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Geraldine Allred Steele passed quietly of natural causes while holding her daughter’s hand on October 13, 2023, 1:36 a.m., in Tucson, Arizona.

A Graveside Service with Life History and Dedication of the Grave will be held to honor her and her family’s love for her on October 21, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Geri’s honor to https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/funds/vision-treatment-training/

Geri spent her life living in Arizona.  The daughter of Lawrence Allred and Della Johnson, she grew up in the idyllic town of Duncan, Arizona, with grandparents, cousins, and siblings close by.  She played in farmlands, the hills behind their family home, with dolls, and on the playground her Grandad built for them.  At eight years old, she was baptized by her father in the Duncan Public Swimming Pool into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Geri graduated from Duncan High School in 1954 as Valedictorian of her class.  She went to Brigham Young University, graduating with an Office Management bachelor’s degree in the College of Business.  At BYU she joined a social club, Ri Veda, becoming its President.  She ran for Homecoming Queen, rode on parade floats and sewed herself beautiful dresses for all her social events.

Geri met and fell in love with Blaine Leon Steele while working in Tempe, Arizona. They married on July 17, 1959 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  After Blaine graduated, they made their home in Flagstaff for 29 years.  Geri and Blaine raised a family of four children and kept a clean, modest home.  She grew flowers outside their Flagstaff home, including a thick bed of beautiful white daisies which are represented in her casket spray.  She served her family, her church, her neighbors, and those in need.

In 1992, Blaine and Geri began a new chapter of their lives by moving to Mesa to care for Blaine’s parents in their home for the next four years.  Those four years were ones of growth for her and she relied on her Savior to give her the strength and fortitude she needed.

After Blaine’s parents passed, they decided to stay in Mesa for their own retirement years.  Geri was thrilled to have a new home of her own and again worked with Blaine to grow flowers and trees in their yard. They raised their Grandson, Brandon, in this home as well and were involved in many activities revolving around him.  She continued to serve in church callings and in the Mesa Temple. Together, they served two missions to Oregon and Chicago.  Geri spent many days traveling to Thatcher to care for her elderly mother.  She cared for Blaine during his heart attacks and broken hip until, in November 2017, Geri herself spent a week in the hospital with heart problems.  They sold their home, moved into an Assisted Living facility and then the next year to an apartment in Tucson close to their daughter, Kimberly.

From 2018 through 2023, Geri led a quiet life of service for her neighbors and husband.  She had lost much of her hearing and sight in these final years.  However, she wanted to serve others and considered that a requirement of living a Christlike life.  She decided that even if she was unable to cook, or shop, or drive, or even see, she could sweep the walkways of her apartment complex for her neighbors. She also planted flowers outside her apartment and watered them daily to brighten that spot for herself and her neighbors. Geri was a compassionate listener and her elderly neighbors loved her for the support she showed to them.  She cared for her husband and prayed that her health would continue so she could take care of him. They were married for 64 years.

In her final hours, Geri continued to show her selflessness as she was concerned for her daughters who were caring for her and their lack of sleep.

Her highest desire in life was to become more like Jesus Christ.  She showed her love for Him and for God’s children in her daily actions, thoughts, and words.  We will miss her terribly.

Geri is survived by her husband, Blaine Leon Steele of Mesa, Arizona; their four children- Tami and Phil Mix of Artesia, NM; Brian and Cynthia Steele of Buckeye, Arizona; Ladd and Lena Steele of Flagstaff, AZ; and Kimberly and Edward Williams of Tucson, AZ; their grandson, Brandon Ashcroft of Tucson, AZ; 16 grandchildren; and 28  great-grandchildren with one expecting.  She is also survived by her five younger siblings, Lorna Hansen of Toole, UT; Albert Allred of San Angelo, TX; Judy Somerville Cheney of Layton, Utah; Karen Morris of Owasso, Oklahoma; and Larry Allred of Thatcher, AZ.

She was predeceased by her father, Lawrence Albert Allred in 1970, and her mother, Della Johnson Allred in 2009, both of Duncan, Arizona; and a grandson, Kadence Quinn Steele.

