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My mom has just given up her title as the oldest person in the Lakeside Ward.

Flora Gene Gillespie Lambson Merrill was born Dec 16th, 1931, in Ft. Defiance, AZ in an Indian Health Service Hospital. She was the last and only child of 8 children to be born in a hospital. She had lots of dark hair and an olive complexion. She loved to tell the story of how a nurse brought a Navajo baby in for my Grandma Gillespie to nurse. Grandma told them it was not her baby and about that time another nurse brought in my infant mom from the Navajo mother who had said my mother was not her baby either.

Flora always said she had a wonderful childhood where love was spoken and the gospel of Jesus Christ was lived and taught. She would often tell us when we were arguing that she never had a cross word with her brother Lincoln, who was just older than she was. We think it was because he was the angel. When there was contention in our home she would often burst into singing “Love at Home”. She always hummed.

At age twelve she had excruciating abdominal pain that was only relieved by priesthood blessings. After some time, it was discovered that she had a large tumor in her uterus that had to be removed and it meant that she would not be able to have children. However, she knew she would have children.

She loved the Lord and had a fervent testimony. She was quite the missionary. She converted four of her closest high school girlfriends to the gospel, they all remained life-long friends. She and her friend Betty married brothers.

She spent much of her youth in San Pedro, California in a ward she describes as heavenly. She was the Gold and Green queen, which was earned by attendance and participation at church functions.  The award was recognized at a stake ball. She was recognized in school and church for her beautiful voice.

Her family was originally from Ramah, New Mexico, and one summer after high school graduation in 1949, they returned and she took four of her girlfriends that she had converted to the gospel to visit this tiny LDS community out in the what they termed “the wild country”.  This would change the trajectory of all of their lives.

That summer, my mom who was gifted with a beautiful voice along with her dear friend Betty Campbell Lambson were offered a spot on a weekly radio opera show in Calf. but she figured she could always pursue an opera career, so she turned it down. She was having way too much fun in the summer in New Mexico. That’s where she met my dad, Gene, A. Lambson, (the most handsome cowboy she had ever seen, movie star chiseled bone structure and blond wavy hair!) She and my dad were married in the St. George temple on September 12th, 1950. They were married for 6 years before they were able to start adopting their 4 children Laurie, Shaune, Brett and Trace.

Her entire life was devoted to raising and loving these children and their families. Oh, how she loved her sons and daughters in laws.

Mom relished time with her children. She never wished her children would grow up faster, never wished the summer vacation would end. She loved our friends. She knew who was dating who and who had just had their heart broken. Our friends knew they could come in and get homemade whole wheat bread, butter, and food out of the fridge at any time.

Mom held many ward and stake callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, her favorite was Young Women Laurel leader and choir director.

Mom and dad started an Elderly Care Home in Mesa, AZ that they operated for 17 years with all the rules and regulations that come with Arizona State licensure.  They were a great team. Dad did most of the shopping and cooking and mom handled the clinical and administrative part. Many of the older women had a crush on my handsome dad and called him honey. Besides nutritious food mom fed all of her resident’s vitamins. She said she wanted them healthy every day they were on earth.

Mom and dad were preparing for a mission when my dad had a heart attack and got cancer. On their 50th wedding anniversary among friends, Dad uncharacteristically sang her a solo to her. Dad passed away in 2001, 3 years later mom married Paul Merrill, a family friend in Ramah, New Mexico. They showed us all how lovely a 2nd marriage can be. They had 5 wonderful years before his passing. She loved his children, Sonia, Judy and Scott and grandchildren.

Mom returned to Mesa in 2012. She was always up for adventure. Grandchildren remember her going down big resort water slides in her 80’s. She traveled all over the country with her son Brett and daughter in law Linoy and cared for Zoe and Emma while they worked. This was pure Joy.

Flora loved her nieces and nephews. And they loved her. Many of the nieces looked more like her than we did. I cannot tell you the number who have called and said Aunt Flora and Uncle Gene were my favorite Aunt and Uncle. I asked one nephew why. He said, “they lived good lives, gave unconditional love, always served, always treated me special and they got to know my children”. She tried never to miss a graduation, wedding or baby shower, Oh and she loved the reunions at funerals.

Later in life, she loved her dogs, sometimes we felt she loved them more than her children, she warmed their food up on the stove, always made sure it had fresh beef or chicken. If she had to leave the house, she would get eye to eye with them and explain why they couldn’t go and that she would be right back.

