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

https://zoom.us/j/91586289556

Our beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Alvin Ray Fulkerson, passed away on March 5, 2022 in Mesa Arizona at the age of 77. Alvin is preceded in returning to heaven by his Father and Mother, his sister Helen Ann Durfey, and his son Brian. He is survived by his wife Nicia, his remaining children, in-laws, and grandchildren.

Alvin was born in American Fork Utah on December 12, 1944 to Alvin Monroe Fulkerson and Helen Ellison. Alvin, also known as “Butch” by his friends and family, was the second of Alvin and Helen’s four children.

Butch graduated from American Fork High School in 1963 before going on to serve for a short time in the National Guard. He served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Southern States Mission. Following his mission, Alvin attended, and graduated from, Brigham Young University with a degree in Chemistry and a minor in Pre-Med.

At the age of 24 Alvin fell in love with Nicia Beer. The two were married in the Salt Lake City temple on May 16, 1969. The couple has five children together who were the pride and joy of his life: Jeff Fulkerson, Brian Fulkerson, Holly (Brian) Ricks, Stacy (Chad) Ellingson, and Lisa Allen. They are also the proud grandparents of twelve grandchildren: Zach (Carly), Tyler, Emma, Carson, Avery, Kate, Poppy, Tatum, Macy, Mack, Goldie, and Ozzy.

Following his graduation from BYU, Alvin continued his education at St. Louis University where he finished medical school, and completed his residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Texas. During this time, he continued to serve in the military, living with his family and serving in both Augsburg Germany and Fort Huachuca Arizona. In 1984, Alvin and Nicia brought their family in Mesa Arizona, where he bought his Medical Practice. They have resided in Mesa for the last thirty-six years. Alvin put his medical degree to use as a Dermatologist where he treated and was beloved by numerous patients for almost three decades.

Alvin was a devout and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and served the members of the church in various capacities throughout his life. Alvin placed service, his love for his family, and his love for the Lord as the essential foundations in his life. In addition to his mission, Alvin also served as a Bishop, a Counselor for two Stake Presidencies, and as the President of the Mesa Arizona Lehi Stake for nearly a decade. Following his release, Alvin and Nicia were blessed to serve together in the Mesa Arizona temple for over three years.

Alvin loved the Lord, his family, his Country and the BYU Cougars. He was a kind, loving, humble man who strove to make everyone around him feel special and who devoted his life to serving others. He was a beacon for all that is good and has touched the lives of countless individuals. While his passing has greatly impacted the lives of his loved ones, our hearts are full with the remembrance of his legacy and the love that we share for him. We are forever grateful for the knowledge that we will see him again and that families are forever. We love you Papa!

Funeral Services will be held on March 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lehi Stake Center in Mesa Arizona. The Stake Center is located at: 1430 N Grand; Mesa, AZ 85201. The viewing is also at Lehi Stake Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation to: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Perpetual Education Fund.”

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 Kay (Mejer) Velleman, 76, passed away suddenly on March 3rd, 2022, from a pulmonary embolism in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to Vince and Marion (Jewett) Mejer on October 1st, 1945. She graduated from St Joseph’s High School in South Bend, IN. She met her husband of 56 years, James Velleman, in an English and a Biology class at Indiana/ Purdue Extension College. He still called her his “sweet pea” to this day. When she was younger, she enjoyed playing in a volleyball league, gardening, and Camping. She was so proud to get her Associates Degree in Business in 1994 while being a working parent. In the most recent years, she spent her time scrapbooking, working with the women’s ministries at All Saints Parish in Mesa Arizona, going on cruises, visiting the casinos, playing cards and Bingo and being with her family. Barb was a giver. She was happiest when she was able to volunteer, give to the community, to the church and most of all to her family. They moved from Bryan, Ohio to Mesa, Arizona in 2011 to be closer to their Grandchildren. She was always there to make birthday cakes, help where needed and will be missed tremendously.