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.

The Lord shone his Light upon Margaret, reached out his loving hand and lead her into Eternal rest on Monday, September 4^th, 2023, in Chandler, AZ.

Margaret age 81, was Born October 14^th, 1941, to Irene Velma Abbott and Howard Nelson Fredrickson in Central Park, New York City, New York.  She was the first of 7 surviving children born to Irene and Howard, followed by Nelson, Jeanne, Robert, Boneva, Norman, and Howard Jr.  Growing up, the family lived in western New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Margaret graduated from Wattsburg Area High School in Wattsburg, PA in June of 1959.  After graduation, Margaret was married to Howard Eugene Leamer In North East, PA on January 24^th of 1960. Howard served in the United States Army for several years and after being discharged they settled in Waterford, PA.  Margaret and Howard had two daughters, Brenda Sue, born in September of 1963, and Joanne Kay, born in July of 1967.  Margaret and Howard built a new home together in the rural area of Waterford, PA and raised the girls there. Margaret worked for Teledyne- Penn Union in Edinboro, PA where she started working on her bachelor’s degree and Howard worked as a mechanic at a Chevrolet dealership in Erie, PA. 

Margaret and Howard were divorced in 1977 and Margaret moved west to New Mexico with the girls in 1979 following her brother Robert and Father Howard. Margaret worked as an Inventory Controller for a Copper Smelter in Playas, NM until 1999 when it was shut down and she was retired. She had the opportunity to go back to college at Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  After completing her bachelor’s degree Margaret got a job as a billing clerk at the Mimbres Memorial Hospital in Deming, NM where she worked until 2014.  Margaret continued her side jobs of selling Avon Products and Pampered Chef for several more years after that. She loved to read and care for her many dogs and adopted cats. 

Margaret was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia in early 2022 and went to live with her daughter, Brenda in sunny Arizona after spending the cold winter before in Los Lunas, NM with her daughter, Joanne.  Margaret declined in health and mental alertness over the next year and a half.  Margaret was preceded in death by her mother Irene, her father Howard, her brother Howard Jr. (Tiger), her brother Nelson and her brother Norman.  Margaret is survived by her daughters Brenda and Joanne, her brother Robert and sisters Jeanne and Boneva, three grandchildren, Keegan, Bradley, and Adrian and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Memorial Service held for Margaret at the Calvary Chapel in Deming, NM on October 21^st at 1 pm.  Please come and join the family in Celebrating her Life. 

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.

With family nearby, Roberta Ellen Davis Dodge, 80, passed away peacefully at home, September 23, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born June 18, 1943 to Theodore Erwin and Eva Faye Davis in Long Beach California. Roberta had one sibling, Doris who preceded her in death.

With nine first cousins living in her vicinity in Southern California,  Roberta enjoyed a happy childhood; cousin Georgia Hoffman was her favorite. The girls, took dance lessons together and were asked to lead those in attendance at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California  in the Pledge of Allegiance. The girls were four and five.  Roberta’s mother Eva was an excellent seamstress and made the girls adorable white satin outfits.

In 1949, Roberta’s family moved back to Superior, Arizona where her father worked in the copper mine.  Life became difficult for the family. Roberta made the best of her situation by excelling in the Superior Junior-Senior High School; she sang in the school choir.

After graduation from high school in 1961, Roberta moved to Tempe to attend Arizona State University. Her aunt and uncle, Auntie Art and Ray Phillips, had invited her to live with them.

Fall semester Roberta  randomly chose an English 101 class. Future husband, Paul Robert Dodge also randomly chose the same section. Paul was attracted to her: “This good-looking girl  had something to say, instead of a head full of feathers.” When he asked Roberta out for a date, she quipped, “You’ve got to be kidding.” Paul said that Roberta heard about his recent break up with another girl.

