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Robert Dale Bagley passed away on January 11, 2022. Dale was born in 1937 in Grants Pass, OR. He served in the US Air Force, served a 2-year mission in Guatemala for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and earned an Associates degree from Cal Poly. He loved to cook. He was a self-described “tough bastard” who loved sharing stories from his life as a meat cutter/inspector and his accomplishments as a USDA Compliance Officer (29 years of service in the Fed Govt). His greatest accomplishment was convincing Sara Sylvia Hastings to marry him in 1961. They lived in numerous areas around the country, including Southern, Central and Northern CA, Utah, Washington DC, Minneapolis, and then finally retired to Arizona in 2000. Dale and Sylvia both served in the LDS Mesa temple for many years.

Dale is preceded in death by his wife of 58-years, Sylvia, grandson Samuel, and brother Terry (Judy). He leaves 3 children: Rob, Ron (Jess), and Cammie (Rich); 7 grandchildren: Robbie, Sara (Luis), Michael (Elise), Zoë, Matilda, Lucinda and Roman; 5 great-grandchildren: Emily, Sylvia, Nixon, Crew and Jude; two brothers: Ted (Tina) and Orin (Cathy), and one sister, Pam (Stan); and two special family members: Dawn and Dan.

Due to Covid, a graveside service will be held at Mesa City cemetery Friday, January 21st at 1:30pm, for friends and family who wish to pay their respects. We ask everyone to follow Covid procedures (masks, social distancing) to respect those with medical conditions and vulnerable family members.

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.

Live Stream Link To View Service:

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://zoom.us/j/95837598423?pwd%3DN0JjZkN4THVXWUFLWDNzODFuY1JUUT09&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0K2yMU34qe0V6En0DPtZ5J

Meeting ID: 958 3759 8423, Passcode: 497988

Gary Lee Grant, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away at the young age of 75 on January 8, 2022, in Gilbert, Arizona. Gary was born December 28, 1946 in Sandy, Utah to Reed Grant and Marguerite Faust. He moved to Mesa, Arizona with his family in 1981. Gary lived a very happy life filled with family, friends, and lots of ice cream. From a young age Gary had much success as an athlete both on the basketball court and the baseball field. That love of sports was passed on to his children and grandchildren. His smile was contagious and was often accompanied by a mysterious tune. And all were fondly familiar with his famous tight lip and clearing of the throat.

Gary was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served diligently and without question. His love for hi s Savior and his Heavenly Father was evident in the way he lived. His faith and love for the gospel was deeply rooted and unshakable. Through all he endured in his life, his unwavering faith was always constant and unchanging. Gary was a kind, honorable man that loved to serve and help others. He had a deep love for his grandchildren and could often be seen taking them on walks in a wagon, creating a meal fit for a picky eater, and playing with them in his back yard. He loved his wife and children deeply and cherished his time with his family. His cheerful demeanor will be greatly missed. His legacy will be carried on by his beautiful wife Carolyn, 7 children, Jonathan (Tami), Christopher (Sharri), Jason (Jaime), Heather (Scott), Sharlene (Tanner), Tiffany (Andrew), Ryan, 25 curious grandchildren, and one great grandchild on the way. He is also survived by two brothers, David C Grant (Jeanne) and Roger J Grant (Lori), and two sisters, Julie Grant and Becky Shamo (Mike). Gary will truly be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His greatest wish was for everyone to feel the Savior’s love as they traveled the rocky road of mortality.

Funeral services will be held at 12 P.M. on Saturday, January 15th, 2022, at the LDS chapel on 1415 E. Southern Ave. Mesa, AZ 85204. Visitations will be on Friday, January 14th , 2022, from 6-8 P.M. at the same building and from 11-11:45 A.M. the day of the service. Services will be broadcast using the Zoom link above.

Mark Rodney Mann died January 11, 2022 in Mesa, AZ. He was originally from Casa Grande, AZ. Born November 24, 1960 at Dugway Proving Grounds Utah, in the U.S. Army hospital. Survived by his wife Christine, six children, and 2 grandchildren. He was a father, husband, uncle, and friend. He served his country as a U.S. Customs Inspector and CBP Officer for over 34 years. He loved the shooting sports. He was a firearms instructor for the U.S. Customs Service. He loved the great outdoors. He fished, bird watched, and hiked. He enjoyed woodworking, home remodeling, reading, and teaching children. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints in Bogota Colombia. He also taught Primary, Sunday School, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. Instead of flowers Dad said, “Just keep your damn money”.

