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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.

Gloria Davis Heap passed away peacefully at nearly 93 years of age on Sept 18 2023 in Mesa AZ. Gloria was born to Ralph and Julia Davis in El Centro California on December 17, 1930, and was raised in Mesa AZ.   Gloria married Theo Heap in 1950 and they were happily married for 72 years. She had a full and active life and excelled in whatever she set her mind too. When her children were older, she returned to college and received her Bachelor’s degree in education, graduated Summa Cum Laude, and taught elementary school for many years. Diet and exercise became her passion before it was fashionable.  She ran an 8-minute mile marathon at 50 years of age (won her age group) and was still seen regularly at the gym into her 90’s. A talented artist, her house was filled with oil paintings, enjoyed by family and friends. Active in the church she served faithfully in many callings. She was an amazing cook famous for her Mexican food, carrot cakes, peanut fudge, cheesecakes, and health snacks.  Her greatest passion was her family. There was never a time we didn’t feel loved and supported.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Theo, daughter Julie Ann, and great granddaughters Nora and Holly.

Survived by her sons Ralph (Denise) John Robert-Bob (Deena) and Ted (Shelia) as well as 20 grandchildren and 59 great grandchildren. Brother Ralph Davis (Nina)

Funeral services are scheduled for Sat. Sept 30^th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2424 N. Old Gilbert Rd Mesa Az.  Viewing at 10:00 with services to follow at 11:00.

Gloria’s funeral service will be live streamed on YouTube app: @mesaazhermosavistastake3575

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.

Beverly Jean Hathaway, 75 was called to her eternal home Tuesday, 19 September 2023 in Mesa, Arizona.

Beverly, known as Ba by those closest to her,  loved her family, friends and Jesus.  She was known for her service to her family/church and loved giving incredibly thoughtful gifts and baking delectable desserts.  Left to carry on her traditions are her daughters Heather and Dawn.  Her legacy will be continued through her 4 grandchildren and 3.5 great grandchildren.

Her celebration of life will be Monday, 2 October 2023 at 10AM, Central Christian Church’s Chapel, 933 N Lindsay Road, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Jessica Dawn Thompson, age 29 of Mesa, Arizona, returned to her heavenly home on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, after more than a decade long battle with depression. Despite only living 29 years, she influenced so many and touched all she met.

Jessi was born in Mesa, AZ on February 26, 1994, to Jerry and Lisa Thompson. She was the second daughter in the family and was so welcomed and loved when she arrived on that cold February day. Her big sister Josie was elated to finally have a little sister to play with. At a very early age, Jessi made us all laugh at her quirky personality, her original one-liners, and the games she would invent to play with her sisters. She absolutely adored her Hale cousins and looked forward to Sunday nights at Grandma Hale’s house each week so she could play with them, have homemade ice cream, and eat one of her favorite treats, Aunt Sheri’s chocolate chip brownies.

Jessi had a happy childhood. She spent the early part of her life enjoying activities with her family such as attending sporting events, participating in many church activities and service projects, taking art classes, swimming lessons, piano lessons, going on family vacations to Reno and Idaho to visit cousins, camping with her Thompson cousins in the Pinal mountains, and playing with all her neighborhood friends. Early on she developed a sharp sense of humor and a clever dry wit that will be greatly missed. As she got older, the friends she made in high school and in her young adult years became an integral part of her life.

As her mother, I always admired Jessi for being who she truly wanted to be, regardless of what anyone thought. Jessi was fun-loving. She had her own unique sense of style. She loved music, art, photography, learning the saxophone, Pink Floyd, experimenting with hair styles and color (blue hair was her favorite), longboarding and spending time with her family. Her pride and joy in life, however, were her two snakes, Penny and Ghost.

Jessi attended Irving and Johnson Elementary Schools and Taylor Jr. High then graduated from Mesa High in 2012. Jessi had a drive to accomplish what was important to her. After graduation she moved to Provo, UT for a semester then moved back to Mesa and attended MCC. She worked hard and was so proud to earn her associate degree. School never came easy for her, so we were ecstatic and so very proud of her when she graduated from MCC. She fought long and hard to get there and it was a lifelong accomplishment. She also had a goal to have a nice car, so she saved her money diligently for a couple of years and paid cash for her 2015 black Camaro convertible. She was proud of the fact that she paid for the car herself and she had every right to be.

