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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.

Regretfully, Judy Thomas Williams, 86, quietly passed away in her home in Mesa, AZ, on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 with her family close by.

Judy took great joy in being both a wife and mother. She was married to Robert C. Williams for 53 years and following his death was married to Berry C. Dunham for 10 years. Judy loved spending time on the beach, enjoying wine, playing cards, and spending time with her family and sorority sisters. 

Judy was predeceased by her parents Evert and Dorthy, sister Jewel Thomas (infant), brother; Duane Thomas, all of Mitchell, NE.  Sister Janet Custer of Columbus, NE, and first husband, Robert Williams.  She is survived by her husband Berry Dunham and five children.  Mark (& Kerri) Williams of Aurora, CO, Stuart (& Carolyn) Williams of Mesa, AZ, Michael (& Carrie) Stevens of Ecuador, Laura (& Steven) Leonard of Springfield, IL, Cheryl (& Will) Dunham (Mesa,Az).  She was blessed with sixteen (16) grandchildren and five (5) great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held May 15th, 2022, at 12:30 pm at Sun Valley Community Church, Chapel Building H, 6101 S. River Dr. Tempe Arizona, 85283. Fellowship and light lunch afterwards in the Maricopa room at Apache Wells Community Center, 2215 N 56th street, Mesa, AZ 85215.  

Internment will take place on June 18th, 2022, at 11:00 am, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Morrill, NE. Fellowship and lunch will follow at Trinity Lutheran Church, 405 Jackson ct. Morrill, NE.

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.

Connie Brown Welker passed away on April 25, 2022 at the age of 89. Connie was born on October 24, 1932 in Mesa, Arizona to loving parents John Brown and Lillie Fish Brown. She lived in Mesa all of her life. Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Rene Welker, and daughter Angela.

Connie graduated from her beloved Mesa High School in 1950 and the Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. Later that same year she was sealed to her eternal companion Dale in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They were blessed to have 5 children: Angela (deceased), Jeffery Dale Welker (Cindy), Gregory Scott Welker, Wendi Sunderhaus (Herb), Amy Williams (Kurt).

Connie spent the better part of her life working as a homemaker and serving faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her greatest happiness was found with her husband, children, 11 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. She knew each one of them well and they all adored her. Connie’s life was spent in the service of her Heavenly Father, her family, and the friends she loved. She leaves a legacy of Christ-like love and unwavering faith.

A visitation for friends and family will be held Wednesday evening, May 4th, from 6-8 PM at the Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa. All are welcome.

A graveside service will be held Thursday morning, May 5th, at 10 AM, at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center Street.

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.

Dorothy Farnsworth Gibbons passed away on January 2, 2022 in her home in Mesa, AZ, at the age of 69. She was born in McNary, AZ on May 12, 1952 to Dale Farnsworth and Pearl Skousen.

Dorothy had a love for genealogy and spent many hours researching and helping others to find their ancestors. She served a mission on the Navajo reservation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and developed a great love for the people and native culture. In her later years Dorothy loved serving in the Gilbert temple where she often helped in the baptistry.

She was preceded in life by her parents and her brother Jerry Farnsworth. Dorothy is survived by her brothers; Richard Farnsworth, Melvyn Farnsworth, Robert Farnsworth, her sister, Nancy Zuefelt, her daughters; Sarah Neel, Rebecca (Becky) Hermosillo, Melissa Sevey, 12 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11:00 at the Snowflake Arizona Cemetery, followed by a memorial birthday celebration.

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.

Lee Edwin Canady left this earth for his heavenly home on April 21, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, at Seven Haven II Assisted Living, Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Clarence Arlington and Celeste Monica Canady on February 22, 1935, in Kearney, Nebraska. After graduating from David City High School, he worked on a farm until enlisting in the US Army. He served honorably from 1954-1957.  Upon discharge from the Army, he was employed by Western Electric in El Paso, Texas at the White Sands Missile test site where he was a technician working with the Nike Missile System.

Lee was transferred to various sites across the US to upgrade Nike Missile guidance and control systems. While assigned in Burlington, NC, he met and married Mary Margaret Taylor.  Subsequently, he volunteered for a one-year accompanied Tour of Duty on Kwajalein Atoll, in the Pacific. He volunteered for a six-month extension because he and Mary enjoyed the work and environment.

Upon completion of his 18-month assignment on Kwajalein, Lee and Mary lived and worked in El Paso, Texas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado before moving to Batavia. Illinois, where Lee worked until his retirement. He was a member of the Geneva Masonic Lodge No. 139 and rose to the honored station of Past Master after his service as Grand Master in 1988-89. Lee and Mary enjoyed camping and traveling all over the US with the Red Dale Camping Club. Lee also enjoyed researching his family’s genealogy.

Lee and Mary lived in Illinois for 25 years and traveled to Mesa, Arizona as “snowbirds” until 2003 when they purchased a home in Citrus Gardens in Mesa. There, Lee was active in the Apache Masonic Lodge No. 69, serving as the Office of Outer Guard.  He was an accomplished wood worker, making the cabinets in their home, and he enjoyed his 15 years as President of the Citrus Gardens Wood Shop.

Mary preceded his death in October 2021. He is survived by his brother, Paul Canady (Karen) of SC; his Aunt Phyllis Hewitt of AZ; nieces Sheryl Tennant (Rob) of NC and Shawn Gamble (John) of SC; nephew Scott Canady of OH; cousins Holly Erickson (Jo Abel) of AZ, Carol Anderson of NE, and Marvin Tuffs (Donna Anderson) of CA; and his best friends Roy and Jani Ehlers of AZ. Those who knew and loved Lee will miss his charm and characteristic wit that made us laugh and enjoy being around him.

