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Heaven truly rejoiced, as a Beloved Daughter was called home. For indeed, she brought joy wherever she went.  Shirley Lynn Sykes Knight, 79, passed quietly and peacefully into the loving arms of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, February 3, 2023.  Her favorite Hymn was, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”, and that is truly the example by which she lived. She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and her countenance always reflected her great testimony and love of our Savior and His Restored Gospel. Shirley showed her faith in everything she did as she taught each of us to love unconditionally, to forgive freely and that service is the true measure of our love of God.  Family was everything to Shirley and she loved to entertain and literally feed the world.  Her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered at her knee to be showered with love and wonderful food and laughter and memories. Her brother and sisters were her best friends, and every single niece and nephew called her Nana because she was so much more to them than just an aunt. Her influence for good was felt throughout her life as she faithfully served in every organization of The Church.  Many lives were touched for good as she served in her favorite calling as an ordinance worker in the Lord’s Holy Temple.  She was an extraordinary cook and was always the first to sign up to bring a meal to a sick friend or just someone in need. Shirley was a magnet and others were automatically attracted to her. She had lifelong friends with whom she always kept in touch, and she loved them dearly. In the days before her passing, each and every  family member and friend who lives in Arizona came and knelt by her bed and whispered to her of their love and enduring respect for her.  Many others who reside out of state, facetimed in order to see her beautiful face just once more and convey their love.  We absolutely weep for our loss, but we rejoice for our Shirley and the wonderful reunions on the other side of the veil, for we know that Families are Forever! Shirley will be our mother, grandmother, sister, nana, aunt and friend for all Eternity!

Shirley Lynn Sykes was born on May 13, 1943, in Kirksville, Missouri.  She was the third child born to Francis (Happy) Sykes and Margaret Strait Sykes joining her big brother Don and big sister Kay.  Three years later the family found their true home when they moved to Mesa, Arizona. The family was complete when Shirley became an adoring older sister to Fleta and Francine.  She was a darling little girl who was always a peacemaker and made friends so very easily.  She was an amazing dancer and cheered on the Pom line at Mesa High School.  She married her high school sweetheart, Gail Knight and they had three beautiful children, Christopher Gail Knight (Sue), Lori Lynn Hyland (Craig) and Tauna Kay Osborne (Preston).  There was never a better mother than our Shirley for she truly adored those three little blessings.  Her life was spent working, supporting and loving her babies, for even though they are grown, they will always be her babies!

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Don, and her sister, Kay.  She leaves behind 3 children and spouses, 2 sisters, 15 grandchildren (including spouses) and 23 great-grandchildren, 28 nieces/nephew (including spouses) and 58 great and great-great nieces/nephews and many cousins.

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.

Our beloved husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend, Rex Leroy Zimmerman, peacefully left this earthly life on Monday, February 6, 2023 at his home in Gilbert, Arizona.

Rex was the oldest son of Henry Leroy Zimmerman and Dena Mary Otis. He was born February 16, 1941 in San Jose, California. He was a fun loving and kind hearted child who loved music, sports, nature and people from an early age. His love of sports and music led him to San Jose State University where he would meet his eternal companion, Charlene Ann Dilley. They were married on June 14, 1963 in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Life Science and taught high school biology, coached football and baseball. When they moved to Arizona in 1969, he became a financial planner and tax consultant. He was a wonderful husband to his wife of 59 years. He was the best father to his six children, an amazing father-in-law, grandpa and great grandpa. He literally loved everybody. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel like they were the most important person. As soon as Rex met you, he loved you. His big heart and loving ways brought joy to so many throughout his 81 years. He fulfilled his church responsibilities one hundred percent, and if you were lucky enough to be home taught by him, you learned what it truly meant to be a minister. He is survived by his wife Charlene, and his six children, Lisa (Mitchell) Wilson, Brian (Jennifer) Zimmerman, Amy (Shawn) Peterson, Julie (Steve) Shepherd, David (Shelly) Zimmerman, and Eric (Michelle) Zimmerman. He has 36 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, with 3 more on the way. Rex is also survived by his brothers Ron (Linda) Zimmerman and Don (Susan) Zimmerman, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Dena Zimmerman, and great-grandson Logan Barry. “On To The Celestial Kingdom Together!” We love you Dad! Services will be Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Higley Stake Center, 1865 S. Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85295 at 11:00am. There will be a visitation starting at 9:00am. He will be laid to rest at Gilbert Memorial Gardens. There is also a YouTube link to view the services. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2N257T1Y5AuOWVYYs5GJyQ

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://zoom.us/j/92205369120?pwd=QjlCNVNvWUxqVFdDSm9UVzdZcjJPZz09

Donn Seymour Bowman, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, Scoutmaster, builder, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 2 February 2023, just a week short of his 99th birthday.

