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David Thomas Adams, 83, passed away on March 14, 2023 after a decade-plus battle with Parkinsons. He is preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Sylvia Adams; his older brother, Gary; and his grandson, John. He is survived by his younger sisters, Betty and Connie; his beloved wife of 51 years, Linda Adams; his seven children (Scott, Janet, Shauna, Joanie, Kirk, Lane, and James) and 35 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

David was born on June 26, 1939 in the Lehi area of Mesa, Arizona. He recalled riding his horse to class at Lehi Elementary, and Sunday afternoons in Lehi when family gathered at their home for homemade hand-cranked ice cream. He remained a big fan of near daily ice cream until his final days.

At the age of 14 the family moved to Coolidge, Arizona where David graduated from Coolidge High School. Following high school he served in the National Guard (where he earned recognition for his marksmanship)  prior to serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the British Isles Mission. David remained a devoted member of the church throughout his life and found his greatest joy when surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 25th at 10:30am at the Lazona Ward Building located at 1345 E. University Mesa, Arizona. The family will host a visitation on Friday March 24th from 6-8pm at Bunkers Mortuary located at 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers donations to the Parkinsons therapy facility https://rocksteadymesa.com/ are appreciated.

You may also stream the service if you cannot attend in person. https://youtube.com/live/Z5jOW4aOVZE?feature=share

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.

For those who would like to attend the service virtually: https://youtube.com/live/rPTAfMetkfg?feature=share

Barbara Ann Pullen, 82 passed away March 14, 2023 in Mesa Arizona.

Barbara was born October 13, 1940, in Mesa, Arizona to Arch Laurence and Lena Mae Sorden. Barbara was a homemaker and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints. She led a very active life filled with family, church and friends. She loved to keep busy volunteering and visiting the Temple, spending time with family, studying scriptures, writing in her journal and of course going on her daily walk. Barbara loved to play sports from softball, basketball, volleyball, snow skiing and even competed in diving – but her absolute favorite activity was dancing. She would dance to any kind of music, grabbing anyone nearby to join her. Coming from a musically talented family, she absolutely loved watching her siblings play and sing on stage especially in her brother Bobby’s night club. Barbara loved playing board games and cards and when that competitive Sorden blood kicked in, not even her grandkids had a chance.

Barbara is survived by her children Richard J. (Michelle) Kudlicki, Daniel (Anne Marie) Kudlicki, Deena (William) Moffat, Dorine (Kurt) Neeley and Ashley (Dallin) Bradley, her 23 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, her brothers Leon, Larry & Jerry Sorden and sister Carol Watson. Barbara is preceded in death by husband Larry Pullen, grandchildren Richard J. Kudlicki Jr, Tristian Maxwell and siblings Doris, Bobby, Ricky and Kathy.

Funeral services will be held

Tuesday, March 21 at 11:00 am at the LDS Stake Center located at 925 N. Harris, Mesa. 

Viewing and visitation for friends and family to be held that morning from 9:00 – 10:45 at the same address.

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.

Nancy J Hardin, 88 passed away peacefully on March 13, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona. There to meet her was her husband Cecil and children Carol, David, Alice, and Mark.  Left to carry on the tradition are her children Dana (Hardin) Martin, James Hardin.  Her legacy will be continued through her 19 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great, Great Grandchildren.  Nancy led a very happy, active life filled with family and friends.  Nancy loved her quilting, baking, kitties and getting together with family.

Funeral services are Friday, March 24, 2023 @ 11:00 am, preceded by a visitation at 10:00am at Bunkers’ University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr, Mesa.

For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com .

In lieu of flower donations to    https://petsforvets.com/donate or https://www.animalleague.org

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

You are invited to the Zoom webinar for the service.
Mar 17, 2023 10:00 AM Arizona

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/91476999566

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.

