity.

 

 

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.

 

Lydia Osmond Davis was born in 1933 in Carrollton, Michigan.   She passed away  February 4,2024, at home in Mesa Arizona. 

Lydia led a full life; she was in the Airforce during the Korean war and worked as a cryptographer.  

Leaving the service she married Kenneth Davis, they had six children.

She loved to bowl and play golf and bingo.   

She is survived by her children. Deborah Buckley, Patrick Davis and Kendra Patterson. 

 

Funeral service will be held February 17, 2024 at 10am, preceded by visitation at 9am at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University D., 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.

 

 

 

In loving memory of Jan, we bid adieu,

A woman of laughter, zest, and woo.

With owls as companions, she soared high,

Sea turtles danced as she passed by.

Her love for smooching, oh so grand,

With her husband, Steve, hand in hand.

A realtor extraordinaire, she’d say with glee,

“Buyers and sellers, come to me!”

Arizona’s wonders, she’d often explore,

Kayaking, ziplining, she craved for more.

From travels afar to adventures near,

Jan’s spirit knew no bounds, that’s clear.

Eight kids she helped raise, what a ride,

With three boys and five girls by her side.

Kevin, the youngest, her pride and joy,

Her legacy lives on in all her girls and boys.

Retirement planned, but alas, fate had its say,

No more golf cart rides in her 55+ getaway.

Bonnie, her best friend, held dear,

Through laughter and tears, always near.

Her mom’s hairstyle she proudly (or not so proudly?) wore,

Nails and toes painted, she adored.

With dear siblings, she shared childhood fun,

In mischief, mayhem and sometimes cocktails or beer, they were one.

Though Jan’s journey on earth is through,

Her laughter and love forever renew.

So let’s raise a toast to Jan’s life well-lived,

In memories cherished, her spirit and dance moves will forever jig.

 

If you knew Jan and want to pay your respects at her service, we welcome you to attend.  The attire is beach resort casual (think colorful, no suits please).

In lieu of flowers, if you feel called to, please make a donation to one of her favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Impact the lives of St. Jude kids – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or St. Mary’s Food Bank Ways to Give to the Food Bank – St. Mary’s Food Bank (firstfoodbank.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.

Ada Agnes Downey, 81, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2024 in Mesa, AZ. She was born to Elmer and Virginia Carter in Lilbourn, MO on April 17th, 1942. She was a homemaker and excelled at doing so. She was preceded in death by both parents, her oldest son Jerry (Tiger), and granddaughter Caitlyn. She loved to fish, laugh about the good old times, go to the casino, and her faithful dog Buddy. Ada loved her one daughter Cindy, four sons Jerry (Tiger), Terry, Wade (Scott), Eric (Michael), 13 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She was surrounded by family and loved ones that will always keep her in our heart’s and her memories in our minds

With the door open to her heavenly home, Sherry crossed its threshold on Monday January 22, 2024.

Sherry Aneal was born to wonderful parents, James Marvin Martin and Hazel (Holtsclaw) Martin on December 16, 1952 and was raised in Alamosa, Colorado and Mesa Arizona. Her childhood years were shaped by her home life filled with music.  Her 3 older brothers (Gary, Jay and Bob) were either playing the piano, musical instruments or singing in preparation for performances at school or for their Saturday night “gigs”.  It is no wonder that Sherry Aneal developed a deep love of music and became herself, a talented musician.

Before the family moved to Mesa in the mid-sixties, the family was blessed with Tammy Sue. Sherry Aneal could not have been happier to have a baby sister. They were best of friends for forever.

She was educated at Westwood High School, Mesa Community College and earned a bachelor degree in Music from Arizona State University.  She took both piano and voice lessons for years.  Sherry developed a beautiful soprano voice. With her talent as a musician she taught private voice and piano most of her adult life.

Sherry could identify the species of bird chirping in the trees without even looking up. She had a soft spot for cats and dogs, she raised several over the years.  Night winter skies were her favorite, she could name most if not of all the constellations.  There was not a good book she had not read.

She loved her Savior Jesus Christ.  Everyday she tried to be an example of her love of the Savior by being kind and compassionate to family, friends, and neighbors.  She found ways to bless the lives of others in small and simple things.

Sherry is survived by her brother Bob Martin, sister-in-law Betty Martin and brother-in-law, Scott Strange, as well as a several nieces and nephews.  Missing Sherry (besides her family) are her neighbors and friends of many years and not to be forgotten an orange colored cat she named “Marmalade” who adopted her.

If you received music lessons or life lessons from Sherry you are invited to celebrate her life at a memorial service Saturday February 17, 2024 at 11 am in the Mesa Cemetery just off the Country Club entrance.

 

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.