Find An Obituary
Recent Obituaries
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.
Link to view services Thursday 2/17 at 10 AM: Anna Jacqueline Zufelt Celebration of Life Live Stream
Anna Jacqueline Zufelt (Jacque) (92) passed away peacefully on February 3, 2022. She was born to James Lawson Waddell and Hannah Jane Waddell in Timmonsville, Florence County, South Carolina on August 23rd 1929, and was the second of 3 children.
Jacque met Charles Lawrence Zufelt (Larry) while he was serving a Church mission. After returning home from his mission, Jacque sent Larry a picture of her in a swimsuit, and in short order Larry wrote to her saying, “If you want to get married, come on out!”
That enticing invitation was all it took. Jacque made her way to Durango, Colorado, where Larry was living and the two of them traveled to Mesa, Arizona to be sealed for time and eternity in the Arizona Temple on April 2, 1948. The couple lived in Gallup, New Mexico for a short time, then moved to Mesa.
Jacque worked for a time as a secretary at Motorola, a waitress at Lulu Belle and Valley Ho Restaurants in Scottsdale, and helped her husband with his masonry business. Together, Larry and Jacque faithfully served as ordinance workers in the Arizona Temple for more than 30 years, and served a church mission to Ft Lauderdale, Florida in 1985.
One of the most kind, gentle, and loving people, Jacque will be remembered by all as an exemplar of class and grace and her beautiful singing voice. She had an infectious personality and a keen sense of humor. She loved her Savior and lived and served as He surely would have approved.
Jacque enjoyed traveling with her husband, serving in the Church, celebrating her family and their accomplishments, and always looked forward to the family get-togethers.
Jacque was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. She is survived by her 4 children, Larry W. Zufelt, Pamela (Mark) Rowley, Cheryl (Martin) Howey, and Debbie Clark-Zufelt, 28 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren, and 9 great, great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 17th at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297 with a viewing that same morning at 9:00. There will also be a viewing on Wednesday, February 16th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the same location.
Interment will take place at the Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207.
David Kenneth Tibbetts, a beloved father, husband, son and friend passed away February 1, 2022 at the age of 35 after a courageous battle with Brain Cancer(GBM grade 4)
David is survived by his parents, Craig and Gail Tibbetts, wife Kimberly Tibbetts, 4 children, 5 siblings, 13 nieces and nephews, as well as many in-laws and friends.
David’s strength and courage in the face of such a cruel disease will continue to be an inspiration to us all.
A memorial service will be held at the LDS church located at 1483 N Driftwood Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85234 on February 12, 2022 at 10am. Lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you please make a donation to the Barrow Neurological 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.
Michelle Farganus, 52 passed away January 25th, 2022 in her home in Mesa, Az. She was born to Gary and Judy Kagel in Elgin, Il. She married Jeff Farganus May 28th, 1988 and had two sons, Tyler and Tanner, whom are both married and blessed her with 5 grandchildren. She lived a very happy life as a wife and mother, and worked as a caregiver and school aide. Michelle loved the weekend camping trips and going to the Cardinals games. She brightened up every room that she walked into and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Bunker
Funeral home on Saturday February 12th at 1:00 PM to celebrate her life.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76646064803?pwd=ssnAJZTyyMABYVlR20gZtJHSHgXwgJ.1
Meeting ID: 766 4606 4803
Passcode: love
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.
Born on 2/1/1951 in Boliden, Sweden deceased on 1/16/2022 at the age of 70 in Mesa, Arizona. Britta was born to Bjorn and Ingrid Tornqvist in Sweden where she was raised with her two siblings her brother Hans, and sister Maria. Britta’s father Bjorn was a geophysicist which took the whole family to the country of Colombia where they lived for a few years during her early teens. She learned English and Spanish at an early age and took a knack for languages. She spent over a year in France after her high school years and added French to her list of languages. Britta lost her first husband Larry Knight to a tragic accident.