Livestreaming of Service: https://youtube.com/live/tzRX0tyhxrk?feature=share

Debra Severson, 69, passed away peacefully on March 10,2023.  She was the daughter of Kenneth and Beverly Severson.  Deb lived an active fun filled life with her husband Richard Miske.  She was born in Grafton, ND before moving to Moorhead, MN where she graduated from high school.  Deb went on to get a degree in Audiology from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Points and later obtained her doctorate Au.D from A.T. Still in Mesa, AZ.  She worked at a state hospital in MN before moving to northwest Iowa to take a job with Area Education Agency 4, in Sioux Center, IA.  From there her career took her to Boston where she held various positions before she returned to Iowa when she married Richard Miske in 2001.  They both worked for Northwest AEA serving deaf and hard of hearing students and Deb also provided services for many adults who wore hearing aids.   In 2015, they retired from education and then shortly after that moved to Arnolds Park, IA.  They loved to winter in Mesa, AZ as well as travel. Deb is survived by her husband, Richard, brother Steve (Deb)Severson, brother Mark (Debbie Jo) Severson and brother-in-law Robert (Christel) Miske and her uncle, Robert (Gail) Quam. She has many nephews and nieces and cousins. She was preceded by her parents and her sister, Pamela. She will be missed by many but is being held in God’s hands. Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Tues., March 21,2023 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa AZ.

Another celebration of life will occur this summer at Faith Lutheran Church, Orange City, IA.

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.

Gilbert “Wayne” Waldeck, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on March 10, 2023 at the age of 94. Wayne was born April 30, 1928 in Riverside, California. He was preceded in death by his parents L.D. “Jack” Waldeck and Velda Florence Parker Waldeck, his sister Margaret “Peggy” Whitaker and his wife of 48 years, Evelyn L. Long Waldeck.

He is survived by his six children, Gary (Donna), Roger (Barbara), Roland (Robin), Sherree, Vickie Basar, Greg (Lisa) and two step-daughters Rae Jean Robinson (Bob) and Georgia Herman (Earl).

Wayne’s childhood was spent in Arizona on his family’s dairy farm.  He returned to Riverside to attend high school where he joined the ROTC program, and upon graduation, enlisted in the Army Air Corp, which changed during his enlistment, to the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, Wayne was one of its first jet engine mechanics and was assigned to Eddie Rickenbacher’s 94th Aero Squadron. He was stationed at March Air Force base in Southern California and later transferred to Elmendorf AFB, in Anchorage, Alaska. There, he tested the P80 Shooting Star fighter jets in subzero temperatures.

Wayne owned a General Contracting business, building and remodeling homes in the Phoenix area and in the White Mountains, where he and Evelyn spent their summers after retirement. He loved to play golf, had a “hole in one” and passed his interest in the sport to some, but not all, of his kids.

Wayne enjoyed fishing and boating, spending many days on Arizona’s lakes. He and Evelyn loved traveling the country and drove their motor home from California to Alaska and to New York and Tennessee. They put a lot of miles on the motor home over twenty years of traveling.

Wayne is survived by 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

No services are planned.

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.

Brenda Margaret Casey, 82, passed away on January 29, 2023 in Chandler, Arizona after a courageous, 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at 10:30 a.m. on March 18, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1520 South Catalina Street, Gilbert, Arizona 85233.  The service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person.

You may follow this link to view the live stream: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85154787434?pwd=RHNGU1BMWHVNY1NpWHRLd3NqRUxpUT09

Brenda was born at her parents’ home, on March 22, 1940, in Errol, New Hampshire.  She enjoyed her childhood and felt blessed to have such a loving family. Brenda considered herself a “daddy’s girl” and enjoyed having both sets of grandparents and lots of uncles, aunts and cousins nearby.

As a teenager, Brenda left home to attend high school at Fryeburg Academy in Fryeburg, Maine. Her parents’ decision to send her to boarding school had a significant impact on her life. She loved her years at Fryeburg and when she wasn’t studying, she played basketball, enjoyed skiing and made great friends.  She graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1958 but not before meeting the love of her life, Ernest Casey, while on a senior-year, spring break vacation to South Carolina to visit her sister. Ernest was in the Air Force, stationed in South Carolina, when they began flirting one night at a hamburger stand. It was love at first sight. After a whirlwind romance, Brenda and Ernest were married in Monck’s Corner, South Carolina, just two months after her graduation.