The next semester they randomly saw each other on campus. Roberta had failed to find a ride home from a friend and was going to walk six miles to her aunt and uncle’s house. Paul said he could take her if she could wait one hour while he went to a class. Roberta waited. After the next two days of taking her home, Paul again asked her out on a date. She accepted. He said  had never asked a girl out again, if the girl had once refused him. In May, Paul went to Superior to meet Roberta’s folks. Two months later they got engaged, July 4, 1962.

Roberta was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February, 1964. Paul followed her a few months later.

They waited to marry until Paul graduated from ASU so he could afford to support them. They married May 30, 1964, in Tempe 6^th Ward by Bishop Marion Vance. Soon they packed up and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Paul had a job with Sandia Laboratories,  a research laboratory that supports projects for national security issues.

Roberta became active in the Church’s Cub Scout program which continued for many years. The first and second children, Penny and Doug, were born in New Mexico. The other two, Judy and Nancy, were born in Arizona after they moved back for Paul’s new job at Air Research in Phoenix.

David and Maurio Fischbeck became their next-door neighbors in Tempe in 1971. Both families moved to Mesa in 1975 and were also next-door neighbors until 2012 when the Fischbecks moved–41 great years The Fischbecks attested to their neighborliness and kindness: they freely shared what was needed: from their telephone line, freezer, dryer, cardboard boxes.  Roberta watched over the neighborhoods, the children and certainly saved them from harm. Over the years Roberta and Paul welcomed and nurtured at least twenty different family members and their kid’s friends to live gratis in their basement.

Roberta was a Cub Scout leader extraordinaire and Scout leader for many years. She helped more than 30 boys to attain their Eagle Scout rank. She also worked in the Church library and sang in the ward choir.

Roberta was always ready to help someone in need. One neighbor needed to have bandages changed twice a week in Phoenix. Year after year, Robert was there for her.

Paul fondly remembers when Roberta dressed up fully like a clown and went to visit a disabled child in the neighborhood. He remembers when Roberta did CPR on someone who had a heart attack during church. Roberta had worked in a hospital.

The two happiest times in Paul and Roberta’s very good marriage:  one in their early married days in Albuquerque and later in when Roberta climbed into giant wind mills and helped Paul diagnose and fix problems with cooling wind turbines. For a year and a half they spent 24 hours a day a day together in the small confines of the wind turbines and then evenings in motels. In 1965, Paul and Roberta were sealed together for eternity in the Mesa Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Roberta is survived by dearly beloved husband, Paul; children: Penny Cluff, Doug Dodge, Judy Dodge and Nancy Ray; there are seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren;  A dear cousin, Georgia Hoffman and dear sister-in-law, Andrea Dodge.

Thanks are in order to granddaughter Tammy Reischmann and husband Caleb for their home care of Roberta and Paul.

Services will be held Saturday, October 14,  the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1455 N Harris Drive, Mesa, 11:00 am. Visitation will commence at 10:30 am in the church.

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.

Adam Jason Pixler, born July 20, 1978, passed peacefully away October 6, 2023 at his home. Adam is survived by his daughter, Holly Elizabeth Pixler, his parents, Richard L. Pixler and Marilynn Pixler, his brothers, Michael Alan Pixler, Mitchell Dean Pixler, Martin Bradley Pixler, his sister, Laura Deann Duerr.

Adam was a trumpet player in his High School band and was the 1st chair. He loved band so much and loved music. Adam was a talented man in many ways and could fix almost anything from electronics to mechanics. He worked at The Ashley Castle, a wedding venue that his parents and sister, Laura and her husband own. Adam was a peacemaker in his family and always wanted everyone to be loving and kind to each other. He had many friends. Adam’s love of his life was his daughter, Holly. She was so very special to him.

The funeral will be Monday, October 16, 2023. It will be held at the LDS Chapel at 2740 S. Lindsay Rd in Gilbert, AZ. The viewing will be at 9:00 am and the service will begin at 10:00 am.

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.

Mary Fern Proffitt

Born July 18, 1933 in Leachville AR.

Died October 5, 2023 in Mesa AZ.

Wife to Francis A Proffitt who passed in 2004.

Mother to Linda, Diane, Sue, Mary, Betty, and Joe.

