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Mellani John Phelps, born in Denver Colorado on May 21, 1951 to Harold LaMell John and Madge Hawkins John, passed quietly from this world on 15 May 2022 into the care of a Loving Heavenly Father, her Savior, Jesus Christ- and predeceased family members waiting to welcome her. She will be missed by her husband of forty-nine years- Jay Russell Phelps and her children Reesa Kriser, Blair Phelps, Dason Phelps, and Grandchildren Sunshine Phelps, Rusty Phelps, Stella Mae Phelps, and Raquelle Phelps, Brothers Todd (Donna), Drew (Debbie), Jace (Wendy), Grady (Charmine), and Sister Paula Crosby (Rick).

Mellani was a constant blessing in the lives of her husband, children, grandchildren, and other extended family members; all the Nursery and Primary children she taught for years at church; and the students that she befriended, and helped as she worked as secretary at several Charter Schools in Mesa. She faithfully served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints indexing names in the Family Search Program.

Over the years Mellani expressed her wish that when she was called to the other side, it would happen quickly, surrounded by those she loved, and be pain and distress free: We are grateful that our gracious Heavenly Father granted that blessing.

At 10:00 AM Central Time (8:00 AM Arizona time) on Saturday 28 May 2002, there will be a Streaming Video via Zoom of her funeral to be held at the Temple (TX) First Ward, 3909 Ermine Trail. Check with Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, Temple, TX under ‘Mellani Phelps” for the internet connection and other Funeral information.

The Zoom link is:

https://zoom.us/j/95652612528?pwd=bUpnNU4vZmRDTmM0bWZGTXcreUdnUT09

On Tuesday 31 May 2022 there will be a Viewing at the Bunker Funeral Home, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa, AZ, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. There will be a graveside dedication of her grave the next morning, June 1 at 9:00 AM at the Mesa City Cemetery 1212 N Center, Mesa, AZ 85201.

We invite family and friends to come, but if not possible please check the Obituary section of the two Funeral Homes and please leave a comment, memory, praise, or blessing.

William Vernon “Bill” Platt passed away on Friday, May 13th, 2022 in Chandler, Arizona. Bill was born on May 19, 1937 in Eagar, Arizona to Vernon Henry Platt and Irene Hall. His grandparents were Ashley Moroni Hall and Laura Jane Burgess; William Lester Platt and Iris Hamblin. Bill married Patricia Lee Kelsey in 1955. They had three children, William Michael (Dora), Carla Dawn (Victor), and David (Toni).

Bill was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At an early age he became the owner of Astrographics Printing Company. Later he moved to Mission Viejo and San Clemente, California and opened a new business, PacWest Printing Machinery. He then moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Strawberry, AZ and finally to Payson, AZ.

Bill led a fascinating life full of adventure. He enjoyed nice cars, parachuting, flying airplanes, boating, traveling, and Mexican food. Some say he enjoyed the companionship of his many pets over most humans. He had the ability to be empathetic and sensitive to the needs of others. He loved his family, his animals, and his fellowman. He was a kind, generous, and doting father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his son, Michael.

Survivors include his sister, Rauna Rae Benson of Maricopa, AZ, his brother, Irvin Ashley “Butch” Platt (Amy Lisa), of Paradise Valley, AZ, daughter, Carla of Silverton OR, son, David of San Tan, AZ, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, May 20, 2022 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 11:00 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.

Edward Marvin Brown, 88 passed away peacefully on May 1, 2022 in Apache Junction, Arizona.   He was born in Cody Wyoming on August 18, 1933.    He was passionate in the business of upholstery and always enjoyed his work.    He was a car and motorcycle enthusiast and he also enjoyed fishing and watching westerns.    He is survived by his partner Beverley, daughter Elinda and grandchildren Devin, Aliya, Reed, and Jimmy.    He will be truly missed by all.    Funeral Services are Friday, May 13th, 2022 at 2:00pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Regina A. Brazill Yoos passed away peacefully on April 26, 2022, in Mesa, AZ.  She was born October 30, 1932, in Utica, NY.  She was the daughter of Thomas and Rose (Jetty) Barry.  She is survived by her husband, Dr. Lester A. Yoos, of Mesa, AZ (formerly of Grayville, IL),  and by two sons, William (Teri) of Dunkirk, NY and Mark (Elea) of Santa Monica, CA.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, William, her daughter, Maria (Mark), and her son, Barry (Eileen).

