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Our incredible Mother, Diana Louise Kilgore, 80, died suddenly on Saturday, August 20, 2022, in Mesa, Arizona

She was born in Weston, West Virginia, on 29 October 1941, to the late Duward SR. and Nina Cottrill. She was married to Boby Kilgore for almost 48 amazing years and widowed on 7 February 2012.  She is survived by Two Sons, Christopher Kilgore and Wife Cynthia Kilgore: Todd Kilgore, Wife Sandra Kilgore, Grandson Kody Kilgore and Granddaughter Kylee Kilgore: One Daughter, Teresa Whitt, Husband Hal Whitt, Granddaughters Mattie and Megan Whitt and a Sister-In-Law, Jeannie Cottrill. Her Brother, Duward Cottrill JR. proceeded her in death.

She always worked to help support her family. She worked many types of jobs, in many different places, as a Military Wife has to do. She retired from Boeing after years of hard work and dedicated service to those around her.

However, what you really need to know about our Mom, is she was someone to look up to and want to be like. She had always worked hard at caring for her children, as our Dad traveled proudly serving in the United States Air Force. She cared for the home, the cars, the bills and anything else that life threw at her. She was very competitive when it came to sports. She was an Athlete in School, but found joy in Tennis and Softball as an adult. She could pitch a softball that you never thought would come down, aka “The Dew-Drop!” She traveled the world and got to see things some of us could not never imagine. She rode Camels in Egypt in front of the Pyramids, toured Rome and saw a Bull Fight in Spain. She reveled in the fact that she could Always take care of herself and anything else that came her way. She was a great friend to those whom knew her. She was also the best person to support and cheer you on! 

It is so hard to say “Good Bye” for now. We hope that you can join us to Celebrate her Life on November 5, 2022 at 9:15 am at the Bunker Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ.

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

Marylin walked into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ at 11:57 am Oct 16, 2022. She was born Jan 12, 1944 to the late Susie and Olen Owens of Ft. Smith Arkansas; she is preceded by her parents and Sister, Linda Mitchell. She is survived by her husband Ben, son Ben (Skip) and wife Nancy and daughter Tina Mileham and husband Bob. Six grandchildren; Ben (JR) Roberts, (Kellie), Chanel Hurja, (CJ), Tara Fontana, Brittney Hamilton, (Tommy), Shay Fontana, (Josh), A J Fontana, (Mia), and five great-grandchildren.

During her early years in high school her family moved to a suburb of Houston, Texas. There she was to meet her future husband, Ben. They married Oct. 28, 1961. They moved to Arizona in 1964 with their young son and added a daughter in 1965. Marylin worked in the school system and as a Secretary with a variety of small businesses. Her longest tenure was with AiResearch, Garrett Corp.

Marylin’s most prized relationship was with the Lord, He blessed her with the ability to play the piano and play it she did. She touched the hearts of all who heard her play.

The funeral service will be held at 11:ooam on Mon, Oct. 24th Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00am.

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.

Ava Marie Sorenson left this world way too early at the age of 17. She unexpectedly passed away in her sleep at home on Thursday, October 13, 2022 after losing her battle with substance abuse, and is now at peace.

Ava was a beautiful free spirit. She loved listening to music, going to concerts, fast rides at amusement parks, camping, traveling, and of course, hanging with her friends.

She loved rainbows, starry nights, collecting crystals, the ocean, looking for seashells, and building sandcastles on the beach.

Ava is survived by her Mother, Lynn Sorenson and Step-father, John Montez, along with her Father, Kenneth Fasci; Siblings Sarah Sorenson, Mark Montez, and Marley Montez; Her Auntie Leslie; Uncle Chris, and Cousin Allie. She is also survived by her Uncle Mike, Auntie Kayla; Uncle Matt and Auntie Maryellen; cousins Katie and Ryan; nephews and niece, Michael, Owen, Keira; grandparents Maurice and Cynthia Sorenson, Rosalie Fasci; Great Grandmother, Marilyn Sorenson; extended family members, friends, and her beloved pets Maggie and Cookie.

Friends and family are invited to attend her viewing on Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 2-4 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Family kindly requests first hour is reserved for immediate family only.

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.

