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Freddy Hyland Gagon Jr, age 78, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on December 26, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with mantel cell lymphoma.

Freddy was born on January 2, 1946 to Marie Evans Gagon and Freddy Hyland Gagon in Phoenix, Arizona.

After Freddy graduated Phoenix Union High School in 1965, he honorably served in the army reserves. After his time in the reserves he dedicated 2 years of his life to serve the Lord on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Porto Alegre, Brazil. After his mission he studied physical therapy at Brigham Young University on a full ride scholarship for gymnastics.

Freddy had many talents in the business world and as an entrepreneur he facilitated and developed many innovative companies that created great success for him and his family. He loved going to garage sales and throwing fun parties. He loved traveling to Brazil and other countries and going on cruises.

He is survived by sisters Patti Miner and Sharon Gagon and wife Margareth Gagon and 4 children and 12 grand children.

Services will be held January 6, 2024 at 10 am at the LDS Stake Center 2549 North 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

For those unable to attend the service, you will be able to view it using this link: Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting

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.

Jim Lloyd Nichols played his final game of Scrabble at age 69, passing on December 28th, 2023. Born to Neldon and Janell (Kleinman) Nichols on July 27, 1954 in Mesa, Arizona, Jim was the 5th of 9 children. He loved numbers, baseball, autumn leaves, gift giving, and puns; in his community, “Dad Jokes” were more often known as “Jim Jokes.” He was the loving husband of Eileen Clement Nichols, and the proud father of two children, Drew and Willow, from his previous marriage. He traveled to national parks, sports stadiums, and historical sites all over the U.S., photographing covered bridges, elk, and his loved ones. A disciple of Jesus Christ, Jim looked forward to reuniting with Eileen after her passing in 2021. He was also preceded in death by siblings Nick, Peggy (Hipps), and Barbara (Gibson). He is survived by his children; siblings Linda (Petersen), Dave, Jack, Tom, and Alan; and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 13th

Viewing for family, 9am
Funeral, 10am
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1483 North Driftwood Drive
Gilbert, Arizona 85234

ZOOM

Jim Nichols Funeral
Jan 13, 2024 10:00 AM Arizona

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89406006739?pwd=UDJHSzd6RXpkcXNGYnlJSlBxSlFhZz09

Meeting ID: 894 0600 6739
Passcode: JimNichols

Graveside service, 12pm
City of 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.

Delcena (“Delcie”) Robson Hatch passed away peacefully with her family at her side on the afternoon of December 24, 2023.  Returning home to be with her eternal companion David, who preceded her in death on February 12, 2018, was the best Christmas present our dad could receive.  Delcena was born January 20, 1933 in Mesa, AZ to Clara Phelps Robson and Charles Innes Robson III.  On the day she was born, remarkably it snowed in Mesa!

Delcena was the youngest, and last surviving child, of 6 children:  Innes Robson, Clarene Barney, Zula Walton, Betty Naegle, Frankie Decker, and our mother, Delcena.  Between her older brother and 4 older sisters, there was plenty of help and spoiling to go around.

Throughout her life, Delcena loved music.   When she was in high school, she wanted to be in band and learned how to play the clarinet.  She went on to play in the Mesa High and ASU Marching bands.  Her clarinet career ended when her sweet nephew, Jim, got a hold of it and took it a part to find out where that “squeaking” came from.   Typical of her love for her family, Delcena never got upset at him.  In fact, that was indicative of the love that she had for all her nieces and nephews.  She wrote, “Those children could do anything, and I never would have cared.  I loved each of them very much…”.  When Delcena was in 8^th grade she took, and excelled in, accordion lessons.  She was invited to be in a quartet with Hank Milano that went on tour performing in various city and church functions.  Hank even took the quartet on tour around the state to play in musical programs.  Later on she shared her love of music with her family and taught all her daughters to play the piano.