Britta spent most of her life teaching. As she was teaching in Sweden, Britta met her husband Phil through mutual friends they had while Phil spent time between Sweden and California. Timing was finally right for Britta and Phil as they found out they were pregnant. They both decided that Britta moving to the United States was the best for their family. Britta moved to the states to Arizona in 1988 where they got married and had their son Jonas in 1989. Jonas joined Phil’s eldest son Keith and the two Pollard boys. Britta continued her teaching as she taught English as a second language in Mesa where she was given the infamous nickname ‘Teacher Britta’. Britta along with her colleagues changes the lives of countless families as they took part in the ‘Family Tree’ program.
Britta was an amazing woman who always saw the good in every situation and who truly loved to do good for others. She lived for making people’s lives better even if that was as simple as making a stranger smile. Britta was confident, goofy, elegant, and one of a kind. Britta is gone way too soon but Britta’s light shines bright through all her family, friends, students, and everyone else she crossed paths with. Surrounded by loved ones, Britta unexpectedly passed on 1/16/2022 at Banner Gateway hospital in Gilbert, Az. In honor of Britta, let’s celebrate her life, let’s rejoice in our memories of her and let’s continue to see the good while helping one another.
Britta is survived by her husband Phil, son’s Jonas and Keith, brother Hans, sister Maria. Her Grand kids Josh, Jojo, Jazlyn, Cooper, and Caden.
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.
Glenn E Nichols passed away peacefully February 1, 2022 at his home in Gilbert, Arizona. He was 61 years old. He was born to Nicky and Kaye Nichols on June 27, 1960.
Glenn had a son Augustus Troy (A.T.), granddaughters Alex Weir and Acacia Nichols, and brother Kenny. Glenn will be deeply missed by all his family.
Glenn was an accomplished welder. There was nothing Glenn couldn’t figure out and build. Glenn enjoyed team roping and loved his dogs. He was a great cook and always eager to grill, BBQ or fry something up for his family and friends. When he wasn’t working or roping you knew he had gone fishing.
Glenn had the biggest caring and giving heart. If you needed a helping hand to do something he was always there for you.
Glenn had been fighting complications from his diabetes. He is healed and with The Lord Above. He is smiling at all his family and friends, for one day we will all meet up again.
Visitation will be held Monday February 7, at 5 – 7 at Bunkers Family & Funeral Home 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ.
Graveside Service and Glenn’s Celebration of life will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday February 8 at Mesa Cemetery 1212 N Center St, Mesa 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.
Live Stream Link To View Service:
Thom Curleyhair, age 65, of Fountain Hills, AZ, passed away February 2, 2022 surrounded by his family in Scottsdale, AZ due to complications of COVID.
Thom was born October 10, 1956 in Ganado, AZ to Kitseelie Curleyhair and Mary Ann Etsitty. He was the 4th of 7 children. He attended grades K through 6 at the Indian Boarding School in Kayenta, AZ. From 1969 to 1971, he participated in the LDS Indian Student Placement Program where he lived with the Newel K and Pauline Palmer family of Mesa, AZ. It was within this home that his testimony of Jesus Christ was fortified and grew. There he attended 8th & 9th grade at Carson Jr High School. He spent his senior year back in Kayenta attending Monument Valley High School where he met the love of his life and future bride, Sheila Bostwick.
After high school Thom joined the Marine Corps where he served for four years as an Amphibious Vehicle Crewman. After being honorably discharged he returned home to Kayenta where he married Sheila and began working for Peabody Coal Company. It was at the coal mine where Thom began running heavy equipment and building roads. His passion for machinery and moving dirt grew and developed into a desire to one day have his own construction company.
In 1986 Thom and Sheila moved from Kayenta to Mesa, AZ where they would raise their six children. In 1992 they incorporated their small construction company, Arrow Indian Contractors, Inc (Arrow). Success did not come overnight, and the company experienced many ups and downs but eventually it grew and has become a robust general contracting company with many wonderful employees. Many of the roads built and much of the work performed by Arrow has been on the Navajo Nation, the homeland where Thom felt a strong connection to the land. In 2019 he accepted a position with the Dine’ Chamber of Commerce as vice chair where he hoped to help his fellow native Navajo people with their desires to prosper in their own businesses.
Thom had a generous heart and was often helping others. He also touched many lives as he shared his testimony and love for his Savior Jesus Christ. His strong faith is what saw him through his battle with nasopharyngeal cancer and sepsis in 2021 and what gave him courage as he faced his battle with COVID.
