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Roy Lawrence Perkins, a 92 year old native of Arizona, passed away February 12, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Jesse Nelson Perkins and Mabel Stratton in Goodyear, Arizona in 1929. His family moved to Mesa when he was a year old, where he then attended Mesa Public Schools. Roy was a successful entrepreneur and led a very active, adventurous life filled with family and friends. He was wise, generous, and an anonymous benefactor to many.
He is survived by his wife, Betye Jeane Jordan, a son, Roy “Larry” (Lissa), a son, Greg (Kathy), a daughter, Shellie Willis (Dale), a daughter, Sandy Mathews, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Roy was preceded in death by a son, Steve (Barbara), son-in-law Blaine Mathews.
Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5350 East McLellan Road, Mesa, Arizona, at 10:00AM. There will be a viewing one hour preceding the services. Interment will be Monday, February 28th, at 10:00AM at the Mesa City 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.
Kristi Lynn Boykin, 58, very sadly died, following a brave fifteen-month struggle with pancreatic cancer, at her home in Mesa on February 15, 2022. Kristi was born on November 9, 1963 in Phoenix to Barbara Hamilton and Gerald Stone. She was a 1981 graduate of Westwood High School; worked successfully for many years in retail, benefits, and construction management; and was a fervent advocate of animal rights.
She is survived by her husband of nine years, Kenneth Boykin; her daughter, Brittany Meyer; her son, Kyle Stanley; her mother, Barbara Osterhoudt (Bob); her sister, Karin Stone (Kevin Bode); and her four grandchildren: Christopher Lightholder and Mackenzie, Asilynn, and Natalie Meyer. Kristi will be greatly missed and will be always lovingly cherished and remembered as an exemplary daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and niece.
Her memorial service will be held at Kiwanis Park, Tempe, Ramada #11 on Saturday, March 12 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Kristi’s honor to Arizona Chihuahua Rescue (www.azchihuahuarescue.org; 480-844-2447).
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.
Amoni Paeahengaue Mafi, born in Vaini, Tonga on May 28, 1973 (48), was called home by his Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Finau Kesaia Alatini Mafi. He is survived by his father Kalisi Fonua Mafi, his sister Laukau Ioelu (Pani) and his two brothers Peni Mafi (Heidi) and Kapono (April) Mafi.
His legacy will be continued through his two beautiful daughters, Finau Amelia Laukau Mafi (13) and Samiyah Lauorisia Mafi (5).
His name was given to him by his mother’s sister, Faaki Alatini Richter. He was the first baby in the family she named while serving on a mission.
When he was just 3 years old, Amoni and his families immigrated from Tonga to the United States. They settled first in Hawaii and then eventually making their permanent home in Arizona. He would go on to graduate from Maryvale High School in Phoenix, AZ.
Most of his youth he spent refining his skills in many handy trades. He loved using tools to fix, repair and build things. He could often be found under a vehicle, and he became an amazing auto mechanic. He had a passion for music and stereo systems. He enjoyed driving the streets of Arizona blaring reggae music that would wake the neighbors and rattle their windows.
He loved to attend dances and would often gather those same family and friends to play volleyball around town. He was always positive and an optimist. He could often be found pulling a funny prank and joking around.
At the age of twenty-one, he decided to volunteer two years of his life to the Lord. He served an honorable full time LDS mission in Oakland, CA. Several months after his return home, he would meet and marry Mahana Lesieli Muchnick. Over their eighteen years of marriage, they would experience life in Washington State, Utah, and Arizona. They remained best friends for the remainder of his life.
Fortunately, he was able to accomplish many life goals and pursue more talents. Some of those things included leadership roles in church, being a foster parent to many young children, trying his hand as real estate investor and flipping his first home, owning a farm and petting zoo, continually working on handyman projects, fishing and camping, mixing music as a DJ and collecting thousands of CDs and cassettes over the years, helping his dad record VHS at all community dances and events, cooking and creating delicious marinades and recipes, BBQ’s and cookouts, an avid collector of reggae music, and last but not least he was in constant pursuit to grow back his dreads. If not on the top of his head, then on the tip of his chin.