Services will be held at the LDS Chapel at 1911 N. 24^th St., Mesa, AZ on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Visitation is at 9:00 followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Burial held after services at Mesa Cemetery- 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ.

The funeral will be able to be accessed on Zoom. Go to Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

The meeting number is 91516845538

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.

Don E. Monti was born on November 17, 1946, and passed away at home on January 8, 2022, in Mesa, AZ.

He was born to Bernard and Della Monti in Spokane, Wa. He is survived by his wife June of 52 years and children Melody, Steve (Christina), Gary (Brittany), and 7 grandchildren Anabel, Marceno, Rylan, Natalia, Kileigh, Giovanni, and Sophia Lauren. He is also survived by his siblings Bill (Janet), Hal, and Michelle. As well as his stepmom Marilyn and many extended family in Utah.

Don was a Vietnam Vet and retired from the Federal Government. He spent his younger years in Southern California where he enjoyed Surfing and hanging with his Dad. Later in life, he enjoyed playing golf and family vacations to California. The most important thing to Don was taking care of his family and spending as much time with them as possible. He also loved Christmas, it was his favorite time of the year.

He will be treasured with a love beyond all feelings and missed with a grief beyond all tears. Your memories will be forever in our hearts, keeping us close until we meet again.

A “Celebration of Don’s life” will be held privately at a future date.

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.

Lawrence (Joe) Quick Sr. April 4th, 1957 – January 7, 2022

Taken from us to soon by complications of COVID-19.  Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cheryl, sons, Lawrence Jr. (Catherine) and Michael, daughter Abigail, two granddaughters, and one grandson.  Born in Aledo, IL and relocated to Arizona to raise his family.  Joe was a dedicated Marine Corp veteran.  He retired several years ago and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and spending time with his grandkids.  He will be missed by all.  Services are private to family at this time.  Thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time.  We appreciate the love shown to our family.  Bunker Mortuary is handling the cremation.

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.

Ron Peters, age 81, took his last breath on this earth at 4:02 AM on January 7th, 2022 in the same room that his wife passed away in 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. I’m sure their reunion was glorious.

Ron was born in Denver, Colorado on November 30th, 1940 to Betty Jane and Eugene Peters. He was the oldest of 3 children. He had 2 younger sisters, Carol and Judy. As a child he joined a group for boys like ROTC called the Highlanders in Colorado from age 8 to 18. He then chose to join the Navy following in the steps of his father who also served the same unit. He enjoyed fishing from Poudre Canyon River and loved bowling. He was quite a good bowler and later taught his daughters to bowl.

He met Kathleen Slay in 1963 and have been inseparable ever since. They married April 10th, 1964 and he became an instant father to Kathleen’s daughter, Debra Jean. In 1965, they had their first daughter together, Rene. Their family continued to grow with Julie, Jolene and Coleen for a total of 5 daughters. He was converted into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in 1974. They decided they needed to be near a temple so they followed their missionary to Arizona. His family was sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Temple and he continued to serve in that same temple for 30 years.

He left behind his daughters and son-in-laws, Rene Medders, Julie and Duane Ockey, Jolene and Mark George, Coleen and Eric Neal as well as his sisters Judy Peters and Carol Dunkle.

He was a grandfather to 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

His dog Spanky, which was his everything, will be taken care of by his daughter Jolene.

This is not goodbye…….I know we will meet again.

There is a viewing at Bunker’s Family Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201 on Thursday, January 13th, 2022 from 6-8pm. Funeral service will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday, January 14th, 2022 at 9:30 am. The chapel address is 37280 W. Bowlin Road, Maricopa, Arizona 85138.

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.

Madelin Jane Seder, 17 was called home Monday January 3, 2022.  Madelin was a senior at Apache Junction High School.  She led a very happy, and active life filled with family and friends.  She had a special love for music, dancing, painting, and her dogs. She had such a big heart and never met a stranger. We can all take comfort in the knowledge that there is one more angel in heaven.  She is survived by her Mother Christyann Jackson, Father Craig Seder, Brother Ryan Seder, Grandfathers William Jackson, Glenn Seder, Grandmother Deneb Provence, and Great Grandmother Violeta Garneri.

Funeral services will be on January 12th, 2022. There will be a viewing from 2:00-3:30pm with services following immediately after. 

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.

The live stream of the service can be viewed by clicking here and following the links to the Menlo Park Ward: Patsy Engstrom Live Stream

Patsy Ann Engstrom, 63, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona after struggling with the effects of Breast Cancer. She was born in Oelwein, Iowa on June 15, 1958. Patsy’s mother, Betty, moved to Tempe, Arizona soon after Patsy was born where she was lovingly raised by her parents John and Betty Wilson along with her sisters Sally, Roberta and Nancy. Patsy had fond memories of her childhood years growing up in Tempe.