Thom is survived by his wife; children Tawnya (Kolby) Collard of Mesa, Kristin (Ryan) McPhie of Mesa, Tara (Andrew) Taylor of Mesa, Ethan (Lauren) of Fort Defiance, Elijah (Lexie) of Gilbert, and Shane of Fort Defiance; 14 grandchildren; sisters Anna Gray, Grace Curleyhair, and brothers Anthony, and Robert (Monica).
Thom is preceded in death by his parents Kitseelie and Mary Ann, an older sister Gesi’ and younger sister Lucy.
Services will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the LDS chapel in Fountain Hills, 15507 E Bainbridge Ave. Viewing at 9:00 a.m. and funeral at 10:00 a.m. Internment at the City of Mesa Cemetery following the funeral.
Funeral Service will be Live Streamed at: https://youtu.be/Yc-tkk-RjBw
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:
Elizabeth “Beth” Haws Schroeder was born in Lehi Arizona on December 31, 1922 to her parents George Gilbert and Mary Adeline Johnson Haws. She was born on her Father’s 40th birthday. She passed away peacefully in Lehi on January 25, 2022 at age 99 and just into her 100th year. She always went by Beth and bristled whenever anyone called her Elizabeth.
Beth’s Father was a chicken farmer so she grew up learning the poultry business from a very early age. One of her earliest duties as a child was to determine the sex of the baby chicks so that they could decide which would be raised for egg production and which would be raised as “fryers”. This took great patience and care which served her well throughout her life, especially when raising her family.
Beth attended Lehi schools until her freshman year when she attended Mesa High School until she graduated in 1940. She played saxophone in the marching band during her entire high school career, but she would probably have preferred playing football inasmuch as her first love was sports and because she was kind of a rough and tumble gal from having grown up on a farm. She was a great athlete and played softball and volleyball well into her later years.
She also LOVED to dance and it was at a Mezona dance where she met her future husband, John Fred Schroeder, who was serving in the U S Army Air Corp at Williams Airforce Base. They were married on May 2, 1944. John was a jet engine mechanic by day and played for square dances at night with his own band, “Schroeder’s Playboys”. This allowed her to dance on a regular basis while John was playing most nights during the week. Together they raised 7 children. Peggy Schroeder, Donna Slider (Tim), John L. Schroeder (Kellie), Fred Schroeder (Teddi), Teri Schultz (Joe), Becky Vaughn (Forrest) and Wendy Fenn (Robin).
Beth’s children will all attest that Beth was the hardest working woman they ever knew. Aside from being a homemaker, she worked nights at Motorola for many years which allowed her to be at home when her children were awake. On top of that she spent many hours during the day upholstering headboards for beds in a homebased business and slip in a nap when she could. Beth was “Pioneer Tough” until the day of her passing.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Helen Haws, Grace Jones, Beulah Haws, brother Kenneth Haws and her husband John. Beth is survived by each of her 7 children. At the time of her death her posterity numbered 178. The funeral services will be held at the Pioneer Ward Chapel located at 1050 South Hobson, Mesa, Arizona at 11am with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00am.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to Catherine and Peter of Brooksby Assisted Living, for which we credit their kind and loving care for helping her reach her 100th year.
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.
Cheryl June Nix Long, a remarkable pillar of the community, passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2022. Lovingly and respectfully, she carried the titles of Mother, Grandma-ma, Grandma Ice Cream, Friend, Teacher, and Mentor throughout her life. With 35 years of teaching, consisting mostly of third-grade students in Washington Elementary School in Phoenix, Cheryl influenced hundreds of children in positive ways through her loving and tender heart. Her kindness continued to bless the lives of others through her service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all organizations. Her callings included leadership positions in both ward and stake Young Women and Relief Society. In addition, she served on the Young Women leadership board for the regional conference “Horizons 84.” In the community, she worked on the Arizona State Junior Miss Committee and helped with the “Make it With Wool” program. Phoenix was her home for most of her life, but she spent the last twenty years in Mesa, Arizona to be closer to family. She is survived by her life-long friend and love, Ed Long, who cherishes her memory and the life they built and shared together for nearly 75 years of marriage. Cheryl considers her greatest contribution to the world to be her two daughters: Cheryl Partridge (Scott) and Carolyn Guptill (Gene). The real stars in her eyes were her seven grandchildren: Amy Grover (Scott), Lindsay Ruezga (Antonio), Ryan Partridge (Jennifer), Holly Baumbach (Adam), Chris Partridge (Cassi), Brett Partridge (Stephanie), and Kaley Farnsworth (Chase), not to mention her 26 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Garnett Nix and Norma Guthrie Nix, along with her three brothers, John Carl, David Garnett, and Norman Wylie Nix, and three sisters, Margaret Jeanne Wright, Mary Louise Elliott, and Lura Emmaline Nix who now welcome her home.