She was a fantastic, loving and generous Mother.  Regina was never one to shy away from giving advice.

It was not unusual for her to start a conversation with, “Well, I don’t want to tell you what to do, but…..”

Regina, or Reggie, as many called her, lived a long and interesting life.  She lived in 17 different places throughout the country and had friends all over the United States.  She was a woman ahead of her time and a huge advocate for women, especially working women, beginning at General Electric in Syracuse in the 1950’s, Tom Wahl’s in Avon, NY in the 1960’s, and Plymouth Tube in Dunkirk, NY in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s.  She always believed that she could do anything a man could do, only better.

In the 90’s, Regina moved with Plymouth Tube to Arizona where she retired after more than 30 years with the company. She loved the sun and was thrilled to retire in Mesa. In 2001, Regina met Lester and they spent over 20 years together traveling, fishing, golfing, site seeing and enjoying retirement as much as any two people could.  In their early years together, Regina and Lester spent time traveling between homes in Illinois and Arizona. Regina loved getting to know the members of the Grayville community and helping others through her work with the Grayville Lions Club. Regina and Lester helped organize and manage the annual Lions Club golf outing for many years until making Mesa their full-time residence. The two were married in 2014.

Those that knew her well described her as a feisty woman, who had a fantastic sense of humor.  Regina was at a doctor’s appointment a few years ago, and the Dr. asked her if she smoked.  She told him “No.” Her husband was with her and said, “Well, when did you quit?”  She said, “It’s none of your business, but last night.”

She will be greatly missed by her children, as well as her grandchildren, Maggie, Shea, Will, Devin, Jordan, Liv, and Eden, and her great grandchildren, Thea and Madelyn.  She is also survived by Lester’s children, Denise A. Johnson (Jim), Debbie A. Yoos, and Lester A. Yoos II (Kathy).

A celebration of her life will be held in Mesa, AZ. On May 28^th at 2:00 PM at the Bunker Family Funeral

Home at 3529 E. University Dr.  There will also be a celebration of her life in Sylvan Beach, NY on August 6^th, which will be held at the Union Chapel.  All are welcome.  Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Columban’s on the Lake, 2546 Lake Ave., Silver Creek, NY, 14136.

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.

Those wishing to view the services online may do so at the following link:

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92174480074?pwd=VGFka1dzMnRQZTZtTjBYZW1CL1NtQT09

Meeting ID: 921 7448 0074
Passcode: 678130

Florene R. Brinkerhoff, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on May 7, 2022, at the age of 85. We will dearly miss her cheery smile and sweet, ever-positive spirit. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Brinkerhoff; her daughters Cyndi and Diana; her father, George M. Roy; her mother, Hazel Mortensen and her brother, Merrill. She is survived by her siblings, Ted and Claudette, her children, Laura, David, Grant and Robert, and her stepchildren, Venice, Brian, Phoebe, Eric, Ross and Channon. She leaves a posterity of 57 grandchildren and 107 great-grandchildren.

Ever a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, a funeral service in Florene’s honor will be held at her local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 15 W. 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210, where she served faithfully through the years in many callings. The service begins at 10 a.m. There will be a viewing preceding it at 9 a.m.

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.

Jeffery L. Harris, Age 72, passed away on April 27th, 2022. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jeffery was sealed for time and eternity to his sweet-heart Cindy in the Los Angeles Temple on Dec. 9th, 1972. Together they cultivated a loving home with eight children April, Jeffery Israel, Mindy, Emmy, Katelynn, Chris Everly, Michaela, and Rebekah. Jeffery is reunited with parents Thomas and LouJean and survived by loving sister Judy.

Jeffery grew up near the sandy shores and rolling hills of San Diego, California. As an active youth he loved to surf and competed in school sports such as wrestling. Following high school graduation, he served as a missionary in the Northern States as a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His service among communities and sacred sites of the restoration, built a desire to develop his talents in communications. Jeffery met his wife Cindy while serving in Carthage, Illinois. Following his missionary service, Jeffery attended Brigham Young University, majoring in Broadcast and Communication.

While establishing a career in broadcasting and providing for a growing family, Jeffery continued to develop skills that gave him the keen ability to repair most anything. Adventures in broadcasting took him and his family to Utah, Southern California, Idaho, and Arizona. Jeffery was adaptable and quickly entrusted to positions of leadership. Skilled at working with people, he inspired creative ways to fix problems. Jeffery fostered an atmosphere of personal growth as a leader; influencing change he would reprove with sharpness, but was quick to follow with an increase in love.