Over the span of the next 18 years, Brenda and Ernest had seven children, all of whom have survived them: Lynette Burdick of St. Johns; Les (Lori) of Santa Clara, Utah; Kelly (Sandy) of St. George, Utah; Kristina Kingsmore (John) of Gilbert; Katherine (Steven Meyers) of Las Vegas, Nevada; Aaron (Alita) of Show Low; and Brenda (James Brown) of Sequoia National Park, California.  Brenda was very proud of her kids but nothing made her happier than being “Nana” to her 22 living grandchildren, their spouses and her 32 great-grandchildren. Brenda loved her family and took great joy in knowing her posterity would continue to grow long after her time on earth was over.

Brenda worked for many years as an orthotic fitter. She truly loved working and the sense of achievement and fulfillment it brought. She had a strong work ethic and was known for the genuine, caring service she provided to her clients. She often went above and beyond to help them during their time of need. Her children witnessed this same theme at home. Even though money was often tight, the kids’ friends were always welcome at the dinner table and, over the years, she opened her home to others – whether family, friends or her kids’ friends – who needed a place to stay while they sorted life out. She never turned anyone away.

Brenda was known for her biscuits and gravy breakfasts and scrumptious taco dinners. She was thrilled when her kids came home for the holidays, was always up for a road trip, cheated at every game she ever played regardless of how young her opponent was (child or grandchild), and was always a morning person, often too energetic and chipper for her teenaged night owls!  She had a wicked sense of humor and a quick wit.  She loved to read, loved to travel, and loved to sing.  She participated in the church choir, was never shy at karaoke, and especially enjoyed Kenny Rogers and Ann Murray. Even as dementia claimed her brain, she would instantly connect with you if you sang to her.

Brenda and Ernest lived various places throughout their marriage, including Utah, Hawaii, Nevada, California, and in the cities of Mesa, Gilbert and St. Johns, all in Arizona. She was fearless and faced each move head on.  Ernest died unexpectedly in 2004 and Brenda rolled up her sleeves and faced it courageously.  In 2007 she decided to serve a mission for her church.  She spent the next two years serving in the Preston England Mission. This experience bolstered her strength, confidence, and sense of independence which she later called upon regularly after receiving her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She tried to live each day as fully and independently as was possible.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, son-in-law Brian Burdick, an infant grandson, parents Leslie and Margaret (Lane) Hawkins, sister Nancy Bennett, brother Gordon Hawkins, who died in infancy, and brother-in-law, Rex Bennett.  In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Brenda is survived by Nancy’s children, David, Elise, Vicki, Daniel and Tracy, and many of her beloved Hawkins, Lane, and Casey extended family members.

Brenda’s children would like to thank the staff at Avenir Chandler Memory Center and Sage Hospice for the care, support, and comfort they have provided.  They would also like to thank the staff at Bunker Family Funerals who handled Brenda’s cremation with dignity and respect.  Later this year, the family will take Brenda and Ernest’s ashes home to Errol, New Hampshire for interment.

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.

Livestreaming of Visitation – https://youtube.com/live/Ala741PYKVM?feature=share 

Daniel Thomas Haney, 35, passed away on March 4th, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on February 3rd, 1988, the second child of Neal and Liza Haney.

Dan grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and had a happy childhood filled with laughter and play. He was an avid soccer player, and his father, Neal, coached several of his teams. Dan also loved skateboarding, playing the drums, beatboxing, and running around the neighborhood until well after dark.

Dan was a Real Estate Broker in the Manufactured Housing Industry and worked for NTH Property Management alongside his father, Neal Haney, for 16 years. He had a unique talent for seeing the best in people, even when they were at their lowest, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his friends.

