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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.

James Bryan Greenlee 78, a longtime resident of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on June 28, 2022, surrounded by his family.  Twenty-seven days was all he could take without the love of his life. Jim was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 10, 1944, to Stanley Glenn Greenlee and Margaret Otto Greenlee. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, while stationed in Japan he met his wife of 57 years, Phyllis. He worked in the hospitality industry for over 40 years. He was involved in the Masonic Lodge, Shrine, and the Masonic youth organization Job’s Daughter’s. He loved to travel with his wife, family, and friends. He loved his family and was very proud of his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved children and spent many hours laying on the floor playing with them regardless of relations. He opened up his heart and home to anyone and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.  He is proceeded in death by his wife, Phyllis, and parents. He is survived by Daughters Jodie Greenlee, Jill Sclease (Rob), Grandchildren James van Arkel (Hannah), Jenna Shaver (Andrew), Joshua Sclease, Bradley Sclease and Emmalee Sclease and great grandsons JJ, Duncan and Ace as well as his brother, sister, brother-in-law, and sister(s)-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and all his adopted kids, and grandkids. He will be tremendously missed and forever loved.

Memorial Service Saturday, July 9th, 2022, at Bunker University Chapel 3529 E. University Drive Mesa, AZ 85213 at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow.

Join via Zoom: (papa) Jim Greenlee Memorial https://zoom.us/j/.92095970242

Meeting ID: 920 9597 0242

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations in his name to Shriners Hospital for Children 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive Tampa, Florida 33607

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.

Silvia Hernandez lived a rich life of love, dance, food, family and friendship. Her passing leaves a big hole. Thankfully she gave us the roadmap to a great life. She taught us all the important things: love, dance, food, family and friendship.

Silvia leaves behind her brother Hector Vazquez and sister Lupe Garcia. Silvia has three children and their spouses: Norma and Frank Davis, Luis and Sylvia Vasquez and Adrian and Mandi Turner.

She left the world a magnificent legacy of 19 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Fortunately for us she also left some great recipes and a song in our hearts and all the right dance steps.

Come be with us as we say goodbye on July 6 2022 at Bunker Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial, Mesa AZ 85201.
Viewing from 11am to 1pm and promptly at 1:05pm we will celebrate Silvia’s life.

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.

Morley John Smith, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2022 in a place he loved, Rose Creek, Arizona. Morley was born on February 1, 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Lee C. Smith and Margaret Edna Smith. He attended Salt Lake City public schools, graduating from Highland High School in 1970. Morley was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served two years in the Porto Alegre, Brasil Mission. He also served as a Bishopric First Counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher and several other callings.  However, his favorite calling was Scout Master.  Morley continued his education at the University of Utah graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. During that time he married Beverly Wood on August 28, 1974 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Morley and Beverly moved to Portland, Oregon for four  years to attend The University of Oregon Dental School where he graduated first in his class. Morley continued his education for two years in Seattle, Washington earning a degree in periodontics.  In 1981 they moved to Mesa, Arizona where Morley began his periodontal practice. He continued his education and became a periodontics and dental implant specialist. He was loved and well-respected by his patients, staff and fellow colleagues. Morley is survived by his loving wife, Beverly and children: Kimberlee (Mark Fleming), Trevor, Zachary and Brittany (Josh Mulcahy). Proud Papa to 5 grandchildren: Felicity Fleming, William Fleming, Ashlyn Fleming, Amelia Fleming and Eleanor Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents. Morley loved the outdoors from backpacking, horseback riding, hunting, competitive shooting, fishing and just puttering around at his cabin in Rose Creek. He was an avid photographer and had a vast knowledge of the natural world. He was able to travel to Europe, Africa and most recently a fishing trip to Canada and to Kauai. Trips to children and grandchildren were highlights in his life. His witty sense of humor and storytelling was enjoyed by everyone, well just about everyone.  Some of his favorite sayings included: “Are you smarter than Google”, “This is the plan”, “Shoulda, woulda, coulda”  and  “I’m not asking you to push a handcart across the western plains”. Morley’s love for his family is unmeasurable. He would do anything for his children. He was proud of each one of them.  All he desired was that they find happiness, peace and joy during their journey here on earth. Morley exemplified the Savior with his quiet, unselfish acts of kindness whether in word or deed. Morley, husband, father, papa, brother and friend will be greatly missed but his testimony that Our Heavenly Father and Savior live and the promise of eternal life will help us move on until we meet again. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , 234 N. Greenfield Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234. Family and friends may call Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 5-8 p.m. at Bunker Family University Chapel 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ  85213.