Delcena graduated in 1951 from Mesa High School.  She attended 2 years at Arizona State University while teaching accordion lessons at Milano’s.  During her 2^nd year at ASU, she met “a really cute guy” at a fireside named David.  That chance encounter quickly developed into a courtship, true love, and an engagement.

While engaged, David was drafted into the United States Army, so they had to move up their wedding plans.  David and Delcena were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on March 6, 1953.  On March 12, 1953, David reported to basic training and then left for Fort Ord, CA.  Delcena was able to join David after the first month of basic training.  After that he received his orders for Germany.  It was because of her love for David that she was able to temporarily leave her country and home of Mesa.  Germany held many wonderful memories and growing experiences for our parents.  After the army, they moved to Tucson where David graduated from the University of Arizona in 1959 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree.  He was hired by APS and was transferred to various cities in his long and rewarding career.  Delcena got to return to Mesa for a short time after Tucson, but found that APS needed them in Yuma AZ, Farmington NM, and then Phoenix.  Each of their children was born in the different cities where David was assigned.  Treasured memories were made in each of those homes that involved friends and family.  After David’s 30 years with and retirement from APS, Delcena prevailed upon David to move back to the East Valley.  She finally got to come home to Mesa where she and David happily lived the rest of their days together around so many cherished family members.

Delcena also found joy in serving in different callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In almost every ward Dad and Mom lived in, she served in the Primary organization as chorister or pianist.  She also enjoyed the sisterhood she found in serving in her ward Relief Society.

Delcena had a testimony of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ throughout her whole life.  She often spoke of the power of prayer and always had family prayer, no matter who was at home. She was always drawn to the commandment “Love one another” that Christ gave to his apostles.  In fact, she chose that to be her life’s theme and instilled it as one of her family’s core fundamentals.  Delcena found the most joy in her life with her family and close friends.  Her roles as wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, “Granny” and friend were very sacred to her.   Consequently, the love and grace that she emanated to all through those roles will be remembered, felt, and cherished for years to come.   It will be her legacy to all of us.

Delcena is survived by her 5 children:  David C. Hatch (Fayella), Sherie Kent (Lloyd), Dean R.  Hatch, Julie Hatch, and Kristen Durrant (Dan).  She and David also have 12 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Delcena will be on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 1345 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ  85203.  There will be a visitation at 9:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Burial services will be held at the City of Mesa cemetery following the funeral service (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.

Shirley Jane Lester, age 93, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona.

Shirley, daughter of Queena and Virgil Bloyd, was born in Lincoln, Kansas, on November 13, 1930.  She lived there until she was graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948.  After graduation she attended Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri, and was graduated there with a secretarial diploma in the spring of 1949.  She immediately began work as a secretary for the Production and Marketing Administration in Manhattan, Kansas, where she worked until September 1950.  She then enrolled at Kansas State College in Manhattan.  During the summer while attending college, she worked in the office of the Quartzite Stone Company in Lincoln.

In January 1954, Shirley was graduated from Kansas State College with a B. S. Degree in Business Administration.  She began teaching business subjects at Atchison High School, Atchison, Kansas, that same month and continued until May 1956.

In June 1956, Shirley moved to San Diego, California, and accepted a job as a secretary with Solar Aircraft Company.  While in San Diego, she met and fell in love with Lt(jg) John Lester who was stationed with the Navy there.  They were married in Lincoln, Kansas, on June 22, 1957, and moved to Annapolis, Maryland, as John had been appointed as an instructor at The United States Naval Academy.  Shirley worked in the Superintendent’s Office at the Naval Academy one year and taught high school business subjects at South High School, Lothian, Maryland, during the 1958-59 school year.

In June 1959, Shirley and John moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where their son, Philip, was born in July 1959.  They lived in Minneapolis until April 1961, when they moved to Phoenix where Janet was born in May 1961.  In October 1961, the Lester family relocated to Tempe, where they resided for 38 years.  In January 2000 they relocated to Mesa.  In 2012, they returned to Tempe and took up residence at Friendship Village, a retirement community.