She is survived by her Husband James “Jim” Velleman, Daughter Tonya “Toni” (Jason) Wellman and Son David Velleman. Her Grandchildren Kaeden and Suraya Wellman, her 2 brothers Vince (Fran) Mejer and Bob Mejer, Sister-in-Law Janet (Jack) Stroobandt, Brother-in-law Jim (Judi) Mirda, like a sister Diane (Jim) Stahler and several nieces and nephews- Joel Mejer, Nichole (Aaron) Svik, Christopher Curtis, Terri Wilson, Tami (Tim) Kelly, Mike (Shannon) Stroobandt, Mark (Patricia) Stroobandt, Jimmy (Cathy) Mirda, Mike (Lauri) Mirda and Tina (Mike) Mazzola. And many more Grand Nieces and Nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Nephews Samuel Mejer and Jason Mejer and Sister-in-Law Sylvia Mirda.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel 3529 East University Drive Mesa, AZ. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 10 a.m. at All Saint’s Catholic Church 1534 North Recker Road Mesa, AZ. Lunch will be served after the service at Dreamland Villas Read Hall. Burial will take place on Friday, March 18, 2022 at 9 a.m. National Memorial Cemetery of Phoenix 23029 North Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ.

Memorial Donations, in Barbara’s name, are requested to St. Vincent de Paul: https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give

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.

Melvin Natani, 72 y/o Veteran, passed away on March 1, 2022, at home with family in Sacaton, AZ.

Melvin had a happy, active life filled with family and friends. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching western movies, spending time outside doing yard work, and having cook-outs. 

Melvin is survived by his wife Brenda. Their children Ada, Melvin, Dallas Joy, Michelle, and Rodney. Also eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

On March 16, 2022, Graveyard Services will be at Veterans National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, 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.

Robert (Bob) Carpenter, 84 passed away peacefully on February 24, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Elza and Virginia Carpenter in Ford, Kentucky in 1937. Bob worked hard all his life and was a wonderful husband and father.  His favorite past times were fishing, reading, talking politics, and ending up in Facebook jail. In 1957, Bob married the love of his life, his best friend, Georgia (Libby) Little and they were lucky to have celebrated over 64 years together. Bob is survived by his wife Libby, son, Robert (Russel) Carpenter (Kathy) of Nashville, TN, daughter, Tonya (Chris) Hughes of Mesa, AZ. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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://zoom.us/j/99164822254

Jane Johnson Rasmussen, 77, was born November 23, 1944 to Richard G. and Nadeen LeSueur Johnson at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a 4th generation Mesan for 77 years and was always proud of her Johnson/LeSueur ancestry.  Education was very important to Jane. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1963, received her BAE from ASU, and her Masters Degree at U of A.  Jane was blessed with six decades of love with John William Rasmussen, also an Arizona native. They married in 1965 and the Rasmussen adventures began! Jane treasured her calling as the mother of their four children: Erik, Kristen (Scott Dawson), Richard (Chrissy) and Kent (Becky). She was a wonderful loving Mom and their home was the ultimate gathering place with lots of fun activities and the good food Jane made. As the children grew older, Jane returned to teaching for Mesa Public Schools for many years.

The frosting on Jane’s cake of life came in the form of her 13 “most adorable” grandchildren. She has always been, and will continue to be, their biggest fan. She cheered them on and supported them at all their events. She made them each feel as though they were her favorite. Jane loved to travel and explore.  She and John enjoyed many cruises and adventures together and completed two dedicated “road trip” summers to tour the entire United States.  She loved to be with her family which often included trips to the snow, water and sand dunes.  She was always on the go!  One of Jane’s favorite past times was relaxing in the sun in Arizona or at Newport or Mission Beach. She was a true Zonie beach babe.  She also enjoyed snow and water skiing and later her daily gym routine. Jane was an avid reader and always had a stack of books around. She loved genealogy and family history and received so much joy in learning about her ancestors and their history.  She served an LDS mission at the Church History Center helping others do their genealogy. She enjoyed her many church callings through the years,  especially being a Relief Society President. Jane lived and loved to serve. She was always looking for ways to help others and carry out celestial promptings by doing kind things for anyone in need.  Even as her health began to fail, she remained the ultimate hostess and thoughtful person she had always been. She was especially known for her personalized cards for all occasions that were filled with expressions of love and kindness.

Visitation will be at Bunkers Family Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201 on Monday, March 7th from 6 to 8pm.

An additional visitation will also take place at 10:00 am Tuesday, March 8th, with the funeral following at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2549 N. 32nd Street Mesa, AZ 85213.

In lieu of flowers, Jane would love for you to take your grandchildren bowling, plan a special getaway with your sweetheart, attend a play or concert, or act on a prompting to serve someone.

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.