Dale was born and raised in Janesville, WI. He became the youngest Eagle Scout in the state of Wisconsin in 1954 at 15 yrs. old. He joined the Navy in 1957. He married Lana Sue Pfeiffer on Feb. 19, 1968. He and Sue moved to Mesa, AZ in 1982 and he had a career in the flooring industry for 50 years. Dale retired in 2017 and remained in Mesa, AZ until his passing.

He was preceded in death by his mother Tabitha, his six siblings (Rollo, Betty, Recial, Dorothy, Louetta, & Darlene) and Jeff (son-in-law).

He is survived by his wife Lana Sue Pfeiffer, his children Julian (Beth), Jason (Susan), Jaime, and Heather and his grandchildren Melissa, Zoe and Gabriel.

Memorial Service

Via Church

740 N. Power Rd Mesa, AZ 85205

July 9th, 2022, 10:00 AM

Zion Moffett of Santan died on June 23, 2022 in Tucson, Arizona. He was born June 12, 2001 in Phoenix, Arizona to Christine Moffett and Alexander Pablo. He was a laborer and worked in the landscaping field. He loved his family & friends and enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed listening to music (rap), playing video games and drawing. He was a caring individual, easy going, always willing to help anyone and enjoyed having a good time.

He is survived by his mother Christine Moffett and father Alexander and stepmother Elva Pablo, grandmother Emma Pablo, grandfather Raymond Moffett, Sr., aunt Martina Vavages, uncles Eugene Moffett, Ramsey Moffett Dudley Moffett, Raymond Moffett, Jr., and Bradlee Pablo. Cousins Raymond Moffett, III., Marymae Pablo, Travis Reed, Vincent Vavages, Evan Aveno and Gavin Pablo. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Georgina Moffett and grandfather Troy Pablo.

Wake Service: Friday, July 01, 2022 at 6:00 P.M to 10:00 P.M., at Saint Anne’s Parish Feast House, Santan, Arizona, Hwy 87 & Saint Road.

Funeral: Saturday, July 02, 2022 at Saint Anne’s Church, Mass at 6:00 A.M. Interment at Saint Anne’s 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.

Darlene June (Krosschell) Steele came bursting into this world (curly red hair and wonderful curiosity) on June 2, 1933 in Edgerton Village, Minnesota – likely a home delivery. Her 3 older brothers Don, Marv, and Lesley and her younger sister Marlys have all predeceased her by many years. She just kept going!

She was the Salutatorian of the graduating class of 1951 of Edgerton High School, and then married Peter Steele. They were married for 52 years before Pete’s passing in 2004 and had 3 children: Shelley (Steele) Krispin, Brad Steele and Brian (Sandi) Steele. Darlene’s 6 wonderful grandchildren– Shalom Jacobs, Shane Jacobs, Jeremy Jacobs, Josh Steele, Emily (Steele) Shumway, and Andrew Steele have brought wonderful great-grandchildren into her life who likely yet have no idea how uniquely blessed they are to have had such a wonderful great grandmother lovingly known as “Oma.” She also has some wonderful nieces and nephews who have loved her dearly – and whom she loved dearly – so many, in fact, only a few are mentioned here: Elaine Hugunin, Donna Dietermann, Lesley Krosschell, Veryl Krosschell, and Konnie Offerdahl.