Shirley participated in various school-related activities while Phil and Janet attended the Scottsdale Schools.  In 1975, she was employed as a part-time Instructional Assistant in the Scottsdale, School District, working at Yavapai and Tonalea Schools for ten years.  She retired from this position in June, 1985.

In her free time, Shirley loved to play bridge and golf with her best friends.

During the years in Arizona Shirley was an active charter member of the Los Arcos United Methodist Church in Scottsdale, and subsequently became a member of Scottsdale United Methodist Church.  When they relocated to Friendship Village, they found a church home at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Mesa.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jerry.  Survivors include her husband of 66 years, John, their children Phil (Beth) and Janet (Dan) and her four granddaughters, Hilary (Patrick), Hannah (Jacob), Alexandria and Jenna.  A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, January 27 at 1:00 p.m. at Friendship Village Skirm Auditorium, Tempe, AZ.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley or Friendship Village Foundation are suggested.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our caring, kind, and loving wife, mother and grandmother, Joy Allen, who peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on December 27, 2023 at the age of 90.

She is forever loved and remembered by her beloved husband Jim Allen, her six doting children Donna Boxerman, Diane Ware, Janice Wagner, Michael Allen, Karl Allen and Rebecca Swann, 15 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind thousands of students whose lives she greatly touched during her 46 years of teaching grades 1-3 at Lowell Elementary and Lindbergh Elementary.

Born in Milton, Pennsylvania, Joy had a zest for life and the world from a young age. She joined the Air Force where she met the love of her life, husband Jim Allen, who was immediately taken by her “doe eyes.” She got her Masters in Education at ASU and went on to become revered in the teaching community by students and fellow teachers alike.

Joy loved adventure and traveled around the world with Jim, a highlight in their many travels being an African Safari, which had been her dream for years. She also loved taking regular trips down to the family home in Rocky Point, Mexico, and shared countless family memories there. Her love for the thrill of adventure never waned, and as she and Jim were both certified pilots, she celebrated her 70th birthday by going skydiving with her family.

The beauty within nature filled Joy’s heart through her whole life, a deep love and appreciation in which she passed on to her children and grandchildren, teaching them to stop and behold the sunset, marvel at the rising moon, and admire the clouds in the sky. Her legacy of strength, thrill for life’s adventures, passion for the beauty of nature, and deep love she held for others will carry on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Her Celebration of Life was a private ceremony. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Joy Allen to the Mesa Public Schools Foundation.

The Herald Angels have called Shirley home. She left this mortal life on December 25th at 4:22 am. She was waiting for Christmas to go and see her mother and party on the other side celebrating the birth of Christ. We will all miss her, but we are happy for her graduation from this mortal world.

Services are:

January 4th, 2023. A viewing will be held at Bunker Family Funerals from 6-8 pm. Located at 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 480-964-8686

January 5th, 2023. Viewing at:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located at 940 E Southern Ave., Mesa, Arizona 85204 (East of Horne). The viewing will be from 9-10am. Services will be from 10-11:30.

Cemetery Services will be at 2pm. The cemetery is located at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park 6747 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206 (Southeast corner of Power and Broadway).

All are invited to come and celebrate her life with us.

Shirley was born in Lovington, Lea, New Mexico in 1935. Shirley led a very happy life filled with work, service and dedication to the Lord.

She was survived by her children Arthur LaRoy II, Michael Anthony, Judy Jeanette Johnson, Howard Fletcher, Daniel Keith and 22 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren.

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.

On December 19, 2023, Georgia Elizabeth (Libby) Carpenter passed away at her home in Mesa, Arizona.