Joyce Ellen Anderson, 72, of Mesa, died February 25, 2022 after a brief hospitalization for heart disease.

She was born in Colon, Nebraska, and moved to Mesa when she was in elementary school.  Joyce’s early years on the farm in Nebraska lead her to develop a life-long love of animals, particularly Boston Terriers.

Joyce graduated from Mesa High School and Arizona State University.  She was a beloved English teacher and department head for thirty years at Mesa Public Schools.  She taught at Carson and Shepherd Junior Highs, and Red Mountain and Skyline High Schools.  Teaching was her calling, and she will be remembered fondly by students and colleagues alike.

Joyce had aptitude for home decorating and took great pleasure in finding the perfect pieces.  She loved to read, and kept up with the latest best-selling books.  Her organizational skills were apparent both in her work and home lives.

At her request, there will be no memorial service. She was predeceased by her parents Rolland and Merle Anderson and her brother Larry.  Her ashes will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery where her parents and brother are buried.

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.

Steven Paul Mitchell   July 4, 1971—February 25, 2022

It is with peace in our hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Steven Paul Mitchell from this life into the loving arms of his Savior. Steve will long be remembered for many reasons.

Steve was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on the Fourth of July, 1971, to Robert and Doris Mitchell. He surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and lived an exemplary life. He lived with his parents and his sister until college days. In high school he was involved for several years as a dramatic actor on the Back to the Bible Youth Radio Program, then heard around the world.

Steve was a member of Indian Hills Community Church in Lincoln and was active in the high school and college groups, excelling in leadership and in technical matters. He was part of the team that refurbished an older fraternity building for the Indian Hills Alpha Omega ministry outreach on the University campus, and he lived for a time in the updated building. He was a 1994 graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with a BA in English—British Literature.

At Indian Hills Church Steven met Melanie Bode, a daughter of Mike and Penny Bode, and they were married there March 14, 1999. They honeymooned here in the Valley of the Sun, thanks to a gracious employer and friend. In 2000 Steve and Mel started a new chapter in their lives by moving to Phoenix and later to Mesa and then to Queen Creek. Both have held responsible positions, Steve for more than 20 years, with Insight Enterprises, headquartered in Tempe.

Their love for Jesus was very evident, and wanting to raise up another generation for God, they welcomed McKenna into their family almost 15 years ago.

Here in the Valley, they have been involved with church activities, including audio engineering and small groups at Redemption Church Gateway.

Steve wanted his life to be about Jesus and about introducing others to the Good News that Jesus Christ died on a cross to pay the penalty for their sins, that if by faith they would trust in Him, their sins could be forgiven and they could spend eternity in heaven with God. If Steve were here right now, he would want you to know that God loved the world—that is each one of us—so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for us so whoever believes in Him would have everlasting life. This is the message of the Bible’s Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16. This was the truth that guided Steve’s life, and he wants it to guide your life as well.

On Friday, February 25, 2022, at Banner Heart Hospital, Steve succumbed to his illnesses—Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a stem cell transplant with complications, blood clots, and ultimately, diseased lungs that could no longer support his life. That afternoon his weeping family tenderly released him into the loving arms of his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. “Absent from the body, present with the Lord” (see 2 Corinthians 5:8).

Steve is survived by his wife Melanie (Bode) Mitchell and their daughter, McKenna Mitchell; by his parents, Bob and Doris Mitchell; by his sister, Karen Mitchell; by his father and mother-in-law, Mike and Penny Bode; by his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Michelle (Bode) May, and their daughters Sadie and Kaeli Hoffer; and by many friends and more distant family members.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on March 4, 2022 at 2:00pm at Redemption Gateway Church at 8635 E Pecos Rd in Mesa AZ The service will be streaming on the link below.

It will go live at 1:40pm.

https://youtu.be/xrTAtjfWZqs

In lieu of flowers, please visit https://gofund.me/b8fbba5d

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.

To attend the service virtually visit:https://youtu.be/f-Titc99BlE

Patricia Elaine Lee passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 23, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 69.  She was born on September 4, 1952 to Walter Bell and Iris Gardner  in Smith county, Tyler, Texas. On September 15, 1972, she married her high school sweetheart, Ernest Lee, and became a military wife.  Together they were blessed to celebrate almost 50 years of marriage exploring life from Texas to Germany. They permanently  settled in Arizona in 1986, and together they raised two daughters and were blessed to see three grandsons and two granddaughters.