Flora passed on July 26^th, her beautiful, coloratura voice has now returned, and GiGi is singing with the heavenly choir. I know her message to us would be love one another. The phrase on the double headstone for she and my dad reads “no empty chairs”. She wants all of us to be there together.

Flora Lambson Merrill will be buried in the Ramah, New Mexico cemetery next to her husband and parents.

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.

Rexford Bird, known as Rick to his family and friends, is a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be remembered for so many things, but here are a few gems.

Rick loved taking family and friends boating. The fun experiences he created left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to join those memorable lake trips. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of Los Angeles sports teams, and his passion for Dodgers baseball was unmatched. He enjoyed bringing friends and family to games and faithfully watched and followed his teams.

Rick possessed a remarkable mental sharpness and had an amazing ability to recall numbers and details quickly. Whether it was memorizing stats about his favorite players and teams or remembering important phone numbers, Rick remembered it all.

As a bargain hunter, Rick loved the thrill of finding great deals and discounts. Whether it was finding the best deals on everyday items or planning big events, he had an ability to strategize and get things done in the most resourceful and effective way possible.

His love for his family was evident in the way he made everyone feel. Rick’s humor and genuine interest drew others to him and he was loved by all of us.

Rick was not only passionate about sports, friends, and connecting with his family, but he was also known for his generous nature. He had a big heart and was always willing to give his time and resources to help others. When it came to his friends and family, Rick was a dependable and supportive presence. His loved ones knew they could count on him whenever they needed someone to lean on. Rick created a strong foundation of trust in his relationships, leaving a lasting impact on the people who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rick, we have been lucky to know you. We love you. We will continue to carry with us the things we learned from you.

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.

Lee Wayne Peterson, 82, peacefully passed away on July 21, 2023, surrounded by family at his beloved cabin near Christopher Creek, Arizona. Lee was born on May 1, 1941 to Blanch Irene Williams and Wayne Leon Peterson in Los Angeles County. He married his sweetheart, Linda Kathleen Fullmer, on August 26, 1965 for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Continuing his legacy are his children Debra Schneider (Bob), Shawn (Amy), Preston (Starlyn), Sterling (Shantele), Forrest (Jen), Heidi Roylance (Tye), Sheridan (Trisha), Autumn Prince (Dave), 37 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, with 2 on the way.

He was blessed to live an active life consisting of a coaching career (37 years with Mesa Public Schools, and several years with the City of Mesa Aquatics program), teaching, church service, hiking, fishing, woodworking, photography, painting, poetry, journaling, but most of all enjoying time with his family.

Lee is also survived by his sister Jeanine Larson, and brothers Don, Ron, and Scott.

Viewing service is Friday, July 28th from 6-8pm at Bunker Funeral Home located at 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ, and the Funeral service is on Saturday, July 29th at 10am, located at 10305 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ

The service may also be viewed following this link : https://zoom.us/j/98943629756

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 our dear sister, Michelle Lee.  Michelle was born February 7, 1959, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Mike and Shirlene Lee. She is the oldest of three daughters.  When she was three years old, her family moved back to Tempe, Arizona and has lived there ever since.  She loved growing up in Tempe where she could see the beautiful buttes, the Phoenix Valley traveling west on McDowell, and Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tempe traveling east on McDowell.  She felt we had the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.   Michelle grew up loving to create things through different crafts, studying astronomy, and especially reading the scriptures and learning more about our Savior.

In 1983 – 1984 Michelle had the blessing of serving a mission to Viña Del Mar, Chile, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She loved serving the people in her mission, and made life-long friends, who were more like brothers and sisters to her.

About twenty some odd years ago, Michelle changed positions in the school system, from being a computer lab teacher to teaching Special Education.  This became her dream job, and she loved working with her students and her co-teacher.  It was time for her to move on 7 years ago when she decided to teach Special Ed in high school.   She was blessed to get a position at Chaparral High where she taught very special young men and young women, who are medically fragile, and those who needed special assistance. They taught her just as much as she taught them.  Michelle loved them with all her heart, and their families as well.  They became family to her.  She had a wonderful group of co-teachers, Paras, and Nurses whom she loved dearly and they became family to her too.

Michelle will be missed by many, especially her sisters Cindy and Kristine Lee.  However, we know she is with mom and dad, and many other loved ones.

Cone Darnell, aged 73, passed away on July 18, 2023 in San Tan Valley, Arizona.

Born on October 24, 1949, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he was the son of the late James Robert Henry Darnell and Dorothy Isabel Health Darnell.

