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Daniel “Dan” Mehalko, born November 29, 1929 in Akron, Ohio passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. Dan is a Veteran of the Korean War. He served honorably in the U.S. Army achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class E7.

Dan is survived by his children Kim, Daniele, Kelle and ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Joy and son Shaun.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 10am at Desert Palm United Church of Christ 1230 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283 followed by Military Honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

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:

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Lenna Whetten Smith, born May 6, 1927 passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 10, 2022, at age 95.

She was born in Colonia Garcia, Chichuahua Mexico to Leonard David Whetten and Lettie Beecroft (div.). Her father then married Willmirth Skousen and the family moved to Colonia Juarez where Lenna grew up and went to school. Her father passed away a short time later when she was only 8 years old. After she graduated from high school, Lenna moved with her mother Willmirth and younger sister Melvina to Mesa, Arizona where she met Arvard! Lenna married Arvard R. Smith in the Mesa Arizona Temple on January 9, 1948 and together they had 9 children, 41 grandchildren, 79 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. They started their journey living in Ajo, Arizona, then El Paso, Texas, and came back home again to Mesa in 1970 where they both lived out their lives.

Besides nurturing and caring for her large posterity, Lenna had many and varied talents and interests. She was a gifted musician and from the time she was a teen-ager until her mid-80’s, she was always her Ward organist and choir pianist.  Her music was a great blessing to others throughout her life. Lenna served faithfully in the Mesa Temple for many years along with her daughter Sharon and sister Ella. Lenna especially loved to travel and did so often – she loved gardening, reading, beautifying her home, spending time with family and loved ones.

Lenna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and daughter. She was a friend to all and always welcomed others into her home. She was a life long active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being a member of the Mesa 30th Ward for the past 50 years!

Lenna is survived by her children Sharon Bowlby (Ken), Kathy Tucker (Steve), Marie Nelson (Larry), Corinne Maldonado (Jim, deceased), Gail Tucker (Tom), Rogers Smith (deceased)(Katherine), Colette Burgess (Rod), Darrell Smith (Stacy), and sister Betty Jo Farnsworth Lamarca. She was preceeded in death by her husband Arvard Smith after 52 years of marriage, her sons Kevin and Rogers Smith, granddaughters Sherelyn Bowlby and Brittnee Tucker, grandson Christopher Smith, and her four sisters Arletta Taylor, Ella Anderson, Melvina Allen and Agnes Marine Whetten.

Viewing is Friday, August 19, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bunkers, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa (Val Vista & University).

Funeral services will be Saturday August 20, 2022 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 1911 N. 24th Street with a visitation preceding the services 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.

Russell “Rusty” Eric Williams went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. He was reunited with his father Jesse Vondele and mother Dorothy Margarite.  He passed away doing something that brought him great joy – riding his mountain bike in the early morning hours.

Rusty was a loving husband and father who worked hard and sacrificed much to provide for his family. He is survived by his beloved bride of 39 years, Tami Sue; children Leah Ashley (Christopher), Jesse Ryan, and Melissa Robyn; sister Cynthia Denise (Tony), brother Leslie Rex (Jeannie) and his grand-dog Tank.

Russell was born on July 15, 1963 in El Paso, Texas. After graduating high school in Tucson, Arizona, he accepted a position at El Paso Natural Gas Company/Kinder Morgan where he worked as a dedicated employee, recently retiring after 40 plus years of service. In addition to various career opportunities Rusty enjoyed many friendships spanning New Mexico, Texas and Arizona.

Rusty loved pursuing his many hobbies including: bull riding, dirt bike racing, hiking and mountain biking. He also loved spending quality time with his family. His happy place was up at his and Tami’s mountain house in Arizona where they could escape the desert heat and enjoy the winter snow. This past Christmas was an especially happy time for him making memories with his wife, children and their significant others.

Most of all, he enjoyed his relationship with Jesus. In his later years, he spent many hours with the Father, reading His word and learning more of His heart. Though his family feel that he was taken way too soon, they take comfort in knowing that he is in the presence of his Heavenly Father who loves him the most.

A visitation and service for family and friends will be led by Pastor Dale Finstrom (cousin) on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Bunker Family University Chapel, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 at 1 P.M. (Viewing/Gathering) and 2 P.M. (Service).

In memory of Rusty and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Northland Christian Assembly in Flagstaff, AZ.