Born in Flemmingsburg, Kentucky, Libby married the love of her life, Robert Carpenter and they were lucky enough to have celebrated 64 years together raising their two children, Robert Russel Carpenter (Kathy), of Nashville, TN, and Tonya Kay Hughes (Chris), of Mesa, AZ.

Libby was preceded in death by her husband Robert, sisters, Helen I. Little, Louise Thompson, and her parents, Walter C. and Nellie M. Little. She is survived by her two children, Russ and Tonya, eight grandchildren: Ashlee, Andrew, Hayley, Courtney, Mike, Karen, Lauren, and John, and 10 great grandchildren: Dawson, Sterling, Remington, Westin, Alaina, Karter, Sophia, Braxton, Avery, and Elliot.

Our mother wanted to be remembered with smiles and laughter. She is at peace, and with my father, where she belongs and always wanted to be.

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.

David Michael Olson (77) passed away on December 25, 2023 in a Hospice facility in Chandler, Arizona.  He was a great and honorable man.  He fought cancer for 3 1/2 years.

He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1946.  At a young age he moved with his family to a farm in Whitewater, Colorado.  David led a very happy life filled with work, service and dedication to the Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Christina, of 50 years. His children Sharon Marie Vance, Michael Richard, Jay Thomas, Benjamin Carl and 16 grandchildren and 3 great granddaughters.

He graduated from Colorado State in Veterinarian Medicine in 1971.  He was a large animal Vet for 42 years and served the southeast valley.  He loved his work and the people he met.

He served 3 missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ghana, West Africa, Podgorica, Montenegro and San Diego, California Mission serving the Congolese Refugees.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 6, 2024 at the church building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1150 W. Elliot, Gilbert, Arizona.

For those unable to attend in person, you will be able to view the service through this link: https://zoom.us/j/96177045192?pwd=anVTbW8vL2g5UFhtV0kyczRqYTdKZz09

In lieu of flowers donations to Feed My Starving Children | Volunteer to pack meals (fmsc.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.

LIVESTREAM OF SERVICE: https://bit.ly/parker-chloe-stott

With sadness, we announce the passing of Chloe Rose (Cook) Stott.  On December 20, 2023, Chloe and her husband, Parker Stott, were in a tragic car accident that took both of their lives while traveling from Utah to Arizona to celebrate Christmas and to announce the news of their pregnancy to their families.

Born in Mesa, Arizona, on May 28, 1999, Chloe grew up in Gilbert, Arizona, where she graduated from Highland High School in 2017.

After high school, Chloe moved to Utah, where she attended both Acaydia Spa and School of Aesthetics and Renaissance Academie, earning her masters of aesthetics. It was during this time that she met Parker Stott, and from that moment they became inseparable. They were married and sealed in the Gilbert Arizona LDS Temple on May 11, 2019.

Together, Chloe and Parker purchased a house and, along with their two dogs, created a home in Pleasant Grove, Utah. They lived only minutes from Chloe’s sister and brother-in-law and spent many evenings with them and close friends in the area. Spending time with and loving on friends and family was their top priority.

After only a year of establishing herself in the skincare community and growing a clientele, she decided to take the next step in her career by building and establishing Clover Skin Bar with Parker in Lindon, Utah. Not only did she build a successful business, but she also mentored aspiring estheticians and has left a lasting mark on the local community.

Chloe cherished her role as “Auntie Coco” and poured endless love into the lives of her nieces and nephews. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she is remembered for this by family, friends, and strangers alike.

Chloe is now in heaven with Parker and their baby boy.  She is preceded in death by her father, Sheldon Ray Cook, and is survived by her mother, Kittrean Tanner Cook, her sister Estee Wilson (m. Jeremy), her brother Noah Cook (m. Kelsey), and her sister Peri Eggertsen (m. Chad).

Those who wish to pay their respects are invited to a reception at the LDS Chapel located at 1010 S Recker Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296 on Friday, December 29, from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, December 30, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at the City of Mesa Cemetery on Tuesday, January 2.

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.