Although we are all filled with an indescribable sorrow and will miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing that she is now in heaven with so many loved ones who have preceded her in death. Throughout her life, Jessi’s light and influence were far-reaching, and she will be greatly missed by many. Jessi leaves behind a legacy of love for her family, kindness to others, and a fierce devotion to her friends. Nothing can describe our love for her. Our hearts are hurting now, but we will wait patiently until we meet again and can throw our arms around her in a huge embrace. She left us instructions to put something very unique on her headstone which we will happily comply with: “Shine On you Crazy Diamond!” If you’re a real music lover, you will know where that came from!

Jessi is survived by her family who loved her beyond comprehension. She left behind her parents, Jerry O. Thompson, Lisa (Hale) Thompson, two brothers and three sisters, James, Reagan, Josie, Jacque (Brown), and Jordan. Her Celebration of Life will be held this Thursday night, September 28, 2023, at the Latter-Day Saint Stake Center at 4640 E. Holmes Mesa, AZ from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The funeral will be the following morning, September 29, at 11:00 am at the same location. Flowers can be sent to Bunker’s 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.

John Rand Hoopes died of cancer on September 14, 2023, at age 71. He passed away in his Chandler, Arizona home—the same home where he grew up and where his father’s farm was located many years before. John lived a full life and influenced many people both personally and professionally, and he will be deeply missed.

John was born on May 8, 1952, in Mesa, Arizona to John Sheldon and Ruth Lucille (Millet) Hoopes, who both preceded him in death. John was a loving husband and is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Lytle Hoopes, who cared for him during his final months and days with complete devotion. He was also a caring and fun-loving father and grandfather and is survived by his 4 children, Jonathan (Tonya), Charlotte (Jared), Christopher, and Michael (Laura); and 12 grandchildren, Charles, Ira, Harper, Chelsea, Hudson, Chandler, Harmony, Hampton, Karl, Haleigh, Charlotte, and Maren. The fourth of five children, John is also survived by his brother, Douglas, and sisters, Judy Hamilton, Cindy Bryant, and Nancy Killian. Beyond his family, John is both survived and preceded in death by many dear friends, many of whom he kept since childhood and who loved him for his intelligence, sense of humor, and adventurous nature.

John had many hobbies throughout his life. As a boy he played baseball and golf, and over the years he developed and pursued many more passions and projects, including flying small planes, sailing, ranching, and restoring a rustic ranch house. John also enjoyed fishing, operating heavy machinery, building and fixing things, taking road trips, and traversing dirt roads all over Arizona. He loved camping and spending time in places like Black River, the Grand Canyon, and the lakes and rivers of the Apache reservation. John treasured being an Arizonan, and some of his happiest days were spent in the White Mountains and at the Government Spring Ranch in Pinal County. John was also an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading histories of pioneers, the American southwest, and South America, as well as biographies of presidents and other historic figures.

A graduate of Mesa High School, John served in the Buenos Aires mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before receiving a BA from Brigham Young University in 1975 and a law degree from the University of Arizona in 1979. John was selected to serve a two-year federal court judicial clerkship following graduation, and then practiced law with Phoenix law firm Mohr, Hackett until 1998, when he helped found the law firm Hoopes, Adams & Alexander in Chandler, where he practiced for many more years. During his law career, John also served as a judge pro tem in the Maricopa County Superior Court Arizona Court of Appeals. In 2010, John was elected as SRP’s vice president, a position he held until his passing. Prior to serving as vice president, he was on the SRP Council from 1997 through 2006, ultimately serving as its chairman. He loved his work at SRP and carrying on the legacy of both his father and great-grandfather, who served on the SRP board and council before him. John also owned and helped operate a family cattle ranch for over 15 years—the same ranch that his aunt and uncle owned many years earlier and which his own father visited as a boy.

Throughout his career, John served on the boards of many community-oriented organizations, including the Southwest Museum Foundation, the Valley of the Sun United Way, the Arizona Mexico Commission, the Phoenix Zoo, Valleywise Health Foundation, and ICAN. In addition, John served in many capacities in his church, and especially enjoyed the years he spent working with the Boy Scouts. Beyond these formal roles, John was a friend, advocate, and mentor to many throughout his life and career.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 6, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2252 W. Mesquite St., Chandler, AZ 85224.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the causes important to John: Valleywise Health Foundation, ICAN, the Phoenix Zoo, or Chicanos por la Causa.

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.

Constantine Paul Dantos, nicknames: Dino, Budd, The Greek.

