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On November 17, 2022, Michael Vance Judd was called home unexpectedly, with his family by his side. Michael was born on September 2, 1955 in Mesa, Arizona to Vance H. Judd and JoAnn Louise Rogers. He married Tina Gayle Everett on June 2, 1978 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He is survived and greatly missed by Tina, his wife of 44 years; his brother Roger; his children Tracy (Jeff) Standage; Jessica (Derrick) Passey; Ryan (Melissa) Judd; Sarah (Spencer) Richards; and eight grandchildren, who were his delight.

Throughout his life, Michael worked in many positions in sales, customer service, and most recently as a Field Risk Specialist, a job that he enjoyed very much. He faithfully served in many Church callings over his lifetime, including as a High Councilor, member of three Bishoprics, as a Temple Worker, and most recently as a Primary teacher for the CTR 5-6 class, which was his favorite calling. In his free time, Michael enjoyed spending time at the gun range and loved playing with his grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, 85201. A brief viewing will also be held Monday, November 28, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. at the Lehi Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1430 N. Grand, Mesa, Arizona, 85201. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will then take place at the Mesa City 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.

Our gentle giant Harold McKay Jackson slipped into Eternity on Monday, November 14, 2022. After a long struggle with a prosthetic leg and other illnesses, he passed away in his home in Mesa, Arizona.

His parents Don and Orpha Jackson preceded him, along with six of his siblings; Donna and (Lynn) Rogers, Duane Wimmer, (Karl) and Reba Chlarson, Grant and (Janet Bigeler), John Raasvelt, Vernon Jackson, Delight Bowers, and Randell Perkins.
Which left four of his siblings still living; Ilene Wimmer, Loren and (Beverly) Jackson, Bruce and (Carol) Jackson, Robert Bowers, and Debra Perkins.

Harold met his eternal companion Alene Smith in 1970 on a blind date, and was married July 1, 1971, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they made their home in Clay Springs, Arizona.

Together had 5 children, 4 children living: Alain Jackson, Jason and (Karalee) Jackson, Adrian and (Alicia) Jackson, Marlita and (Matthew) Nelson. Harold had 3 grandchildren Koralee, JT, and Ethan. Lived in Clay Springs most of his life. Harold also lost one of his children in 1984, Julena as an infant.

Harold worked with block and at sawmills. He served many callings for his church which he enjoyed. He was very dedicated and faith full. He endured this life well to the end, very honorable and loved by all.

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.

Bettye Jo (Williams) Atkinson was born December 16,1944 in Odgen, Utah to Rosefelt Williams and Dorothy Lucile Thompson. She is the second of seven children. She is survived by oldest sister, Claudette Jefferson, Mansfield, Ohio. Her parents, 3 brothers and youngest sister precede her in death.

Bettye attended schools in both Ohio and Ogden, Utah where she graduated from Ogden High School in 1962.

On July 4, 1965, Bettye was united in a double ring ceremony in the Hill AFB Chapel to Mingo Charles Atkinson Jr. who was in the United States Air Force. Mingo was stationed in Vietnam within the first 3 months of their marriage, but returned home safely in 1996 to be reunited with Bettye on assignment to Lowry AFB, Colorado. Bettye and Mingo enjoyed 57 years together prior to her death on November 9, 2022.

On July 26, 1967 Bettye gave birth to their 1st son, Christopher C. Atkinson in Denver, Colorado. After being assigned to Thailand and upon her husband’s return home in 1970, Bettye gave birth to her second son, Jared J. Atkinson on May 4, 1970 in Ogden, Utah.

Bettye worked as a Janitorial Supervisor for various organizations in Phoenix, Arizona. She worked as head of Janitorial Services for the East Valley Institute of Technology until her retirement in 2020.

Lovingly, Bettye leaves behind her husband, Mingo C. Atkinson Jr.; children, Christopher C. Atkinson, Mesa, AZ; Jared J. Atkinson, Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Brittany K. Clifton, Phoenix, AZ; Dorian Arena, Phoenix, AZ; Geoffrey G. Atkinson, Sioux Falls, SD; Kristina M. Atkinson, Mesa, AZ; Stephanie A. Atkinson, Sioux Falls, SD; Kaivon K. Atkinson, Mesa, AZ., and great grandchild Eris E. Arena.