Donn was born on 9 February 1924 in Colonia Dublán, one of the Mormon Colonies of Mexico, to Claudious and Jennie Bowman. He was the sixth of their nine children, seven sons and two daughters.

Donn was full of life and fun. He appreciated and loved all his teachers, even though he caused them some grief because he also loved mischief. He, along with his brother Keith, Dan Taylor, and Moroni Abegg, formed a club they called “The Winged Four”. They built and test-piloted model airplanes, using the clubhouse they constructed as a study hall and laboratory for that hobby and many other adventures. They also formed bonds of friendship that lasted for over eighty years.

Donn gave the valedictory address at his eighth-grade graduation and then attended high school at Juarez Stake Academy in Colonia Juarez. He enjoyed the twice daily bus ride from Dublán, singing, laughing, and studying with his friends. He was elected editor of the school newspaper his senior year. His first official date with his future wife, Maurine Lunt, was to their graduation dance in May 1942; he described her as “the most beautiful, vivacious girl in school”.

Donn financed his first two years at Brigham Young University by cutting weeds around campus and working as a night watchman. He was then called as a missionary in the Mexican Mission from 1943 to 1946. Maurine served in the same mission until the summer of 1945. As Donn put it, “The mission rules weren’t broken, just strained a little” while they served in the same area for several months. Later Donn became editor of the mission magazine and other publications. It was at his suggestion that President Arwell Pierce asked President David O. McKay for permission to use the name “Liahona” for the mission magazine. This change became effective with the January 1945 issue. The Liahona was eventually published throughout South America and is now the name of the Church’s worldwide magazine.

When Donn returned to Dublán after his mission, he found Maurine engaged to someone else; but, with encouragement from his father, he won her heart and they married in the Mesa Temple on 26 April 1946. After a summer working at Jacob Lake, they returned to BYU and struggled together as he continued his education. Maurine worked as a waitress and took in boarders, while Donn taught Spanish classes at BYU, worked swing shift at a cast iron pipe company, and sold a one-volume encyclopedia. They had two children before he graduated from BYU in May 1949, majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Zoology.

Having taken pre-med classes, Donn applied to the University of Utah School of Medicine and was accepted as an alternate. With help from family members, he bought a house on First Avenue in Salt Lake City in the same ward as President David O. McKay. They had two more children during their years there. To pay off their loans as well as meet the expenses of a growing family, Donn worked as a laborer in construction, sold and installed tile and formica, and held a job as a chemist.

When Donn’s father was called as President of the Mexican Mission in 1953, he asked Donn and Maurine to sell their home in Utah and move with their four young children to Dublán to live in the family home while he was gone. Donn took over the operation of the flour mill, which had been rebuilt after a fire in 1951. When his father was killed in a car accident in 1958 while traveling on mission business, the move became permanent – but the job wasn’t.

The mill had been sold in 1957, and Donn had turned to construction to make his livelihood. He built up a business that included carpenter, structural iron, and machine shops and a building materials store. He trained men to do plumbing, electrical, and masonry work. He designed and built and/or remodeled most of the homes and swimming pools built in Nuevo Casas Grandes and the Colonies during the next 15 years. His work included partnerships with Church supervisors to build schools, a gymnasium, and new chapels. He planted an orchard out on the flat, which he later sold to his brother Claudius. He and his brother Keith developed a successful cattle ranch out near the lakes.

Tragedy struck when the Bowman pioneer home burned down in 1973, but Donn was always optimistic and positive about life. He and Maurine held a family council with his four youngest children, all born in Mexico and still living at home, and the decision was made to use the insurance money to first build a pool and tennis court and then build a new home.

In the fall of 1969, Donn began teaching at Academia Juarez. For the next 19 years he taught English, American History, and shop classes, including carpentry, auto mechanics, welding, printing, and mechanical drawing. To improve his teaching skills, he attended summer classes at BYU. He worked with the BYU technology department to transfer their outdated equipment to the JSA. Besides shop equipment, he helped acquire a multilith printer and a Veratype machine. He stopped teaching at the end of the 1988 school year.