LIVESTREAM OF SERVICE: https://bit.ly/parker-chloe-stott

With sorrow, we announce the passing of Parker Benjamin Stott. On December 23, Parker passed away from injuries sustained in a tragic car accident that took both his life and the life of his wife, Chloe Rose (Cook) Stott. They were traveling from Utah to Arizona to celebrate Christmas and to announce the news of their pregnancy to their families.

Born in Long Beach, California, on January 10, 1997, Parker grew up in Gilbert, Arizona, where he graduated from Highland High School in 2015.

After high school, Parker moved to Logan, Utah, where he attended Utah State University. After one year, his natural desire to help others led him to serve an LDS mission in Nicaragua. After his mission, Parker moved to Provo, Utah, where he attended Utah Valley University to study construction management. It was during this time that he met Chloe, and from that moment they became inseparable. They were married and sealed in the Gilbert Arizona LDS Temple on May 11, 2019.

Together, Parker and Chloe purchased a house and, along with their two dogs, created a home in Pleasant Grove, Utah. After years of experience in the commercial construction world, he fell in love with building custom homes. He developed his skills as a contractor and built several charming homes in the local area.

He took those skills and built Chloe a beautiful store front, Clover Skin Bar. This establishment became a cornerstone in the Utah skincare community. It was a channel for the Stotts to spread their love among those who were fortunate enough to know them.

Parker enjoyed golfing, tackling DIY projects, and taking care of their dogs, Frank and Georgia. However, his greatest joy came from being surrounded by friends and family. His top priority was spending time with and taking care of his loved ones.

Parker is now in heaven with Chloe and their baby boy.  He is survived by his parents, Greg and Jenny Stott, and his younger brothers Connor (m. Chloe) and Kasey Stott.

Those who wish to pay their respects are invited to a reception at the LDS Chapel located at 1010 S Recker Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296 on Friday, December 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, December 30, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at the City of Mesa Cemetery on Tuesday, January 2.

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.

Mary Kristine Asplund Daines was born April 19^th, 1943, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada to Charles Owen Asplund and Julia Ellen Russell Asplund. She was the last of six children (4 brothers and one sister) and a delightful surprise to the family.  She was named after her two grandmothers. She had copper colored hair which brought her lots of attention and adoration from her family.  She was well loved from the beginning.

Kris’s father died when she was 14 and she lived with her mother and grandfather until she left for University.  In high school, she had a horse that she loved to ride, but had to give it to her cousins when she went to university. She started at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, but with encouragement from two older siblings and a bitter winter in Edmonton she transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. There she met the love of her life David Daines from Seattle, Washington.  They were married at the Alberta, Cardston LDS Temple on her birthday, April 19, in 1966.  Both Kris and Dave graduated from BYU that same year and David took a job with the Department of Social Service in Arizona.  They first lived in Coolidge, then in Tempe, and finally in Mesa, where they remained up till the present.

They both received Master’s Degrees from Arizona State University, David in Social Work and Kristine a Masters of Fine Arts in English.  She was a teacher and stay at home mom until her youngest daughter entered High School. Kris went back to school at ASU and was employed by ASU for many years as an instructor in English composition and creative writing.

She loved to teach and was good at it.  She loved all the students she taught and especially liked a course she taught in creative writing for nurses.  Born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she and her husband were faithful members and active participants in their faith. Kris also served in many LDS church callings but always preferred to be a teacher and loved teaching Gospel Doctrine in Sunday School.  She was also a exceptional singer and sang alto in church choirs regularly.

In more recent times, until her health started to fail, she and Dave liked to explore the desert in Arizona, as David is an avid photographer of the Canyon lands of Arizona and southern Utah.  They also visited the ocean to the south.  They frequently travelled with Ivan and Jennifer Johnson, longtime friends.  They were a perfect match during their 57 years of marriage.

