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Alicia Pease Peterson, 87, of Maricopa, Arizona passed away on Monday November 27 th , 2023. Alicia was born on February 15 th , 1936, in Thatcher, AZ to William Theodore Pease and Phoebe Allred Pease.

Alicia was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She worked for Wells Fargo for 10 + years as a silver bullet and retired in 2004. Alicia loved to write poems and was an artist who could paint beautiful pictures. She loved to draw horses, she liked to crochet, embroider, make beaded jewelry and scrapbook. She absolutely loved genealogy and trying to figure out how she was related to somebody. Alicia was very patriotic and loved her country. She loved to study maps and liked to visit pretty places in the United States. One of her favorite sites was the beautiful trees and fresh air of the Pacific Northwest, where she settled and raised her family.

She was the most amazing, loving, and truly caring mother to not only her children, but their friends and even their pets throughout the years. She is survived by her daughters, Kelly (Dale) and Lynda (Todd). Sons, Glenn and Matthew (Kalia), 20 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers and three sisters whom she adored, her loving son Richard Palmer and his beautiful wife, Angela, her first husband, Gene Palmer, second husband Robert Kreger, and her third husband Joseph Van Peterson, whom she was sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 2004 and will be laid to rest next to on Friday December 8 th , 2023. She enjoyed a full, long life and left this world peacefully.

A graveside service will take place at 12:00 noon at the Lakeside Cemetery 1265 Larson Rd, Lakeside, AZ 85929

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.

Merle was born April 28, 1939 in Washington, Pennsylvania to Harold and Thelma Ballentyne.

The family moved to Arizona in 1947 where Merle lived the rest of his days, passing away on November 26th 2023 in Mesa. His youth was spent living at Stewart Mountain Dam community (Saguaro Lake). He graduated from Mesa High School in Mesa, Arizona.

Merle was business owners with his wife Dolores. After her passing he married Marion Lewis.  Merle lived a life full of traveling and volunteering.

Merle is survived by his wife Marion, his son James, two grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

He is preceded by death his parents, wife Dolores, brother Delmas and sister Helen.

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.

Steven R. Norton, our beloved brother and friend to all, suddenly passed away on November 25, 2023. Steven was born in 1957 in Alliance, Ohio. Two years later his parents came to the Mesa, Az. area where they placed their two youngest children up for adoption, Steven being one of them. Lawrence and Daisy Norton were grateful and happy to adopt Steven and raise him in their happy home in Eagar, Az.

Steven was forever grateful to call Eagar home. In the days when girls did the “inside” chores and boys did the “outside” chores, Steven preferred to be inside the house listening to music or cooking his famous chili beans—He really didn’t like yard work! But he did love the outdoors when it came to Sunday drives, fishing or picking elderberries.

Steven enjoyed watching Johnny Quest, Star Trek and Bandstand. His musical ability expanded when he took piano lessons from Rosie Hall, played drums in the school band, and participated in musical theatre in high school and in choir—both church and school. He was a very talented pianist and singer. His love of movies and music continued through adulthood as he added many VHS, DVDs and CDs to his collection.

He attended school in Eagar, Arizona and graduated from Round Valley High School in 1975. When he was sixteen, he spent the summer in Hawaii picking pineapples with his cousin. To this day he could not eat a pineapple!

In 1976 to 1978 Steven served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Florida. Returning home to Mesa, he began working for Quest/Century Link and retired last year after 45 years.

Steven was shy and kind-hearted, a true friend to all. He never said a mean word about anyone and rarely got mad. Throughout his life he loved to travel with his three older sisters, Theresa, Mary and Yvonne, especially to Eagar for the 4^th of July activities.

Steven is preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters. Surviving are brothers, Rush (Nancy) and Jamie (Sheri)Norton, and sisters Mary Jepson and Joye (Larry Velasquez) Norton. Also, his longtime friends Mike and Millie Sheridan plus the many friends and family who kept in contact with him.

Steven will be honored at a memorial service at a later date in Eagar, Arizona.

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.