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

Donna Lea Arledge, 85, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away on August 9, from natural causes.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, James and Claudia Bolen, and her siblings. She is survived by her four sons, Thomas J. Arledge, Steven D. Arledge, Charles D. Arledge, John J Arledge, her 3 grandchildren and numerous great, and great-great grandchildren.

Grave side services will be held at 11:30am on August 16th at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

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

Donald “Don” Garney, born August 7, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022 in Chandler, Arizona.  Don is a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He served honorably in the U.S. Army achieving the rank of Sergeant E5.

Don is survived by his wife Joanna, children Mary (Jay) Massow, Amanda (Chad) Horvath and nine grandchildren, Mallory, Mason, Meg, Alexis, Lucas, Peyton, Gwendolyn, Jeylin and Nathan, brother David Stark.  Don was preceded in death by his son, Jeff.

Services will be private, however, Don’s Facebook page will remain open and all are welcome to post memories and final words to him there.

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:

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Virginia Peterson Stradling, age 85, left this earth to return home to her Father in Heaven on Friday, August 5, 2022. She was born June 21, 1937, in Shumway, Arizona to Lamar Andelin Peterson and Goldie Rhoton Peterson.

Virginia grew up in a family of 12 siblings and graduated from Snowflake High School in 1955. After high school, she met Jack Owen Stradling in Mesa at the Mezona Dance Hall where they later married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple for time-and-all-eternity on March 29th, 1958.

She was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, of the Mesa 2nd Ward, Pioneer Ward, and most recently Sossaman Estates and attending Wagon Wheel Ward while in Lakeside for the summer. She served unselfishly in many callings within the church, with her favorite calling teaching Relief Society. She also loved to go to the Temple weekly.

Virginia worked as a Social Worker and was a life-long student who had a master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. She also participated in book clubs through-out her entire life and enjoyed them coming up to see her in Lakeside this summer.

Virginia was a loving Wife, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, and Friend to all. Virginia and Jack were married for 62 years and are survived by their four children: Jordan Stradling, Darton Stradling (Sherri), Ashley Alvarez (Troy), Amber Lee (Mike) along with 15 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, along with her brothers Scott, Jack, and Derl (Peterson) and many cousins and friends which she loved so dearly.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday August 27th, 2022, at the Mesa Lehi Stake Center at 1430 N. Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201, at 10am, with a visitation at 9am prior to the Services. Funeral will also be broadcast on Zoom.

JENIFER K LeMAY SHAFFER was born November 16, 1960, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Lester and Donna Boroff LeMay. When she was 4 years old, she went with her parents, and Eric her 4-month-old brother, on a short-term mission assignment to Johannesburg South Africa. She attended pre-school there and picked up the local accent, and people said, “she sounds just like one of us.” After 14 months, they went to Sango Otto Nigeria and lived in the bush, with no electricity, for another 14 months. They returned to Cincinnati area until 1969 when Lester accepted a pastorate at Casa Grande, Arizona. This lasted till May 1974 when they moved to Mesa and attended Central Christian Church. Jenifer had been baptized in Casa Grande, but when she moved to Mesa, Central became her church home for the rest of her church life. They were very active and served in many areas over the years.

She graduated from Mesa High School, where in her last year she was doing part time work as an accountant as part of her curriculum. She got an associate degree in accounting at Mesa Community College. She then did accounting work, eventually starting her own business, Shaffer Bookkeeping Services, which supported her the rest of her life.

She met Bob Shaffer at church, and they were married at Central Christian (Mesa) on May 29, 1981. He had an accounting degree from ASU, then became a postal carrier. Later he joined Jenifer in her accounting business, even calling her “boss.”

In 1997 they adopted Kathryn Anne (Katie) and brought her home at one day old. She continues to be a delight and a blessing.

In 2019, they became a part of the startup group for Central Christian Church in Tempe, and she remained serving there in many capacities. Over the years she and Bob supported several missionaries/organizations, as well as local charities like Choices Pregnancy Center and Center for Arizona Policy.

Jenifer was aiding her aging parents by doing their grocery shopping and assisting with online shopping and banking. But on July 1^st Jenifer suffered some pain that eventually led to her gallbladder being removed on July 3, 2022. It turned out to be an aggressive cancer and God took her home the day before she was to begin chemo.