Donn’s lifetime of service in the Church began soon after he moved to Dublán. He was called as a counselor in the Dublán Ward Bishopric from 1953 to 1956, and again in 1985. He served as a counselor in the Juarez Stake presidency from 1956 through 1968. He was a Gospel Doctrine teacher and Ward YMMIA President, and he and Maurine served as Branch Presidents in Hidalgo from 1978 to 1983.

In addition to these callings, Donn volunteered to be Scoutmaster in 1967 and spent 19 years serving in that capacity for countless young men. He then became stake scout director in 1986 and built up scout troops in every unit of the stake, as well as working with units in Nuevo Casas Grandes and Ciudad Juarez.

Donn and Maurine served a full-time mission together as directors of the Church Visitors Center in Montevideo, Uruguay, from 1989 to 1991. Donn also traveled around the country to encourage implementation of the scouting program there. After returning home, they moved to Mesa, AZ in 1992 to be closer to their children. They served as workers in the Mesa Temple, but loved to return “home” to the Colonies at every opportunity to visit family and friends.

Another trial began in 1995 when Maurine was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. Her death on 4 January 2002 was a painful loss after 55 years of constant companionship and love, tempered only by the knowledge that they would be together again.

Donn continued to serve in the temple, where he eventually met Nancy Iacoi, whom he married in the Mesa Temple on 19 April 2003. They were able to travel extensively together both before and after serving in the Cochabamba Bolivia Temple Mission from January 2004 to July 2005. Nancy passed away unexpectedly from the effects of a brain hemorrhage, on 25 April 2008 in Scottsdale, AZ.

One benefit of Donn’s call to serve in the Cochabamba Temple was that President Faust set him apart as a temple sealer. This gave him the opportunity later to perform sealings for over 20 of his grandchildren and other family members.

Lonely once again, Donn eventually began dating Dorothy Kalember, whom he married in Scottsdale, AZ on 2 January 2009. They took many trips together, but by August 2012 her battle with dementia was becoming increasingly obvious. Donn continued to care for her in their Scottsdale home until a fall sent him to the hospital for ten days in May 2019 and then to a rehabilitation center for physical therapy. Dorothy was placed in a respite
facility; she never was able to speak after his accident and passed away on 8 June 2019, before he could resume caring for her. Donn moved to the Citadel in July 2019, where he lived until the time of his passing.

Donn was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Claudius, Bob, Wesley, Keith, Maurice, and Tracy; his sisters Dorothy McClellan and Kathleen Criddle; his three wives, Maurine, Nancy, and Dorothy; his son-in-law Gerald Cardon, and three of his grandchildren, Brett and Rae Dawn Bowman and Donn Carlos Brown.

Donn is survived by his eight children: Marza Cardon; Greg (Kathy) Bowman; Renee (John) Hatch; Dan (Kellie) Bowman; Harold (Alicia) Bowman; Donn (Nancy) Bowman; Roxie (David) Brown; and Rhett (Colleen) Bowman; 42 of his 45 grandchildren; and 118 great grandchildren (with more on the way!). He will be missed by the extended Bowman and Lunt-Taylor families. Many will especially miss his birthday and Christmas cards,
packed with pictures and inspirational messages.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, 15 February 2023, at the Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ. On Thursday morning, 16 February 2023, a viewing will begin at 9 a.m. and services will begin at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 4640 E. Holmes Ave.,  Mesa. Interment will be in the Mesa City Cemetery following the services.

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.

Joye Larson Smith passed away peacefully on February 4, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona.  She was born to James Milas Larson and Katie Agnes Welker on July 10, 1929.  She married Glenn S. Smith in 1949, and they had seven children, living the last 52 years in Thatcher, Arizona.  She lived a very happy, active life filled with family, friends, and many activities such as painting, church, and stage productions.  Glenn and Joye served LDS Temple missions in Atlanta, Georgia and Mexico City, Mexico.

She is survived by her children:  Steven Smith (Georgia); Annabel Hall (John); Linda Carpenter (Mannie); Kenny Smith (Anneta); Sterling Smith (Paula); Nathan Smith (Shelly); and Heather McMullin (John); with 29 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Friday, February 17, 2023.  A graveside service at Mesa City Cemetery will be on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 9:00 am.  A funeral/memorial service will be held in the LDS Stake Center in Thatcher, Arizona on February 18, 2023 at 3:00 pm.

