Find An Obituary

Hannah Laree Riggs passed away July 13, 2022.

She was born April 19th 2007 to her parents Nathan and Wendy Riggs. She was our sunshine. She will be missed. Her favorite movie was Fox and the Hound. She was diagnosed with classic autism at 2 and half and has had seizures the last part of her life. She leaves behind her Father( Nathan), Mother (Wendy), Brother (Robert), and Twin Sisters (Sarah and Amanda). She is joined in heaven with twin siblings (Austin and Elizabeth). Funeral services are Friday July 22nd. It will be at 1720 S Ironwood Road Apache Junction church building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. All are welcome to come to honor her. 9am is the viewing and 10am is the funeral.

Thank you for honoring her and remembering her. We love Hannah ?

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.

Russell G. Benson, 85, passed away July 17, 2022, having been surrounded by his loving family in his final days. Russell was born to Glenn and Virginia Benson in Salt Lake City, UT on March 6, 1937. Russ was raised on a mink farm in West Jordan, UT, where, as the oldest of seven children, he developed a strong work ethic. He was a proud “Beetdigger,” graduating from Jordan High in 1955.

Russ met his wife, Barbara Woodbury, while they were both attending the University of Utah. He graduated with an electrical engineering degree. Soon after graduation, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. They began their married life in Scottsdale, AZ and later moved to Mesa.

Russ’s childhood hobby of building radios in his basement inspired his profession in electrical engineering, which led to a long career at Motorola GED. While there, he was inducted as an associate member of the Scientific Advisory Board and ultimately became president. He retired as Chief Engineer of Advanced Manufacturing and Test. His career coincided with the pioneering age of space flight, and he helped develop critical advancements in space communication.

He gave a lifetime of faithful service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where kindness and compassion were his legacies. He carried the profound impact of his service in the Southwest Indian Mission his entire life. He served a full-time CES mission with his wife, Barbara, and a service mission at the Mesa, AZ bishop’s storehouse. He spent many years working with scouts and young adults. His prior callings prepared him for his later service as a young adult ward bishop, a calling he treasured deeply.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John. He is survived by Barbara and their children: Deborah (Bryant) Larsen, David (Cynthia), Michael (Marissa), Karla (Michael) Allen, their grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Douglas, Annette Woolley, Bonnie Busco, Richard, and Robert.

Russ cherished his family, who felt incredibly blessed by his optimism, wise counsel, and remarkable example. Services are at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23 at 925 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ, preceded by a visitation from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. as well as on Friday, July 22 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the same location.

For those who are unable to attend the services, please join us by using the following link: https://youtu.be/tPpVGKCOFsM

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.

Donald Lee Hansen, 89 years young passed away in his home on July 1, 2022. Surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Don enjoyed the Mesa area while serving Church, family and friends with his beautiful Wood Craftsmanship.

Don is survived by his wife Cleo, their combined 10 children, 26 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 on Aug 4th, 2022 at the Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church at 2605 S. Signal Butte Rd. 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.

Mary M Carano of Campbell, Ohio, passed away peacefully at 80 years of age on July 12, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona.  Her smile was infectious and her spirit could always lift up those around her.

Mary was married to Joseph Carano, who had passed in 1990.  Mary found love and a soulmate with Paul Trepanier, who had passed in 2013.  She loved art, music, great food and spending time with her family.  Mary is survived by her sister, Rena Moylan, her brother, Jay Koutsourais, her son, Joe Carano and by her loving grandchildren, Joseph and Kylie Carano.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church (2716 N Dobson Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224) on Monday, July 18th starting at 1PM.

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.

(Bessie) Ruth peacefully passed on July 8, 2022. Ruth was born on June 3, 1926 to Bessie and Raymond LeVitre. She was the eldest of three girls. Even though she lived through the Great Depression and WWII, she had a wonderful childhood in Provo, UT. In 1938 she was given free piano lessons in recognition of her amazing talent. This same year, Ruth was baptized into the LDS faith. These were her two sustaining strengths throughout her life.