Kristine loved reading, movies, writing, and hanging out with family.  She was not a fan of technology and did not even like cell phones.  When encouraged to use more modern means of communication, she always said that she was a troglodyte (she after all was an English teacher) that had no interest in modern technology. She preferred a land-line telephone and letters to communicate.  She got her news by reading the Arizona Republic from cover to cover every morning, and always did the crossword puzzle.  She was a loyal reader throughout her life.  They ought to publish this obituary for free.

Survivors include her husband David (86), sons Michael (Cori), Richard (Marie) and daughters Leslie (Stewart) Mayhew and Jessica (her dog Mouse), 12 grandchildren, Benjamin (Samantha), Julia (Kyle), Gabrielle, Samuel, Jane (Kira), Christina, Sarah, Christopher, Morgan, Jonathan (Marine PFC), Nathan, Anne-Marie, Kendal, and her brother Bill. All her other siblings are deceased.

Bunker’s Funeral Home has taken care of the arrangement for the funeral and burial.  The services for Kristine are scheduled on December 28^th at the Los Altos LDS building at 2300 W Javelina Ave., Mesa, Arizona. Viewing is at 10 am and the funeral service will start at 11. Interment will be at approximately 1:00 pm at the Mesa cemetery at 1212 N Center St.  There will be a lunch afterward for family.

Thanks to all of her family and friends. Condolences and memories can be shared at Bunker’s Funeral Home or on the Facebook group Mary Kristine Asplund Daines or by email at marykristineasplunddaines@gmail.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.

Jeni Allen Rogers, 51 passed away in her home on December 22, 2023 in San Tan Valley, AZ.

Jeni is survived by her parents Ann and John Allen; her husband Monte Rogers; her siblings Jana (Josh) Peterson, Matt (Shelli) Allen, and Lindsey (Tom) Bowen; children and family Jacob (Allison) Thompson, Ty Thompson, Bryce Thompson, Brittany (Ricky) Franco, Logan (Kenzlee) Rogers, Brooklyn (Matt) Mauff, Kade (Kaylee) Rogers, Shada Rogers and 18 grandchildren.

Jeni was preceded in death by her daughter McKenna Thompson.

Jeni attended BYU and graduated from BYU Idaho with her Bachelors in Healthcare Administration.  She continued on in her education to receive a Masters degree through AT Still University.  Jeni loved to travel and enjoyed family time working hard.  She will be greatly missed by many friends and family.

Funeral Services will be Friday, December 29, 2023 at 10:00 am, preceded by a visitation at 9:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 39477 N Kenworthy Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140.

Her interment will be in the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery in Taylor, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley would be greatly appreciated.

For those wishing to view the memorial service online, you may follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/lQXnbEj8bb0?feature=share

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.

Willie ‘Brick’ Graham was called home on December 20, 2023. He was born to Frank and Mahalia Graham in Lonoke, Arkansas.

He moved to Illinois where he and his wife Jane raised 3 daughters. He retired to Arizona after 40 years with Commonwealth Edison/Excelon.

He was a foodie and had a passion for grilling. His grilling tradition was passed down to his only grandson Kyele. He loved music, especially The Temptations, and was lucky enough to meet one of the original members on a vacation trip to Los Angeles.

He is survived by his wife Jane Graham, daughters Ericka, Latoya and Alecia. His grandson Kyele. His brother Dan Graham and sisters Millie Dowd and Kathy Harris.

Private services will be held on Wednesday December 27, 2023, at Bunker’s Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, donate to your local food bank or share a meal with loved ones.

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.

Maximiliano Victor O’Canas, 78, of Mesa, Arizona passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023 in Mesa, AZ. Max, who worked for the USPS,  lived in Mesa for over 50 years.