He was his mother’s son. He loved his mother first and always. One of his favorite memories is how his mom had big, soft arms and how he would cuddle into them from childhood to adulthood whenever he was with her. She would hum songs and talk with him for hours. Sadly, he laid his mother to rest just short of a year before he passed. We have no doubt he is in the arms of God as well as the arms of his mother, again.
Amoni spent his entire life being selfless in his love and support towards his countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Everyone who met him, loved him. He worked at FedEx and had dreams of retiring there after 30 years. At the time of his passing, he had been there for more than 22 years.
When we think of Amoni, we will remember how loving, kind, genuine and caring he was. We know that the life he lived, and his heart of gold will perpetuate his legacy for eternities. Until we meet again!
A celebration of life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 233 W 10th Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210 on Thursday, February 24, 2022, starting at 9:30 am-12:00 pm.
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.
Mary Alice Humetewa of Phoenix, Arizona passed away in Phoenix, AZ on Tuesday, February 7, 2022.
Mary Alice, a member of the Pima Tribe, was born in Sacaton Arizona in 1926 to Sophie Myer and Hugh Seyu. May Alice attended the Phoenix Indian School and graduated as President of the Senior Class in 1947.
Mary Alice was preceded in death by her husband Benedict Humetewa. Mary will be buried next to Benedict at the National Cemetery in Arizona.
Mary is survived by her four children, Keith, Kevin, Stephanie and Kim, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mary was a very strong and proud woman who raised 4 children to be honest, good and kind. She will be remembered for her no-nonsense parental guidance, charity to the community, her wonderful baking, and humorous phrases. Oh Fiddlesticks, For Crying out Loud and I’ll be back subsequently will be forever in our minds. Mary Humetewa was a loving and doting grandmother, who constantly conveyed her love to all her grandchildren.
We love you Mary, we will see you subsequently.
Interment will be held at National Cemetery of Arizona.
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.
Craig Thomas Coker, age 62, passed away February 6, 2022, at his home.
Craig was born on July 12, 1959 to William and Phyllis (Blase) Coker in Valdosta, GA. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Lincoln, KS with the class of 1977. Craig was engaged to Denise Farlin from Mesa, AZ.
Craig completed his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Wichita State University, Wichita, KS and completed his Master’s in Business Administration at Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University.
He was a Certified Public Accountant (certified by the state of Arizona) and had worked in a variety of accounting positions with organizations such as the Kansas Department of Revenue, Fuller Brush, B. F. Goodrich, Arch Chemicals, Network Infrastructure Corp, Textron Defense Systems, and Banda Group International. At the time of his death, he was the Controller and was part of the ‘start-up team’ for Neotek Energy Inc., an oil and gas management company.
Craig’s passion was baseball; he loved the Atlanta Braves and K.C. Royals. Plus, he had plans to visit all professional baseball stadiums in the United States. People close to him knew that he loved weather (he often acted as an amateur metrologist), a human music encyclopedia, a beach lover, and enjoyed making people laugh. For fun, he played in black jack tournaments, enjoyed craps, and liked to bet on the ‘ponies’. He also enjoyed his trips to Colorado and Kansas to spend time with his family and close friends.
Craig is survived by his fiancé, Denise Farlin, sister Terri (Don) Yohon, and a nephew, William (Bridget) Yohon. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Dean Long.
The cremation will take place on February 23, 2022 and his ashes will be scattered at a later date at places he loved.
Barbara “Barb” Sue Neff Allen was born February 9, 1957 in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of Leslie Byrd Neff and Helen Louise Lloyd Neff.
Above all Barb loved to explore the world, and to her great joy at 16 she escaped her small hometown of Mt. Washington, Kentucky and moved with her family to Phoenix, Arizona. She went on to study Recreation and Travel at ASU and on February 16, 1980 married a motorcycle-riding engineering student named Brent Eric Allen. They raised four daughters who learned from Barb to love beaches, creativity, and kindness.