He was the son of Paul and Lillian Dantos born December 4. 1948 in Laconia, New Hampshire, and departed this life September 16, 2023, at 5:38 a.m. at Banner Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona. He was 74 years old.

He attended Elementary and Jr High School in Conway, New Hampshire. Constantine graduated in 1965 from American Academy, Athens, Greece. He attended the University of New Hampshire in 1967, and in 1969 was drafted into the Army. Constantine served with the 101^st and 25^th Infantry. In 1970 he was shipped overseas to fight in the Vietnam war. He was a Sergeant. Constantine was presented an Honorable Discharge, and received a Purple Heart, and many other medals for his brave service, on February 12, 1975.

After his discharge from the Army, he started working at the Sheraton Inn, as a Chef, in South Portland Maine, in 1978. Constantine continued to cook, and in 1985 was head chef at The Village Café.

Constantine married Michelle Pennell in 1988, and in March 1996 adopted her daughters Gabrielle and Katrina. In 1998 they moved to Mesa, Arizona. Michelle and Constantine divorced in 1999.

Constantine worked as a Chef at Arizona Golf Resort and at Walmart in the Seafood/Meat Department in Mesa, Arizona. While working at the Arizona Golf Resort, Constantine met a banquet server Jolene Morris. They were married in late 2000, and welcomed a daughter, Alexandria, on February 12, 2001. They divorced in 2004 and remained friends to raise their daughter.

Constantine is preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Dantos, his father Paul Dantos, his brother Christopher Dantos, and sister Stephanie Dantos.

Left to pass on his traditions and legacy, daughter Alexandria Jo Morris Dantos of Mesa, Arizona, brother George (Joan) Dantos of Saco, Florida, sister Andrea Elmacioglou of Voula, Greece, daughters Gabrielle (Jr.) Nazario of Florence, Arizona. Katrina Norwood of Evereite, Washington, numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Memorial Contributions, in memory of Constantine, are suggested to the following non-profit organizations:

• American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/
• American Heart Association https://pages.heart.org/
• Veterans Association of America https://www.vetsaa.org/donation

“Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted,” Matthew 5:4

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.

Stanley Dwayne Hastings of Mesa, AZ died September 18, 2023 surrounded by his family.  He was born in Phoenix, AZ December 8, 1942.

He served in the Army National Guard for 28 years and rose to the rank of Sgt. Major.  He loved his time serving in Cub Scouts and later served in various leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed softball, baseball, football, gardening, fishing and raising birds, specifically cockatiels, finches, and doves. Sunday Funday dinner and game nights with the family was a highlight of his life. Time at the Cabin in Heber-Overguaard with Janell, his children and grandchildren, was his favorite way to spend the summer.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Elmer Hastings and Mablegean Millett Hastings.  He is survived by his loving wife Janell and his 5 children, Galen (Julia) Hastings, Sherri (Joe) Macdonald, Doyle (Jody) Hastings, Christine (Sean) Merrill and Denise (Cole) Perkins.  He has 21 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

All services will be held at the Mesa Stake center located at 1050 S. Hobson in Mesa, AZ.  His visitation will be Friday, September 22, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  There will also be a visitation that precedes the funeral services Saturday, September 23^rd at 10:00 a.m.  The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. and his interment will follow the conclusion of those services at the Mesa City Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

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.

Rosemary Gray died in Mesa, Arizona on September 18, 2023 of natural causes.

Rosemary Lueras was born on January 19, 1936, at home at Lemitar, New Mexico, the daughter of Santa Cruz Lueras and Emilia Birner Lueras. Santa Cruz was a farmer and later worked for the Santa Fe Railroad as a pumper in the days when train engines needed water. His last job was working maintaining the water pumps for the city of Belen, NM. Emilia was a stay-at-home Mom all of her life, she loved doing embroidery.

She attended schools in New Mexico and after graduating from Belen High School when she was active in many organizations including National Honor Society. Future Homemakers of America and was President of FHA at the local, district and state levels. She was President of her Senior Class and elected Most Likely to Succeed. Rosemary attended Girls ‘State and was Salutatorian of her 1953 graduating class. She went on to New Mexico State University where she earned a B.A. in Business Administration.

While at NMSU she met and married Allan B. Gray Jr. in 1954. Allan finished his PhD in 1960, the first from NMSU, while working at White Sands where he really was a rocket scientist. In 1961 Allan, Rosemary and their children Sue and Lee moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where Allan was hired as a mathematics professor.