Patricia attended Tyler public schools where she attended Emmett J. Scott High School and graduated from John Tyler. She loved singing and being surrounded by music.  She was a natural artist who could draw, paint, and also enjoyed etching.  Pat also loved books and was an avid reader who enjoyed all genres, especially mystery, horror, and suspense.  In her spare time she also loved completing puzzles.  Pat loved to travel but was happiest spending time with her family and seeing everyone healthy and happy.

Those that will be waiting for her in her eternal home will be her mother and step father, Ray and Iris Simmons; father, Walter Bell; brother, Derrick Simmons; maternal grandparents, Robert and Rebecca Gardner; paternal grandmother, Florence Bell; aunts, Carol Gardner Bartlett and Audrey Gardner; and uncles, Richard Gardner, Carl Gardner, and her niece Anitrice Simmons.

Those left to cherish Patricia’s memories are her husband of 50 years, Ernest Lee; two daughters, Andrea Lee and Shalana Taylor; three grandsons, Jermaine McGowan Jr, Darrius Lee, and as yet, unborn, Rayne Taylor. Two granddaughters Nya McCullough and Aaliya Taylor;  Three sisters: Cherry Gardner and Diann Simmons, Tyler, TX and Gloria Simmons, Denton, TX; aunts, LaDessa Gardner, Frisco, Texas; Angelina Smith, Whitehouse, TX, and Veta Gardner, Port St. Lucie, FL; and her uncle, Howard Gardner, Lynnwood, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, cousins and friends.

Patricia Lee will be dearly missed and the home coming ceremony will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ.

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

 Carroll Dean Haga,  of Mesa ,  was called home to Jesus  on February 24,  2022, at age 88.

Dean was born to Louise and Dean Haga on January 28, 1934, in Gauley  Bridge, West Virginia.  As a child, Dean enjoyed fishing, sledding, and  listening to baseball games on the radio.

Dean met his wife, Marilyn Jean Baribeau, in 1956 when they were both  serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.  Dean served in the  U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 and received the Good Conduct Medal when  he was honorably released.  Dean and Marilyn married in 1958 and lived in  Rochester, NY for a short period before moving to Phoenix, AZ.

Dean began working for the JCPenney Company as a sales clerk in 1958.  This became a wonderful 35-year career for him working in many different  stores and positions in Arizona including store manager.  He retired from  JCPenney in 1993.

Not ready to sit idle, Dean took a position as a playground aide at O’Connor  Elementary School in Mesa.  It wasn’t long before his value was realized  and he was moved into a classroom aide position in special education.  Dean absolutely loved children, and especially loved his special needs  students. Dean worked for MPS for 20 years, from 1996 to 2016.

In addition to his work at JCPenney and Mesa Public Schools, Dean also  worked part-time for USA Today from 2000-2004 and Target from  2005-2013.  He taught his family the value of hard work.

More important to Dean than his work career, was his family.  Dean was a  dedicated, loving husband and father.  He and Marilyn were blessed to raise  a large family of 9 children.

Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he  shared with those who surrounded him.  He loved teaching men’s Bible  studies and speaking to all who would listen about God’s love and salvation.

Dean joins his daughter Barb, son Jim, and grandson Christopher in Heaven. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Haga; children David Haga (Patti), Jeanne Merkel, John Haga (Barbara), Susan Moore, Laura Parsons  (Jon), Lulu Haga, Cody Haga; 21 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren,  and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

No services will be held at this time and the family requests donations to  Hospice at Home of Arizona be made in lieu of flowers.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

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.

Arlene June Frycek passed away February 19, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona.

Arlene is survived by three children,  five grandchildren,  eight great grandchildren and other family members and friends.

A graveside service will be held March 5, 2022 at 11:00 am at City of Mesa Cemetery- 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201.

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:

http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/mesaarizonacentralstake

Gary Wayne Heinecke, 74, passed from this world on the evening of Tuesday, February 22, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Logan, Utah on September 8, 1947. He married Norma Bennett on May 4, 1977 in the St. George Temple. They lived in various places but resided in Arizona for a majority of his time in this life.