Patricia Esther Duschek, age 80 of Mesa, passed away December 16, 2023.  Pat was born to Reverend Alfred and Esther Kvamme on December 13, 1943.  Pat was kind, thoughtful and caring.  Afflicted with severe rheumatoid arthritis for most of her adult life, she had countless surgeries, medical interventions, and a list of medications that was pages long.  Yet, she transcended these severe limitations to be a life force and powerful influence on so many.  Adored by her family, she and her home were the hub of her extended family and friends.  Her circle of friends was wide including many relationships extending through decades.  But her connection to others is not just measured in breadth.  There was depth to her.  She was authentic.  No public persona versus private self – she was the real thing, always.  Equipped with a great sense of humor, it was a joy to be in her presence.  Daughter of a Lutheran pastor, Pat was a woman of deep faith, a faith that grounded her and guided her.

Born in Rushford, Minnesota, as a child Pat lived in Peterson, Minnesota, Coon Valley, Wisconsin, Radcliffe, Iowa, and Lake Mills, Iowa. After high school in Lake Mills, Pat attended Luther college, graduating in 1965.  When teaching in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Pat met Helmut, who came to be her dear life partner, with whom she would have shared 56 years of marriage on December 29, 2023.  Pat and Helmut made a home in Brookfield, Wisconsin and welcomed their firstborn Mark in 1969.  Daughter Jennifer came along in 1975.  They relocated to the drier climate of Mesa, AZ in 1979.  Pat did not let rheumatoid arthritis define her, she looked back over her life and was blessed and thankful for all that she was able to accomplish despite having severe rheumatoid arthritis.  Pat and Helmut traveled, took in nature, and developed a good solid faith community and foundation in Arizona.

Pat is survived by husband Helmut, son Mark Duschek, daughter Jennifer (Ryan) Ross, grandson Garrett      Cauthen, brother Joel (Marion) Kvamme and sister Becky (Dean) Risa. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Esther Kvamme, sister Rachael Soleta, and niece Kirsten Kvamme Salmi.

A memorial service will be held in Victory Lutheran Church, Mesa, AZ on Thursday, January 4, 2024.  A viewing will be at 9am, service at 10am and reception afterwards.  Interment will follow in the City of Mesa Cemetery.  The family suggest that memorials may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or Victory Lutheran Church. 

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.

Muriel Belle Gale Smith passed away peacefully on December 20th, 2023, in Glendale Arizona. Muriel led a full and happy life filled with church, family, friends, and multiple activities.

She was a teacher by trade, and enjoyed a long career of encouraging kids of all ages to love literature, music, reading and the arts. If there was a young person anywhere in her vicinity, she was making a new friend,  discovering their hidden talents.

She was a gifted musician with a beautiful soprano voice.  She directed choirs for many years as well as led children’s music for her church.  She performed in several musical theater productions from Chandler High School in Arizona to BYU in Provo, Utah and community theater in Phoenix.   She was a dedicated Cub Scout leader and recently enjoyed teaching Sunday School in Henderson, Nevada.

She is survived by her children, Carrie (Ken) Hilton, Jennifer (Fred) Mullins, and Tim (Shannon) Smith; her beloved 9 grandchildren, Benjamin (Ashlee) Mullins, Elizabeth Mullins, Ashlie (Jay) Hilton, Rachel (Philipp) Pitchford, Taylor (Barbara) Smith, Jessica Hilton, Hannah (Thomas) Smith, Dallin Smith, and Dawson Smith; 7 adored great-grandchildren Gavin Mullins, Cecilia Windham, Harper Mullins, Jackie Windham, Eloise Mullins, Luka Windham, and Mabel Mullins.

She is also survived by her brothers Jesse (Debbie) Gale, LeGrand Lamb, Jerry (Nygra) Lamb, Dennis (Susan) Lamb, Kenny (Kit) Lamb.

Funeral services are planned for Friday, December 29th at 10:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 AM at the Sierra Verde Ward building, 23121 North 67th Avenue in Glendale, with interment at City of Mesa Cemetery. See www.bunkerfuneral.com for more information.

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.