Rosemary was a member of Federated Community Church where she helped with Sunday School, Bible School, served on the Christian Center Board, Worship Commission, Deacon and belonged to Martha Circle. She was active in the Girl Scout organization serving as a program consultant, adult trainer, Day Camp Director and as a leader for 10 years. She received the outstanding service award in 1972. Rosemary was a member of the social sorority Beta Sigma Phi, Alpha Alpha Chapter for several years; she received the woman of the year award in 1978. At NAU she participated in the Faculty Wives Club and served as president in 1979-80. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and was pledge advisor to the NAU Theta Omega Chapter for many years and received an outstanding service award in 1973.

In 1976 she completed a master’s degree in Spanish. While studying at the University she was elected to the honor societies of Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Delta Pi and Phi Sigma Iota. Soon after receiving the M.A. the Modern Languages Department hired Rosemary to teach Spanish. During the 17 years she was at NAU she coordinated lower division, supervised student teachers, Supervised placement tests, taught in the Immersion Program and advised many students. She received an outstanding teacher award in 1988 from the Arizona Foreign Language Association. Allan and Rosemary retired in 1991. At that time the Modern Languages Dept. honored her at a dinner. At the Chicano graduation she was given a service award from NAACHE, Norther Arizona Association of Chicanos for Higher Education.

Rosemary enjoyed listening to music especially Chopin, Ravel and Tchaikovsky, Opera and easy listening particularly from musical and her favorite singer was Dean Martin. She enjoyed poetry, her favorite poem was En Paz (In Peace) by Amado Nervo. She loved to read romances and mysteries.

After retirement Rosemary and Allan travel a great deal. When they were in town beginning November 1991 she volunteered weekly as a tour gude at the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park.  On March 28, 2007 she and husband Allan were awarded Volunteer of the year by the Arizona State Parks Northwestern region. The Celebration was at the State Capitol. KNAZ Channel 2 Flagstaff on June 14, 2007 featured Allan and Rosemary for their volunteer work at the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in their “someone to know” segment.

She was active in the NAU Retirees Assoc. and was the Benefits Liaison from NAURA to the University Benefits Committee for 10 years She was President of the organization in 2003-2004.

In 2021 due to failing health, Rosemary relocated to Fellowship Square in Mesa, AZ where she continued to live independently until her death. She enjoyed sitting outside and visiting with residents, continued to attend religious services and watching Diamondbacks play baseball.

Rosemary L. Gray is survived by her children Sue Foster (William) from Texas, Lee Gray (Jackie) from Flagstaff, residing in Mesa. Grandchildren: Allan James Gray (Heather) , Dustin Gray (Sara), J.D. Foster (Andrea), Rose Ann Foster Mullet(Ross), Jason Fauset (Tanya), Cody Fauset, Ben Fauset (Kinsey). Great Grandchildren Allan James Gray Jr. Pierce Aidan Gray, Carson Neilon, Cruz Franklin, Anabella Fauset, Cherish Fauset, Ansley Abbott Foster, Lawson Ellis Foster, Ian Mullet.

She is preceded in death by her parents Santa Cruz and Emilia Lueras and her brother Bennie and Pete Lueras from New Mexico.

Memorial Services will be held in Mesa, Arizona, Saturday Sept. 23, 2023 at Buckner Garden Mortuary on Centennial Way.

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.

Mom, I mean Maria Cook 78 passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 14, 2023, in Chandler Arizona. She was born to Jose and Carmen Alvarado, the fourth out six children. Maria led a very happy life with family, friends, and church. In 1964 Maria met Bruce at Elohim Bible Institute and they were happily married for 57 years. She is survived by husband Bruce and sons Thomas and James, daughter in-law Lora, and 3 grandchildren Lucy, Isaiah, and Esther; along with her brothers Sunny and Abraham and sister Joy. Maria preceded in death by her sister Chris and brother Richard. Visitation services are Thursday, September 21,2023 at 6:00 pm at Bunkers 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.  Funeral services are 10:00 am Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Heart of Mesa 851 N. Stapley Dr, Mesa, AZ.

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.