Aside from his work, Dan was an adventurous spirit who loved spending time outdoors. He graduated from Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona and spent his entire life in Arizona, exploring its beautiful landscapes through camping, fishing, target practice, and more. He especially loved drinking with his friends while boating on Saguaro Lake, where he would always be sure to pull a face at the most unexpected time just to make everyone laugh.

Dan is survived by his father, mother, and sister, and he will be deeply missed. He had a kind heart and infectious sense of humor that endeared him to everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, loyalty, and joy.

A viewing will be held at Bunker Family Funeral Home: Garden Chapel at 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa, Az, on Tuesday, March 14th, 2023, from 6 pm to 8 pm.

May Daniel Thomas Haney rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

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.

Bill Dixon, 86, passed on March 4th, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born to Thelma and Meryl Dixon on November 3rd, 1936 in El Reno, Oklahoma.

Bill moved to California in the late 1950’s where he would eventually meet and marry Marlene Delivuk in 1959. They had 2 children and lived in CA & NV before settling in AZ in 1986.  Bill was employed by Hughs Helicopter for many years. After Marlene passed in 2012, he settled in at a 50+ community and enjoyed playing cards and shooting pool with his friends.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Diana Sayler, of Hereford, AZ (Sons Jon of Sierra Vista, AZ and Brian of Washington, DC) and his son, Derek Dixon and wife, Lisa, of Mesa, AZ.  (Daughters Jordynn of Mesa, AZ, Brooke of Tempe, AZ and Son Trevor of Irvine, CA)

Shoot the Moon, Bill!

No services at this time.

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.

Vicki Ann (Cleverley) Chapman was born August 19, 1949 and returned to her Heavenly Father on February 27, 2023. The oldest of eight children born to Grant and Marjorie Cleverley, Vicki was born in American Falls, Idaho.

During a life in the service of others, Vicki worked over 25 years for the Mesa Unified School District and held numerous callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After retiring from MUSD, Vicki served a church mission at the Mesa Temple.

Vicki moved to Mesa in 1984 to raise her family and lived there the rest of her days.

Preceded in death by her husband, Melvin, Vicki is survived by her children Shari (Christopher) Mansfield, Melvin Russell (Claudette) Chapman, Amy (Eric) Campbell, and Rebecca (Ryan) Rodriquez.

She is also survived by siblings Marcia (Patrick) Mais, Rodney (Nancy) Cleverley, Diane (Fred) Prince, Steven (Denise) Cleverley, Dawna (Wade) Peterson, Annette (Richard) West, Marlene (Larry) Hilton, 12 grandchildren, 5 great- grandchildren, and many extended family members who loved her dearly.

At Vicki’s request, there will be a memorial service June 10, 2023.

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.

Roger R. Johnson passed away on March 6^th, 2023 after a long illness. Roger is survived by his long time love Pat Parkin; his Guardian since 6 years of age/Aunt Alma Bossard; and many cousins, nephews and niece.  He is predeceased by his mother Marie, and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Romaine (Jean), and Ronald (Joan).

Roger was originally from Ithaca, New York but more recently resided in Gold Canyon, Arizona.  Roger graduated from Ithaca High School and was a veteran of the USAF.  After his retirement as an Industrial Designer with Hi-Speed in Ithaca, Roger and Pat toured the country in their motorhome with their dear Schnauzers before settling in Arizona.   He was an avid bowler, golfer, and softball player.  A long suffering NY Mets and Jets fan, he really enjoyed watching them beat up on the other NY teams.

Services will be planned at the convenience of the family at a later date.

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 visitation for Barbara Watson will be  Monday 03/06/2023b at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 E Cullumber Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234. The service will follow at 11:00 am. The interment will take place Monday 03/06/2023 at 2:00pm at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, 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.

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Salonica Almonte Vicente known as Sally or Lola Sally, our loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend to all whose lives she touched on February 27, 2023.

She left us when sleeping peacefully after a short bout of illness in Mesa Arizona. She was in her 92^nd year.