Patsy’s parents divorced and her mother moved Patsy and her younger sisters to Denver, Colorado just prior to her senior year of high school. Patsy met Ralph Curtis Engstrom in 1977 in Colorado and married on June 8, 1977 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Ralph and Patsy had 4 wonderful children: Jacob Benjamin (Sarah Corona), Lucas David (Carla Snyder), Bret Jordan (Elisabeth Heinecke), and Brooke Emmeline. Patsy loved and enjoyed her 11 grandchildren: Tyler, Hunter, Lililth, Auralee, Taryn, Connor, Luna, Dwayne, Brynn, Adele, and Penelope.

Genealogy was her greatest talent. She researched and documented volumes of her family history. Patsy not only identified her ancestors, she acquainted herself with their biographies. She had such a knack for family history and that led many people to seek her assistance in doing their own research. Her ability to perform family history research allowed her to connect a few adopted people with their biological parents.

Patsy loved to travel and visit the many wonders of the Lord’s creations. Her immediate family were able to take many vacation trips camping in the many National Parks and Forests in the western states. She loved to make a periodic trip to visit aunts, uncles, and cousins in Iowa. She was able to plan out some trips to California to enjoy Disneyland, the beach and other amusement parks. She was an excellent travel planner and knew how to find the best price to do her travel. Her husband, her sister Nancy, her daughter Brooke, and many other friends joined her on many of her different excursions to many parts of the world, including Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Antarctica, South America, Europe, Africa and many of the islands in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Patsy is survived by her husband, her four children, ten grandchildren, her sisters, her father John Robert Wilson, and her two brothers Richard Holley (Jeanene) and Peter Holley (Amanda).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 13th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Friday January 14 at 10:30 am, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 am, at the Lindsay building, 2618 North Lindsay Road in Mesa. Burial will be in the Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, Arizona.

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.

Exactly 8 months after the passing of our mother, LeRoy Franklin Peel joined his beloved sweetheart on the other side of the veil. He slipped away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 8th at 10:00 A.M. at the Boulder Creek Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3025 S. Hawes Rd., Mesa, Arizona. A viewing will be held for family and friends at 9:00 A.M., prior to the services. A full obituary may be viewed online, at www.bunkerfuneral.com.

LeRoy was born and raised on a small dairy farm in the valley, graduating from Mesa High School in 1949. After graduation he was called to the Massachusetts New England Mission where he served for 2 years. He later attended Brigham Young University, where he received his MS degree in microbiology. After working for 10 years for the Public Health Service at a research laboratory in Hamilton, MT, he decided to attend the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine, receiving his D.O. degree in 1974. Returning to his hometown of Mesa, AZ, he practiced family medicine for the next couple of decades. Before retiring, he became a physician for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, located in Sheridan, OR, where he practiced for approximately 6 years.

LeRoy met LaRae Werner and they were married in the Mesa Arizona temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and sealed as husband and wife for all eternity. After raising 5 children and serving in various callings in their church, LeRoy and LaRae became missionary companions, serving in Kathmandu, Nepal and Manila, Phillipines, where he was the chief medical officer for missionaries serving in all 13 missions in that area. The Peels then returned to Mesa, where they have resided for the past 18 years.

He is survived by his sister, Elona Peel Cooley, a brother- and sister-in-law, Dean & Sue Werner, his children: Laurie (Mark) Dooley, Stephen LeRoy, Marilyn Elaine (Mike) Fish, Michael Benjamin, and Barbra Ann (Joel) Galindo, 23 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

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.

Harley Glenn Gilpin Jr. was born the only child of Harley and Mary Gilpin on October 15, 1933 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Family moved to Yuma, Arizona in 1943 where his grandparents lived.

He went to Crane Elementary School then went on to Yuma Union High School where he graduated in 1951. In high school he majored in photography, art, and auto mechanics.

Then on to college at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He was an Air Force ROTC student cadet, graduating with a B.S in Aeronautics in 1955.

To pay his way through college he worked each summer between school. That gave him thew $1200.00 per year it took for all his college expenses in those days. Gasoline was only 25¢ per gallon. Then, the summer job was at Pacific Fruit Express in Yuma.

Then in his senior year at college he met his wife to be Barbara Jo Jacobs. They fast became an item. It was love at first sight for both.

Right away after graduation the Air Force called him into service for Pilot Training.