In the Fall of 2017, Jeffery retired from Broadcasting due to health concerns. Surrounded by family, following years his energies were spent leading, loving, and embracing his family with Christ-like charity. His family, influence and example have sent ripples through-out the world.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating in remembrance of Jeffery to www.t2t.org the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 26023 S. Lemon Ave, Queen Creek, AZ. 85142 on Saturday May 28th at 9:30am. For virtual viewing information please email emmymower@gmail.com

Paul Christoffers, age 81, passed away into eternal life on May 3, 2022, with his family at his side after a hard-fought battle with melanoma. Paul, known by his family and friends as Chris, was born October 28, 1940 in Fort Dodge, IA to Ferman and Alice Christoffers.

Paul graduated from Algona (IA) High School having earned a varsity letter in tennis all four years, playing the sport he loved until his 80s.  He graduated from Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville, MO, and Drake University Law School in Des Moines, IA. On September 3rd, 1961, he wed the love of his life, Lona Middaugh.  Paul was an Eagle Scout and a 50-year member of the Iowa Bar Association. He was a life-long Lutheran and devoted member of Victory Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ.

Paul was a man of spiritual strength and found the greatest joy in serving others in big ways.  He purchased and helped build a beautiful pipe organ in two different Iowa congregations: First Lutheran Church in Chariton and Resurrection Lutheran Church in Ankeny.  Paul served as a volunteer general contractor and built a house for a worthy family in Arizona that was a total gift to them.  He served his longtime home Sunland Village East by leadership on several building projects and boards.  He loved to tell stories about all the God moments that materialized and allowed these projects to come to fruition.

One of Paul’s favorite songs was Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way” and Paul did it “his way” by providing unique experiences for his family.  Paul and Lona took each grandchild on an exciting travel adventure when they turned 14; he played tennis on Arthur Ashe stadium at the US Open; sat in the cockpit of a Goodyear blimp, spent New Year’s Eve in Times Square, and enjoyed many Iowa Hawkeye football games including a Rose Bowl (Go HAWKS!).  He was a man of tradition, passing along his dad’s practice of distributing a box of animal crackers to each grandchild every time he saw them, giving silver dollars on birthdays, mailing a roll of Lifesavers in times of trial, and serving fresh-squeezed orange juice to everyone who visited. It was in this time spent with his family that Paul found his greatest joy.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lona; three children Pam Christoffers Peterson (Jim), Paula Wright (Gene), and David Christoffers; six grandchildren: Chelsey Wood (Patrick), Katie Mason (Reid), Alison Wright, Ashley Wright Shannon (Kevin), Alex Wright (Alexis), and Paige Christoffers; six great grandchildren, Lennon, Rowen, Madelyn, Emery, Charlotte, and Sophie Kate.  He also is survived by brother-in-law, Edward Duea and sister-in-law Dee Christoffers, an aunt, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law LeahRae Duea, and brother Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Victory Lutheran Church Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, which allows the pastors to support the unexpected emergency financial needs of individuals in our community.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 21, at Victory Lutheran Church, 5946 E. University, Mesa, AZ. A 9:30 service will be followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.

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.

Casey, Gilda

Entered into Heaven on Sunday, May 1, 2022.  She passed away after a lengthy battle with dementia.  Gilda was born on July 5, 1929.  Gilda is survived by her 8 children:  Cathy Casey, Patrick (Terry) Casey, Teresa Ziska, Dennis (Sue) Casey, Rita (Dave) Gerrish, Agnes Weaver, Mary (Kevin) Hall, and Tom (Trudy) Casey, 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Casey, daughter-in-law Monica Casey, son-in-law Dwight Weaver and son-in-law Donald Ziska. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at St. Anne Catholic Church, Tuesday, May 10 at 10:00 am, 440 E. Elliot, Gilbert, AZ.  Private disposition to follow.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or have Masses said.

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.

Christopher Brian Ruttinger was born in April of 1959 in western Pennsylvania and raised in New Castle, PA. At 18 he moved out west to attend Arizona State University on a full ride football scholarship and it is in Mesa, AZ where Chris put down roots and built his life. He had a 30 year partnership with his brother and best friend at Western Penn Marketing, grew a beautiful family full of love and laughter and enjoyed his time on the golf course, traveling the world and putting a smile on the face of everyone he met.