Live Stream Link To View Service: https://youtu.be/PUer5FZte3s

Elona Peel Cooley passed away peacefully on November 12, 2022 at her home in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 101. She was born on April 9, 1921 in Mesa, Arizona to Leslie Adam Peel and Edna Ann Russell. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eldon Whipple Cooley, son, Ronald Cooley, son-in-law, Peter Taylor, two granddaughters and one great-grandson; siblings Narvin Peel, Richard Peel, Mary Skousen, Evalyn Jones and LeRoy Peel. Elona is survived by her children: DeWayne (Judy) Cooley, Jeffry (Melodee) Cooley, Chris (Ronni) Cooley, Linda (Kelly) Phelps, Maryann (Daryl) Bethea and daughter-in-law, Martha (John) Storment. She leaves a legacy of 27 grandchildren, 88 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Elona attended Mesa schools and graduated from Mesa High School in 1939. Following high school, she earned a cosmetology license and was a hairdresser for a short time. On June 26, 1941, Elona married her sweetheart, Eldon Cooley, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother to their six children. She was also a great support to Eldon as he served on the Mesa City Council and as the Mayor of Mesa. During their marriage, Eldon and Elona faithfully served in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They made many lasting memories as they served missions together in Salt Lake City, Utah and New York City. Eldon and Elona enjoyed nearly 66 years of marriage before Eldon passed away in 2007.

Elona was involved in the Mesa Desert Club and enjoyed helping with their annual Christmas Idea House. She had a green thumb and loved growing pretty flowers and plants. She spent many hours doing embroidery and quilting. She also loved to travel with Eldon, and with her family. Her example of faithfully enduring to the end, serving her family and others, and her testimony of Jesus Christ is a legacy her family will cherish forever.

A funeral will be held in her honor on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Dartmouth Ward chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona 85203 with a visitation prior to the service at 9:00 am. A viewing will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. in the Relief Society room at the same location. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/.

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.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Dennis Hamilton on November 12, 2022, at the age of 81.

John was born on August 27, 1941, in Mesa, Arizona. He was blessed to live a rich, full life. John attended elementary school in Queen Creek and graduated from Chandler High in 1959. He attended Brigham Young University where he continued his love of rodeos and roping and was a member of the University’s rodeo team and Regional Director of the National Intermountain Rodeo Association from 1963-1964. A multi-generational farmer, John began farming legacy land in south Chandler, then later moved to the Imperial Valley where he farmed for thirty years. John loved horses. He owned and trained several quarter horses and loved to watch them race. He loved baseball, especially listening to it in his truck while irrigating and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play both baseball and softball.

He is survived by his wife Judy Hoopes Hamilton, four children: Anne Hamilton Bark (Richard), Amy, Ryan (Becky), Kirk (Tiffany) and seven grandchildren: Cameron, Spencer, Evan, Eliza, Halle, Anders and Kate; sisters Jimmy Ruth Scremin (John), Jana Pace (Alvin) and brother Merlin (Tug) (Sherry). He was proceeded in death by his brother Bob Hamilton (Linda). John was a loyal, devoted father, husband, and friend. He was a hardworking, kind, and generous man.

Services will be held Saturday, November 19^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4640 East Holmes Avenue, Mesa, Arizona. Visitation 9:00-10:00 a.m. Funeral 10:00 a.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.

Tressa Ash, 73, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Nov. 12, 2022. She was born September 19, 1949, in Idaho Falls, ID to Don B and Della Andersen.

She married Tony Ash in 1979 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. She was preceded by his passing in 1995. She is survived by her six daughters and one son, Carol (Jory) May, Tristin (Keith) Packer, Whitney (Brady) Pope, Taylor (Chad) Workman, Logan Ash, Tate (Syrell) Ash, Caden (Joe) Durfee, as well as 25 grandchildren and four siblings, Marcia, Scott, Faye and Robyn.