Born in the Province of Antique in Philippines on December 11, 1930, she witnessed incredible changes to her world, having at her early years having to deal with World War II residing on one of the Japanese compound.

She met and married her loving husband, Abraham Gabriel Vicente, who served 20 years in the United States Navy until he retired in 1974.

She was the beloved mother of Abraham Jr (wife Karen Vicente) of Gilbert Arizona; Rosemarie Amey (husband Maurice Amey) of Mesa, Arizona and Robert Vicente of Summerville, South Carolina.   Stepmother to Josie V. Navarro (husband Martin Navarro) of Oxnard California; Michael Vicente (wife Susan Vicente) of Camarillo, California; Junie Vicente of Oxnard California.

Proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren; Travis, Ryan, Jordan Vicente; Jared and Daylan Amey; Kayla Vicente; Martin, Justin and Kevin Navarro; Dominic and Leilani Vicente.

Predeceased by her devoted husband, Abraham Vicente, her parents and many brothers and sisters.

She was known for being the ‘hugger’ and for making the best ‘Lumpia’ and ‘Pansit’ for many church potlucks.  Her love for the Lord was shown everyday by her many examples, one of which was her dedicated daily 4:00 pm Bible readings. She was a college professor at Southern Mindanao College in Pagadian City before migrating to USA. A strong Christian woman at heart with the passion of cultivating people’s heart for Jesus. Most of all, she loved her family and instilled strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 16^th from 6-9 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

The celebration of life services will be held on March 17^th at 9 am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 480-696-6883.  It will be followed by the graveside service that will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, 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.

Betty Rasinski daughter of Fredrick and Jane Hole went to heaven on February 27th 2023 at the age of 74. She passed peacefully at home with her husband and two daughters. Having battled cancer for 30 years, Betty was the epitome of strength, resilience and a symbol of hope for many. She dedicated her life to her family and loved ones. Survived by her husband John Rasinski, daughters Kimberly (Kristian) Almquist and Tracy Rasinski, grandson Dylan Almquist, sister Beverly (Steve) Sudyn, niece Christine Sudyn, nephew Brian Sudyn and sister in-law Amanda (John) Poor. A celebration of life will be held at 1 pm on April 14, 2023 in Gilbert, Arizona. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The American Cancer Society.

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.

Livestreaming of Services: https://youtube.com/live/zE9jNJ4L4rg?feature=share

Clarence Allen Rowley (Allen) passed away peacefully on February 26, 2023, at the age of 82, after enduring Parkinson’s disease for more than 27 years.  He was born August 31, 1940, in Prescott, Arizona to Clarence Marion Rowley and Adella Portis Rowley. Allen was their 6^th of 7 children. After his mother’s death, his dad remarried Madeline Smith and added 2 more siblings for a total of 9 children.

In his younger years, Allen lived in Skull Valley, AZ; Milton-Freewater, OR; Roosevelt, UT and Tempe, AZ. He also lived in Germany, serving in the Army for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days during the Berlin Wall Crisis, as a radio technician. He was on the same base as Elvis Presley. After his Army service, he immediately returned to Germany for two and a half more years to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

He married Paula McKee on December 15, 1967, in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. They lived in Mesa for 55 years where they raised their 9 children. He is known for his energy, hard work, ingenuity, dedication to his family, and devout belief in Christ. Family, friends, acquaintances, and stranded travelers benefited from his good Samaritan spirit. He was a “jack of all trades” mechanic, Army, LDS missionary, electronic technician, beekeeper, finish carpenter, RV innovator and manufacturer, entrepreneur, beekeeping equipment manufacturer, and an air-conditioning contractor.

His service to others included 20 years as a Scout Leader, where he mentored boy scouts. This included 50-mile hikes in the Mazatzal Wilderness and coaching boys for their Eagle Scout rank.  Some of his greatest honors were receiving the Silver Beaver Award and Scout Master of the Year. The family also had the honor of Scouting Family of the Year. Other roles that he held with Scouting were organizing Camporees and working at a district and council level.