He is survived by his mother Shirley Ruttinger; 2 brothers; his wife Lorrie; 4 children, Crystal (Stephen) Cummard, Colin (Heather) Ruttinger, Hayley (Brett) Miller, and Travis Ruttinger; 6 stepchildren; 12 grandchildren; nieces & nephews; and hundreds of friends. To know Chris, was to love Chris. He lit up any room he entered and had a magnetism that couldn’t be resisted. Chris- we will keep a bottle of ranch on hand in your honor always, you will be dearly missed by all, we love you.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 6-8 PM at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297. Funeral services are Friday, May 6, 2022 at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1550 North Val Vista, Mesa, AZ 85213. A luncheon will follow from 12 – 2 PM at Golden Corral, 1318 North Cooper Road, Gilbert, AZ 85233.

Adored husband, Reyadh Joseph, 62, passed away peacefully on May 1st 2022 following a long and brave battle. Reyadh was an incredible husband, father, son, and brother who enjoyed nothing more than being with his family and friends. He valued his family above all else and through his works in life gave everything to his wife and children.

Reyadh was known for his immutable charisma and his ability to make others laugh. He cared deeply for the vulnerable creatures of this world and dedicated his free time to volunteering at an animal rescue shelter. In memory he lives on as a spirit of warmth, kinship, and good humor.

In 1989, he married Amanda, and they were lucky to have celebrated over 33 years of true love together. He is survived by his loving wife, Amanda, four children, Ramsey, Matthew, Amy and Daniel, grandson, Simon, mother, Kim Joseph, sister, Vivian Burke, and brother, Robert Joseph.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 7th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E Knox Road, Phoenix AZ 85044. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Halo Animal Rescue or another animal sanctuary.

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.

Jason Jay Shumway, 37 was called home Saturday, April 30, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona.  Even with physical limitations Jason led a very happy life filled with family and friends.  He was an angel on earth with a contagious smile and a joy to all he came in contact with.  He enjoyed laughing, teasing, race cars, music, bowling, swimming, and spending time at the cabin.  He is survived by his parents Jon (Lisa) Shumway and Christie (Joe) Hatch, and his siblings Kierstin Ringle, Brittney (Cody) Smith, Clayton (Shea) Shumway, and Joshua Shumway.

Those who wish to pay their respects are invited to a viewing, Friday, May 6, from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Bunker’s Funeral Home, located at 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213.

The funeral will be held the following day, Saturday, May 7, at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 920 S. Lindsay Road in Mesa, with a visitation prior to the funeral service from 9:00 – 9:45am.  Interment will follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.  For those who would like to view the services online or remotely at 10:00am, please visit one of the following links:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Rb-w4I4mPTc

Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92878069082

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.

Jerald (Jerry) Anthony McDonald passed away on March 26, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. He was 84 years young.

Those wishing to view the services online may do so at the following link:

https://youtu.be/O2e9o4zmY2Y

James Edward Christensen, 81, of Mesa, AZ passed away on Thursday, April 28th, 2022.  He has joined his parents in their heavenly home.

Jim was the eldest child born on May 28, 1940, to Victor and Lila (Ventis) Christensen in Harlan, IA. He grew up in Harlan and then attended Westmar College where he graduated in 1963 with a degree in Economics.  On September 8,1962, he married Karen Sue (Spencer) in Danube, MN.  After graduation, he started his career in Banking like his father.  He served in many roles with individual banks and the OCC where he was known as a top-notch Bank Examiner.  He retired from the OCC in 1997 with 31 years and then started his own bank consulting business.  His career led to his family living in several towns including Grand Island, NE; Le Mars, IA; Sioux City, IA; Salina, KS; Wichita, KS, and Lee’s Summit, MO. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Jackie Christensen, and moved to Mesa in 2007.  He enjoyed following his kids and their family, cruising and spending time with Joyce, church, golfing, watching sports, reading, puzzles and having coffee with the Las Palmas crew.

Jim is survived by his children, James (Anita) Christensen of Mesa, Kirk (Kathy) Christensen of St. Joseph, MI; grandchildren (Anna, Tara, Erika, Nathan); sister Mary Anderson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 28^th, 2022 at 11am, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa, AZ.  Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at https://bunkerfuneral.com.

Memorials can be offered to the Church of the Resurrection in Overland Park, KS (https://pushpay.com/g/churchoftheresurrection?src=hpp), or to the American Junior Golf Association (https://www.ajga.org/donate).

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.