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

Brigitte Agnes Keilflug (Kacmarek) Howell passed away peacefully on January 23, 2023, at her home in Gilbert, Arizona.  She was born in Leibuch Kreis Schwerin an der Warthe in Germany, close to the Polish border to Martha Keilflug Kaczmarek and Roman Ludwig Kaczmarek.  After her mother’s death, 8 days after she was born, Brigitte was adopted by her uncle Linus Florian Keilflug and his wife, Martha Wesolek Keilflug. 

Brigitte grew up in Berlin, traveled to London working for a British family, then to Washington D.C., and finally joined the American Army as a WAC (Women’s Army Corp).  It was in the Military at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, that she met and married her husband, Virstee Howell, Jr.  They were married for 67 years.

Brigitte is survived by her husband, Virstee, their children Gwendolyn (AZ), Michael (CA), Kathleen (CA), and Ellen (TX), and her three grandchildren Steven and Kevin Reeves (AZ) and Christine Wheeler (PA).  In Berlin, she is preceded in death by her brother Manfred, who she loved so dearly.  She leaves behind her brother’s wife, Gerda, her niece Marion Hülsemann and husband Rudi, their children Benjamin, Jacquelin, and Sven, and their grandchildren, Niclas and Julian.

She is remembered ever so fondly by her LDS community for her generous, sweet, and sassy spirit; by her children for her creativity and resourcefulness as a young mother with 4 children, Mutti’s storytelling about her life in Germany, her ability to be funny without even trying, and her unashamed abandonment to laughter that invited you to follow along.  She is remembered by her husband for her undying love and fighting spirit through so many trials in life.  He lovingly calls her a “tough cookie”.

In lieu of flowers, please send cards to include memories of time spent with “Kitty” that can be shared with her family in the U.S. and Germany. She would have loved this since she was the master cardmaker.

John H. Jose Jr., a proud member of the United States Marine Corp., passed away January 23, 2023.

John H. Jose Jr. is survived by his siblings: Daryl Jose Sr. Cynthia Jose, Henrietta Jose, Dylan Jose,

Herschel Jose, Felinda Pacheco, Leticia Jose, Valerian Jose, and Norbert Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Iva Lee Smith and John H. Jose Sr., and by his siblings, Stanley Kisto, Karen Kisto, Martin Sanchez, and Luis Ruiz.

A service honoring the life of John H. Jose Jr. will be held February 4, 2023 at Vah-ki Cemetery located at

4150 W. Casa Blanca Rd., Bapchule, AZ 85121 at 9:00 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.

Ronnie Ray Blackham was born November 19, 1945 in Mount Pleasant, UT to Ray D and Dorothy (Shepherd) Blackham. Growing up, Ronnie loved to play baseball. He was an amazing left-handed pitcher. He was scouted by the White Sox in high school. Ronnie earned his Eagle Scout award in his teen years.  He graduated from North Sevier High School in 1964. He then attended Snow College in Ephraim, UT and went on to get his bachelor’s degree in Statistics and Computer Sciences from Utah State University in Logan, UT. On September 10, 1965 he married LaReta Seely from Redmond for time and all eternity in the Manti, UT Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple. After moving from UT to AZ in 1984, Ronnie worked for the City of Mesa Fire Department until his retirement in 2010. Although he would say he walked the dog and greased the pole, he worked with and managed the city’s communications system for the fire department. From 2014-2016 Ronnie and LaReta served a two-year full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake. They worked hard and loved the people they served with.

Ronnie had an infectious sense of humor and wit. Up until he passed, he kept his family laughing. He loved all things Disney, baseball, and family. Ronnie loved to go to Disneyland or Disneyworld as often as he could with LaReta and his family. One of his favorite things was to take LaReta and their grandchildren to Disneyland around the time they turned 10 years old. The grandkids loved this tradition and looked forward to their one on one time with Grandpa and Grandma at the “happiest place on earth”. He loved to travel and would often take trips to see the fall colors in the north eastern states. Throughout his life, Ronnie served and gave willingly and freely. All who met him, loved him and his kind heart. God and his family always came first; he was incredibly selfless. Ronnie passed away on January 28, 2023 in Tempe, AZ after a year of health issues. Ronnie is survived by his wife LaReta, their four children; Rhonda (Mark) Huish, Jeremy (Becky) Blackham, Kimberly (Eric) Pyles, and Shelly (Edward) Hiatt, sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was welcomed to the other side by his father, mother, baby brother and many loved ones. Although we miss him terribly, we are thankful his body is no longer struggling. We rejoice in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that we will be with him again someday.