Don Weldon Hobbs returned home to the loving arms of his Savior on November 28, 2023.  Don was born on February 17, 1942 in Preston, Idaho. He was the second of 5 sons born to Eldon and Thelma Hobbs.  He loved his childhood in Idaho working and playing on the family farm alongside his brothers:  Dee, Delwynn (deceased), Ed (deceased) & Ross. He learned how to work hard on the farm milking the cows, bailing hay and growing sugar beets. He loved to ride their horses and he especially loved breaking and training them.

He lettered in every sport in High School and graduated from Westside High.

He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Southern California mission.  After his mission he attended Utah State University where he met a cute girl named Nansi Lea Gordon in his economics class. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple on Friday, August 13, 1965, the luckiest day of his life. He graduated with his bachelors degree from USU in economics in 1966 and was employed by the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn Michigan.  He and Nansi then moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1969 so that he could get his MBA from Arizona State University.  They have called Mesa their home for the last 54 years. He and Nansi were blessed with 6 children: Doug (Kristin) Hobbs, Kristin (Bryan) Caffrey, David (Kelli) Hobbs, Tricia (David) Folsom, Tiffany (Greg) Arnett, Ronald (Lindsay) Hobbs. He loved each of his 26 grandchildren and especially loved taking them for drives in his truck to see the farm animals in Lehi and to get an ice cream cone. He enjoyed hunting with his children and his friends and camping at Big Lake with his family every summer.

He never turned down a calling and served in many positions including as a bishop, and as a counselor in the Maricopa Stake Presidency for 14 years serving with President Dea Montague and President David Udall. He loved working with the youth and in the scouting program and earned the Silver Beaver Award. He also served faithfully in the Mesa Temple as an ordinance worker and the temple recorder.  He also served as the Mesa Easter Pageant President for several years.

He worked for First National Bank which later became First Interstate Bank and was valued for his wisdom and integrity.  After retirement, he and Nansi were privileged to serve missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in both Zimbabwe and Myanmar. These humanitarian missions blessed the lives of so many as they helped provide clean drinking water, distributed wheelchairs and prosthetics to those in need, gave out school and medical supplies, and taught English. He always said he had the greatest companion in Nansi. He loved being by her side. He was a man of integrity and honor.  He stood up for what was right.  He loved His Savior, Jesus Christ, and will be missed by his many family members and friends.

The family wishes to express their love and gratitude to the many friends and family who served our sweet dad & husband.  A viewing will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker Mortuary located at 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.  The funeral service will be Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Maricopa Stake Center located at 613 N. Stewart in Mesa at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing prior from 9:00-9:45 a.m. The concluding graveside service will immediately follow, at the City of Mesa Cemetery, located at 1212 N Center St., in Mesa. For those unable to attend in person a live broadcast will be available.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funeral Home.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95499625630

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.

Patricia Rose Perkins lived a life of joy, spreading kindness, seeing goodness, and finding beauty in people and in the world around her. 

Patricia was born in Mesa, Arizona on March 18, 1933, at the height of the Great Depression. She was the first daughter, and fourth of seven children born to Maurice and Rosabel Brittenham Taylor. Their family lived wherever Maurice could find employment.  Her early years were spent going back and forth from the desert to the mountains, but Heber was home for most of her youth. There, she climbed and roamed the hills and gained a love for the mountains. Her parents worked very hard to provide for her and her siblings Bob, John, Dick, Bill, Marie and David.

Her Mom and Dad were avid readers, and their children loved reading as well. Dinnertimes would find a book propped behind each plate. Reading introduced her to a wider world she longed to explore. In her small town she discovered fantastic old books, her favorite being The Prose and Poetry of Rudyard Kipling, which accompanied her wherever she went throughout her life. Her children will always remember her sitting with a good book or reading aloud to the grandchildren.

Longing to explore the world she had only read about, she boarded a train immediately  after graduating from Snowflake High School and traveled east to Iowa. Later ventures took her west, to southern California, where she fell in love with the ocean. She worked a variety of jobs, including for a brokerage firm, rising early for NYStock Exchange hours, climbing up and down ladders all day to move the numbers on the stock market board. It was one of the last brokerages to employ girls to mark the board. She loved this job; it was hard, but fun, to learn the many stock symbols, and best of all she had many hours every afternoon to spend at the beach, listening to the soft roar of tumbling waves, feeling the gentle ocean breezes and watching breathtaking sunsets. 