While her body is laid to rest, her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who had the privilege to be her student, which were all who knew her. A teacher by nature, she was able to inspire with her calm, reassuring, tender care. To reiterate the words of poet, Kevin William Huff:
For our future brightens
With each lesson you teach
Each smile you lengthen
Each goal you help reach
For the dawn of each poet
Each philosopher and king
Begins with a Teacher
And the wisdom they bring.
She gave us the world; she truly made our futures brighter. Loved ones will be sharing stories of remembrance and honoring her in a Celebration of Life, February 11, 2022, at 10 am, preceded by a viewing from 9-10am and the previous evening (Feb.10) from 6-8pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mountain View Stake Center 1550 N. Val Vista Mesa, Arizona 85213. To join remotely: http://zoom.us/j/99757140641. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Humanitarian Philanthropies.
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.
Shemar Lee Skeet “Mar”
Was born on July 11, 2001, aged 20. He passed away on January 22,2022 at Phoenix Children’s Hospital surrounded by his closest family. He is survived by his mother Ursula, father Leander, 3 siblings, Ashley, Damian, Shameka, and his nephews Angel and Lakota. He was a generous, caring, and loving person who put everyone in front of himself. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, contagious giggle, and his kind and compassionate spirit. His love for his car was admirable as was his showmanship of what he could do with his charger, and he will be forever in our hearts. His Celebration of Life will be held on February 12,2022 at 775 N Greenfield Rd. Gilbert,Az 85234 from 12-4pm.
“Hold me oh so close ‘Cause you never know just how long our lives will be.” – Joji
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.
Jennifer Lynn Myers, loving mother, daughter, and friend was called to her eternal rest on January 31, 2022. She was born in Mesa, AZ on July 5th, 1985, and hit the ground running. She attended Pilgrim Lutheran School and went on to graduate from Red Mountain High School here in Mesa. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Musical/Performing Arts from Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Distinction.
Jennifer was a devout Christian and served her Lord throughout her short life. She was very active in her church, working with both youths and adults. She enjoyed working with the ChrisTeens, Jr. Choir and headed up the Drama Club for the school as well as singing and helping wherever she was needed.
Along with her work at Pilgrim as a teacher and mentor, Jennifer worked tirelessly at Gilbert Parks and Recreation, Dinner Detectives and Silver Star Theater simultaneously. To say Jennifer was an active soul would be an understatement! Jennifer devoted her life to sharing her wonderful talents and love for singing, dancing, and performing with anyone and everyone. She helped many young people push their fears aside and take that leap of faith into the world of performing. Jennifer loved working with children in her many scenarios of life and held a special place in her heart for each of them. Jenn, as she was known by all, was also the Gilbert Special Olympics cheer coach, taking them to several successful competitions and strongly believing in their motto of “Seeing the Ability in Disability”.
Jennifer is survived by her son, Charlie, her sister, Heather Vickers, her brother, Kevin, her mother, Debbie, her Aunts (Kathy, Edie and Bea), her Uncles (Mark, David and Richard), cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Allen, and her beloved “Mom-mom”, Anna May.
Jennifer loved what she did, and it showed! Her co-workers, supervisors, and parents of her students at every venue she served, have expressed their love and admiration for what she did and who she was. “Jenn was forever singing, dancing, and smiling, and always had time to say hi to my kids whether they were in class or just passing by in the hallway”. Jennifer was loved and respected by children and adults alike. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held on March 12, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Pilgrim Lutheran Church- 3257 E. University Dr., Mesa 85213.