A viewing will be held at Bunker Mortuary University Chapel 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213 February 10, 2023 7pm- 8pm. The funeral services will be held at the Mesa South Stake Center 2334 E Pueblo, Mesa, AZ 85204 on February 11, 2023 at 11am.

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.

Betty Jane Crosier, age 85, of Mesa, AZ passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023.  Betty was born August 6, 1937.

Betty met her loving husband Dave in the 1940s when she visited her aunt and uncle, who lived across the street from Dave’s childhood home.  They spent time together and stayed in touch over the years before their first date.  They married at age 21, which resulted in a love that spanned over six decades.

Betty was highly devoted to her family.  She represented an important pillar of support for her children, always encouraging them on their efforts, and being present for their important life moments.  Later, she enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with her 8 grandchildren.  Her goal was to see some of them graduate high school and college, which included one last month.  It was a special joy for her to also see two great grandchildren.

Betty enjoyed her trips to Laughlin and Las Vegas, NV and looked forward to larger family get togethers during holidays.  She was known for her big smile, friendly warmth, empathy, and supportive nature.  She was genuine.  She will be missed by all those who were blessed enough to have known her.

Carrying on Betty’s legacy, she is survived by her husband, David Crosier, daughter Sandra Dean and her, fiancée, George Griffin, son Dale Crosier and his wife Luciane, son Daniel Crosier and his wife Rachel, grandchildren Nicole Lints and her husband Miles, Christopher Dean and his wife Karrisa, Edgar, Parker, Emily (Zee), Claire (Cam), Grayson, Nathan, and great grandchildren Christopher, Jr and Chloe.

Fond memories and any expressions of sympathy can be shared at: www.bunkerfuneral.com for the Crosier family.  Celebration of life will be for the family and at a later time.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are suggested.

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.

Streaming – https://zoom.us/j/93064926445?pwd=K01TcStzOXlqSmRya1dscDlKZGE3Zz09

Janet Louise Ashcroft nee Monroe was born 10/25/1937 in Greeley, Co and passed into eternity 01/27/2023. Her last day on earth was peacefully spent surrounded by family and friends.

She met and married widower Major Herbert Curtis Ashcroft in 1967. They married and started their life’s greatest adventure. She was a trusty navigator along with their faithful dog Freddie in their fifth wheel travels over large areas of the US and Canada. They also traveled the world together. Their life’s great adventure included raising racehorses, restaurant ownership and selling real estate. They celebrated over 51 years of marriage before Herb’s death in 2019

She was a loving and devoted mother to her four step children: Bruce Alan and Susan Eleanor, who preceded her in death and survived by Michael Curtis and Sharon Elisabeth along with 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She also is survived by and was the beloved sister of Clyde Monroe and Sharon Regina nee Monroe and many nieces and nephews

When Janet met Herbert she was teaching fourth grade in Albuquerque, NM and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa teacher’s sorority. They were always busy doing things for each other, their family and their many friends. They lived life to the fullest. She was a fantastic cook and baker. She won several blue ribbons at the fair for her Pecan Pie, bread and butter pickles and other assorted canned goods. She enjoyed Broadway musicals, playing cards and piano, crocheting, puzzles, reading and genealogy.

She faithfully dedicated many years of service to the LDS church and the Mesa Temple.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 9th, 2023 at 5620 East Adobe in Mesa AZ. Viewing at 9:30 AM – Funeral Service at 10:00 AM

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.

Marshall Masteller, 78, passed away on January 16, 2023 in Phoenix Arizona. He was born to Robert and Berneda Masteller in Hampton, Iowa on April 26, 1944.

Marsh loved his grandchildren, Gabe and Lily, and spent many years watching them in all of their activities. He enjoyed all sports, but particularly the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa State Cyclones. He loved golfing and looked forward to the yearly fishing trip with his friends to Canada. The Arizona sunshine was where he could be found during the winter months.

Marsh received a heart transplant in 2005. That gift of life allowed many good years he would have never had. Special thanks to the donor and the Iowa University transplant team.