She worked and saved until she could attend college at Brigham Young University, where she worked in the English department. One day while sitting on the temple grounds in Salt Lake City, she had a chance meeting with a handsome young man who also had Arizona roots—Max. A springtime romance blossomed and on the Fourth of July, under the fireworks, he proposed. They were married August 7, 1954 in the Arizona temple.

Max built her a sturdy block home in Mesa, while still a student at ASU, a home they cherished for their sixty years of marriage. They created an oasis in their backyard of sweet-smelling citrus, mature pecan trees, heavenly pomegranates, fruitful vegetable gardens and beautiful flowers. They hosted many gatherings through the years and all were welcomed here; dear neighbors, their kind church community and treasured family. 

They were blessed with six children: Scott (Luda), Reed (Rose), Mark (Michelle), Sue (James Menlove), Ann (Steve Towne), and Brad. She was so proud of her grandchildren; Maxim, Kristi, Blake, Aubrey, Zach, Luke, Julie, Christine, Rob, and Mike and her many great-grandchildren. She loved each of them, and their spouses, dearly. “Grandma Pat” could often be found snuggling or caring for the little ones. 

Together she and Max built their mountain home, which was a favorite spot to spend summers, and for her to grow beautiful flowers to enjoy and share with others.

She found beauty in nature, and loved traveling, including her road trip from Alaska, and more recently visiting the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and other national parks.

Patricia lived a wonderful life of service and devotion to others. She served faithfully in various callings, often as a teacher, and particularly loved her time writing the ward newsletter for her church community, for about a decade. Her exquisite writing and editing skills helped create the numerous family history books that she and Max composed, and she helped Max in his many work ventures. They were a great team.

Her ninety years were filled with spreading kindness, seeing goodness, finding beauty, listening compassionately, and displaying faith and optimism for the future to all of her friends and family. 

Expressing her love and faith to her family, a few years ago, Pat wrote:

“It’s been quite the adventure, more ups than downs, more joy than sorrow, plenty of fun and laughs.”

“God has been very good to me. He has been with me every day of my life. He has given me blessings beyond counting and my family is the precious gift I thank Him for every day.”

“I thank my Heavenly Father for each one of you, for His gospel and for His Son. I thank Him for my sure knowledge that He and my Savior live and that Reed and Brad and Max are with them and that we will meet again, in love and happiness. I appreciate every one of you for what you are, and what you do, and I love every one of you with all my heart and soul.”

The family wishes to express gratitude to the many friends, family and care-givers who have lovingly served our sweet mother, including the caring staff from THEMA Health Services who provided hospice care.

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 1, from 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. at the Ellsworth Park Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 977 E. Broadway Rd., in Mesa, Arizona. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 1, 2023, at the same location. The concluding graveside service will immediately follow, at the City of Mesa Cemetery, located at 1212 N. Center St., in Mesa. For those unable to attend in person, a live broadcast will be available. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals.

Zoom Link for LIVE service:

Topic: Pat Perkins Funeral Service
Time: Dec 1, 2023 11:00 AM Arizona

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Meeting ID: 920 6433 6001
Passcode: 1234

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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.

Paul Earl House, “P-sign Paul” age 76 of Santa Cruz, California, passed away on November 15, 2023 of natural causes after a long illness.

Paul was born  March 2, 1947 to James and Opal House in Long Beach, California.  

At age 3 he learned to play the accordion and fell in love with music. Paul graduated from Western High School in 1965. His first band was NOT COOL out of Los Angeles, California. He later joined THE DEAD REDWOODS performing in Santa Cruz and other local California venues. Paul taught guitar at More Music, but it wasn’t just music that he loved. He found pleasure in all types of art and woodworking. Paul was skilled making orthopedic shoes, operated an herb shop, created aircraft illustrations for Boeing, and worked as a master carpenter for Shakespeare programs out of UCSC. He is known for his peace sign drawings on Its Beach, Santa Cruz, California.  

As a conservationist and active member in the community, he was involved with many marches, including his Wednesday mornings with the Ladies in Black. Paul taught Tai Chi at the lighthouse near Steamer Lane. He enjoyed and supported his favorite sports teams: San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco Giants wearing hats and jerseys on game days. 