She is survived by her husband, Bob and her daughter, Katie. Also, by her parents, Lester and Donna LeMay, and her brother, Eric.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations in Jenifer’s name to Samaritan Aviation at http://samaritanaviation.org/shaffer.

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.

Keith Bion Griffin, born November 29, 1950, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2022. An adoring father and grandfather, loving husband, faithful disciple of Christ, gifted storyteller, even-handed businessman, and purveyor of many ice creams, Keith always made his family his very top priority. Whether Sunday dinners, rides on construction equipment, a hike in the Arizona mountains, or just a drive to the grocery store, Keith made each family member feel important around him. His work as business owner, bishop, scoutmaster, and owner of any tool you might ever need to borrow also brought him great joy.

He was welcomed home to heaven by his parents, Edna Lenora Libby and Heman Evander “Van” Griffin, as well as sister Nancy Nelson and granddaughter LaRae Schindler. Keith’s tradition of kindness, generosity, hard work, and good humor will be treasured by his surviving family; siblings Elva LeSueur and Richard Griffin, wife Tannis Thompson Griffin and their children Sarah Griffin Kanno, Camille Huber (Landon), Rachael Griffin (Matt Welker), Noel Valderrama (José), Spencer Griffin (McKenzie), and Anna Schindler (Weston), as well as 9 beloved grandchildren.

Services are Saturday, August 13^th at 11am, preceded by a visitation at 9:30-10:30am in the chapel at 3345 E. McLellan Rd. Mesa, AZ 85213. In lieu of gifts or flowers please donate to the Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

To join services virtually click the link below: https://zoom.us/j/98657841829?pwd=aHpZMDk2UktqVG5GTkxDSmYvZ2JJdz09

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.

Darlene Marilyn Duke (Moore), age 80, passed away Wednesday July 27, 2022. She was raised the middle of three children. Her older brother, Larry passed away at an early age and Darlene is survived by her younger sister Sheri Whiting.

Darlene always considered herself close to God, and experienced many faiths growing up. As a young adult, she discovered the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and gravitated straight to it. She became a member and chose to go on a mission. It was on her mission to Chile that she met her future husband, Charles Robert Duke.

Darlene attended college at Colorado State and BYU and received a diploma in Music Education. Darlene taught at several schools throughout her career, but many of the students she interacted with were underprivileged youth. In addition to teaching music, Darlene played many instruments. Including but not limited to ukulele, piano, accordion, and clarinet.

Darlene married and is survived by Charles Robert Duke in 1967 and eight children were born from this union. Being a wonderful mother to these children was one of her greatest accomplishments.

She is survived by all 8 of her children, 24 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

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.

Barbara Roberts Porter, 64, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 4 August 2022. She was preceded by her father and favorite dance partner, David Roberts, and many loved ones. She is survived and celebrated by her mother, Junith Roberts; her sweetheart, D. Ryan Sr.; her 6 children Ryan Jr. (Zandra), Audrianne Long (Jeff), Mark (Noelani), Jeff (Shannon), Sam (Carol), and Annamarie Merkley (Ryan); 21 grandchildren; and 9 siblings.

Barbara spent her life in the service of others through her numerous roles in church, her career as an emotional processing facilitator and trainer, countless unsung acts of kindness, and in her unceasing daily care and sacrifice for her family. She spread hope, healing, and heaven everywhere she went, and her greatest joy came from supporting and celebrating the joys and achievements of others.

Services for Barbara will be held Saturday, 13 August at 9:00 a.m., in the Mesa North Stake Center chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 933 E. Brown Road, Mesa. Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, 12 August, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, and at 8:00 a.m. before services at the church.

Services can be viewed live at the following link:  https://youtu.be/tHF56ZY6z-s

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.

Caitlin Rose Geahlen gained her angel wings on July 27, 2022 at the age of 26. Born September 9, 1995 in Mesa, AZ (where she lived all her life). Known by those who love her as Cat, Kitty Cat, Sissy and Midge, Caitlin’s love of life and love for others showed in everything she did. Her greatest joys in life were her 3 daughters: Pattyn, Rosalie and London.

Loved and forever remembered for her wittiness, kindness, strength, thoughtfulness, humor, caring heart and bluntness. Always the life of the party, she was adored for her fiery, free spirit and being full of love, living life wild & free. Cat’s beautiful personality, smile and laugh were so contagious and will always be in our hearts.