Shirli V. Coons, 95, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona.  Shirli was born to Fredrick William “Bucky” Veil and Mae G. (Robaugh) Veil on December 9, 1926 in Cresson, Pennsylvania.  She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband Donald V. Coons, brothers Fredrick Veil, Henry Veil, Charles Veil, and sisters Dorothy (Veil) Thompson, Betty (Veil) Lancaster, and Jean (Veil) Stock.  Her sons Donald Scott Coons and Eric Alan Coons also live in Mesa, Arizona and with her in her final days.  Shirli graduated from the Cresson Joint High School in 1942 and began work as an assistant teller at the First National Bank of Cresson.  Shirli and Donald V. Coons were married on October 20, 1945 while he was a pilot of captain’s rank in the Army Air Corp.  Shirli and Donald built their home in Cresson in 1953, where she lived until moving to Mesa, Arizona in 2014.  In 1958, Shirli took 15 years off of work to raise her two sons, after which she became an office assistant, and eventually Office Manager for the Cooney Brothers Coal Company.  Shirli’s husband Donald passed in 1987, and Shirli continued working at Cooney Bothers until retiring age 68 in 1994.  Shirli is survived by her two sons Eric and Scott, three grandchildren by Scott and Mary Ann (Van Nest) Coons: Allison (Coons) Wolf, Kristen Coons, and Stephanie Coons, and three great grandchildren by Allison: James Coons, Karina Coons, and Logan Valencia.  Shirli will be cremated at the Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel in Mesa, Arizona and will join her husband Donald at the Alto Reste Cemetery in Altoona, Pennsylvania.  No services are planned at this time.  Shirli loved dogs, so in lieu of flowers donations to the Cambria County Humane Society (https://www.cambriacountyhumanesociety.com) 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.

Marvin Wilcox Hollingsworth, 92 passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona on October 14, 2022. Marvin was born in Preston, Idaho on June 14, 1930 to Marvin LaVern and Marjorie Hollingsworth. He is preceded in death by his wife June and his second wife Lana. Marvin is survived by two of his brothers, Bill and Gyle Hollingsworth, a good friend LaDean Jones, his four children Robin Waldeck (Roland),  Peter Hollingsworth (Jetaun), C. Scott Hollingsworth (Nannette), and Collette Mabey (Mike). He also left behind 14 grandchildren and 37 great-grand children.

Marvin served in the army as a first sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He transferred to the front lines so he could be with his brother Bill.

Marvin was a hard worker. As a field geologist he worked for NY Natural Gas and US Steel in Pittsburgh, and Alcoa Aluminum in Phoenix. He was a beloved high school teacher in Preston, Idaho teaching geology, earth science and physics. He served a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States Mission. His many church calling included serving in multiple bishoprics, a Gilbert temple worker, a high councilor, cannery service missionary, a scout master and a home teacher.

Marvin loved to hunt, fish, hike the Grand Canyon, rock hound with grandchildren, and skydive. He also had a love for reptiles. Many turtles and tortoises have lived in his backyard.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 21 from 7-10 pm at Bunkers Mortuary 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.

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.

Nicolle (Nikki) Bodine Rowley, born April 20, 1980, peacefully passed away on October 12, 2022, at her home in Gilbert Arizona. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Jesse Rowley, and 17-year-old daughter Madisen.

Nikki was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona where she graduated from Mountain View High School in 1998. She reveled in being a homemaker and a mom. Her biggest joys in life were her children. Nikki touched many people’s hearts by showing courage and strength through her 10-year battle with cancer. She experienced many trials in life, including the loss of her son Mason, who died in 2018 due to brain cancer. Through patience, she lived an exemplary life. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

The funeral services will be managed by the Bunker Family Mortuary, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. The funeral will be held at noon on Friday October 21, at 777 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert, Az at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. An additional viewing will be held Thursday October 20, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the same location.

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.

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.

James (Jim) Arthur Skoglund, 79 passed away peacefully on October 9, 2022, in his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Rita and Arthur Skoglund in Chicago, Illinois in 1943. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth (Jack) Wilson. Jim (Sergeant Skoglund) proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Air Wing Communications Squadron 48. Following his service he married his high school friend, Anita Diehl (Osmun) and celebrated 22 years together raising their two children in Chicago and New Jersey. In 1999 he was blessed to have found love a second time and married Sharon Peck, enjoying life together raising three more children. In most recent years, he found love again with Carole Smith who completed him.

Jim led a happy active life filled with tons of family and friends. He loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, he loved his country (and his politics), he loved his American Legion Post 138, he loved work, he loved to keep busy and absolutely LOVED to help people in need. He has touched so many lives throughout his 79 years and will be truly deeply missed.

Left to carry on his traditions, are his children Dawn (Art) Vernon, Jim (Cathy) Skoglund, Kevin (Amy) Peck, Denise (Ray Norcini) Dorsey, and Rachel (Juan) Herrera. His legacy will be continued through his grandchildren Alyssa, Annie, Zack, Oliver, Colin, Noah, Ava and Alex; and his great-grandchildren Deklen, Rylan, Kinley, Zayden and Amery.