Ruth married her love, Junius “W” Gibbons, April 19, 1946 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. They enjoyed 50 years together and had 8 children: Jan M’Lon (Harald) Ackermann; Athene LeVitre; Junius (Terri); Sharri (Mark) Haven; Twins Alen (Chris) and Alecia; Dale; Jeshelle (David) Koblinski.

For decades, Ruth played the piano/organ for her congregation and various Church groups. She performed in multiple trios. She thrilled her children with her beautiful music as they danced about the house. Ruth devoted endless hours to her church and the disabled; all while raising her family and assisting with her husband’s dental practice! She was always up for tending grandchildren, grabbing a bite, going to a movie or taking a trip. Together, Junius and Ruth served a mission to Alabama in 1995/96. After Junius’ passing in 1996, she volunteered weekly at the VA hospital in Phoenix until her eyesight precluded her from driving.

Ruth was a light to all who were blessed to know her. She is preceded in death by her daughter Jan, son-in-law Harald, husband Junius and both sisters. She is survived by her remaining 7 children; 21 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and countless friends. A memorial service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 23, 2022: LDS Mesa Kimble East Stake. 4640 E Holmes Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206.

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.

Lucy Jane Wilson, 17, passed away July 3, 2022.

A visitation will be July 15 at 6:00 -8:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 2701 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213.

A funeral service will be held July 16 at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 2701 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213.

If you are unable to attend the service please join the family using the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCUov0R1HRE

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.

Janille Mamie Roberts Mullins, age 83, was born in Price, Carbon County, Utah on July 28, 1938, to Carlyle Reed Roberts and Anna Janet Massa. She has a twin sister, Janette Rhoda Judd, and a younger brother, Reed Roberts.

Janille graduated from Mesa High School in 1956. She married Joe B. Nelson in June of 1959. They had three children, Jason Bernard (deceased in 2004), Julie Ann and Jennifer Jo. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Arthur Higby, her brother-in-law, Arlo Judd, and her sister-in-law, Janie Roberts. Janille is preceded in death by her husband, James Mullins, and her special fur baby, Mindy.

Janille has twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren with on on the way.

Janille is a very creative spirit enjoying painting, sewing, and crocheting. She donated countless hours of time to the humanitarian group for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved to travel and go to the movies. In her youth, she enjoyed dating and dancing. She was her own handyman.

She was lovingly cared for by true angels from Angel Home Healthcare including Jim, Patti, Frank, David and many others plus tender nurses from Hospice at Home of Arizona. Words cannot express how grateful our family is for all their love and kindness.

There will be a viewing at Bunker’s Garden Chapel on Friday, July 22, from 6-8pm with a family graveside service the next morning.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.

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 Jean Hamilton, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend left this world unexpectedly on July 5, 2022 at the age of 63 in Mesa, Arizona while battling an extended illness. She was born to Duane Carl and Mary Ann (Strellner) Gustafson of Van Horne, Iowa on September 6, 1958. She graduated from Benton Community High School in Van Horne in 1976 then started her family in 1978 in Van Horne. She later relocated to Geneseo, Illinois before moving to Mesa, Arizona in 1988 where she worked as an Administrative Assistant for many years. In 1989, she married William C. Hamilton in Mesa and they were fortunate enough to celebrate over 33 years together. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Kathy Ann Fisher (Danny) and brothers-in-law Bob Hamilton and Rod Hamilton. She is survived by her husband William, her sons Jarrod Pickering (Julie) of Currituck, North Carolina, Jason Pickering of Mesa, William R. Hamilton (Rachel) of Mesa, step-daughter Andrea (Pickering) Alt of Holbrook, New York, grandsons Duane Pickering, Holden Pickering, Trey Rollman and Greyson Rollman of Currituck, brother Kent Gustafson of Phoenix, Arizona, step-mother Janet Gustafson of Williamsburg, Iowa, mother-in-law Donna Hamilton of Mesa and sister-in-law Patricia (Hamilton) Greer of Mesa, as well as her nieces Kristin (Kevin) Spinler and Laura (Greer) Romero, nephew Kevin (Danielle) Balvin and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday July 17th from noon to three at the American Legion 1018 S. Meridian Apache Junction Az 85120.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to an animal rescue fund to be determined by the family.