Cone pursued higher education at the University of New Mexico and later graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Judicial Administration. In September 1969, he demonstrated his bravery by enlisting to serve in the Vietnam conflict.

Cone married his beloved wife, Michelle La Pierre, on October 6, 1971, in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. They spent his remaining service years in Germany, traveling, and enjoying the diverse European cultures. Throughout their life’s journey together, they made homes in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California; where Cone ventured into careers as varied as logging, turquoise mining, high school teacher, probation officer, custom log home contractor, and group home manager.

Cone’s life was not solely defined by his work but also his passions; silver-smithing, writing poetry, listening to rock music, playing his guitar for family and friends, and sharing stories and jokes. His love for nature shone through in his fondness for the Jemez in New Mexico or White Mountains of Arizona. Cone was a basketball enthusiast his whole life.  Cone particularly enjoyed teaching the Gospel and always lived as an example of Jesus’ pure love.

Remembered for his non-judgmental and generous nature, Cone’s kindness and hard work left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Cone was a natural optimist, good-natured, and known for his calm demeanor, among many other virtues that made him a cherished friend, sibling, father, grandfather & spouse.

Cone is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Dorothy, son-in-law Breck Reeves, granddaughter Suzanne Michelle Reeves, brothers Charles, Calvin, and Carlton, and sister Linda Luders. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; daughters Melony (Scott) Opheim and Sarah Reeves of Mesa, AZ; Jesse (Stacy) Straub of San Tan Valley, AZ; and son Joseph (Perla) Darnell of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Visitation will occur 1.5 hours prior to the funeral service. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 29th, in the LDS Chapel at 2175 Ocotillo Road, San Tan Valley. Bishop Olsen will be conducting. Burial will take place on July 31st in Eagar, AZ. Serving as pallbearers will be Joseph Darnell, Nathan Thurber, Stacy Straub, Scott Opheim, Colten Straub, and Remington Opheim.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Cone’s memory to the Juvenile American Diabetes Association at https://www.jdrf.org/.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. May we forever carry Cone’s spirit in our hearts.

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 Ruth Elaine Small who passed away on Wednesday, July 19^th, 2023 in Sun Lakes Arizona.  She was 83 years old.

She was born on February 8^th, in Franklin, Arizona to her parents Jason C. Whittenburg and Eleanor Ruth (Cranford) Whittenburg.

Elaine married John L. King in 1956 and was blessed with 4 children. Scott, Debbie, Donna and Greg. Elaine and John were divorced in 1977.

Later she met and married Robert C. Small from Laveen, Arizona. Bob passed in March of 2020.

She was very talented and had many hobbies, horses, cooking, baking, quilting, wood crafting and making things with yarn and plastic canvas.

She loved sharing her baked goods and crafts with others. She was happiest spending time with her family and friends.

She appreciated all of the support from her family, friends, and neighbors.

Elaine had a strong Christian faith.  She attended church regularly and read her scriptures.

She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. She leaves behind many wonderful memories and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Elaine is survived by two of her four children: Donna (Jeff) Bohlman and Greg King; grandson Brandon King; two sisters and nieces and nephews.

Services will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (800 W. Chandler Heights, Chandler, Arizona) on Thursday, July 27^th at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) in Elaine’s name.

Bunker Family Mortuary in Mesa handled the arrangement.

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.

Thomas More Kingkade, a man with an amazing legacy, passed away peacefully, at age 64, on Friday late afternoon, June 23rd, 2023 in Chandler, Arizona. Tom was surrounded by his beloved wife Vera Kingkade, their only son Oliver Kingkade, his sister-in-law Sandra Alex, and his friend and Oliver’s golf coach, Scott Longanecker.

In the words of his son, “A man with great courage, who did not fear any of the outcomes of life, and was always ten steps ahead in anything.”

The morning before his passing, Tom received at home a couple and their little son who were very close and dear to him, two members of Oliver’s golf team, who came to pray for him, as well as calls from his beloved family and friends.

Tom, the sixth of eight children, was born on November 8, 1958, to Donald and Marita Kingkade, in Oskaloosa, IA. At the young age of 8 years old, he was already an independent entrepreneur, running his paper route while going to school and being at top of his class. At age 16, Tom left home to pursue his own path. During this time, he received the Lord Jesus Christ in his heart, an event that would alter the course of his life forever.