Survived by her daughter Pattyn Leia Cranston, mother Darlene Gechter, father Jason Gechter, sisters Danielle, April & Hannah, brother Jaren, grandparents Donald & Constance Geahlen, Uncle Thom, Aunt Cindy and cousins Ashley, Travis, Samantha, Kyler, Ricky, Dennis & Sherri. Also survived by many close friends that she considered family. Caitlin’s unconditional love and acceptance are unmatched and will always be remembered. Her final resting place will be at the Mesa Cemetery. Until we meet again, “Live Free”.

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.

Cecil Robert Lewis Sr. born June 06, 1943 and was called home on July 31, 2022. There to meet him was his Father and Mother Bernard & Myra Lewis, Wife, Lillian Lewis, Son, Merlin Lewis, Siblings, Pansy Lewis, Bernell Lewis Sr. ,Ronald Lewis, Loranda Carlos. Cecil leaves behind 3 siblings Bernadine Lewis, Verda Lewis & Leon Lewis. Left to carry on his traditions are his children, Michelle Lewis, Melanie Lewis-Baca, Monica Woody, Eva Lewis, Cecil Lewis Jr. , Sara & Victor Williams. His legacy will continue through his 20 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

Cecil started his Culinary Training at Washburn Trade School in Chicago,Illinois. In The Late 60’s. He worked for many downtown restaurants while attending school. He improved his talents and became Executive Chef for many Valley Premier Properties such as Biltmore, John Gardener’s Tennis Ranch, The Wigwam Resort,Phoenix Country Club, Adam’s Hotel, The Phoenician & Gila River Casino. When Cecil wasn’t in the kitchen he was riding his horse and doing team roping. Also playing the guitar for T.O. Choir. Cecil left the casino and changed career paths and served two terms as a councilman for his district on The Gila River Indian Community, Cecil was an advocate for the Elderly in his community. He also assisted with the At Risk Youths. Recently Cecil was assisting South America Refugees, once they arrived in Phoenix. He made trips to Bosas Donuts to get his donut and coffee. He loved to spend time with his great-grandchildren. Cecil was a well known and respected man and will be missed dearly by all! 

The Funeral Service will be held at 5am Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Vahki Cemetery in Casa Blanca, Arizona. 

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 Georgie Miller, 81, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on July 29, 2022, at home in Gilbert, Arizona. Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 10AM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Linda was born to Elnora Herlacher and George Mathews in Pima, Arizona on March 31, 1941. She graduated an accomplished scholar and outstanding athlete from Pima High School in 1959, attended Eastern Arizona College, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. To support her family, Linda held many jobs, including started a preschool in Pima and in Clifton, Arizona (“Linda’s Little Learners”), worked as a librarian, for the Copper Era newspaper, Phelps Dodge, and an optician to name a few. She ended her career in banking, beginning with Valley National Bank and ending with Bank One as a vice president. She retired from banking in 1999.

Linda adored her husband, Jim, a man she considered her soulmate. Linda was dedicated to her family and was never happier than when she was with them. She loved her children and great grandchildren, but her grandchildren were truly the light of her life.

She is survived by her husband, James “Jimmy” Miller, the love of her life; four children, Justin (Jane) Upton, Stephanie (Arnold) Espinoza, Heather Evans, Corbett (Laurie) Upton, and stepchildren Jason (Karissa) Miller and Michelle (Kevin) Bunger; 10 grandchildren: Derek and Trevor Espinoza, Haley, Ryan, and Hilary Evans, Shannon Upton, Kailey Devries, Nick Bunger, Hannah and Zoey Miller; and nine great grandchildren: Lyla, Leo, Alea, Daphne, Isaac, Elliott, and three more TBA very soon. She is also survived by her sisters Anita Plant and Nora “Jeannie” Kuczynski. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, brother James “Butch” Mathews, son-in-law Rodger Evans, her high school sweetheart and father of her children, Larry Upton, and her grandparents Earl and Velva Long.

If you wish, Linda would appreciate a memorial donation in her name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

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.

Alice Jeanette Johns born October 4, 1934, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She died of natural causes.

Alice was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandma, great grandma, and great great grandma. She had many talents and hobbies. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Alice loved to do crafts and make things for her family. Most of all Alice loved her family and her partner in life Pete. Alice will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Alice is survived by her daughter Cindy and son in law Kent, her son Robert and daughter in law Melissa, 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.

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.