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.
Rachel Grace Hartman left this mortal life and peacefully slipped through the veil to be with her beloved sweetheart Buddy Hartman Thursday January 27, 2022.
Rachel was born February 20, 1934 in Yadkinville, North Carolina.
She was one of 11 siblings. She met then married her sweetheart Buddy Hartman at the tender age of 16. She and Bud moved their family of 7 from North Carolina to a 5 acre ranch in southeast Arizona in 1967.
Rachel’s life centered around her family and her faith. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she selflessly served in many capacities two of which were Young Women’s President and Relief Society President to name only a few.
She was mother to 6 children, one who died in infancy and her oldest who passed away 15 yrs ago.
Rachel was a wonderful ‘southern’ cook, an expert seamstress, a gardener, an avid reader and a great storyteller. To our delight, she would often share the most fun and colorful adventures of her past. She loved working crossword puzzles and she was one of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ biggest fans.
But she was a greater fan and champion of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who she loved and supported fiercely.
Rachel joyously lit up when visited by anyone of them.
Our sweet matriarch along with her Christlike love and example will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her two sons David and Keith and her sweetheart Emory Monroe (Buddy) Hartman.
She is survived by her 4 children and their spouses: Brian Kent Hartman (Myrian), Craig Holder Hartman (Cricket), Tracy Juanita Hartman and Brent Emory Hartman (Heidi).
17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way.
A heartfelt thank you to all who loved our sweet mother.
Funeral services will be held on
Friday February 4, 2022 @
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1483 N Driftwood
Gilbert AZ 85234
Visitation 9-9:45 am
followed by the funeral service
at 10 am
Rachel will be laid to rest at
Forsyth Memorial Park Cemetery
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Wednesday February 9, 2022
@ 2 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.
Judy Harper Cates was welcomed to heaven peacefully on January 13th, 2022, at the age of 64, in the arms of her daughter Nicole and the love of her life and fiancé, Jerry. She was an incredible mother, sister, daughter, friend, and woman.
Judy was the youngest of two children born to Margaret and Wendell Harper on July 11th, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois. The family relocated to Arizona in 1972, where Judy graduated from Arcadia High School and received her journalism degree from Arizona State University. Her talent for writing and editing turned into a career, she spent just shy of 30 years as the calendar editor for Phoenix Home and Garden magazine.
She got the title of mom, in 1992 when her daughter Nicole was born and again in 1994 when Nicholas joined the family. The love she had for her children was unmatched. Judy loved being the girl scout “cookie mom” and never missed a single little league game!
We will never understand why she was taken from us so early but find peace in the image of her embracing both her parents and her baby boy up in heaven. She will be missed dearly by her daughter Nicole Cates, fiancée Jerry Young, brother Dan Harper, nephew David Harper and the countless close friends she held near and dear to her heart.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judy’s name to her church La Casa De Cristo at https://lacasadecristo.com/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.
Helen Barbara Quirk – 94
Born April 22, 1927, passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona on January 28, 2022. She was born in Teaneck, New Jersey to Irish parents, John J. O’Malley and Loretta F. Mullen. Helen married Joseph E. Quirk, Jr. (deceased) of Cresskill, New Jersey on January 5, 1952. They are survived by their children; Laura Jean, Joseph E. Quirk, III, Eileen and Kevin Neal. Franklin Lakes, New Jersey was their home for many years, and they then made Greenville, New York their forever home and lived on their beloved Idawanna Farm for 45 years. In 2020, Helen moved to Mesa, AZ to be near her youngest daughter.
Helen and her husband Joe had eight Grandchildren: Sarah Jean, Erin Corbett, Rhiannon Barbara, Mary Jo, Keenan Joseph, Shamus Cagney, Kyle McLane and Conor Cahill. Further blessed with eleven Great Grandchildren: Liam, Sophia, Emily, Daphne, Landon, Julian, Stella, Alinea, Piper, Olive and Luke.
Helen, long lived Matriarch, cherished her family and loved showing off her wall of family photos to visitors. She loved flowers, cooking, entertaining and travel.
A future celebration of life will take place at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey where she will join her beloved husband, Joe.
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.
Let us help you honor their legacy.
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.