Tressa built her life around loving and serving others. If you knew her, you loved her. She was one of life’s most precious treasures. Always faithful and stalwart, she was a true example of living a Christ-centered life. Her wit, humility, compassion, and testimony will always be remembered.

A viewing will be held Friday, November 18th, from 5-7 PM at Bunker Funeral Home, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa and at 9AM Saturday the 19th at the Citrus Heights LDS church building, 2549 N. 32nd St. in Mesa. Funeral services will follow at 10AM.

For those who would like to attend virtually:  Please click the link to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/94216528624

To order flowers for the service please visit: https://www.mesaazflowershop.com/

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.

Former Lyons, Kansas resident, Norma Kelly, 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep, November 4th, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. She and her late husband Kenneth O. Kelly were married June 26, 1948 and relocated to Lyons in the summer of 1960 with their young family. She is survived by her daughters, Liz Miller, resident of Arizona, Annie Brayton, resident of Kansas and Kathy and Leland Reinert residents of Colorado. Her son Ken Roe Kelly preceded her in death.

She has 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

She and Kenneth were long time members of the local Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star organizations.

Donations can be made in her honor to St. Jude, Wounded Warrior Project, or Toys for Tots.

There is a private viewing on November 18th at Bunker Family Funeral Home in Mesa Arizona.

Please join us Friday, December 2nd at 10:30am in Lyons, Kansas for her celebration of life at Birzer Funeral Home.

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.

Live Stream Link To View Service:

https://zoom.us/
meeting ID # 480-000-1111
Meeting pass code: Emerald37

James Allen Moore passed away November 3rd, 2022, at the age of 79, in Mesa, Arizona. He was encircled by love with his wife and family members around him. He was a native of Mesa Arizona, born June 26, 1943 to James Franklin and Relma Larson Moore

Allen attended Mesa High School. He excelled in football and track and also played basketball throughout High School. He made lifelong friends who stayed in touch over the years. He attended Dixie Jr College on a football scholarship before leaving on a two year church mission to the Central States Mission. The church always had a meaningful influence on him throughout his life.

While working at Motorola he met the love of his life Lynn Gustafson. After a whirlwind courtship they were married and started a life long journey of love and adventure. Their love produced a wonderful family who are Allen and Lynn’s pride and joy. Their two sons and six daughters has expanded into a family of 58, which include 26 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. His example of love and belief in eternal families will forever bless his posterity.

He enjoyed the tradition of gathering with his family for Sunday dinner each week and attending performances and games of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lynn Gustafson Moore, and His 8 children; ERIC (Michelle) Moore their children; Kyndal, (Kent) Mann, great grandchildren: Maxwell and Collette. Landon (Kelly) Moore, and Parker Moore. STEPHANIE (Robby) Riggs, their children Preston (Erica) Riggs, great grandchildren: Romie and Nixie. Charly, Rusty and Mary Riggs. KIMBERLY (Karl) Baker, their children: Justin (Amanda) Baker, Great grand daughter Brighton. Navey (Masi) Uasike, Kennedy (Chris) Heywood, Tatum, and Boston. CHARISE (Gerald) Green their children: Halle, Jaden and Demi. HOLLY (Scott) Webster, their children: Tyler (Maddy) Webster, great grandson Hayes. Blake, Presley, and Gracey. MELISSA (Ryan) Scott, their children Bailey (Colleen) Moore great grandson Jaxx, Blane, MacLaine, and Brinkley. RYAN (Lexi) Moore, their children Addy, Berkley and Beckham. LINDSAY Moore
Sisters: Valerie (Dee) Webb, Carolyn (Mike) LeSueur and Paula Moore.

Allen loved his FAMILY MORE THAN ANYTHING and LOOKS FORWARD TO BEING TOGETHER FOREVER!!

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.

Jack Wayne Wendell 99 passed away quietly and peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on Tuesday November 8th, 2022.  He was born October 12, 1923 in the Southern California Coastal town of  Santa Monica.  Jack was blessed to live a rich, full life that spanned almost one Century.