Grandmother to Tim, Rachael, Rich, Jill, John, Nick, Brandi, Laura, and John

Great Grandmother to Maddie, Brady, Cora, Bevin, Rebecca, Luke, Liam, Ronan, Bethany, Mila, Dane, and Kyla

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.

Jennifer D. Cortez, 47, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2023 in Gilbert, Arizona. Jennifer led a beautiful, love-filled life with her family and friends by her side. Her favorite things to do were travel, sing, dance, garden, and spend time with those she loved. She touched the lives of many both at home and at work.

Jennifer is survived by her father, Mario Cortez, step-mother, Olivia Cortez, brother, Anthony Cortez, step-brothers, Jaime White, Robert White, Richard Torres, husband, Martin Garza, and her children, Charizma Garza, Jeremia Garza, Keyerra Garza, and Milagro Garza.

The funeral service will be held October 12, 2023 at 10 am at the Queen of Peace church, with visitation October 11, 2023 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel; 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201 at 6 pm.

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.

Kyle Alexander Valenzuela

Born November 19, 1989 to Julie and Frank Valenzuela in Chandler, AZ.  He never left this little corner of the valley, this was home.

Kyle met the love of his life, Kaiya Boulton, in 2010 and they were friends until February 2013, when Kaiya, tired of waiting, took the first step and asked him if he would like to go on a date.  Kaiya came as a package deal, with the most wonderful little girl he had ever met, Cenaiya.  Over the course of four years, they added three more babies, Maxton, Maddox and Charlie.  His family was complete.

Like all young families, there were struggles over health and money, but as a family, they persevered.  Some say with strife comes growth and strong bonds, and for this family, I believe it to be true.

Kyle also leaves behind his mom, one of his best friends ever.  We discussed often, at how we could talk about anything, anytime, anywhere.  We share a deep love and respect for each other always.

During Kyle’s early years, his father and him bonded over playing soccer, baseball and football.  Frank was his coach for almost all of the teams his sons played on.  Through this bond, Kyle formed a life-long love for sports.

His sister, Carole, enjoyed hours long conversations and debates covering their favorite topics- music and movies, they are both self- titled experts in both fields.

His brother, Frank, like most siblings, fought over the little things siblings always fight over.  But, also, like most siblings became great friends as adults.

Two wonderful grandmothers, and so many aunts and uncles and cousins.  He knew how lucky he was to have unconditional love and acceptance throughout his life.

Friends, a circle that encompasses every walk of life.  He did not welcome many people into his world, so if you are a friend, know that you are special and remember that you will always be special.

Kyle joins in heaven, four of his most favorite people ever, his father and three grandfathers, who loved and taught him how to be a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.  This is Kyles heaven.

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 STANLEY EDWARD CWIKLA

Stanley Edward Cwikla was born at home 10 miles east of Middle River, MN. weighing 13 pounds on March 5, 1936. He passed away peacefully at home September 22, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents Stanley, Pauline and brother Phillip.  He is survived by his wife, Charlene, his sons Gregory (wife Erin), Bradley, 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter who reside in the Phoenix area.  He is also survived by his brothers Jerome (Mary Ann), David (Myrna), MN., Richard (Susan) ND., and sisters Ann Morrissey, MN., and Judith Godar, CA., sister-in-law Michelle Cwikla, CA.

Stan lived with his grandmother & his uncle Frank to attend elementary school for 2 years.  After his parents bought a farm, he attended Shady Nook Elementary.  He attended Middle River High School 1950-1954.  The sports he played in high school were baseball, basketball, football, and track. He graduated valedictorian of his class.  He enlisted in the army 1955-1957 and during that time he trained to be a surveyor in Alaska.  In 1958, he went to work for General Mills doing experimental work.  He became an Arthur Murray dance instructor and took many courses in salesmanship.  In 1959, he started selling cookware door to door.  From 1961-1963, he worked for Park Construction as a foreman using heavy equipment building roads, parks, etc.