He was full of gratitude for his family’s devoted faith and prayers as they surrounded him during his final moments on earth. Throughout his life he studied the scriptures, developing a strong faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ and testimony of the plan of salvation. He was a strong believer of service to God, Family, & Country. During his early years, Gary earned his Eagle through the scouting program, served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1968 – 1970, and later enlisted in the Airforce for a six-year term, 1972 – 1978.

He valued gaining truth and knowledge out of the best books and always sought to teach his family in the ways of truth and righteousness. He had a talent of adding humor to life, always making those around him laugh. He raised his children to always do a good turn daily, and be prepared. His life was one which exemplified these attributes, passing them to his posterity.

Survived by Norma B. Heinecke, his wife of 44 years and their 8 children: Amy (Nate) West, Allen Wayne, David Ryan, Esther (Anthony) West, Elisabeth (Bret) Engstrom, Benjamin Joseph, Michael Isaiah, and Roy Vance (Camilla Amanda Padgett), 20 beautiful Grandchildren (12 Granddaughters, and 8 Grandsons), and his Nieces and Nephews. He is reunited in heaven with his Mother Joyce; Sister Barbara Hanna, Brother Kenneth; Stepfather Erwin Heinecke, Father Wendell Nelson, and many others.

The viewing will be held Thursday, March 3, 2022 5pm-7pm at the Bunker Funeral Home (33 N. Centennial Way Mesa AZ 85201).

Funeral Service: Friday, March 4, 2022 10 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel Building (925 N. Harris Dr. Mesa AZ 85203).

Look for Celebration of Life for Gary W. Heinecke

Interment: Friday, March 4, 2022 2 pm at the City of Mesa Cemetery (1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201).

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.

E. (Errol) Blaine Vance, age 67, beloved husband, father and grandfather, returned home to his Father in Heaven on February 18, 2022. A long-time resident of Mesa, he and his wife had recently moved to Taylor, Arizona.

Blaine was born May 7, 1954 in Mesa, Arizona to Claudia Lee (Blackmer Freeman) and Earl Reeseman Vance. His father passed away a short five years later, which had a great effect on Blaine’s life.  He became his mother’s main support even from that young age and did everything he could to help her physically, emotionally and financially. He graduated from Tempe Union High School, attended Brigham Young University for a few years, and then went on to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a profession he held with honor and trust throughout the rest of his career. He started his own company, Foresight Financial, based in Mesa. He also taught at the University of Phoenix, writing some of the curriculum for Financial Planning classes at that time. From 2003 – 2006, Blaine served as Deputy Treasurer of the State of Arizona with honor and distinction.

When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2001, Blaine faced it with his usual quiet bravery and determination. In 2016, he started a non-profit therapy gym, Rock Steady Boxing Mesa, with his son, Landon, and his wife, Karen, to help himself and others deal with the terrible effects of the disease. He was a great example of courage and dedication, building a family atmosphere in the Rock Steady gym.

Blaine was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his entire life, and served in many callings, but his favorite was a short time as nursery leader. He was often called as a Stake or Ward financial clerk and generously gave his time in those callings. He loved being with people and people loved being with him.  To many, he was best known for his beautiful tenor voice, and he sang semi-professionally from the young age of 11 when he performed solos on the record, “Lift Up Your Voice and Sing,” by the Tempe Primary Children’s choir; performed in community theatre in such productions as “Man of La Mancha” and “Show Boat,” and graciously sang for many funerals and programs, including the early years of the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant, then known as the Easter Sunrise Service.

His generosity, love and kindness were an integral part of who he was, and Blaine will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  We are sure he was welcomed Home by his parents, Earl and Claudia, as well as an older brother, Richard Earl Vance, and other loved ones who pre-deceased him.  He is survived by his (second) wife, Karen Kay Speakman-Vance; his daughter, Alycia Nicole Vance Wiliams (Garrett), and his son, Landon Kass Vance (Shawna); as well as his step-children, Ben Speakman (), Ryan Speakman, Emily Speakman, Matt Speakman, and Shawna Speakman Vance.  He also leaves behind his younger siblings, Claudia Leeann Vance Hansen (Thomas) and David Allen Vance (Kim). He was very proud of his 19 grandchildren.

A viewing for family and friends will be held March 11, 2022 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Bunker Memorial Chapel at 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 10:00 am for family and close friends at the Ward Building (Lazona & University) 1345 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203.

In lieu of flowers, friends may choose to donate to Rock Steady Boxing Mesa NFP, a Parkinson’s therapy center, 501[c]3, at RockSteadyMesa.com.