After living in Kalona, IA for a brief season, Tom moved to Yakima, Washington, in 1978. There he obtained his bachelor’s degree in geology while working at a friend’s orchard. In 1981, Tom went to live in Santa Barbara, where he got a job at Raytheon Technologies, and finished his Masters of Science in Systems Management.

Another transition was moving to San Diego, where he worked for NASA and the U.S. Air Force, managed and toured the U.S. with Mindshift, his church’s worship band, and produced plays for which he composed original songs, involving many people from the church, young and old. This was Tom’s vocation and passion. As a volunteer, he was able to move many hearts through his art.

But San Diego was not yet his final destination. In 1999, Tom moved to Brasil to marry the love of his life, Vera. For 19 years, they resided in Rio de Janeiro with their son Oliver, and later his mother-in-law.

Several times Tom, as a software management consultant, would fly from Brazil for work to various parts of the world, and would often bring his family to some of these places. Having family around him was an essential condition for success.

However, in one of those trips for a job in New York, Tom was grateful that his wife did not accompany him. It was the morning of September 11, 2001, when he saw those airplanes hit the two towers, from the building adjacent to the South tower. That tragic day was remembered in detail during many of his conversations as he remembered his miraculous escape and how he helped many others exit the building and the area, before and while the towers collapsed.

As an avid learner, Tom mastered the Spanish and Portuguese languages, for his work demands in South and Latin America as well as his life in Brazil. In 2005, he received a Certificate of Appreciation for helping many companies solve difficult issues, which made him a most sought-after consultant.

As if all of the above were not enough, Tom decided to pursue his studies in theology and obtained his Maters of Divinity in 2015, with honors and marks of distinction.

Two words describe Tom: life and joy. He was full of life and always joyful. His constant anticipation of outcomes and brilliant intellect drove all of his pursuits. He loved having a good conversation and getting to know people. Tom was driven, and not bashful to speak the truth. In whatever subject he immersed himself, he would first learn the minimal details, so he would have that knowledge ahead of time!

For instance, instead of baseball or American football, Tom chose to teach Oliver to play golf, an unpopular sport in Brasil, and be his golf buddy. He found a very small golf course in Brazil, close to his house, and almost every Saturday, would take Oliver to play. As soon as his wife retired, Tom found an amazing job at Wells Fargo bank, and moved his family from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil to Gilbert, Arizona so Oliver could obtain his citizenship. Tom’s greatest joy continued to be in playing golf with his son, but now in a place where golf was not only popular but could become a professional career. Once again, ahead of his time, Tom created a golf legacy for his American-Brazilian family.

This move to America not only provided an opportunity for Oliver to obtain a better education and play golf, but it brought Tom closer to his family. His brothers and sisters were always in his heart, but now, no longer separated by an ocean, he had a chance to be closer than ever to his older brother Dan, his older sister Shelly, his middle brother Joe, his younger brother Jerry and his little sister Jane.

The Kingkade’s family DNA, coming from the Northwestern part of Europe, was enough to spark interest to talk about Ireland and Scotland, places he did not get to go, but held dear in his heart.

As a most sought-after consultant, Tom continued to provide innovative solutions at his last job at Wells Fargo. According to his friends and colleagues, he was very fun to work with, always supportive of them, creating a non-stress and enjoyable environment.

For most of his life, Tom was a foodie, loving gourmet food and good wine. Churrasco, fruits, and snacks were part of his daily life. He was a good husband and a good father. His canine companion T´Challa late in life was “daddy’s” good friend.

In terms of his spiritual life, Tom never abandoned the teachings of Christ since that encounter at age 16. He was always active in his church, contributing with his music gift during services, and developed the English Course and taught at Colabore, a Christian School in Brazil. He was a principled man of integrity always in search of the truth.

In his final years, he deeply contemplated his faith, made peace with God and men, and cemented further his beliefs in his savior Jesus Christ.

Tom is preceded in death by his father Donald, his mother Marita, his brother Tony and his sister Katie. He is survived by his wife Vera, his son Oliver, his brothers Dan, Joe, and Jerry, and sisters Shelly and Jane.

On October 7, 2023 at 10:30a, at Two Rivers Church, 326 E. Guadalupe Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234, we will be hosting a memorial service for Thomas More Kingkade.

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.

Bonnie Wellman passed away peacefully on July 17, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona.