Darlene and Pete owned bakeries in Minnesota, South Dakota and in Phoenix, Payson, Pinetop, Flagstaff and Prescott, Arizona. Pete was the talented baker and Darlene was the skilled businessperson. Darlene and Pete’s midwestern work ethic was always apparent to their children and grandchildren. Darlene was always the life of the party – and could make a party if only one other person showed up. She was always optimistic, independent and forever faith-filled. Her Christian commitment was apparent to all who knew her.

Darlene and some of her family visited Edgerton in November 2021 and she and some her high school friends celebrated their 70th class reunion. It was such a special time for her. She passed at home in Gilbert, AZ, with family whispering in her ears and holding her hands on Saturday June 18th, 2022. Lord have mercy – those who knew her will miss her!

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

Charles Scott Nance, 61, passed away peacefully holding the hand of his eternal companion of 39 years in his home. It was only fitting for him to pass on Father’s Day surrounded by his five daughters because being a dad was one of his greatest joys.

Scott was born as the youngest of three children to Charles and Sharon Nance in Tucson Arizona. He resided in Mesa where he was part of the first graduating class of Mountain View High School in 1979.

He first met his sweetheart Kristine when he was 16 at a Saturday night dance. In a true “Romeo and Juliet” moment, their eyes met across the dance floor and they danced throughout the evening. After returning home from his Rochester, New York church mission, he and Kristine married on December 2, 1982. They lived in Chandler for seven years, returning to Mesa until the present day.

Scott and Kristine raised a family of five daughters who adored him, all of whom currently live within two miles of Mom and Dad’s house. Scott lived his life in a way that reflected that his family was his top priority. Sunday dinners, homemade chocolate ice cream, and late night card games were on a weekly rotation. He planned and encouraged any time spent with his treasured grandchildren. Scott was always up for an adventure, whether with his sons-in-law or many dear friends.

He was a devoted member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and especially enjoyed donating his time and efforts in the scouting program and missionary work.

Scott started working alongside his father as a brick mason at the early age of 12. He grew to love the creative process and ran his own business, Artistic Brick and Tile, for over 35 years.

He courageously endured a year long battle with colon cancer. Fighting to the end, he was committed to give 100% for his girls.

Scott is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Sharon Nance. He is survived by his sisters Stacy Allen and Shelley Brinton.

He will be missed dearly by his beautiful wife Kristine, five daughters and their spouses, and 21 (and counting) grandchildren: Vanessa and Dean Lewis Family, Jessica and Chad Curtis Family, Natalie and Kellan Brady Family, Emily and Jeff Millard Family, and Savannah and Jake Packer Family.

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.

Krisite Lynn (Davis) Edwards, 57, of Mesa, Arizona, departed this life Friday, May 14, 2022. She was born October 11, 1964, in Rockford, Illinois to the late Bonnie (Shrieber) Davis, and Terry A. Davis of Machesney Park Illinois.

Kristie is survived by her father Terry A. Davis of Machesney Park, Illinois, brothers – Ron (Lori) Davis of Machesney park, Illinois, and Joshua Davis of Mesa Arizona; Children – Zachary Wilson of Mesa, Arizona, Marina Wilson of Tell City, Indiana, Iesha Sommay of Mesa, Arizona, Tarenah (Kahel) Castleman of Mesa, Arizona; Grandchildren – Jakree, LaZayia, ArJoni, & Nalijah Wilson, Xavier & Xander Wilson, Xion, &  Octavia Cox, Sofia, Danny Jr & Maelee Sommay, Paradise, Cadence & Shiloh Castleman, Evonni Davis. She is also survived by many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends (close enough they too are family). Kristie loved all of her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She loved to be surrounded by love.

Kristie is and was a free spirit, if she loved you, then she loved you and she did her best to be there for you if she could in anyway help.