Since he was going to be away for 2 years, he decided to propose to Barbara and made her his fiancée.

At Mondo, Texas flying turned out not to be his cup of tea, so the Air Force sent him to Aircraft Maintenance School at Chanute AFB, Illinois. There he graduated as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. They sent him to Hickam AFB in Honolulu, Hawaii.

His 2-year contract with the Air Force was up in 1957, so they placed him back into Reserve Status.

He was then able to marry Barbara in Phoenix at her Phoenix home. Their minister was her Uncle Dan Jordan a Navy Chaplin.

The marriage really took as it lasted 49 years. No children were produced.

They lived in Phoenix at first in a rented apartment at 24^th St. and Wiletta. Next, they lived on University Dr.- Also a rented apartment in Mesa.

His working career consisted of primarily sales with 3 years at Graybar Electric, 9 years at Mesa Wholesale Electric, 15 years at Redmond Electric Supply, 7 years at Lenhart’s ACE Hardware.

Reserve LT. Gilpin got a surprise promotion to Captain and was being called up again for “The Bay of Pigs” war in Cuba in 1962 but it unwound before he had to go.

With his reserve commitment finally up, they had a house built in Mesa at 427 S. Ridge for $12,400.00 in 1965. They lived together there 41 years before her untimely death.

She died on November 30, 2006 of Stage 4 Lung Cancer. She never smoked a day in her life. He had Stage 2 Colon Cancer the same year but survived with surgery.

“Highlights of Harley’s Memory”

Became a singing square dance caller in college and was invited to call at all the dance clubs of Phoenix.

Meeting Elizabeth Taylor in 1946 at MGM Studio in Culver City, California while filming “National Velvet”.

Honeymooning in Las Vegas in 1957 and saw Nat King Cole Show for $2.00 each. Also, saw Harry Owens and his Royal Hawaiians for free.

Meeting Elvis Presley in 1968 at Apache Land while filming the movie “Charro”.

Being married to a perfect wife.

Meeting” Maverick”- James Garner in Phoenix in 1961.

P.S. Lasting marriages are “Made in Heaven”

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.

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, soon to be Great Grandfather, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle & Great Uncle; Preceded in death by his parents, Carrie & Alphonso Harles, Brother and Sister-in-Law; Stan and Cynthia Harles and brother, Harland (Elsie) Harles. Survived by his loving wife and family, Patricia Harles, AZ; Daughter, Dawn Colleen (Chris) Clogston, WA; Son, Shane Allen Harles, WA; Two Granddaughters, Reilly Holmes, WA; And Heather (Christian) Lukenbach-Cornell, WA. Survived by two brothers, Norman (Lenore) Harles, NV; Roger (Lucy) Harles, AZ; and by two sisters, Karen (Wayne) Stine, WA; and Mavis (Kevin) Kalbrener, WA; Sister-in-Law, Elsie (Harland) Harles; as well as by many Nieces, Nephews, Grand Nieces and Nephews. Rich passed away peacefully while in the ICU at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, AZ.

Celebration of Life will take place at Victory Lutheran Church, 5946 E. University Dr, Mesa, Arizona, on Thursday, January 27^th, 2022 at 10 a.m.

Appreciated memorials to American Lung Association.

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.

David Chandler Thomas, 67, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a long illness on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born on July 27, 1954, in Phoenix, Arizona and was a lifelong and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. David graduated from Arcadia High School in 1972 and served in the Australia Brisbane Mission from 1973 to 1975.

David married Gayle Bradshaw on May 14, 1976 in the Mesa Arizona Temple, the foundation of 45 years of blissful marriage. While a student, he founded an accounting software company, the first in a 25-year entrepreneurial career took the family to Los Gatos, California in 1998. David began a second career by completing his education with a BA and MA from San Jose State University and a Ph.D. from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. He taught and researched as an economist and associate professor at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana for over six years.

David’s curiosity led to broad and varied interests. He created computer games, wrote music, and cooked with flair, creating dozens of recipes. He valued his family’s heritage, tracing their path from Wales to Alberta to Arizona, and eventually gained British citizenship. He was a diligent academic, working on several economics papers at a time. He enjoyed basketball, playing the guitar and singing with his children and grandchildren, painting, woodworking, studying the gospel of Jesus Christ and the scriptures, and learning of all kinds. His greatest joy was his family, delighting in his wife, his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren.