Bonnie was born to Robert and Lorraine Hinds in Oak Park, Il on July 4, 1951. She led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends, and faith. She was active in Stephen Ministry, Matthew 25 Prison Ministry, ushering at Mesa Arts and loved being a member of the Pi Phi alumni club for over 50 years. In 1974 she married her sweetheart Michael, they were married for 49 years, traveling the world, and raising 3 beautiful daughters.

She is survived by her husband Michael, children Jenna, Lori, and Beth and 6 grandchildren Zayda, Abi, Natalie, Emma, Vash and Olivia.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 10:00am at Red Mountain United Methodist Church, 2936 N Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85215. Flowers can be sent to the church any time after 9:00am on July 26, 2023.  Donations can be made to the FMD Association in Bonnie’s name.   https://www.fmdsa.org/donation-form/

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.

Eileen Brown Jackovich

Eileen was born Hazel Eileen Brown in Champaign, Illinois July 19, 1925. After high school, she went to work at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. In 1947, she transferred to the Navy Department in Washington DC, bravely boarding a train by herself for a new life. She lived in Arlington Farms, a residence hall for young ladies, which was located across from the Pentagon where she worked.

While walking through the residence hall one day, she was spied by a handsome young Air Force pilot who was waiting for a different young lady, the one he was dating…until that moment. After seeing Eileen, Captain Edward Jackovich of Woodward, Iowa knew he had found his own Ace co-pilot. On June 11, 1949, they were married in Champaign Illinois, and they honeymooned in St. Louis, Missouri.

While moving 38 times with the love of her life, Eileen and Ed moved back to Illinois, then lived in the United Kingdom, Missouri, Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, Georgia, Nevada, Texas, back to Virginia, Minnesota, California, North Carolina, back to Texas, until they finally settled for good in Arizona in 1995. Preceding Eileen in death in 2013 was her husband, Edward. She was also preceded in death by her younger brother Everett Brown (age 94) in Champaign in October 2022, and her older brother Ross Brown, Jr. (age 99) who passed away in Jonesboro, Arkansas on the same day as his sister, July 20, 2023.

Survivors include: a son, Mark, and his wife Pam, of Savannah, Georgia; a daughter, Carol Ewing, and her husband Jerry, of Mesa, Arizona. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Allison Jackovich of Austin, Texas; Katie Ewing Ray and husband Mike Ray of Mesa, Arizona; Scott Ewing of Tempe, Arizona; and Caroline Jackovich of Beaufort, South Carolina. Allison blessed her with two great-grandchildren, Malik and Lyric. Katie and Mike blessed her with three instant great-grandchildren; Chloe, Trailynn and Sabin; and now three great-great-grandchildren; Cacheten, Wailynn and River. She is also survived by her adopted granddaughter, Deana Ewing. Eileen died July 20, 2023, the day after her 98^th birthday. She will be interred with her beloved husband at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. The inscription on the stone will read “Together Forever” per her request. The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Mesa Christian Health and Rehabilitation for their many years of devoted care of Eileen and her family.

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.

Ann Dumas, 88, passed away peacefully on July, 18 2023 at 3:30am in the morning with her loved ones by her side. Ann was born on September 19, 1934, in Washington, D.C. As the oldest of 5 children to Alfred and Reta Dumas, Ann was especially gifted at teaching and committing things to memory. As a highly knowledgeable and well-read woman, Anne not only kept up with the times, but she never forgot to commemorate a single holiday. Ann sent cards and gifts to her many surviving family members and friends for every calendar occasion she knew. Birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries were always recognized with hand-written notes of affection and the perfectly picked card to match. She was generous with her time and her talents. Known as Mom, Grandma, and Granny Annie, Ann passed her memories down to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with as many details and literary devices as she could muster. She taught some to read, some to sew, some to write, and some to cook, but she taught all how to love reading and learning. Ann spent some of her most memorable years in Buffalo, New York where she continued to stay connected with friends even after moving across the country to Phoenix. Ann is predeceased by her brother Jim Dumas and sister Jeanne Dumas and by her beloved son, Joseph Rogers. She is survived by her sister Margie Worden and her brother Jack Dumas, as well as her 3 children, Debbie Maupin, Jack Kellerman, and Kim Kellerman. Ann is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Nicole Shanks, Katie Smith, Matthew Blair, and Savanna Kellerman and 7 great-grandchildren: Easton Shanks, Tanner Shanks, Silas Smith, Levi Smith, Roman Smith, Luca Smith, and Tyler Bond. A celebration of her life will be held at Point Loma in San Diego on Saturday, July 29, 2023. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Banner Baywood Heart hospital for all their care and compassion.