Paul is survived by his children Britney Saito and Wyatt House, and grandchildren Taj Saito, Gavin Saito and Shorina Saito of Japan. Paul is also survived by sisters Barbara Ellwood, Mary Muncy and Debbie Spears of Arizona. Paul’s love and partner was Beverly Fleming along with their “boy dog” Jimbeau. Paul is from an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, with cousin Eddie Nelms of San Diego, CA being Paul’s lifelong best friend. 

Private Services were held Nov. 20th. Paul‘s final resting place was Seattle, Washington on Tuesday, November 23, 2023. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Low Power community radio or your favorite community non-syndicated radio station. 

Music when Soft Voices Die  (To–)

BY PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY

Music, when soft voices die,

Vibrates in the memory-

Odours, when sweet violets sicken,

Live within the sense they quicken.

Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,

Are heaped for the beloved’s bed;

And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,

Love itself shall slumber on.

Jared Hilton Watts, 42, of Mesa, AZ passed away on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023 in Tempe surrounded by loved ones and special friends. Jared was born on May 22, 1981 in Fayetteville, AR. He spent his childhood years in Van Buren, AR where he graduated from Van Buren High School.

Jared was employed for much of his career in the Oil & Gas industry in Arkansas and Texas. He moved to Arizona in 2014 and was most recently employed at DISH Network in Gilbert where many of his co-workers became close friends.

Jared loved outdoor activities especially golf, hunting and fishing. He never lost a lifelong fascination with nature and wildlife. Jared also had an artistic side as he was a talented metalworker who handcrafted collectible knives.

Jared is survived by daughters Nataleigh Dority and Skyla Watts; sons Lincoln Watts, Easton Watts and Ashton Watts; mother Elizabeth Hogan, father Chuck Watts and wife Susan, sister Katie Hosier and husband Larry; and numerous extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering to be held Saturday, December 2, 2023 10;00 a.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ  85297.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley.

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.

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.

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jinean G. Madsen, peacefully passed away in Tempe, Arizona on November 12, 2023,with some of her family by her side.

Jinean was born to Gene Woodrow and Mern Tiffany Greenhalgh on December 17, 1937, in Logan, Utah. She was the first of four children: Merrill, Doug and Maureen followed her.

Jinean is preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

Jinean grew up and attended school in Provo, UT, graduating from Provo High School in 1956. Young Jinean had an extra long engagement to Darrell H. Madsen prior to getting married on Sept 1, 1961 in the Manti, Utah Temple. Jinean insisted on finishing her nursing degree at the BYU College of Nursing before they got married, and then used her degree working weekends as an Intensive & Coronary Care nurse until she retired in 2006.

Jinean’s greatest joy in life was her family. During their 62 years together, Darrell and Jinean welcomed 4 children into the world: Michelle (Michael) Rosser of Westfield, IN, Jeffrey D. (Stacey) Madsen of Orem, UT, Natalie (Scott) Brown of Mesa, AZ, and Colette Madsen of Chandler, AZ. They have been blessed with 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and one more great grandchild due any day.

Jinean loved sending cards and gifts for birthdays, attending grandchildren’s sports and recitals, and getting together for family dinners. Jinean lived a wonderful life of service and devotion. She served faithfully in various callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most recently, she enjoyed serving as a Ward Temple and Family History Consultant as well as on the Compassionate Service Committee, but her favorite calling was serving as the “mom” with the Young Single Adults. Everything in her life revolved around her family, service to others, and her devotion to the Lord.

Our beloved Jinean will be remembered for how she loved and served generously, always thinking of others. We look forward to the day we reunite with her again.

At her request, Jinean’s life will be honored with a Visitation in Arizona and a Graveside Service in Utah. Bunker Family Funerals is coordinating the Visitation which will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 21st from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building located at 2707 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282.

Berg Mortuary is coordinating the Graveside Service which will be held on Saturday, November 25th at 1:00 PM at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery 1997 S 400 E St, Springville, UT 84663.

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.

Doyle Franklin Foote, born on July 4, 1952, to Warren Parker Foote and Vonda Porter Foote in Phoenix, AZ, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Gilbert, AZ.