In 1961 he met his wife, Charlene.  They were married in Thief River Falls, MN in 1962.  In 1963, he began a 17-year career in Miracle Maid cookware (Division of the West Bend Co.)  During that time, he earned many trips to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, London and many exciting locations in the U.S.

He had lived in Anoka and Willmar, MN., Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, IA., Aberdeen, S.D.  After Miracle Maid he tried many multilevel companies.  In 1982, he bought Aberdeen Insulation Co. doing retrofit insulation.

He moved to Chandler, AZ in 1988. started Flat Master Service, a sealant to minimize flats.  Retired, went back to work.  2002 he worked at Napa Auto Parts as a driver then inventory control.  Stan retired in 2012 and moved to Gilbert, AZ.  He later studied real estate investing and bought a few houses for rental.  Stan traveled most of the U.S. He loved cruises (Alaska, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Balkans-Copenhagen, Germany, Estonia, St. Petersburg, Russia, Finland, Sweden. Caribbean-Bahamas, Saint Thomas, Saint Maartin.  Asia-Hong Kong, Seoul, Korea, three ports in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore).

Stan and Charlene celebrated 61 years of marriage (1962-2023).

The family sends a very heartfelt Thank You to all of the Noble Hospice providers that helped in his final time with us.

Celebration of life will be on March 3, 2024 in Gilbert, 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.

Gary ‘Kevin’ Brown, 61, of Mesa Arizona passed away in his home, unexpectedly, on September 26th, 2023

Kevin was born on February 11th,1962 in Pocatello Idaho to Gary and Sharren Brown.

He graduated from Mesa High in 1981. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1982 to the Montana Billings Mission. After completing his mission, Kevin met his wife, Melinda Loveland and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple in 1986.

Kevin has lived in Mesa for 35 years. Kevin was an Auto Technician and while working with various Nissan dealerships over the past 30 years, earned the prestigious title of Master Tech in 2005.

Kevin was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sossaman Ward. He diligently served within the church, predominantly with the youth in the scouting program.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Melinda Brown of Mesa and their 4 children, Kim Baker, Jessica Curtis, Joshua Brown and Katie Brown and has 5 grandchildren. Kevin was predeceased by his daughter, Emily Elizabeth.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday October 7th, 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Monterey Building at 7145 E Monterey Ave Mesa Arizona, 85209

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.

Jase Michael Pedersen, 27,  passed away on September 9, 2023 in Gilbert, AZ. He was born on June 5, 1996 to Tyger (David D.) and Kelli Pedersen.

Jase, Jase Michael, JaseMike, Caboose, Mikey, Jasey, Juice, was a loving son, brother, and friend who touched the lives of many during his time with us. Despite the challenges he faced, he showed immense strength and determination and we are so proud of how hard he worked to find the courage to confront his struggles on his journey towards recovery.

He had been actively involved in the Crossroads program for several months, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming addiction and rebuilding his life. Jase found solace and support within the Crossroads, AA (Alcoholic Anonymous , NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and ARP (Addiction Recovery Program) communities and friends.

In the last few months of his life if you saw Jase he had on his “Hope Dealer” hat. He said it announced what he was and believed what his calling in life was. The sparkle in his eyes and loving accepting smile was back as he got better and better. He cared deeply for others and what they were going through and was always willing to share his story and love with them.

Growing up Jase had a passion for baseball, tattooing, outdoor living and art. He was eclectic in the people and groups he gathered around him as well as the music he loved, listened to, and made.

Jase loved to fish. From a young age he could spend many hours fishing no matter the weather or time of day or night. He carried a fishing pole in the vehicles just in case he could stop and catch a fish or two. Even when asked where he’d be, he would say he couldn’t give away the areas of his fishing spots.

Jase is survived by his parents, Tyger and Kelli Pedersen. Siblings; Lonna and Shane Hunsaker, Jenessa and Russell Lee, DP (David A,) Pedersen, Shey and Jacqui Pedersen. Nephews; Drake, Jaxon, Bren and William. Nieces; Maisey, Matilda, Sydney and Allie. His Grandmother, many Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and life long friends and their families. He was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandfather, Maternal Grandparents, and 2 Uncles. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and those whose lives he touched.