For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com

Gloria Jean Lopez, born May 13, 1953, was called home on Sunday, July 3, 2022. She was welcomed by her son Richard Lopez Jr., mother Rosalie Gutierrez and brother Frank Gutierrez.

Gloria is survived by her husband Richard Lopez; her daughters April Lopez, Marinna (Tim) Sampson, Reyna (JD) Martinez, and Rebecca (David) Arvizu; 9 grandchildren Jasmine, Mikaela, Christian, Elena, Emma, David Jr., Julian, Gabriella and Layla; 1 great grand child Alaïa; and her siblings Vivian Wester and Richie Gutierrez.

On September 13, 1968, Gloria married the love of her life Richard Lopez and was blessed to have celebrated over 50 years together.

Gloria led a very happy life surrounded by family. She enjoyed reading, coloring, and putting puzzles together with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed holidays, family gatherings, cooking, and crocheting. She was a wonderful woman who is loved by all and will be dearly missed.

The funeral service will be held at 9:00am on Monday, July 11, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2339 S. Crismon Rd, Mesa, AZ 85209.

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.

Nicole R. Aslakson, age 55, of Mesa, Arizona died Saturday, July 2, 2022, at home under hospice care surrounded by her loving family.
The daughter of Robert and Ellen Arnold, Nicole was born on December 24, 1966, in Grafton, North Dakota. After living in Port Hueneme and San Deigo, California for 10 years, she moved with her family back to Grafton, during her junior year attending Grafton High School, and graduated in 1985. She earned her degree in medical records from Lake Region Community College in Devils Lake, ND.
On July 15th,1989, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Aslakson at St. Johns Church in Grafton. After residing in Devils Lake and Grand Forks, North Dakota, they then established their family home in Mesa, Arizona. Nicole celebrated 24 years, at Banner Health Systems, working as a EMPI Systems Specialist.
Nicole loved and enjoyed spending time with family, her daughter and son, and her first grandson. She loved her trips back to North Dakota, visiting her mom and sister, and extended family members. She enjoyed time curating a beautiful backyard oasis, sharing the many good times with family and friends. Her passion for shopping, finding unique items and keepsakes endured throughout her life, along with her love of music, including the many rock concerts she attended. Her love for pets gave her solace and peace throughout her life. Having life-long friends, Becky Paul and Kristi Martinez, to lean on, meant everything to her.
Nicole is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Robert, children Tanner (Tylar) and Caitlin (Brandon), and grandson Alexander, mother Ellen (Robert T.) Arnold, Grafton, ND; sister Dana (Chuck) Midgarden, Park River, ND; brother Robert W. Arnold, El Paso, TX. Also survived by nieces; Alysa Volk, West Fargo, ND: Siara Arnold, Limerick, PA; nephews; Ashtyn Eidenshink, West Fargo, ND; Jordan and Alex Midgarden, Grand Forks, ND; Christoff Arnold, El Paso, TX; great-nieces; Veda and Violet Volk, and great-nephew; Bryson Eidenshink, along with many aunts, uncles, and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert T. Arnold, sister Rhonda L. Eidenshink, grandparents Ralph and Violet Daley and her father-in-law, Milton E. Aslakson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Zion Lutheran Church, Rural Hoople, North Dakota.

Memorials can be sent to www.ocrahope.or

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.

Michael Robert Lorsch, our beloved husband, Dad, Papa, uncle, brother, and friend, completed his earthly mission on July 4, 2022. He lived a life dedicated to the Lord and his family, deeply touching all who knew him.

Michael was born on December 27, 1961 to Arthur Joseph Lorsch Jr. and Bonnie Muriel Reid, in Harbor City, California. Michael graduated from Cypress High School in 1980. He became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1981 and then went on to serve an honorable mission in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo Mission in 1983. He loved the people there, and that experience became a pivotal point in his life.