A proud graduate of Westwood High School, Doyle dedicated much of his life to service as an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, undertaking a memorable mission in Hawaii.

He embarked on a successful career in banking, contributing his skills to institutions such as First Interstate and Wells Fargo.

On June 25, 1974, he was sealed in marriage with his beloved Teena Sue Tanner, creating a loving family with four children: Christeena (Doug), Matthew (Sarah), Mark (Tara), and Jacob.

Doyle is remembered fondly by his wife, surviving children, and siblings Jane (Al) and Ken (Barbara).

A viewing and funeral service honoring his life will be held at the LDS Chapel, 825 S 32nd St, Mesa, AZ, at 9:00 am and 10:00 am respectively on Saturday, November 25th.

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.

Carter Max Green was born in Safford Arizona on July 6th, 1953.

Carter was the first son of the late Max John Green & Nathalene Carter Green. Carter attended Safford Schools and graduated from Safford High School. While in High School Carter worked for CKC construction company operating heavy equipment.  He was exceptionally talented with machinery and was a skilled tractor operator on the farm by the age of seven.  While he was on a job for CKC, a contractor watched him work and offered Carter a job with his company in the Phoenix area. Carter moved to the Mesa area and remained there the rest of his life. He had his own successful demolition company, ACR Contracting.

Carter’s greatest love was working on heavy equipment, but he also loved having fun with his family and friends. Water skiing, camping, deep sea fishing, hunting, off roading and trips to Rocky Point and Costa Rica were some of his favorite activities.  He also enjoyed working with wood and making beautiful picture frames.

Carter is survived by his mother Nathalene Green of Safford, daughter Brandi Roland, and son Reece Green of Chandler. Grandchildren are Mason, Hunter (Kayla Noyola), and Cheyanne Roland of San Tan Valley, as well as Carson and Reed Weiss of Queen Creek.   His siblings are Sharon McBride (Bob) of Hereford, Arizona, Diane McBride (Boyce) of Safford, Gordon Green (Lynn) of Gilbert, and Bryan Green (Val) of Mesa.

Carter was preceded in death by his father, Max John Green, his brother Mark John Green and sons Brian and Braydon Green.

The service for Carter on Saturday, 11/18/2023 at 2:00 PM will be viewable with this link:  https://youtube.com/live/XKbidawxc50?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.

Brooke Amy (Hadley) Hassell, 47, of Mesa, AZ passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 11th, 2023 after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke in September, 2022 causing traumatic brain injury. Despite brain surgery and 14 months allowing opportunity for recovery, Brooke did not improve from an unresponsive state.

Brooke was born on September 23rd, 1976 to Joe and Lynda Hadley in Yucaipa, CA. She was a devoted member of Yucaipa’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4^th Ward.  She worked at the Harris’ Department Store in Redlands, CA.

In 1999, Brooke moved to Tempe, AZ to live with her brother and his family and in 2002, Brooke met Garrett Hassell at a New Year’s Eve gathering at the Tri-Stake Center near the Mesa Temple. They immediately hit it off and married soon after with their first child, Payson, born in 2004 and their second child, Austin, born in 2007.

Brooke dedicated her life to being a devoted wife and mother. Garrett worked very early hours to provide for the family, and Brooke ensured that the home and the kids were cared for. Brooke excelled at supporting Payson in singing and theatre, Austin in Cub Scouts and football. Brooke supported her family through the many passions and difficulties of their lives and instilled in her children, her strong dedication to their faith. She was incredibly close to both of her children and they both went to her for long chats. She was their best friend, their biggest cheer leader and confidant and she made it her mission to ensure their happiness.

As the kids grew, Brooke took on some part-time work such as housecleaning and as an Assistant to the Occupational Therapist at Mesa School District. She had recently returned to school and was starting the nursing program at Maricopa Community College in Scottsdale. Brooke was passionate about friendships. She loved to assign nicknames to those she connected with and her light-hearted, silly nature was always welcomed by anyone fortunate enough to cross paths with her. We will miss her greatly.

Brooke was predeceased by her mother, Lynda Lusby Hadley Grove; and her brothers, Jeff and Matt Hadley. She is survived by her husband Garrett Hassell; daughter, Payson Hassell; son, Austin Hassell; father, Joe Hadley; and her brother, Tom Hadley.