A  celebration of Jase’s life will be held on October 14, 2023 in Gilbert, AZ. Keeping with his Māori heritage customs we will be having a hākari (feast celebration). We invite you to come eat with us and share memories of our beloved Jase. There will be an event created in Facebook so please login to get the address and parking instructions and allow us to get a loose count of people possibly attending so we can plan food accordingly.

Though Jase’s mortal life has ended, we know he continues his journey along with our loved ones beyond the veil. May he find peace in Our Savior’s loving arms. Until we meet again Jase❤️

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.

Bruce W. Rogers, son of Marva Eileen Guthrie and William Isaac Rogers, passed away September 26, 2023, at the age of 97. He lived a full life of dedicated service to God and the Savior, family, and country. He was a man of few words with a dry sense of humor, and was known for giving wise counsel to his family.

He grew up on a farm in Mesa, Arizona with his three siblings, Kenneth, Joyce, and James (Jim).  He remembered many hours of canning with his mother. He married Beth Matthews, “the girl with the prettiest smile,” on August 28, 1948, to which union five daughters were born. Raising his girls with Beth was the happiest time in his life!

After earning a degree in Math at A.S.U., he worked as a computer programmer at APS. His hobbies were fishing, square dancing, and most of all gardening (which he insisted on doing until about a month before his death).

His passing reunites him with his beloved Beth who passed in 1987. He is survived by his 2^nd wife of 33 years, Nancy Foutz Griffith, who stood by his side through every garden and every challenge he faced until his passing. He is also survived by his sister Joyce Lisac, 5 daughters, Diane Cline (Gary, deceased), Donna Langford (David), Sharla Taylor (Wilford), Eileen Rogers, Leslie Hathcock (Bob), two stepsons, Jason Griffith (Amanda), Brent Griffith (Mary), and 45 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Friday, October 6th at 10:00 AM, preceded by visitation at 9:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints located at 977 E. Broadway, Mesa, Arizona.

Services may be live streamed by Zoom https://zoom.us/j/98192624079

Funeral services are provided by Bunker Family Funerals, Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, 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.

Rodney “Rod” Ray Nelson, age 73, of Yuma, AZ, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023. Rod is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marsha Lee Nelson, who was the love of his life. He is also survived by his children, Taylor R. Nelson (Sheri), Amilia M. Whetten (Denver), Ashlee A. Nicoll (Brian), Tanner B. Nelson (Laura), Amanda K. Tolutau (Tevia), one sister, Judy Butler (Kim), and 18 grandchildren.

Rod grew up in Tucson, AZ and graduated from Palo Verde High School. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Alaska/British Columbia. Upon returning from his mission, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed for a time at Camp Casey, Korea working as a Legal Clerk/Court Reporter.

After his enlistment, he earned his Bachelor Degrees (Political Science and Social Work),a Masters Degree (Marriage and Family Therapy), and a PhD (Clinical Psychology).

Rod worked professionally as a marriage and family therapist and helped countless clients, friends, family members, and colleagues. He especially enjoyed counseling servicemen and women.

For 28 years, a highlight of his career was teaching Early Childhood Development and Psychology at Arizona Western College.

Rod’s life was a life devoted to service, especially his years serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His service included Scout Leader, Young Men’s President, High Councilor, Bishop, and 17 years in the Stake Presidency of the Yuma, Arizona Stake.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 7th at 11:00 am, preceded by a viewing at 10:00am at the LDS Church Building 2265 S Hawes Rd, Mesa AZ 85209.

Rod will be put to rest at Gilbert Memorial Park.

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.

Garna Rogers Taylor was born January 6, 1925 in Pima, Arizona, and passed away at age 98 on September 27, 2023 in Gilbert, Arizona.

She married Keith Taylor in 1946 and has missed him greatly since his passing in 1999.

She is survived by her three children, Marsha King (Forrest), Alan Taylor (Jenna), and John Taylor (Loretta), as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In her long life, she was involved in many activities and hobbies, such as school teaching, church service, painting, music, pottery, and associations with dear friends. Her favorite topic of conversation was her travels, including three trips around the world and walking on every continent. But closest to her heart were being wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved phone calls that began with “Grandma?”