Barb delighted in small adventures, and on February 14, 2022 in Gilbert, Arizona she left us to return home for the last Great Adventure. She leaves a prodigious collection of rocks and seashells that display her love of the world, along with a legacy of warmth, fun, acceptance, and joy.
She is survived by husband Brent; brother Joe; daughters Jacqui, Jenny, Laura, and Stefanie; son-in-laws Eric, Tyson, and Josh; and grandchildren Kyler, Kacin, Perry, Layla, Brinna, Bryce, Preston, Rylie, Macie, Logan, Grayson, and Harper.
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://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWwkbRM4y1mppq_uUziDP7A
Our loving mother, Linda Tenney Ellsworth, bravely passed February 14, 2022, after a valiant year-long battle with breast cancer. Linda was born January 10, 1940, in Snowflake, Arizona to Reed LaGrand Tenney and Jocie May Brimhall. She was the eldest of eight children. Linda’s childhood was filled with family love, sports, music and farm life in Winslow and Taylor, Arizona.
She started playing the piano at age 10, she was the Junior Sunday School pianist at age 13 and the ward organist at age 14. She played the viola, flute and accordion, and sang alto. She attended Arizona State University. She was an astute accompanist throughout her lifetime and only stopped playing piano and organ after the adverse effects of chemotherapy.
She and our father, Corwin LeRoy Ellsworth, were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple, September 4, 1958, and lived in Scottsdale, Arizona. Linda had 10 children, 49 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. She had been a widow for almost 14 years.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a strong testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She spent her life serving others in various capacities including Assistant Matron to the Mesa Arizona Temple from 2003-2006, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Relief Society President, Primary President, and Young Women’s Advisor.
She was an amazing cook and we will miss her Christmas and Sunday dinners. She quilted and crocheted baby blankets for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sewed beautiful clothing. One of her great legacies was sharing her gift of music with her children and grandchildren.
We cherish the memories of family gatherings where she played her love songs. She lived her life fully and is survived by her siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, and great-granddaughter Eloise Mae Turk.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humanitarian Fund at www.latterdaysaintcharities.org.
There will be a viewing at Bunkers Garden Chapel the evening of February 24th from 6-8 pm at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa Arizona 85201.
Services for Linda will be February 25, 2022 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 532 S. Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ 85206. A viewing will be at 9:00AM with services beginning at 10:00AM.
Interment will be at the Show Low City cemetery at 4:00 pm.
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.
Kelsie Randall Hugo passed away on February 3, 2022 at the age of 35.
Kelsie was born on August 10, 1986 in Chandler, Arizona to Witt and Julie Randall. She grew up in Chino Valley Arizona and Gilbert Arizona and attended Highland High School. Kelsie graduated from cosmetology school and later went on to become a Registered Nurse.
Kelsie was always very generous and giving with a heart full of love. She loved to spend time with her family and her favorite thing to do was spend time with her nieces and nephews that she adored. She also loved her dog, Diesel, who she had for fourteen years. Kelsie met her husband Bob in 2012. They formed an inseparable bond and everyone could see the unwavering love they had for one another.
Kelsie is survived by her loving parents along with her siblings and stepchildren.
Kelsie is reunited with her loving husband Bob who passed away six months ago from cancer.
A viewing/visitation will be held Friday February 18 from 5-8 PM at the LDS church building at 2700 E. Guadalupe Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234.
Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held Saturday February 19 at 10 AM at the same location.
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.
The live stream of the service can be found here:
Ross Nash Farnsworth III August 19, 1980 – February 13, 2022
Lovingly known his entire life by family and friends as Todd. He was a dedicated father, an attentive son and a caring brother. Todd is preceded in death by his father Ross N Farnsworth Jr. and leaves behind his children Berkeley and Beckham, mother Lori Farnsworth, sisters Brooke Martin, Heidi Ainge, Haylie Farnsworth, Aubrey Bonds and brother Daniel Ashton Farnsworth.