A visitation/viewing will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 3pm – 5pm (MST) at Bunker Family Funerals University Chapel on 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. In Lieu of flowers, donations to the American Legion Post 138 are suggested. There will be a Celebration of Jim’s Life on Saturday, December 3, 2022 starting at 5pm (MST) at the American Legion Post 138 – 107 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282. Thank you to all who have been part of this amazing man’s life.

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.

He was a graduate of West Phoenix High School in 1973.  Following graduation, Mark enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1973.  He served aboard the USS Independence aircraft carrier for two years with an honorable discharge in August 1975.  Mark received an Associate in Arts degree from Phoenix College majoring in Criminal Justice.  Mark worked for Safeway Grocery for approximately 20 years.

Mark was an avid baseball fan his whole life and was completely devoted to his beloved Chicago Cubs.  Fortunately, Mark was able to enjoy the Cubs finally winning that elusive World Series Championship in 2016.  He also loved his Phoenix Suns.

Mark was predeceased by his mother (Elizabeth) and father (John).  Survivors include four brothers and seven nieces and nephews.

A military honors service for Mark will be held at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona Friday, October 21^st at 11:00am, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ  85024.

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.

Linda Taylor Mortensen Scrowther Moore, 81, passed away on October 4, 2022, in Mesa, Arizona after a brief illness. Linda was born on January 4, 1941, in Safford, Arizona to Grant Cardon Taylor and Ione Ellen Johnson Taylor.

Predeceased by her son Lee Cardon Mortensen, daughter Lisa Louise Mortensen Wolcott, and her parents, Linda is survived by her husband, Art Moore; daughter Leslie (Brian) Thorne, son Lyn Mortensen; grandchildren Lauren Wallace (Jason) Ray; Demi (Anthony) Rainaldi, Taylor Brog (Dominic Garcia), Brenna Mortensen (Eddy Yunkherr), Gwenyth Mortensen, Dylan Brog (Shalynn Peterson); great-grandchildren Korben Ray, and Addelyn Rainaldi. She is also survived by her sister, Kay (Bob) Nixon, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Linda grew up in a loving home in Safford, Arizona. She graduated from Safford High School in 1959. She attended Eastern Arizona College then Arizona State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Linda worked for 30 years as an educator. Linda was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints especially enjoying her callings in Relief Society.

Linda married Lyle Mortensen, had four children, then later divorced. Linda then married Bruce Scrowther until his passing. She reconnected with Art Moore in 2009 and they fell head-over-heals in love. The day they got married, later that evening, they attended their 50^th high school class reunion in Safford.

Linda was known as intelligent, musical, a great athlete, and an awesome teacher. She was an incredibly self-sacrificing mom, a wonderful big sister, and loving wife. She had a great laugh and a fun sense of humor. People loved to be around her and in her home. Her home was always beautifully decorated. She was a fabulous hostess and threw the best parties. She especially loved the holidays, notably Christmas and Halloween. She had a green thumb like her dad with roses being her favorite flower. Her yard was the envy of all around her. She was so stylish, always totally put together and loved to change her hair color all the time. She always kept us guessing.

Though Linda suffered the loss of two of her children, she still kept her heart open and loving. She was fierce and brave and taught her family to keep going. She always wanted the best for her family. She will be greatly missed.

A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held at the Thatcher Cemetery.

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.

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and matriarch; Sonja Gehring, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family in Mesa, Arizona on October 4, 2022. Sonja had a sister, Carolyn (Val) Player, and a brother, Jay C. (Dawn) Nichols.

Sonja was born February 7, 1937 in Los Angeles, California daughter of John Clifford Nichols and Ivy Zola Nichols. Sonja married her eternal sweetheart, Clarence Lamar “Lou” Gehring on September 16, 1957.

Sonja served for many years in the Utah Women’s Civic League contributing social, civic and cultural services to the community. She also served the Lord in many capacities including the Relief Society, Primary and Young Women’s organizations. Sonja loved working on humanitarian projects and loved any opportunity to sew and provide for those in need. One of her favorite hobbies was making “heatable huggies”. If you were lucky enough to receive one of these, then you have a treasure made personally with her loving, serving hands.

Sonja was a hard worker, she worked for Beneficial Life in downtown Salt Lake after graduating from High School. She was employed as a secretary for many years and when Sonja and Lou relocated to Arizona, she worked for over 30 years as a legal secretary for Udall, Shumway, Blackhurst and Lyons Law Firm.