Margaret is survived by her husband Greg Woods, her son Chance Rhodes and his wife Stacy, and her daughter Chanin Torres and her husband Robert. She is also survived by her brother Robert Kennedy and his wife Mary and her sister Ada Roden  and her husband Gene. She has 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Lois Kennedy and her siblings Stanley, Kenny, Russell, and Linda. Margaret was born in Bisbee and moved all around Arizona finally settling in Mesa. She graduated from Buckeye High School in 1963. After the birth of her two children, she began her career. Margaret worked in Mesa in the Medical field as an office assistant for many years. She was a “Downwind Survivor” and fought three different types of Cancer. Margaret’s greatest love was her Husband Greg and her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Services for Margaret will be July 24th,2023 in Mesa at Bunker Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa A.Z. 85201. Viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be from 3:00 to 4:00 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.

Joe will be missed by all who knew him, good friend to all, especially missed by his family.

He is survived by Marge and Dan Johnson, his parents, his son, Kaleb, brother Matthew, wife Katy and nephew Alex; sister Windi Velarde, brother-in-law Alfredo Velarde, nephew Zachary, wife Devin, nephew Jacob Velarde and nephew Luis Velarde; and his uncles and aunts.

Son, you have fought hard for two and a half years. We will see you one day again.

Love Momas, Dad and Son

With deepest regrets we announce the passing of Gregg Harris Jossie, 85, on Monday, July 10, 2023. He died at Corinthian Assisted Living in Gilbert, AZ surrounded by family, several days after a stroke.

Gregg was born in Waterloo, Iowa on December 22, 1937 to Harland James Jossie and Janet Louise (Harris) Jossie. He enjoyed a fulfilling childhood with his folks, two sisters Shirley and Carol, many friends, and a pet rooster named Chick-chick. At age 19, he bought his first car, a 1957 Volkswagen beetle. Being weary of the long, cold winters of Iowa, he packed it up and drove to the opposite climate of Phoenix, Arizona to live with his grandparents Alfred and Augusta Harris. There he contacted a friend, Jim Norris, who introduced him to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and baptized Gregg on September 6, 1958.

One Sunday at church he saw a beautiful young organist, Kathryn Chatwin, as she played prelude music. Gregg and Kathie were introduced and soon developed strong feelings for each other. But Gregg’s testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was also strong, and he wanted to serve a mission. He was called to the Northern California, Sacramento mission and served for two years, returning in 1962. On December 22, 1962, Gregg’s 25^th birthday, he and Kathie were married in the Mesa, Arizona temple. They have been active in the church and faithful to their covenants for all 60 years of their marriage.

Their early married life included the typical challenges of work and housing. He joined the Air Force Reserves for a season, and worked for Honeywell as a draftsman as Kathie tapped into her sewing and music talents. Gregg attended some college, however decided to pursue his talents as a photographer and graphic designer. He succeeded and excelled as a freelancer in this field for over 40 years, working with many companies. One company, Dial Manufacturing, especially valued his work and finally convinced him to join their team full-time. He worked for Dial until his retirement in 2017 at the age of 79.

Gregg and Kathie’s first child, Kent, was born in 1964 followed by Kimberly in 1965. They bought their first house in Phoenix shortly after for just $16,000. Jennifer arrived in 1968. Troubles due to the RH factor began as the fourth pregnancy ended at 7 months with a stillborn girl they named Ann. Their next baby, Janna, also struggled with the same affliction, arriving premature in 1971 but was rescued by intense interventions and came home many weeks after birth. Their next daughter, Leah, was born on Easter Sunday in 1973 and died the same day. In 1977 Gregg and Kathie moved to a new house and soon welcomed Aaron, the miracle child, who, by the grace of God, had no RH effects. Sadly, their last child, Heather, also premature, succumbed just 3 hours after birth in 1979.

In 1988 they moved to Camp Verde, AZ and enjoyed the slower pace and cooler temperatures for the next 33 years. They were very active in the LDS community in Camp Verde where Gregg served as Bishop for 5 years.

He enjoyed several hobbies over the years including raising chickens and pigeons, collecting pocket knives, and of course cars. He especially loved Volkswagens and Porsches and is practically identified by his Porsche 914 on which he put over 600,000 miles. But, most of all he identified as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Gregg was a people-person. He could connect with anyone. He always took time to nurture those relationships and loved each and every person he knew. One of the things we will miss most is his quirky sense of humor and how he made all of us laugh. But more importantly how he made us feel special. He will be greatly missed by his huge circle of family and friends.