Todd competed on his high school golf team, earned his Eagle Scout award and graduated from Mountain View High School in 1999. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Todd attended Arizona State University earning his JD/MBA. His charitable interests were centered around Mentors International (One Life At A Time) and Executive Council 70. When not working in his varied business ventures, Todd could be found on the golf course, scuba diving or playing at the beach with his children whom he adored.
Todd’s Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, February 18 at the Mesa Mt. View Stake Center, 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, the Farnsworth family suggests contributions be made to Todd’s favorite service organizations.
Live Stream Link To View Service:
Our Angel Mother, Margaret Ruth Creson, passed away on February 10, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. She was 86 years old. Ruth was the 3rd child of 3 children, born to Vincent and Margaret Cooper. She was born on May 8, 1935, in Tooele, Utah and was raised and lived there throughout her childhood and early married life. When Mom was a young girl, her mother passed away and her father remarried Vergie Saxton, bringing 2 young sons and then later 2 more sons into the family. She graduated from Tooele High School in 1953.
She married our father, Harold Louis Creson, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 3, 1953. Their marriage brought 5 children into the world. In 1959, Harold and Ruth moved to Mesa, Arizona with their 2 oldest children. In the following years, 3 more children would join their family. They lived the remainder of their lives in Mesa, as it was a wonderful place to raise their children. Our father later passed away on November 5, 1996 in Mesa, Arizona.
Ruth was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings throughout her life. These included Primary Teacher, Nursery Coordinator, Primary President, Counselor in the Relief Society and the Young Women Program, Laurel Advisor and YW Camp and Sports Director. Mom’s favorite calling was serving in the Mesa Temple as an ordinance worker where she served for 14 years. This was a very spiritual assignment for her and one she looked forward to every week.
Throughout her life, Ruth was loved by all who met and associated with her. She had a kind and tender heart that allowed her to feel love for everyone. The greatest joy of her life was serving others but especially her family. Her posterity presently includes 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way, plus many more who have married into the family that she claimed as her own.
Our mother had many special gifts and one of those was the ability to recognize the needs of others and to love and serve them however she could. Mom was a happy, positive person that people were drawn to because they felt her love for them. Her desire her entire life was to live the teachings of our Savior and always follow His example. As her children, we feel very blessed to have someone so Christ-like as our Mother.
Ruth is preceded in death by our dad and her eternal companion, Harold, her parents, and 4 siblings: Nick, Belva, VerDell and Thale. She is survived by her 5 children – Paul Creson (Janet), Tammy Mortensen (Kerry), Lori Creson, Shirley Mortensen (Ron), Mark Creson (April), all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her 2 younger brothers, Alan Cooper (Jane), Roger Cooper (Diane).
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 745 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ, 85205. There will be a visitation from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. prior to the service. We want to thank family and friends for their love and prayers for us on behalf of our Mother.
Funeral arranged by Bunker’s Garden Chapel. Interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery following the 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
Roger J Larson passed away on February 11, 2022 in Mesa, AZ. Roger was born on September 16, 1934 in Madera, CA. He met Nione while visiting relatives in Mesa and they married in 1954 and immediately went into the Air Force where he served in Guam.
Roger and Nione raised a family in Las Cruces, New Mexico where he worked designing radar as a civil engineer for White Sands Missile Range. After retirement, they moved to Mesa, AZ to be closer to family. Roger and Nione served an LDS mission in New York, New York. He lost the love of his life, Nione in 2012 and has anxiously been waiting to meet with her again. Roger is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
He left behind a sister, Kay (Rick), brother David (Marlene) and five children; Linda (Rod), Jay (Patricia), Eileen (Jay), Myrl, Mark (Heidi), 13 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
There will be a graveside service on Thursday, February 17 at the Mesa Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Luncheon will be served at the LDS Chapel on 1249 South 48th Street following the service.