Norma Raylean Munson’s grand entrance into the world began on February 19, 1943. She graced the lives of her parents Albert and Dorothy Hydeman as she grew into a beautiful young woman who wanted to join the FBI.  Sadly, this performance would never come to pass, and she decided to take on a more fulfilling role as a mother to her four children – Jim, Kim, Tiffany, and Parker.  This determined heroine also became a dedicated schoolteacher who would touch the lives of many students, especially those who took her drama classes.

As the family matriarch, parties, talent shows, and bug parades were just a few of the performances arranged by this gifted director. As a Sunday school teacher, temple worker, and Relief Society teacher, she endeared the people around her with her caring disposition.  Alas – this true performer shall be missed.  Encore Raylean Munson!

Raylean’s last act in this mortal existence ended on November 4, 2022 in Gilbert, Arizona.  As a mother, sister, wife, drama teacher, and friend, Raylean lived a life full of adventure.

Raylean is survived by her siblings – Nancy, Albert, and Susan; her 4 children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Molly.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Lindsay Ward chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1150 N Lindsay Rd, Gilbert, AZ  85234.

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.

Robert Odegard, 79 passed away peacefully on November 3, 2022 in Mesa Arizona.

Bob was born March 26, 1943 in Spooner Minnesota.  He married Betty Elaine Wilson on September 9,1964. They were lucky to have celebrated over 50 years together with their five fabulously spicy daughters.  Bob retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service. He started his second career in the technical industry, working  for another 30 years. He worked all over the world. His favorite assignment was Crete, Greece where he was a government contractor for 10 years.  His daily visits to the pier and coffee in the morning were his favorite rituals.  His love for cars and obscure music always left his grandchildren wondering what was next on the playlist!

Before he sees his Great Creator, he will visit the great cremator. We love you Dad!

He is survived by his wife Betty Odegard, sister Linda Jones (Les) of Montana, five daughters Yvonne McIver (Robert) of NewCastle, England, Karrie Jaster (Rock) of Washington Utah, Nicole Powell (Rock) of LIttleton Colorado, Katrina DiLeo of Mesa Arizona, Bobbi Curren (Rob) of Anchorage Alaska, his five grandchildren Stone Odegard (Sabrina) of Loveland Colorado, Kailey Smith (Alex) of Victoria, British Columbia, Jessica Moh (Travis) of Provo Utah, Rocky & Reece Powell of Littleton Colorado, along with his 3 great grandchildren Milo, Bodhi & Fynli Smith of Victoria, British Columbia.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Carl & Ruth Odegard

Funeral Services are Wednesday November 9, 2022 at 2 PM, preceded by a visitation at 1 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, Arizona 85213. Burial Service at Veterans National Memorial Cemetery – TBD.

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.

Ronald Paul Searle passed away at age 66 on October 31, 2022.
Ron was a man of great caliber, a legend to many who knew him and an inspiration to all those that knew him.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Loraine Cook Searle. He is survived by his wife, Peggy (Snow), his 8 children, Rachael Olson (Zach), Nicole Carmichael (Jaron), Taylor (Laurie Beames), Shauna Crittenden (Josh), Todd (Justine Petersen), Tyson, TJ (Kayla Keith), and Trevan, as well as their 23 grandchildren. Also surviving is his father, Paul Searle, and his siblings Kathy Gardner (Dave), LeAnne Hoopes (Dan), Scott Searle (Jennifer), and Steven Searle (Tonie).

Ron was born on October 21, 1956, in Provo, Utah. He grew up in California and Oregon, then moved to St. George, Utah, as a teenager. There he graduated from Dixie High School where he met his future wife, Peggy. Ron served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Italy Padova mission from 1975-1977. Afterwards he attended and graduated from Dixie College (1979) and then Brigham Young University (1981). While obtaining his education, Ron and Peggy were married in the St. George Temple on Dec. 16, 1978.

Ron and Peggy moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1981. He lived and raised his family in Mesa and Gilbert. It was during this time that he affected many young men and women as a Seminary and Institute teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ron was also privileged to serve in the church: bishoprics, young men’s, scouting, and Sunday school instructor. His favorite calling was always working with the young men. He knew how to teach in a way that just stuck, went straight to the heart, and stayed. Even now, over 40 years later, the mere mention of the name, Ron Searle, brings a smile to the faces of past students as they recall the influence he had in their lives. He was a master teacher and influence for good.