She will be buried in Pima, a mile down the road from the house where she was born.

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.

Gary Gene Michael passed away in his home on September 24, 2023 with his wife Judy Michael close by. He was 75 Years old. Gary was born March 26, 1948 in Mesa, Arizona to Garlin Claude Michael and Etta Mae Rackley with younger brothers Ron Michael (Lydia) and Joey (passed away age 6).  He married Judith (Judy) Ann Michael on October 7, 1967. He loved her totally and completely. He is the father of Traci Ann Barney (Jason), Kari Rey Fletcher (Bobby), Gary Gene Michael (Jenna), Kelli Gene Hunter (Dustin), Kevin Gene Michael (Chaille). He has 18 grandkids and 9 great grandchildren.

Gary loved life to the fullest and was constantly optimistic starting every day with a fresh start with no worries of tomorrow. Gary enjoyed every second he could spend with his family. He was always finding the best, most fun toys for his family and finding fun places and adventures. He loved to hunt, go to the cabin, hunt, muscle cars, hunting, the lake, hunt, the dunes, hunt, San Diego, and hunt. He loved to watch Gunsmoke and the hunting channel.

Gary was the ultimate salesman. He could sell anything to anybody. He loved to become everyone’s new best friend and could talk all day long getting to know them. He started out at Aaron Brother’s Art Mart, owned a body and paint shop, sold cars at Brown and Brown Chevrolet, Tony Coury GMC, and Chapman Chevrolet. In 1990 he started Banners Plus and that has been the family business ever since.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 10:45 am Monday October 2^nd, 2023 at the Val Vista Stake Center at 1005 N Voyager Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85234 with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am.

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.

Jenna Kei Lee, born April 27, 1992, in Honolulu, HI, was taken to live with our Heavenly Father forever on September 14, 2023.

Jenna is remembered for the unconditional love she gave everyone, her love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and her angelic singing voice which she shared in hymns of praise and to lift others up.  She served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Washington Tacoma Mission, attended and graduated from BYU Idaho, and married her love, Sooyoung Lee, in the Provo City Center Temple, with whom she had just celebrated her 4th wedding anniversary.

Her life was a living example from a scripture in Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” She replaced hate with love, anger with kindness, and freely offered forgiveness to others. Jenna’s light and love was felt by many and will be missed by all who knew her. 

She is survived by her husband, Sooyoung, parents, Scott and Joanna Lee, sister, Aubree, and brother, Jackson. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 30th, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 1483 N Driftwood Dr, Gilbert AZ 85234. Viewing from 9:00am-9:45am with services to begin at 10:00am.

For those unable to attend the service, you will be able to view it at: https://youtube.com/live/nI8VNM5cFP4?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.

LeAnna R. Terry-Huslloimea Born December 09, 1991 in Phoenix, Arizona to Monica. Mix and Neil Terry, Passed away September 20, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona.

LeAnna is survived by her husband/Best Friend of 10 years. Elias Huslloimea, her 5 children Malihia Trinidad 3rd, Jordan, Elias and Josiah. Her mother, her siblings, Nanette Mix-Wilson and Cisco Wilson of Casa Grande, Delbert Terry and LeighAnn Thomas-Terry of Chandler. Thereas “Bella” Thomas of Avondale, her Cousin/Brother Dalton Johnson Jr of Santan.

Mrs. Terry-Huslloimea is preceded in death by her father. Neil Terry, a child, Tracy Renee, grandparents Melvin and Arlene Mix Sr., Delbert and Thelma Terry, her Mother-In-Law Elaine Sanchez and God-Son Fernando Munoz and two nephews Adrian and Angel Wilson.

Visitation will be October 8th 2023. At the District 4 Service Center in Santan, Arizona. 6 PM to 10 PM. She then will be taken to the family home. Funeral will be Monday, October 9, 2023  6AM Santan Assembly of God Church.