Sonja took great pride in being a wife, mother and grandmother, she cherished her grandchildren. No one was a stranger to Sonja; she was a friend to all she met. Sonja passed on her love for Diet Coke, Black licorice and frosting to her children and grandchildren. Her faith, love, service and sweet example have and will continue to sustain her posterity. She is survived by her children, LuAnn Gehring, Mesa, Arizona, Rob (Lori) Gehring, Heber City, Utah, Mysti (Timmy) Brown, Mesa, Arizona. 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren with two on the way.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Mesa East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona at 10am with a viewing at 9am. There will be a viewing Thursday evening, October 13, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona from 6-8pm. 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.

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.

Noreen Lockwood Adams passed away on October 1, 2022, after a 19-year battle with cancer. Noreen was born in Burlington, Vermont on December 30, 1948, to Norris and Eva Edwards. Her beautiful legacy continues through her and Ronald’s three children, Julie Carmen (John III), Jason Adams (Kathy). and Jennifer Ray (Nate) and her ten incredible grandkids and two beautiful great-grandbabies. Noreen was a kindhearted soul loved by all. She was goofy, easily scared, beautiful, and one heck of an animal lover. Those who knew Noreen never regretted doing so. She welcomed and cared for everyone as if they were her own. Noreen was not only a wife of 50 years but also a mother and a caring, most loving grandmother to her grandchildren. All of her family and friends will deeply miss her. Noreen is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Paul Adams, and her amazing parents. A viewing will be held at the Bunker University Chapel 3529 E University on Friday, October 14th, from 5-7 p.m. and another at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Building located at 1911 N 24th St in Mesa from 10:00-10:45 a.m. on October 15th with the funeral following at 11 a.m. The graveside service will be at 1 p.m. at the Mesa Cemetery located at 1212 N. Center Street. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a dog rescue or shelter of your choice.

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.

Butch Ray

Everyone who knew James Walter Ray knew him as Butch Ray.   At age 79 he died in his sleep Wednesday morning, September 28, 2022 at his home in Gilbert where he had lived for almost 50 years.  He was born August 6, 1943 to James Walter Ray Sr. and Leah Sabin.  He was the 4^th of six children, 3 sisters and 2 brothers who were raised on south Lazona Drive in Mesa, Arizona.  His brother Wilford died as an infant.

Butch participated in the band, pole vaulting and FFA at Mesa High School graduating in 1961.  He attended BYU for one year and served a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Idaho in the Northwestern States Mission.

Butch married Linda Diane Merrill on September 9, 1976 in Mesa.  Linda brought a son, Jared Brown, to the marriage and Butch brought a daughter and a son, Tanis and Mike.  Soon after their marriage Sharon Esson, age 14, came to them as a bonus child.  Together they had four more children, Rocky, Sam, Jalin and Susie making eight children in total.

Butch worked on his father’s dairy from a young age and suffered a leg injury at age 8 when he fell into a corn chopper.  He was lucky to have survived.  Butch was no stranger to hard work managing a dairy where there was work to do 7 days a week.  He and his brother Lyal took over Racrest Dairy after their father had a stroke and Butch later bought out Lyal when he moved to Texas.  One of his greatest skills was fixing motors, engines or anything with moving parts.  When the dairy sold, Butch continued in the agriculture business driving his own truck hauling hay and green chop.  After his personal truck was destroyed by a fire, he drove a truck for Pete Harris of Dark Thirty Trucking well past retirement age.

In the 70s and 80s Butch was an avid competitor in Tractor Pulls, actually building the tractor with Jim Harris.  He traveled to California as well as eastern states placing at the top in many competitions.  In his younger years he won many trophies in drag racing at the Bee Line Race Track.  He liked to go fast and knew how to rev up the engine!

He is survived by his devoted wife Linda, 8 children—Tanis Crofford (Steve) of Gilbert; James Mikel (Katie Ewing) of Mesa; Jared Merrill Brown (Marliena Ellis) of Mesa; Sharon Esson Perez (“Sonny” Manuel) of Olney, Texas; “Rocky” Calvin Philip Ray (Lorie McBride) of Las Cruses, NM; Samuel Isaac Ray (Michelle Martinez) of ­Casa Grande;  Jalin Klemme (Patrick) of Glendale; Susan Garcia of Gilbert; He was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren;  Sisters, Leah Elaine Ashcroft (Phillip—deceased) of Mesa, Glenna Shappell (Lyle) of Gilbert, and his brother Lyal Harold Ray (Dorothy) of Selma, California.

He is preceded in death by a brother, David Wilford Ray and a sister Margo Wendelboe (Charles Alison Wendelboe–deceased) as well as his parents.

After a cancer diagnosis in 2013, Butch had life altering health issues as well as extreme knee pain.  Despite the struggles Butch demonstrated unwavering faith, wanting to be in church every week.  He was a kind hearted man, considerate of others, always finding the good in people.  Through the years he always carried a positive attitude even in the midst of trials.

Butch will be missed!

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.