Find An Obituary

Vonni Vay Hiss Davies, age 72, was finally able to get her wish of a beautiful reunion with her dearly departed sweetheart, Dennis Davies.  This joyous reunion took place on Friday, October 21, 2022.  Her four children, Brennon (Melinda) Davies, Dondia Davies, Daci Davies, and Jenica (Aaron) Ballard were not ready to see her go, but are happy that this reunion has taken place on her behalf. She has also left behind 8 adoring grandchildren, and 6 loving siblings who will miss her tremendously.

She loved serving God and others, and spending time with her family while her health allowed.  She spent her life creating magic through various art forms: drawing, writing, singing, various musical instruments, and dancing. Dancing was a special joy to her and now, freed from the confines of a deteriorating body, she is once again able to do what she loves most. She always said that she would dance again when she got to Heaven. We love you Mom! Dance to your heart’s content with Dad.

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.

On October 22, 2022, Edith Victoria Brito Standage was called home after fighting cancer and many other health challenges throughout her life. Vickie was born March 23, 1942 in Talca, Chile to Agueda de las Mercedes Gutierrez and Erasmo Segundo Brito. After moving to the United States, she married Melvyn Richard Standage on May 5, 1966 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Richard and Vickie were blessed with seven children, 28 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Vickie’s faithfulness and compassion were evident to all who knew her. In addition to many Church callings, she and Richard loved their time serving a mission in the Central America Area Public Affairs mission. Vickie had a gift for seeing those who needed her love and care. She had endless love to give to others. Many have considered her a second mom in their lives. Her main focus, however, was always her own children: John (Anna); Richard (Gayle); Paul (Tammy); Tina (John) Bushman; Julie (James) Turner; Jeff (Tracy); and Laurie (Brian) Amos. After 56 years of marriage, her devoted husband, Richard, whom she lovingly called Skip, will dearly miss the love of his life. She will also be missed by her four sisters Hilda, Lucy, Rosa, and Gloria, and many other family members and friends.

A viewing will be held Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. A brief viewing will also be held Friday, October 28, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. at the Mesa Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1050 S. Hobson, Mesa, Arizona, followed immediately by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will then take place at the Mesa City Cemetery.

For more information, please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would love to see Vickie’s tradition of love and service continue through all the people whose lives she touched.

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.

Nancy Prescott Ellsworth passed away at home on October 18, 2022, having confounded doctors who confidently gave her three months to live in 1989.  She succumbed to a recurrence of cancer.  Nancy was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 22, 1957, and moved with her military family to Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Washington state, graduating from Central Valley High School in Veradale/Spokane Valley, Washington.  She met and married Dorne Ellsworth while attending Brigham Young University.

She is survived by siblings David (Marj) Prescott, Jr. and Russell (Donna) Prescott, sisters Jatuan (Stephen) Miller and Nicole (Gary) Dusbabek, husband Dorne Ellsworth, three children [Abram, Anthon and Bethany (Minor)] and 13 grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Alice Prescott; a sister, Janell Prescott Monterroso and Tessa Ellsworth, her granddaughter.

Nancy will be remembered for her smile, her artistic tastes and talents, her love of family and her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is natural and proper to say she will be sorely missed, but we are certain her influence will continue for generations.

Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funeral Homes, with a viewing at their University Chapel, 3529 East University, Mesa from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2022. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 29, at 9 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 5620 East Adobe, 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.

Allen Dale Stradling graduated from this life on October 17, 2022. Born March 21, 1949 in St. John’s, Arizona to Marvin and Daphne (Lewis) Stradling, Allen was eleventh of twelve children.

He learned the value of hard work and perseverance from his parents, which served him as he worked through the difficulties of Perthes disease as young boy. He didn’t let physical difficulties stop him from participating and excelling in baseball and basketball, in which he lettered in high school. Allen pursued a business degree at NAU, becoming part of the first class to earn his master’s from the school’s MBA program. While at NAU, Allen met and fell in love with Pola Parker whom he married on January 25, 1969. Al and Pola welcomed four children to their family. Allen loved his kids and often commented that while he may not be rich by the world’s standard, his family made him the richest man alive. He adored his grandkids and loved being a grandpa. Allen had a deep love for his country which he instilled in his kids and grandkids. An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he willingly served in many callings to support whatever ward he was in.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Daphne, as well as older siblings Reed, Jim, Dean, Edith (Johnson), Verena (Dargie), Robert, Steven, and Richard. He is survived by his wife and sweetheart, Pola, his four children Mark (DeeAnn), Cynthia (James) Sutherland, Rebecca Wood, and Jennifer (Nicholas) Barnhurst, as well as his 20 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Services to celebrate Allen’s life will take place at 10 am Saturday, November 5, 2022 with a viewing at 9 am at the LDS chapel located at 1150 N. Lindsay Rd. Gilbert, AZ, 85234.

Many thanks to the medical staff at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center for their care and attention to Allen in his final days. 

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.

On September 15, 2022, Bruce Piggush passed away due to complications during a medical procedure in his home city of Mesa, AZ.  He was 61 years old.  Just like he dealt with all his experiences in life, Bruce managed his illness with strength and grace and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. In his final days, he was surrounded by loved ones and was constantly checking to make sure they were doing ok.

Bruce was born in Kankakee, IL to Harold and Dolores Piggush. He grew up with his brothers, Glenn and Lyle in the same house his parents bought when they married. As a teen, he loved spending his time swimming and being an active member of his church and community. As he got older, he attended college to study computer science. This sparked his passion for technology and science. He was also a member of the volunteer Fire Fighting service in both Wonderlake and Woodstock, IL for many years.

Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Bruce and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly love his family. In addition to his wife, Jackie Piggush, his children (Jason Hibbs and his wife Marilou, Jami Fletcher, Jessica Piggush and Brynn Castaneda and her husband Kirk), grandchildren (Helena and Jasmine Barnett, Mia, Madison, Elizabeth, and Lacey Fletcher, and Wyatt Piggush), Bruce is survived by his mother, Dolores Piggush, and brothers, Glenn and Lyle Piggush, and countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by his father, Harold Piggush.

One of Bruce’s final wishes was to forgo typical funeral services and instead asked to be remembered in a joyful celebration of 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.

Clarence H. Harmon passed away peacefully on October 17, 2022 in Gilbert, AZ. His loving wife Catherine E. Harmon passed less than 24 hours prior, on October 16, 2022. Clarence was born November 19, 1934, and Catherine was born November 28, 1935. They were married on September 17, 1953.

Both, Clarence and Catherine, owned and operated Harmon’s Safe Lock & Key in Mesa, Arizona. They loved each other so much that they couldn’t stand to be apart, even in death.

They are survived by their 4 children, Ralph, Traci, Denise and Brian. They have 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, whom they all loved so much. They will be missed but forever loved.

Funeral services for both will be held Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 933 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ 85203.
Visitation will be at 10:00 am.
Services will be held at 11:00 am.
Graveside services will be held at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona, 85201, at 1:00 pm.

Funeral arrangements handled by Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way 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.

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.