During that time, he also owned and operated a local jewelry store, The Diamond Consortium, located in Mesa, Arizona. Many local couples happily recall it was where they had a great experience purchasing their engagement rings. Even there he taught – a person didn’t buy a diamond without knowing the 4Cs.

Retiring from teaching and the jewelry business, he decided to fulfill his dream and made a bold move to Arivaca, Arizona, where he started the Arivaca Boys Ranch. This is where his love of adventure, horses, sharing the gospel and passion for helping the youth all merged into one. Many lives of both staff and boys were changed by his love for them and the things he taught.

Ron is beloved by all who knew him because he treated people with compassion and cared for them as if they were members of his family. He truly knew how to make anyone feel welcome. It was one of his many gifts that will continue to give, even in the afterlife. He displayed many Christlike qualities in his too short earthly life. He will be deeply missed, but his memory and example of how to serve others and show love to one another will live on.

Visitation services will be held on Thursday, November 10, from 6-8 p.m. at the Bunker Family Funeral Home located at 3529 E. University, Mesa, AZ, 85213.

A funeral will be held in his honor on Friday, November 11. Visitation service is from 12-12:45 p.m. and the funeral service starts at 1 p.m. at the church located at 1010 S. Recker Rd. Gilbert, AZ. 85296.

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.

Live Stream Link To View Service:
https://youtu.be/wWxoNhaq1GU

Susan Lee McCrite was born in September 1946 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Royce and Marjorie (Brown) Squier. Susan peacefully passed away on October 31^st at the age of seventy-six.

Susan grew up in Coshocton, Ohio, attending both grammar school and high school before graduating from the University of Akron, then graduate work at Northern Arizona University

Susan married Dwight Shobert in 1969 and had two daughters, Courtney and Kathryn.

Susan married Michael McCrite in July 2006.  They honeymooned in Alaska on a cruise ship.  They also enjoyed overseas travel to countries including Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria.  They loved spending quality time together in their home in Payson, Arizona.

Susan passionately taught world history and other subjects for thirty plus years.  Many students have remained in contact with her through the years beyond the classroom.  She was a loving mentor who modeled exemplar real-world life skills.

Susan enjoyed many activities beyond teaching in her retirement including shopping, watching movies, spending time with her grandchildren, walking her dog Harley, decorating her home for every season, and hosting delightful family dinner gatherings.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her first husband.

She is survived by her husband, Michael McCrite, brother Richard Squier & his wife Margie, and children Courtney & Katie Shobert, Kathryn Shobert, Katie & Chris Driving Hawk and Jason & Nikki McCrite.  She was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren Bryson, Benjamin and Emerson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life service at Bunkers Family Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 3:00pm on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley.

Private, family-only inurnment will occur at Valley of the Sun 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.

Live Stream Link To View Service:

https://youtu.be/mqx8EU0gvd4

Anna Jean Porter, 95 years old; daughter of Frank and Beulah Gibson, wife of William Stanley Porter, mother of Gary & Alana Porter, Sandra (deceased) & Duane Gines, Dennis & Michelle Porter, Cynthia & Phil Peden, Linda & Ross Heywood, Nancy & Dale Robinson, and KC & Wendy Porter; slipped away in her sleep on October 29, 2022 – a peaceful sleep to a joyful awakening.

Grandma Jean has 35 grand children and 64 great grandchildren.  If there was a position of service in her beloved Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held it and loved serving.

A granddaughter, Carling Rebaza captures her grandmother with the following: “When you think of the great people of this world, those who have honed their skills to become the best of the best, you think of great writers, artists, and athletes.  You don’t often think of the humble positions such as a Grandmother.

For those lucky enough to call Anna Jean Porter, “Grandma Jean”, you know that she is indeed the greatest of the greats.  She perfected her craft.  All 35 of her grandchildren and 64 great grandchildren could secretly feel they were her favorite, because that was part of her magic; a bold statement, but true.  She was a gift I could never have deserved, but one I reverence thankfully.”

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.