Memorials are suggested to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

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:

https://youtu.be/7ILGuFPOKkI

John Robert Ellingson (Jr.) passed away April 21, 2022 at his home in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 78. Born in Phoenix, Arizona on October 28, 1943 to John and Barbara (Gardner) Ellingson, he grew up in Tempe and moved to Mesa fourteen years after marrying Carma Lee Call. He lived the rest of his life in Mesa where they raised six children: J. R., David (Auburn Payne), Robert (Corinne Featherstone), Spencer (Kristi Borland), Matthew (Lara Salmon), and Caralee (Spencer Alldredge). He has twenty-two grandchildren and five siblings: Barbara Kempton (Robert), Betty Jarvis (Harley), Jay (Melody), Mons (Sally), and Mark (Marlene).

John met Carma Lee in December of 1965 and never asked another girl out after their first date. It was love at first sight for both of them and they were married on July 26, 1966 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. His family was the great joy of his life, along with his testimony of Jesus Christ. John’s faith was unwavering and the motivating factor in his life. He served two and one-half years as a missionary in Mexico for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

John’s faith guided his decisions and made him the optimistic person he was. Totally others oriented, service was John’s hobby. He was happiest when he was making others happy and believed service was the best way to show his love of Christ. He was constantly serving others at home, church, or in the community. Active in Boy Scouts, he earned the Eagle Rank and served in that organization over a dozen years. He served in the community as a neighborhood watch leader and precinct committeeman for a dozen years. John served in many leadership positions at church and as a Temple worker. Along with Carma Lee, he served for years at the Family History Center in Mesa.

John could fix anything, was very creative, and a problem solver. He had a positive “can do” attitude that was reflected in his daily actions. He graduated from ASU and eventually started his own construction company. He was the project manager during the development of Val Vista Lakes. He also owned Cart Masters, a multi-state service company and Four Square Property Care, a landscape business.

John loved nature; his favorite vacation was going somewhere he could enjoy the majesty of God’s creations. John loved traveling with Carma Lee. Together they visited many countries and almost every state. He loved the United States and believed it was founded under God’s inspiration. He had no doubt that life was eternal and frequently shared his beliefs with us, his family.

How we loved our Papa! We are thankful he passed his faith on to us. We look forward to our heavenly reunion where he will no longer have a body ravaged by Parkinson’s Disease. We thank Papa for his happy, optimistic attitude, despite great challenges. We thank him for his legacy of being grateful, showing love, and having faith!

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services).

Visitation: 6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 28th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85203.

Memorial Service: 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 29th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203.

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.

Melvin Cogswell, 83, left us on April 13^th, 2022 with his family by his side.

Melvin was born August 11, 1938, in Center, Texas to Joseph and Mary Cogswell. He joined the Army at age sixteen and was stationed in Berlin, Germany where he met and married Renate Zinn on March 13, 1958. He had four children Clifford, Glen, Rhonda, and Renee. He served twenty-two years in the Army and served two tours in Vietnam. Melvin retired and moved his family to Mesa, Arizona to be near his siblings and their families. He taught ROTC at South Mountain High School and then decided to go into the petroleum business until he retired in 1994.

Melvin loved to travel with his wife family and had the opportunity to see many parts of the world. He was a lover of music and spent hours listening to several genres. Most of all he loved his family. He enjoyed hanging out with his family every opportunity he could and talk about the “old days”.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Renate Cogswell; his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Melvin will always be remembered, loved and missed.

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.

In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill.

While the passing of Veena Mago has left our hearts with emptiness, we have years of loving memories and moments which will never be overlooked. Today we remember an individual who taught us what it meant to serve their loved ones and support their family at any cost. Veena’s care for her family & her unconditional love is the key ingredient which holds her children and family together, always and forever.

Veena Mago was born on March 2nd, 1945 in Lahore,Pakistan to parents Om Prakash Anand and Poolarani Anand. She was the jewel of her parent’s eye and the beloved sister to Anil and Arun Anand. As a middle child, Veena continuously loved and supported her family who often was a confidant and loving companion to her parents, siblings, and loved ones.

As childhood came to its closure, Veena’s adulthood flourished. She met her loving companion, Om Prakash Mago in Delhi, India. They both tied the knot with the blessings of their family and loved ones on December 7th, 1964.

While leading a new life through marriage with Om, Veena and Om welcomed a beautiful family with four wonderful children. Naresh, Mamta, Arti, and Amrish. As Om and Veena grew their loving family in Delhi, they always reminded their children the importance of being good people before anything else. Veena especially taught them what it meant
to be the glue of family and to always keep everyone together. These values were never forgotten by all four of her children and something which they carried over in their own families.

As more time progressed Veena and Om aimed to settle their children in the United States for an abundance of opportunities. Veena and Om’s family grew beautifully with Ruchira, Ruchi, Jiten, and Rajiv. Through the decades, Veena was the grandmother to 8 beautiful grandchildren, Jagrit, Yuvika, Ansh, Yagya, Hriday, Khushi, Mahima, and Tiya whom she all had a massive hand in raising and will forever remain in their hearts. The values instilled in her family will always be passed down to all the coming generations.

On this day, we are saddened by her loss, but we shall never forget her legacy, for she is responsible for 3 generations of family, who were raised with love, care, and bliss. Veena was the epitome of what it meant to be the string which holds a family in union, we hope to carry her teachings & actions and be that same string.

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.