She had a passion for music and all aspects of it, she worked as Vice President of International Talent at Jump Street Entertainment.

Two of her favorite quotes are and they are so true to how she felt and who she is and always will be:

• Those that live in glass houses, should not throw stones! karma is a bigger witch than I will ever be.
• IF *YOU* THINK *YOU* ARE WITHOUT SIN, CAST THE FIRST STONE! Matthew 7: 1, 2 Stop judging, that you may not be judged. for with what judgement YOU are judging, you too will be judged!

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.

Kathleen Turley Hakes, 94, passed away June 8, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona after a hard fall a few days earlier and never regaining consciousness.

Kathleen was born October 25, 1927 in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico to Clarence Franklin and Anna Tenney Turley. She was the 2nd daughter in a family of 4 daughters and 5 sons.

She married Clayton H Hakes of Safford, Arizona in the Mesa Temple on March 20, 1948 and together they raised 5 children. Her husband preceded her in death in 1997, as also daughter Cathy Diane Hakes Haught in 2009.

She is survived by son Kim (Las Cruces, NM), and daughters Debra Breinholt (Mesa), Judy Miller (Queen Creek), and Pam McCuistion (Orem, Utah). Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, and their spouses, now number a posterity of over 200 persons.

After completing high school in Mexico, she moved to the United States working jobs and attending BYU in Provo, Utah before marrying. After marriage she and her husband relocated to Arizona where he worked for Valley National Bank until his retirement in 1984. Early in their marriage, Kathleen applied for and received US citizenship. They raised their children in Globe, Coolidge and Mesa, Arizona.

After her children were raised, she returned to Arizona State University where she completed her education and became an Elementary School Teacher in Mesa. She retired from teaching after a 10-year stint. She was active in church callings and particularly enjoyed volleyball. She was admired in her family for being selfless and concerned for the well-being and happiness of others. She was known to be well-read and possessed a large vocabulary. She was much loved and appreciated.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 10am located at 1345 East University Drive, Mesa. A viewing begins at 9am, and interment follows in the Mesa Cemetery. Bunker Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201, is handling arrangements.

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.

Ohitika Daniel Red Bull, born November 4th, 2003, began his journey unto the spirit world June 5th, 2022. There to meet him were his grandparents, Daniel O. Jackson Jr., Vernon “Mickey” Johns, and Maynard & Effie Red Bull. Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Lynelle Blackwater of Blackwater, Arizona and Gillian Red Bull of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, along with his maternal grandmother Oreen Johns, brothers Thomas Rodriguez, Dylan Blackwater, Wakinyan Red Bull, Maste Red Bull, his sister Utahna Blackwater and nieces and nephew Riley, Yaretzi, and Yoki. Left to carry his love is his sweetheart and first love, Nalainee Anaya. 

In his time with us, Ohitika acquired many talents, from teaching himself to skateboard and play guitar to even beginning to expand his knowledge of the culinary arts before his departure. Ohitika was a self proclaimed skateboarding hippie who enjoyed cruising with his mom, adventuring with his brothers,  creating musical and graffiti art with the world, and filling our home with laughter.

Ohitika will be honored with a memorial service at his mother’s home, 1260 E. Aki Lane, Blackwater, Arizona, from 7-11pm on June 18th, 2022 and will be laid to rest on June 19th, 2022 at 6am at the North Blackwater Cemetery, 1359 E. HuHuKam Road, Blackwater, Arizona. Please respect Ohitika’s memory by abstaining from substances at his 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.Red

Raymond Keith Neerings, 87, passed away peacefully with family by his side on the sixth of June 2022 at his home in Mesa, Arizona.