He is survived by Kathryn (wife); children: Kent (Kerry) Jossie, Kimberly (Matt) Leach, Jennifer (Bradley) Landseadel, and Aaron (Allison) Jossie; grandchildren: Samuel, Gregg, Brandon, Benjamin, John, Joshua, Laura, Erin, Kaitlyn, Joel, Ariana, Briana, Amanda, Spencer, Christian, Ann, Henry, Zoe, Thomas, Scott, Kathryn, Max, Mary, Penelope, and Jack; and 27 great-grandchildren with 4 on the way; sisters Shirley Huntbach and Carol Commins; Gregg was preceded in death by daughters Ann (stillborn, 1970), Leah (1973) and Heather (1979) in their infancy, and Janna Dayley (2022).

Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals (480) 964-8686 (www.bunkerfuneral.com). An open house and viewing are scheduled for Friday, July 21, from 5 to 7 PM at the LDS chapel, 23121 N 67th Ave, Glendale, AZ. Interment and grave dedication will take place on Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 AM at West Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 W. Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ. A memorial service will be held the same day from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the LDS chapel, 360 S 5th St, Camp Verde, AZ. All attendees are invited to stay for a social and dinner until 8:00 PM. If you wish, and in honor of Gregg, bring your favorite car to show off in the parking lot during the social!

Special thanks for the outstanding care provided by Gerry, Joann, Mylene and staff at Corinthian Assisted Living and the caring staff of Aegis Hospice. And heartfelt thanks from Gregg and the whole family to all the many friends for endless love and support.

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.

Devoted and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Nancy Ann Hind Burnham passed away suddenly on Friday, June 30, 2023, surrounded by family members in her Mesa home. Nancy was the only child of Russ and Esther Hind and was born in Santa Ana, California on May 17,1938. She grew up on property her grandparents William and Bertie Egan homesteaded in South Laguna Beach, California.  She attended public school in Laguna Beach and graduated from Laguna Beach High School in 1956.  She loved traveling with her parents as a young girl, camping and exploring National Parks in California, Arizona, Colorado, Canada, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.  She excelled at knitting at a young age.  In school she would try to sit at the back of the class so that the teacher would not see her knitting under her desk during (boring) lessons.  She always said that knitting had a calming effect on her and even when she had very limited eye-sight, she kept knitting.  She lived a life of service and donated 1000’s of pairs of slippers to schools, nursing homes, hospitals and family members over the years.  For a number of years, she made and donated “Hugs” blankets to anyone who might need a little extra hug to get through a difficult time. She met her husband, Glen Burnham, while attending boarding school at San Pasqual in Southern, California not far from her Hind grandparent’s ranch in Ramona. They were married 57 years before his passing in 2013.  Nancy was devoted to Glen and she would learn about and support anything he became interested in.  She ran Western Drywall Corp. side by side with Glen and together built a hugely successful drywall and stucco business.  They competed and won at the highest level of square dancing and horse racing.   Nancy was a talented seamstress and won accolades and awards for her beautifully designed and sewn costumes that she made for her and dad to compete in.  She also sewed many beautiful dresses and clothes for Debbie, including her wedding dress.  She was a devoted mother and often signed up to be the kid’s classroom mom, making cookies and treats for classroom parties.  She and Glen volunteered with youth at the United Methodist Church, where they attended for many years.  She was no nonsense and very precise in sharing her opinions about life and living. Nancy is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Glen Burnham (2013), their son, Glen Burnham Jr in 1979 and both of her parents Russ and Esther Hind.  Her graveside service is Monday, July 17, 2023 at 9:00 am at the Mesa Cemetery.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Deborrah Allen

Grand children: Heather & Chad Prusse, Daniel & Lynzie Allen, Nathaniel & Rachel Allen, Rebecca & Zach Hipps, Johnny Wade Burnham

Great-Grandchildren: Zackery Prusse, Conner Prusse, Halle Prusse, Luke Prusse, Jackson Prusse, Evelyn Allen, Micah Allen, Levi Allen, Ezra Allen, Gabriel Allen, Esther Allen, Simon Allen, Violet Allen, Wren Allen, Wellington Allen, Claire Hipps, Conrad Hipps

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.

Stella Hankins, 78, passed on July 8, 2023, due to stroke in Gilbert, Arizona in hospice care.