For those of you who are unable to attend the service, please join us by using the zoom link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81231527478?pwd=WFd4eTUvc2R3Y1VLVk5Tb2xpeUlEdz09

Meeting ID: 812 3152 7478
Passcode: 632320

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.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Evelyn Lee West on February 17, 2022, at age 101. She leaves a legacy of service, warm-heartedness, and quick wit. She was born on September 14, 1920 to Vergne and Winnifred (Winnie) Massey at Solomonville, Arizona. She grew up in the Gila Valley and attended some college there.

Evelyn met Norman West in Lakeside and married him on 11/22/1940. They made their home in many places with many years spent living in Mesa and Lakeside, Arizona. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which she served in many positions and sang in many church choirs.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Norman West, her son Darvil West, a son-in-law, John King (Norma), a daughter-in-law Ann West (Royce) and a great grandson Joshua Nadeau (Sundee). She is survived by her children, Norma King, Royce (Kaleen), Wade, Nolan (Carole), Janis Wilkins, and Sundee West Burney, whom she raised from childhood. She has 30 grandkids, 84 great grandkids, and 15 great-great grandkids.

Evelyn passed away peacefully at home with her children gathered around her on February 17, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the Gilbert Arizona Val Vista Stake Center, located at 1005 N Voyager Dr. Gilbert, Arizona, with a viewing beginning one hour prior to the services at 9:00am. Evelyn will be buried in Lakeside at 1:00pm on Monday, February 28, 2022 at the Lakeside 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.

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

https://youtu.be/voAb8K3zH3U

Sonja Traasdahl, our beloved mom, passed away February 18, 2022 at the age of 83.

Sonja Elisabeth Berge Traasdahl was born to Jorge Olav Berge and Aslag Thorstensen in Oslo, Norway on March 3, 1938.

There were wonderful experiences while growing up in Norway, but Sonja experienced difficulties as well in her childhood including living through World War II as a young girl.  As a young adult, she moved to London to work as a nanny. Later she made the decision to emigrate to the United States.  Soon after her arrival she reconnected with the handsome missionary, Elder Roger Traasdahl, who had introduced her to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints while in Norway.  Soon after, Roger and Sonja would be married in the Saint George, Utah temple for time and all eternity on April 14, 1961.  They settled in Bountiful, Utah.  After a time, they moved to California, and then later to Scottsdale, Arizona where they remained and continued raising their family, making many lifelong friends.

 After the untimely death of her sweetheart in 1987 she began working at the Mesa Arizona temple records office where she would spend many years working until her retirement.  She loved her association with all of her temple worker friends and coordinating the volunteers.

She spent so many years in the U.S. that she began to entertain the idea of becoming a citizen and in 1997 she made it official!  Even though she spoke wonderful English, every once in a while she would say a word with a Norwegian twist such as “shtick” instead of stick.  We loved it.  We also got to learn a few phrases in Norwegian from her such as “thank you for the food” and “I love you”.

Sonja devoted her life and all of her talents to raising her four sons Curt, Glen, Scott, and Chris.  She was gifted in and famous for knitting beautiful Norwegian sweaters with a special wool yarn and pewter buttons, crocheting afghans and washcloths, sewing her own clothes. She loved cooking traditional Norwegian food, and baking bread such as her famous Sonja rolls. After Roger’s passing she carried on his love of genealogy work for many years.  She deeply loved her family, especially her boys.

Her favorite pastimes included spending time with family, shopping, crocheting, knitting, walking, traveling, especially to Norway, and lunches with friends.  She had a love/hate relationship with puzzles, and later in life she threatened her offspring that if they gave her another puzzle…

Mostly she just loved to see and keep track of her grandkids and great grandkids.  She loved her many years of service in the church both in and out of the temple.

We love her and will miss her spunky personality, infectious giggle, and the sound of her accent when she deemed something to be “shtupid!”

She was preceded in death by her husband Roger Osborne Traasdahl.  She is survived by her brother, Leo Berge, and her beloved four sons and their wives, 16 grandchildren, and 9½ great grandchildren.

Services for Sonja will be held Thursday, February 24 at 11:00 am at Bunker Family funeral home located at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa Arizona. There will be a viewing from 10:00-10:45 am.

Internment will be at Paradise Memorial Gardens in Scottsdale, 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.