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
Gary Francis Stark, 70, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 11, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Dolores Stark, and his sister-in-law Jan Stark. He is survived by his brother Greg Stark and his sister Terri Brown. He is the father of Nicole (Greg) Gamm, Shannon Groll, and Christopher (Ashley) Stark. He is the grandfather of Grant, Kerrigan, Liberty and Jaxsen Gamm, Jaysen and Nathan Groll, and Leland and Lylah Stark. Gary served his country in the Air Force Reserves during the 1970’s. Although retired, he enjoyed working in the Millworks department of the Gilbert Home Depot. He loved his time in the retirement community where he lived serving on the board and introducing all his neighbors to the world of technology. His little dog Sushi was a great source of companionship in his last few years. Funeral services begin Friday, February 18, 2022 with visitation at Bunker Family Funeral Home – University Chapel at 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. Mass is at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N Recker Road in Mesa at 10:00 a.m. Burial service is at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E Apache Trail, Mesa at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gary Sinese Foundation.
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.
James was called home by his Heavenly Father on Saturday February 12, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie and is survived by his sister Dorothy, brother Bobby and his children, Timothy (Cheryl), Wendy (Shaun), and Kevin (Lisa), Grandchildren, Meredith, Emily, Jacob and Brian.
James served his country in the Army’s Hell On Wheels 2nd Armored Division, and spent time deployed in Germany before meeting the love of his life, Bonnie, and settling in Wisconsin. Their love took them to Arizona, where they continued raising their kids and welcomed their grandchildren. A very strong, kind and gentle man who loved his family and immersed himself in their lives.
A lover of travel, he enjoyed visiting with friends and family near and far, spreading his cheer with a smile. James will be forever missed by all who love him. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Valley in the name of James Irick. Memorial service to be held at a later date.
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.
Curtis
10/23/1958 – 01/20/2022
Joyce
07/11/1960 – 02/03/2022
After 42 years of marriage, Joyce and Curtis were called home within two weeks of each other. You would rarely see one without the other, and it was that way right to the end.
Joyce was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family with all she had. Curtis was a doting husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. Joyce and Curtis cherished their times with family from backyard bar-b-ques to going on family camping trips. When they were not with family, they shared a love for exploring the outdoors and camping. In their spare time, Joyce enjoyed putting puzzles together and relaxing on the patio with a good cup of coffee, and Curtis could be found working on his treasured 1950 Chevy truck, building models and windchimes, or fishing.
Left to carry on their traditions are their children Nick (Laura), Casey (Caitie), and Jessica (Ryan), 5 grandkids, and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a date and time yet to be determined in or around Salt Lake City.
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 funeral service online may do so at the following link:
Joseph “Joe” Larry Porter was born in Mesa, Arizona on July 11, 1942, to his parents William S. and Hilda Webb Porter. He passed away with his wife by his side on February 9, 2022, just a few months shy of his 80th birthday.
Joe spent his childhood creating many memories with his family including the treasured annual “round-up” at the family ranch near Flagstaff, Arizona. In high school, Joe loved playing basketball and had the opportunity to meet his wife, Sharon during his senior year though he soon after left to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Minnesota and Canada. Upon Joe’s return to Arizona, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University. With this degree, Joe became a successful businessman and developed many residential communities throughout Mesa in addition to owning and operating Joe Porter Realty.
On January 30, 1964, Joe married Sharon Kay Richey in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they raised 6 wonderful children who were the light of his life. Even throughout his busy career and demanding church callings, Joe was devoted to his family and loved to spend time with them traveling the country and the world.
Joe’s life was characterized by a love for and dedication to God. He had the opportunity to serve as a Bishop, Stake President, and regional representative along with many other callings. In 2007, Joe and Sharon served in the Nauvoo Temple in Illinois. That experience was a highlight of their life and an exclamation point on their years of service.