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.

On November 5, 2023, Christopher Ferrel Evans (lovingly known as Keifer or Chris) passed away from causes that are not known at this time. A  funeral service is being held on Saturday November 18th @ 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 47 E. Ashland Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004. A viewing for close friends and family is being held at 10 a.m. at the address listed above. Interment services are being held at Provo City Cemetery, Utah Wednesday, November 22, 2023. A virtual link is available to view the funeral service here – https://zoom.us/j/92048168969 -.

Chris was born May 31, 1985 in Mesa, Arizona, welcomed into this life by Bob & Gwen Evans and his year and a half old sister Lauren.  Right away, Chris began to shake things up with his deep chocolate eyes, love and intense emotion. Baby Chris did not want to be away from his parents for any extended period of time, head-butting his then babysitter grandparents to show his displeasure.  Chris would continue an ability to express himself clearly throughout his days.

As he grew, he loved being outside playing and getting into any mischief he and his sister could dream up.  He excitedly became an older brother to Justin, who would become his lifelong and loyal companion. From an early age, Chris was great on his feet which naturally lended to a knack for rollerblading, skateboarding, skiing, and snowboarding. Chris especially loved his time at Brighton Ski Resort in Utah.  He fostered a knowhow for all things automotive that seemed practically second nature to him. Subsequently, another favorite pass-time was riding off-road at Glamis, where he would fly through the outdoors on his favorite 3 wheeler, dirt bikes, or vehicles of his creation.  He also had a lifelong affinity for watching comedy movies and became adept at transversing the green, sending many a golf ball sailing in his later years.

Chris attended elementary school at  Alhambra Traditional School where he learned his coursework quickly and there are many in his classes that he befriended.  His active and intelligent mind couldn’t help but notice many extracurricular activities, continuing the mischief from his PreK days. He continued his education at Central High School in Phoenix and Mountain View High School in Mesa. Chris used his substantial physique to follow in the footsteps of those he admired, such as his great grandfather, grandfather and older friends, to play football for both the Bobcats and the Toros.

Chris was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Chris participated in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Chris was a skilled licensed contractor and a welder by trade, with his passion being toward design and fabrication of entry steel work. He created beautiful, massive doors and crowing pieces of metal work that adorned structures scattered around the valley. Chris owned and operated All American Fabrication in Mesa, AZ until his death. Chris is survived by both his parents Robert Charles Evans and Gwen O’Lynn Dana Evans, as well his sister Lauren Nathel Evans Bullock (Trevor) and brother Robert Justin Evans (Suzanne), 3 nieces, and 1 nephew. The family would like to thank all of those who have shared their love and support at this time.

Bessie Mae Gindlesperger, 92, of Mesa, AZ, went home to be with the Lord on October 30th, 2023 with her family lovingly by her side. Bessie was born on September 8, 1931, in Harmony Indiana.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Merlin Gindlesperger, her children Helen & Douglas Wilson, Bonny & Arthur Walters, Brian Gindlesperger, Terri & Michael Hepperly, Paula & David Langton, 11 Grandchildren, 15 Greats, 2 Great Greats, and sister Rosemary Bowers.

She was predeceased by her son Mark Gindlesperger, and 3 brothers Thomas, Dora, and Robert.

Bessie found much joy in shopping and long car rides to absolutely anywhere. As long as her husband was by her side she didn’t care where she “just wanted to go”.

Through life, Bessie proudly served as a homemaker where she stood firmly by Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” She looked upon her home with great responsibility and spent a lifetime cultivating a deep relationship with God for generations to come.

Bessie was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile brightly lit a room. She cared deeply for the people around her, with a heart to help those in need. She made an impact on many lives.

Her family knows that this is not a goodbye, but a we’ll see you later at the big banquet to come.