Rob Waters, 63, of Queen Creek, AZ, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2023 surrounded by those closest to him. He was born on March 22, 1960, in Anchorage, Alaska. Robert, also known as Rob or Roby,  was a hard-working individual who dedicated most of his life to working in construction. He even had his own business on the side, specializing in cabinet making, which brought additional income to support his family. Rob had an infectious laugh and a witty sense of humor. He was a skilled craftsman and contractor and was often found working late hours into the night frequently with his father,  brothers, son and sometimes nephews to meet an upcoming deadline on a project. This is where he shared his skills, jokes and stories and those memories will never be forgotten.

Rob was a devoted husband and family man. He is survived in death by his father Steffan, Karin his loving wife of 41 years, his children, Brent Waters (wife Syrena) and Brooklyn Riff (husband John), as well as his seven cherished grandchildren, Jameson, Rylan, Brynlee, Annistyn, Jemma, Barrett, and Oliver. He also leaves behind his surviving siblings: sister Judy and his brothers Ed (wife Aretta) and John (wife Holly), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Rob was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Lois Waters, and his grandmothers, Fanny Stout and Gertrude Geldarski.

In his free time, which was not as much as he might have wanted due to pressing work demands. Rob enjoyed fishing and spending quality time with his family, particularly his sweet grandchildren. He found joy in their company and treasured every moment shared with them.

Rob was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a 2 year mission in Taiwan. Here he learned to speak Mandarin Chinese and developed a great love for the culture. He would share that love of the culture in the form of delicious recipes that he would prepare for his family on the New Year’s holiday.

A funeral service will be held on September 23, 2023, at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 7145 E Monterey Ave. Prior to the service, a visitation will take place on September 22, 2023, from 6-8:00 pm at Bunker Garden Chapel. Interment will follow the service at City of Mesa Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunker Garden Chapel in Mesa, AZ.

Rob Waters will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

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.

Walter Stacy Hulvey, 91, of Mesa, Arizona (formerly of Peoria, IL) passed away on September 14, 2023, at Friends and Family Assisted Living in Mesa, AZ.

Walter was born on October 10, 1931 in Bloomington, IL to Millard Stacy and Ella Catherine (Mishler) Hulvey.  He married Bertha Grunert on July 6, 1958 in Princeville, IL and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage together.  She survives.

Also surviving are his two daughters, Lynne Hulvey and Patricia (Jason) Lantz of Mesa, AZ; one granddaughter, Stacy Lantz of Mesa, AZ; two step-grandchildren, Cailey (Kyle) Dierking of Washington, IL and Spencer Lantz of Morton, IL.

Walt attended Bloomington High School and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in mechanical engineering while lettering on the men’s tennis team.  Walt served in the U.S. Army in Korea.  He retired from Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, IL after 36 years of excellent service as an engineer and IT manager.

Walt loved playing sports and rooting for University of Illinois athletics teams.  He played club volleyball, basketball, and tennis for many years.  He won several Peoria Tri-County Tennis Tournament titles.  He enjoyed reading, math, science, Broadway Theatre, and his daily Sudoku.  He rafted the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon with his daughters and spent summers with his granddaughter when she was young.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation in Mesa, AZ with private family gathering.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St Jude Midwest Affiliate through Children’s Hospital of Illinois | OSF Healthcare (https://x.osfhealthcare.org/foundation/give/children/choi) designating Children’s Hospital of Illinois Pediatric Oncology or by check to St Jude Midwest Affiliate at OSF HealthCare/St Jude Clinic, 530 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, IL 61637.

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.

Jeffry Duff Owens, 75, passed away 9/10/2023 in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Jeff was born to John and Wilma Owens in Cleveland, Ohio and was a proud 1966 graduate of Garfield Heights High School (Go Bulldogs).  After graduation, he began his telephony career at Ohio Bell/AT&T as an Apparatus Technician before serving in the Army in the Vietnam War.  Upon his return, he embarked on an over 40-year career with Ohio Bell/AT&T and other telephone companies throughout the U.S.

Jeff delighted in racing and restoring cars and, according to his tally, owned approximately 50 vehicles throughout his lifetime, though we suspect there’s a few more to add to the list.  He was also an avid golfer and once retired in the Phoenix area, he spent much time on courses with friends and family.  Jeff was a devoted member of his gym, committed to fitness workouts with his morning crew, evident by his physique and six-pack abs!

Jeff was a private man, though it was unmistakable that he loved and cherished those in his life.  Jeff will be dearly missed by his daughter Amanda (Craig), his sister Tawny (Steve), his brother Brant (Lana), nephews Jeff (Jodi), Jon (Emma) and Jason as well as friends he held close.

Services will be private.

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.