Marsh was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Jason Newbrough. He is survived by his daughters, Amber (Tori) Masteller Wichita, KS and Angie (Ryan) O’Brien Bondurant, IA. Partner Nancy Colburn Hutchinson, KS. His brother, Marlan (Terri) Clear Lake, IA. Grandchildren Gabe and Lily O’Brien. Nephew Morgan (Heather) Masteller Belmond, IA. Nieces Mia Masteller Clear Lake, IA and Dr Haley Newbrough Mason City, IA and several more close friends and extended family.

Although he will be missed, we can be thankful for all the wonderful times spent with him.

Celebration of Life events are planned for March 5th 2:00-4:30, Good Life Resort, Saguaro room in Mesa, AZ and April 22, 2023 at the Nord Kalsem Shelter House in Huxley, IA from 1:00-3:00.

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.

Carol Peterson Allen, 86, passed away peacefully, after a long struggle with illness, on January 25th, 2023, at Citrus Manor in Mesa, Arizona.
Carol was born on April 26th, 1936, in Ogden, Utah, to parents John Victor Peterson and Edna Hadley. Carol was their first child and oldest daughter. As a youth, Carol took second place in the Miss Roy Pageant in 1953 and won first place for a dress she made at Print Dress Day in 1954.

Carol graduated from Weber High School and met Covel Allen on a blind date, arranged by Covel’s brother-in-law, Lynn Slater. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS temple on May 23, 1958 and lived in Ogden, where they welcomed four of their five children. They moved thirteen times throughout their marriage, living in various cities in California including Hayward, Walnut Creek, Costa Mesa and Irvine (where their fifth and final child was born), finally settling in Phoenix.

Their family continued to grow as their children married and multiple grandchildren added to their joy. Carol was a doting mother and grandmother; spending countless hours cheering them on at athletic events, concerts, programs and award ceremonies. She has often commented how her greatest joy is being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren.

Carol worked many professional jobs through her lifetime working as receptionist and data entry specialist as well as a professional cake decorator, but always remained fiercely devoted to her family, allocating the bulk of her time and attention to their care. She was an excellent cook, producing her own legendary cookbook, and was always a willing and talented hostess. A talented seamstress and crocheter, she gifted many blankets, washcloths, booties and other items to her friends and family through the years.

Her loved ones will remember Carol as one who adored her family and had a very deep testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. She had a tender heart and never gave up on anyone. She chose to see the best in people, always looking for ways to help them see it too.

Carol is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Covel Allen, and her brother Ray. She is survived by her five children, twenty-one grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings Janet (Mel) and Sharon (Marnel).

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 31st from 11:00-12:00 with visitation from 10-11 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, Arizona. On Saturday, February 4th, there will be a gravesite ceremony in Portage, Utah where she will be buried next to her beloved husband, Covel Allen.

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.

Frank H. Petersen, 86, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona. Frank Petersen went by Pete most of his life. Pete was survived by his wife Luelle Petersen of 47 years.

From his first marriage he had two children Tommy and Debbie. With his second marriage he helped raise Lucille’s four kids: Bobbie, Lucy, Vada and Keestle. Pete has 5 Grandsons, 8 Granddaughters, 9 Great-Grandsons, and 7 Great-Granddaughters.

Frank (Pete) W. Petersen loved to be outdoors with his horses or going camping or fishing.

Celebration of life will be on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 10 a.m. at  Red Mountain Park 7745 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ 85207 to enjoy a day of fishing in his name and memory.

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.

Herald Creighton Schade (84), born September 19, 1938 to James and Hazel Schade in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on January 22, 2023 in Gilbert, Arizona. His life was filled with kindness and love for others. He was compassionate to all and there was nothing he would not do to help someone in need. Herald loved his wife, his own mother and siblings, his children, grandchildren, and he had a family that extended far beyond blood relations. He was a friend to all, and a grandpa and father to so many who grew to love him and accept him as their own as he did for them. Herald was known for his kind and gentle heart, his good sense of humor, and his ability to connect and interact with people. How he loved to talk.  

Herald spent his life living in Arizona and served in the Air National Guard, for a time being stationed in France. After an honorable discharge, in 1963 he married Betty Marie Dilley in the Mesa, Arizona Temple, where she became his eternal companion. Herald obtained a BA in History and an MS in Education from Arizona State University. He loved to play basketball and was an avid golfer, and you would often find him playing with family and friends. Herald had a successful career in High-school education, where he affected so many as he taught and coached baseball (including an undefeated season) and golf. He loved sports, watching them with friends, and eating at Manuel’s with those he loved. His whole life revolved around family and friends. He loved them dearly. That love was amplified by his religious convictions and he was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was strong in his faith, loved his Heavenly Father and his Savior, Jesus Christ. Few things pleased him more than talking about Jesus. 