William Franklin Gaines went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 6, 2023, after a short but courageous battle with COPD and congestive heart failure. He was 75 years old.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, John David Gaines, Jr., and Oris Gaines (nee Beaird), sisters, Louise Gilchrist, Marie Sherd, and Evelyn Reed, brother, Gary Gaines, granddaughter, Taylor Gaines, and great-grandson, Landen Gaines. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda (nee Brannon), sons William Gaines Jr., of Gilbert; Eugene Smith (Beth) of Maryville, TN; Michael Gaines (Nicole) of Mesa; daughter Kirstena Crook (William) of Mesa; and Scott Gaines (Jamie) of Chandler, sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, with two more due next year. He is also survived by siblings, John David Gaines III, of Gilbert; Dwight Gaines (Melanie) of Tempe; Kenneth Gaines (Addie) of Cottonwood; Juanita Shannon of Phoenix, Marla Lawrence of Chandler, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was born in Mesa (although he liked to say Gilbert, where he grew up) the seventh of ten children, on September 9, 1948. He attended Gilbert High School, and although he didn’t graduate, he received his GED while in the Army. He joined the Army in 1965, served in various capacities at bases in the United States, and in 1967, went to Vietnam and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

He joined the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in 1970. He spent the majority of his career in Lake Patrol and became a diver to better serve the citizens of the county while patrolling the lakes and rivers. In his off hours, he obtained his private pilot’s license. He received many awards and commendations during his tenure as deputy and retired after almost 21 years.

He and Linda met at the Sheriff’s Office and were married on October 3, 1974, in Phoenix. Wanting to stay close to his roots, they lived in Mesa and raised their blended family.

After retirement, he and his brother, Dwight, had a small scrap metal business for a while. He also became interested in prospecting for gold, which he enjoyed doing for several years. He did some drag racing at Firebird Raceway in a 1960’s Plymouth Belvedere he named “Gold Miner.” Genealogy piqued his interest, and he spent many hours researching his immediate and extended family ancestry. He and Linda made the trek east across country every year for several years to visit family and friends. The last couple of years, when health issues required he spend more time at home, he occupied himself by working on firearms.

He was a history buff, an avid reader and collector of books, and knew all kinds of trivia. He was stubborn, opinionated, sometimes grouchy, a picky eater, funny, intelligent, a John Wayne fan, strong defender of his constitutional rights, and protector of his family. When asked how he was feeling, he’d almost always say “fair to middlin”. He loved God, his family and his country. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

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 Randall Whiting passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the age of 97.

Fern was born February 8, 1926 in Snowflake, Arizona to Alfred Harvey Randall and Lena Stratton Randall. Fern had a loving family of eleven siblings, eight of whom preceded her in death: Raymond (Fay), Maurine Despain (Mitt), Norman (Verna), Tempy, Ina MacDonald (Kyle), Lorana Whiting (Mickey), Beth Gardner (Leo), Nelda Brinkerhoff (Grant), and Ordene Guttery (Willard). She is survived by 2 of her siblings: Doyle Randall (Jackie), and Evelyn Solomon (Delwin).

Fern grew up in Northern Arizona, and graduated from Holbrook High School, where she participated in the Drum and Bugle Corps and enjoyed her business classes. Her Senior year of high school she got a job at First National Bank of Holbrook, where she worked for 9 years. Fern got her real estate license in 1971 and was a real estate and land developer until she was 85. Fern had 4 children, Brenda, Charles, Randy, and Jason. Fern married the love of her life, Earnest J Whiting in March of 1982, and they lovingly combined their families. They had 19 amazing years together before Jay’s passing in 2000.

Fern is survived by her daughter Brenda Kutch, son Jason Whiting (Nichole), grandchildren London, McAllister, and Daisy, and wonderful stepdaughters Glenna Tingey (Delbert), Myrna Borden (Dale), Deb Lewis (Bob), Terry Schnepf (Larry), and stepson Trey Whiting (Tammy). She is preceded in death by her stepdaughter Joyce Packard (Dan), as well as sons Charles and Randy.

Fern loved the beach, shopping, the ASU Sun Devils, and most importantly spending as much time as possible with all of her family. Indeed, her greatest happiness was found with Jay and their combined 10 children, 38 grandchildren,153 great-grandchildren and 24 great-great-grandchildren. She loved and personally knew each of them well, and her legacy of service, kindness, and love will live on in their lives.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 18th at 10AM, preceded by a family prayer at 9:45AM at the LDS Church, 613 N Stewart, Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker Family Funeral Home.

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.