Born January 25, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas to Cordelia Nash, better known as “Madear”. After high school, Stella went on to become a wife and mother to three daughters, Beverly, Lula and Rita.

Professionally, Stella enjoyed life on the road as a truck driver, making multiple cross-country trips in the US. She had many unique and crazy stories about her adventures while trucking.

In 2000, Stella moved from Tennessee to California to live with her youngest daughter, Rita and her, then two, eventually three, grandchildren. In 2009, she moved, with her family, to Arizona where she lived until her passing.

Stella was a practicing Jehovah’s Witness who enjoyed spreading the Word with her Brothers and Sisters, loved her daughters, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, along with any of the children who crossed her path, being a true grandma or Madea to whomever she could. Her hobbies included fishing, bingo, gardening, watching westerns and Perry Mason, cooking and causing trouble whenever she could.

Stella was predeceased by her daughters Beverly and Lula, her husband and her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughter Rita, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, who are scattered through the United States.

Services will be held at Bunker Family Funeral Home, the University Chapel at 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ on Monday, July 17, 2023 from 6PM to 8PM.

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.

Egon Victor Johnson, age 96, passed away June 24, 2023.  He was born June 19, 1927, in Murray, Utah, to Edith and John Johnson, both Swedish immigrants. He was the fourth child of eight.  He valued his Swedish heritage and spoke Swedish fluently.

Egon grew up enjoying school, athletics, family, and church.  His father was an independent miner and Egon helped from a young age as the mining camp cook.  Egon also learned to use dynamite and helped transport ore.  When he was 14 years old his family moved to Mesa, Arizona, close to Florence, where his dad had staked a mining claim.  He also worked as a butcher at a grocery store and drove a gravel truck.

Egon was an immediate favorite with students and teachers alike.  He was handsome, warm, kind-hearted, intelligent, and energetic.  He excelled and achieved many awards at Mesa High School, including the Ishikawa Scholar Athlete Award, and Salutatorian.   After high school he entered the Navy to receive training as a Hospital Corpsman.  Then he attended college and worked on a farm harvesting cotton before serving a church mission to Sweden.

Egon was married to his sweetheart, Joan Davis, in the Mesa, Arizona temple in 1952. Together they were blessed with six children, who adore him.  In 1953 he entered the University of Southern California Medical School. He enlisted in the Army in his senior year, then completed training to become an orthopedic surgeon. He also trained to fulfill non-medical goals, including completing parachute jump training to earn his parachute wings.   He served a tour of duty in Vietnam, where he was one of two triage doctors in charge of surgeries at a large Army medical facility close to the front lines of battle.  It was similar to, but more advanced than, the MASH units employed in Korea.  In 1967 he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and received an honorable discharge from the Army after 13 years service.  He then began a private orthopedic surgery practice in Mesa, Arizona.  During that time, Egon served in Scouting and as president of the local Rotary Club.  He also served as Chief of Staff for two hospitals.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, Egon believed in the goodness of people, and that we are all children of God.  Egon served faithfully in his callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including bishop, high councilor, temple worker, and minister.  With Joan at his side, he was the Area Medical Advisor for missionaries in Argentina, Columbia, and surrounding countries, and in the North America Southwest Region.  Egon loved the scriptures, good literature, art, music, and old movies.  He enjoyed vacation time with his family and exploring foreign places.

His family expresses gratitude to Acoya Assisted Living for their wonderful care these past months, and to many loved ones who visited him.  He was married over 70 years to his eternal sweetheart, Joan Davis Johnson, who died just three months prior to his passing.

Egon is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Pew (Joe, deceased), and by his six children:  Michael E.Johnson (Wendy), E. Kristine Tanner (Sterling, deceased), Brent E. Johnson (Cheryl), Laura A. Crandall (Dennis), David L. Johnson (Tiffanie), Julie M. Chaffetz (Jason), as well as 26 grandchildren, and 43 greatgrandchildren.  Egon was preceded in death by six siblings:  Elise Barkett (Eddie, deceased), Ejvor Merkley (Leo, deceased), Eleanor Russell (Ralph, deceased), Kenneth Johnson (Jo-Anne, living), and two brothers who died in infancy, Carl and John Jr.

The funeral service will be held July 15, 2023 at the Las Sendas Ward Chapel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7752 East McDowell Road, Mesa, Arizona  85207.  The viewing will begin at 9:00 am, followed by the funeral at 10:00 am.  Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery will follow the funeral.

The funeral service may be viewed online at https://zoom.us/j/97800515134.

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.