Anyone who knew Joe knew him as a fun-loving man. Many of his family’s favorite memories of him contain countless jokes that Joe would tell. Joe was also incredibly selfless and loving and dedicated his life to his God and his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon, 6 children, Dan (Tiffany), Dave (Mimi), Julie (Kent Baldwin), Rich (Lindsey), Shellee (Rob Kjar), Jenny (Andrew Knudsen). He also leaves 34 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His
family will miss him dearly but know that he is at rest and surrounded by loved ones on the other side.
His visitation will be held at Bunker Funeral Home on Friday, February 18th from 6 to 8 pm, and a funeral service will be held at the Mesa Stake Center (1050 S. Hobson, Mesa, Arizona) on Saturday, February 19th at 10 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.
Zoom Live Stream ID To View Service:
https://zoom.us/j/91462353031
(meeting ID: 914 6235 3031)
Irene Rose Denison Harmon of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 27, three weeks before her 83rd birthday. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Sherril Allan Harmon and a daughter, Xana. Irene is survived by three siblings: Annette (Ted) Fitzgerald, Joyce (Bob) Gardner, Richard Amel (SuEllen) Denison and six children: Trudy (John) Fjeldsted, Laurel (Tim) Cronin, Pamela (Jon) Nielson, Lanett (Francis) Ho Ching, Corwin Sherril (Jeana) Harmon, Sherlene Harmon, 23 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.
Irene was born on February 21, 1939, to Amel J Denison and Rose Huntington Denison in Castle Dale, Utah at the home of her maternal grandparents. She recalled having a “happy childhood,” growing up in Price, Utah. As a youth, Irene enjoyed singing and dancing for church, school, and community events. She often performed in a quartet, “Harmony Four.” In 10th grade, Irene was selected to represent her school in the Western States Music Conference Choir in California. On this trip, she met her eternal sweetheart, Sherril Harmon, who was in the 12th grade. Irene and Sherril began a four-year courtship, mostly long-distance. In 1958, Irene attended LDS Business College in Salt Lake City. She completed the one-year coursework in nine months. Fulfilling a dream to become a secretary, she took a job as receptionist for Skyline Oil Company.
On June 12, 1959, Irene and Sherril were married and sealed for eternity in Manti, Utah LDS Temple. For the next 25 years, their lives would span the United States from New York to California, adding to their family along the way. Irene used to say that her children’s birthplaces read like a road map.
While raising her own children, Irene spent ten years (1972-82) devotedly caring for 24 foster babies, naming them after letters from the alphabet, A to Z. One very special foster baby with severe disabilities, Xana, was adopted and sealed to the family in Provo, Utah LDS Temple.
After her children were grown, Irene returned to work as a receptionist for Cardinal Health for 18 years. She retired in October 2008 to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her husband. Together, they directed the Mesa Regional Family History Center for nine years.
Irene will be remembered for her faith in God, her love of family, and her hope to live eternally with her beloved husband, Sherril, who passed away last year. Throughout their 61 years of marriage, Irene and Sherril could be heard singing love songs to each other. One favorite duet contained these words: “The circle of our love extends beyond the reach of time. In God’s eternal plan it goes forever.”
Irene left a beautiful legacy of family traditions and a testimony of Jesus Christ. Her large family will miss gathering in her home for parties, holiday celebrations, fun, laughter, and music. She will be missed for her listening ear, her bright smile, her sense of humor, her beautiful heart-felt prayers and her stalwart spirit.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85213.
The memorial service will also be broadcast on Zoom (meeting ID: 914 6235 3031).
Interment: City of Mesa 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.
Arizona Obituaries And Obituary Archive
At Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation, we cherish each unique life, considering it special and sacred. Our obituary archive allows you to explore the obituaries of those we’ve had the privilege to care for, and gives you the chance to share thoughts, messages, or stories with their families.
Use our search function to find a specific obituary, or contact us if you’d like to have your loved one’s obituary hosted on our site.
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Celebrate your loved one’s life however you see fit. At Bunker, we’re committed to helping you. With decades of experience serving families like yours, we can guide you in the right direction to set up a fitting tribute to the special person you have lost.