He worked for several non-profit organizations at the beginning of his career: KPHA, Easter Seals of WA, and the International office of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Simultaneously, he attended college, graduating from BYU, followed by his Master’s degree from Capella University. Early in his college years he met and married the love of his life, April Fry. The two started their forever family when they were sealed in the Seattle, WA Temple on June 22, 1985. He adored his wife April and was a devoted and loving father. They went on to have 4 children: Ryan (Katie), Justin (Cara), Hannah, and Patrick (Amy).

With his employment at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Michael took his family and relocated to Arizona. After several years there, the opportunity came for him to work with the Table Group, which ended up being his true passion. Through his work with the Table Group, he became a highly sought after Organizational Health Consultant.

One of Michael’s defining characteristics was his ability to connect to others through his humor and laughter. Great joy was brought to Michael through connecting with people, jamming on the guitar, playing tennis, fly fishing, and taking naps.

He excelled in his work with various organizations, by transforming their workplaces into healthy companies. He was known for his ability to touch the lives of so many in positive ways. He changed people’s lives both professionally and personally.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Michael served in many capacities. Some of his best friendships were formed while serving and throughout his church service, as he touched many lives. Bishop of Mesa Oasis Park Ward, Stake Presidency member, High Councilor, Elders Quorum President, Ward Mission Leader, Ward Chorister and Teacher, and more. He had a strong testimony of the Plan of Salvation, eternal families, and a great love for Jesus Christ, which he shared through his warmth and love for others. He was a shining example of genuine kindness and generosity.

Michael and April’s 4 children, along with their spouses, 4 grandchildren, with 1 more on the way, were his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. He was never shy about expressing his love for them, and they will continue to feel that love throughout their lives. Each one of them cherished their time with him and love him so dearly. He was and always will be our example of Christlike love, faith, courageous endurance, devotion to God and family, strengthening of the heavy hearts and feeble knees, and too many other qualities to name.

He is survived by his sweetheart, April, his posterity, sister Karen (Ron), nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will mourn his passing.

The family will be having a viewing on Friday, July 8,2022 from 5-7 PM at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Road Gilbert, AZ 85297. The funeral will be Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 10 AM, preceded by a small visitation at 9 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3307 S Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297 (Greenfield & Pecos).

The family does not have a GoFundMe, however there are a couple of organizations near and dear to Michael’s heart if you would like to donate: The Make-a-Wish Foundation – where Michael spent many years providing life-changing hope, strength and joy to children with critical illnesses. In addition, the Michael J. Fox Foundation that devotes research and resources to fighting Parkinson’s Disease, which was part of Michael’s Lewy Body Dementia diagnosis.

The family will be forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support offered to Michael throughout his life and during his last couple years battling Lewy Body Dementia.

Clouse, Elizabeth Crum, 90, of Mesa, Arizona passed away July 1, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born September 27, 1931 in Virden, New Mexico to Thomas R. Crum and Lucinda Mortensen Crum. She married Charles M. Clouse in the Mesa Arizona Temple May 26, 1953. Together they raised their family in Virden, New Mexico, later moving to Mesa to enjoy serving in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Elizabeth loved being a farmer’s wife and mother to five children; Melanie (Jim Price), Nyla (John Payne), Jeanie (Max Germaine), Charles Kent Clouse (Shelley), Carole (Mark Nicholas). She also was the postmaster of the Duncan, Arizona post office for 20 years. She has 25 grandchildren, 91 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren. She served throughout her life in a variety of callings and excelled in sharing musical talents with everyone. Her posterity will always remember her for her kindness, gentleness, homemaking talents, and testimony of Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 10:00 am preceded by a visitation at 9:00 am at the LDS Miramar Ward, 3345 E. McLellan Rd. Mesa, AZ 85213. Interment will follow that evening at the Virden, New Mexico cemetery at 4:00 pm. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

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.