Raymond was born November 9, 1934 in San Francisco, CA to Henry and Sarah Neerings. After graduating high school in Vallejo, Ca, he served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission. He then graduated from San Francisco State University and completed Officer Candidate School in 1959. He promptly received a commission in the U.S. Navy achieving the rank of Lieutenant J.G. After his release from active duty, he continued with the Submarine Naval Reserve and started his art teaching career in Oceanside, CA. It was there while on a blind date abalone hunting, Raymond met the love of his life, Ann Riggs. They were married and sealed for time and eternity in the Oakland California Temple on June 21, 1966. While living in Carlsbad and later Oceanside, CA, they brought six amazing children into their family. In 1981 he moved his family to Mesa, AZ for the opportunity to start his family business, Sun Signs, which the family endearingly referred to as the sign shop. Later in life he returned to teaching in the arts before retiring.

Ray and Ann served two full-time missions as a senior couple. The first was in Palmyra, NY in the facilities management office. The second was at the audio-visual department in Provo, Utah, where he had the privilege of helping build sets for various photo shoots, commercials, and videos for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

His legacy is that of a loving husband, caring father and adoring Opa who instilled in his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and a love for God and country. He was truly a humble disciple of Jesus Christ as portrayed in the life he lived. Raymond is survived by his six children Scott (Tauna), Rae Lynne, Mark (Julie), Brian (Lori), Paul (Lisa), Sarah (Terry); eleven grandchildren Camille (Kendall), Casey, Tyler, Dallin (Amelia), Conner (Baylee), Mason, Audrey, Owen, Alison, Brooklyn and Aimee; and his sister Elizabeth Neerings.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1415 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204 (east of Southern and Stapley). At 10:00 am there will be a viewing in the Relief Society Room. The burial will be at the Mesa Cemetery following the service, where he will receive military honors.

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.

Alice Joy Clifford Larson, age 89, passed away quietly in her sleep on the evening of Thursday, June 2, in Gilbert, Arizona.  In the last few days of her life, Alice was surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Alice was born in Thatcher, Arizona, on October 23, 1932, the only daughter of Leroy and Hazel Clifford.  She always spoke fondly of her upbringing on the family cotton farm in Lone Star, a “suburb” of Safford, and loved her association with her brother Gordon and a large number of friends and relatives nearby.  Nonetheless, after graduation from Safford High School, Alice left the Gila Valley to pursue her fortunes elsewhere.  She attended college at Arizona State University in the 1950s, ultimately graduating with a degree in education.  It was while subsequently teaching and coaching in the Mesa public schools that she met a tall and dashing bachelor, Jefferson Joseph Larson, of Lakeside, Arizona.  Jeff, then in his mid-30s, and having cast a wide net in the dating pool, knew that, with Alice, he had met his match.  After a lengthy, but joyful, courtship, they were married on July 23, 1958 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They made their home in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Jeff continued to teach at Scottsdale, then Arcadia, High School.  In relatively short order, Jeff and Alice had five children, Mark, Kay Lynn (McDonald), Kristan (Landry), Julie (Walker) and Michael.  For much of her children’s lives, Alice opted to stay at home, committed to their upbringing and welfare.  Whether it was pushing the boys towards their Eagle Scout awards, helping the girls with Cotillion and other activities, or begrudgingly accompanying the family on camping trips to Lake Powell, the White Mountains or Rocky Point, Alice was all about the family.  And they certainly loved and appreciated her for it.  Later, when the youngest kids were in school full-time, Alice resumed her teaching career in Scottsdale, primarily at Yavapai Elementary.  She focused on special education and derived huge satisfaction from helping kids most in need of what she had to offer.  Alice ultimately retired from teaching  to spend more time with Jeff and her ever-expanding brood of grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Her loving husband of almost 54 years died in 2012, at age 90, and Alice focused even more intently on the lives of her family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on June 18, 2022, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 a.m., in the local meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 230 North Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, Arizona.  Burial, after a brief graveside service for close family and friends, will take place in the Lakeside Cemetery, in Lakeside, Arizona, later that afternoon. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funeral Home, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona (for more information, or to leave comments in an online obituary, please go to www.bunkerfuneral.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.