Herald is survived by his dear wife, Betty, his children, Aaron (Karla) and Stacy, his grandchildren Jenna, Elizabeth, Ethan, Adam, and David, his sister Alberta, brothers John and Robert, nieces and nephews, and so many more who grew to love him dearly. Herald loved them with all his heart and cared for them to the very end. His life will live on for all of us and the lessons he taught us will continue to resonate in our lives. Thank you for the life lessons you taught, not just in word, but mostly in deed. We love you. We will miss you until we meet again. 

Visitation will be at 11:00AM Friday, January 27, 2023, followed by funeral services at 12:00PM at the Crystal Shores Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Gilbert Arizona, 1005 North Voyager Drive, Gilbert, 85234. The internment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N Country Club, Block 1268, Mesa, Arizona. Graveside dedication will begin at 1:30PM.

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.

Streaming – https://zoom.us/j/93783963767 , Additional Visitation Saturday, 1/28 at 10:00 a.m.- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 1550 North Val Vista Road Mesa, AZ 85213

Bryce LaRay Jenkins returned to his Heavenly home surrounded by his loving family on January 16, 2023. He fought an incredibly brave battle with lymphoma cancer. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Born April 30, 1955, son of Dan and Louise Jenkins in Farmington New Mexico. Bryce is survived by his beloved wife Brenda (Bren) Paul Jenkins, his dear daughters, Breanna Graham (Eric), Karis Stapley (Justin “Jace”), Brecklyn Bawden (Jacob), Kelsey Fisher (Matthew) and fifteen cherished grandchildren and his siblings, Marque Matthews, Jill Homer (Brad), Lori Solomon, Shauna (Monte) Phelps, and Jay (Eileen) Jenkins.

Bryce was first and foremost, a man of great faith. He did not just talk the talk, but he walked the walk. His life stands as testimony of what he believes. His greatest joys were with his family and friends. He was a talented and honorable builder. Bryce is the founder and owner of Capstone Custom Builders for over 20 years. All who know him note his honesty and integrity.

Bryce loved dinners out with family and friends, the outdoors- his awesome fishing trips, exploring, and he found a lot of pleasure in the things he would find in the form of interesting rocks, arrowheads, and shells. His beautiful collections bring us wonderful memories of many family beach trips to Mexico, and California. Blessed with a green thumb plants favored Bryce and flourished under his care in his gardens. His love of country inspired patriotism in many people. He was an avid reader.

He is well known for his understanding of the Holy scriptures and blessed others with his insights. Bryce has a talent for sharing his knowledge in relatable ways as he served in church callings and as a missionary. One of the great experiences of his life was serving as a missionary, sharing Christ’s Gospel for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Ireland. He cherished his relationships made with those on The Emerald Isle!
Upon returning, Bryce studied at Brigham Young University. He also gained valuable skills working with his father as a journeyman brick mason.

In 1977, Bryce met his sweetheart Brenda (Bren) Paul in Modesto Ca. after she returned from serving a mission. As the luck of the Irish would have it they were married on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1978, for time and all eternity in the Oakland California Temple.

He and his family moved from California to Mesa Az. in the early 80’s where he liked many things about the desert, just not working in the summer heat! His family grew as they welcomed four beautiful daughters. Each of their arrivals brought him great joy. He was so proud of them and loved supporting each one of them as they grew up and gained families of their own. When his lovely daughters married he was happy to finally welcome sons into his family!

Bryce, aka “Papa” adores his grandchildren! Playing, storytelling, and patiently taking time to indulge their curiosities as he explained the how’s and why’s of things and enlightening their young minds.

In the final stretch of Bryce’s journey, he expressed daily the deep gratitude he feels to all who have served him, prayed for him, and cared for his wife and family. Saying “Thank you” does not seem to say enough to express his appreciation!

Bryce loved serving with Bren together in the Mesa Az. Temple. Through his humble actions, we have learned volumes, more than anything he could have spoken.

Above all, Bryce’s greatest treasure is his family, his deep and abiding testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his faith that all people can be blessed through following the Savior. That was evident in all he did. He knows as we keep our promises to Them, our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ, keep their promises to us. The gift of eternal life and the ability to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father, are promised to all of us. Bryce knows this. One of the last things Bryce told us was “Keep your promises.”

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.