His later year passions included wood-crafting, gardening, his own special style of poetry writing, WW II history, classical music, and watching the news.

Survived by his wife, Paula Rowley, and his children Lynnette Balentine (George), Larry (Melissa), Ginger Rowley (Don Platt), Kent (Briggite), Jesse, Brendan, Catherine Johnson (Benjamin), Jason (Romi), Loretta Brimhall (Benjamin), his grandchildren Andrew, Madisen, Wesley, Catherine, Brooks, Claire, Greyson, Adella, Everly, Callen, Taft, and Cosette and his siblings SuZan Brown (Forrest), and Steven (Melody).

Preceded in death by his parents and siblings Rebekah Heaney, Edward, Thomas, Catherine Taylor, Phyllis Christiansen, Ned, Daughter-in-Law Nicolle Rowley (Jesse), and grandson Mason (Jesse).

Services will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the LDS Chapel 2618 N. Lindsay Rd., Mesa Az, 85213. Viewing from 9:00 am to 10:15 am, Family Prayer at 10:15 am, and Funeral Services at 10:30 am.  Burial will be at the Mesa Cemetery.

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 Gourlay Linton passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, February 26, 2023.

John is survived by his beloved wife Mila, his brother Richard Linton and his children John (Jennifer) Linton, Andrew (Kelly) Linton , Thomas (Joy) Linton, Sarah Sherwood, James Linton, ElmaLee (Jeff) Kirk, Charles (Marriah) Linton, and his twenty-one grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Sarah Linton; son Edward West Linton; grandson Eden Henri Linton.

John was born on March 19th, 1944 in the town of Niagara Falls, NY.  From a young age, John had an innate desire to do good.  His natural ability to love everybody was felt by his family, friends and community.  After graduating high school, John and his dear friend Steve drove across the country to live in California.  It was there that John joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and solidified his resolve to serve the Lord and his fellow man.  John decided to serve as a missionary for the church and was called to the “Southwest Indian Mission.”  Here is an excerpt from John’s journal:

“In May 1966, I was serving as a missionary in the Southwest Indian Mission.  I was preparing to go home and was greatly troubled.  As the only member of my family that belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints, I didn’t know if my family would accept my religious faith or even me.  The United States was at war in Vietnam and I knew there was a good chance I would be drafted into the army immediately after my missionary service was over.  The uncertainty of my future frightened me.

Elder Spencer W. Kimball, who at the time was an apostle, was visiting the mission home in Holbrook, Arizona.  One afternoon I found myself behind the mission home with Elder Kimball in the garden.  We began to talk and I told him of my concerns.  He listened intently when looking at me and replied, ‘You are one of the Lord’s boys, and the Lord takes care of his boys.’  Needless to say I was comforted and those words sunk deep into my heart.

During the course of my life, I have often reflected upon Elder Kimball’s promise.  It gave me courage serving as a soldier thousands of miles away from home.  Many times in my life when I have felt overwhelmed by life’s problems, it was the assurance from a prophet of the Lord that I was one of the Lord’s boys that has enabled me to go forward.

Many years later I received a telephone call that Spencer W. Kimball, who at that time was the prophet and president of the church, was at the Mesa, Arizona temple.  I left work and went immediately to the temple so I could see him.  There on the steps of the temple, I told the Prophet that he probably didn’t remember me, reminded him of our first meeting & testified to him that his promise has sustained me through many hard times.  I will never forget what President Kimball did next.  He took both of my hands into  his, looked deep into my eyes and said, ‘You look sweet and clean.’”

John Linton was uniquely good and kind.  He had a genuine love for everybody he came into contact with.  To be in his presence was a gift to all who knew him.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 3rd, 2023, with a private family viewing at 9:00 A.M. and funeral service at 10:00 A.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, 933 E. Brown Road Mesa, AZ 85203.

Graveside service will be held at 12:00PM at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ  85201.

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