David is survived by his wife Gayle, their children Gordon, Laura (Brock) Lyle, Karren (Bruce) Christensen, Stuart (Barb), and Allison, and ten grandchildren; also brother John (Madge) Thomas and sisters Mary (Russ) Nielson, Carol (David) Herring, Helen (Artie) Hancock, Margaret (Larry) Manning, and Martha (Doug) Moyer. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold Karren “Jack” Thomas and Ada Dorene Parkinson Thomas, and brothers Charles “Chuck”, Stephen, and Richard.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 5, from 5 to 7 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 6 at 11 am, preceded by a visitation at 10 am, at the Lindsay & Pueblo building, 920 South Lindsay Road in Mesa. Burial will be in the 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.

Norman L Hancock died of natural causes in Mesa, Arizona on December 27, 2021. He was 91 years old.

Norman was born to Lawrence and Lela Hancock in Bryce, Arizona, on January 19, 1930. Norman grew up on a cotton farm and cattle ranch. He had two brothers, Ray and Von and three sisters, Lavora (Foster), Alice (Ford) and Linda (Boren). His parents raised cattle, hogs, and chickens. Like many children born during the Great Depression, Norman’s family worked hard and lived frugally. He would turn ten years old before his childhood home had running water and sixteen years old before it had electricity. Every Saturday, his mother would cook a pot of pinto beans and homemade bread, a tradition that Norman’s wife Muriel would continue throughout their marriage.

Norman was the valedictorian of his 8^th grade class at Bryce (out of a class of ten, he would sometimes admit). He attended Pima High School, where he played center on the football team. Norman was a natural born entrepreneur. During high school, Norman peddled chicken eggs to the mining towns of Clifton, Morenci, and Superior and was able to save up enough money to buy a brand new 1947 red Ford pickup.

Norman was the first in the Hancock family line to graduate from college. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business in 1952 from Brigham Young University, in Provo Utah. In the early 60’s he earned his Masters Degree from ASU.  While Norman was taking classes at BYU, he met his lifelong sweetheart Muriel Miller, a beautiful, talented, kind, Idaho girl. Norman and his friends met up with some girls and  “borrowed” apples from an apple orchard.  They went back to the girl’s apartment to bake apple pie, where Norman saw Muriel, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.  After a short courtship Norman and Muriel were married on December 21, 1951 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  Norman always said marrying her was the best decision of his life. He was broken hearted when Muriel passed away on June 25, 2010. They were married 58 years.

Norman held a deep love of agriculture as a result of his family bonds he developed working on the cotton farm in Lizard Bump, Arizona. When he was 28 years old, Norman decided to expand his farming experience by purchasing a farm in Yuma, Arizona, where he farmed lettuce for two years. He subsequently earned a teaching certificate and moved to Mesa, Arizona to find better prospects for his family.

Norman taught for more than 25 years as a public school teacher at Jefferson, Edison, Whittier, and Longfellow Elementary Schools in Mesa, Arizona. He touched many lives and was a wonderful beloved teacher.  Norman later retired from teaching. He had a brilliant business mind, with his sons he started an arcade game business, he also ran a successful real estate and investment business in Arizona.

Norman was involved in agriculture throughout his life. After moving to mesa, Norman and his brother Von together ran the family farm in Lizard Bump. Norman spent his summer vacations from school working on the farm. Together, they expanded the farm by purchasing additional land near Fort Thomas, Arizona. Always ambitious, Norman, Von and a few other partners developed the largest Pima cotton farm in the world at Salome, Arizona.  Norman later acquired other farms in North Dakota and South Dakota.

In 1965, Norman took a teaching sabbatical, going to the outback in Kununurra, Australia with his Uncle Max Lamoreaux. They lived under a tree for six months. They took advantage of the Ord River Project, a homesteading type arrangement for qualified farmers. Norman’s cotton farming experience was important – they were required to clear the land and put in a crop. While Norman was away, Muriel held down the fort, gave birth to their youngest son John and cared for home and family. The family would eagerly check the mail each day waiting for his letters. Norman ultimately decided there was no place he would rather live than Mesa, Arizona, so he and Muriel decided to stay in Mesa and rent out his share of the farm. He retained a lifelong love of Australia and visited many times and provided opportunities for many of his posterity to visit as well. He cultivated a love for Australia and all things Australian in his family.  Tales of Norman’s Australian adventures were legendary with his students and grandchildren. Norman never sold the Australian farm.

The joy of Norman’s life was his wife Muriel, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Norman and Muriel have six children – Lynn Hancock and his wife Dee, Jan (Hancock) McBride and her husband Bruce, LeNell (Hancock) Heywood and her husband Bruce, Annette (Hancock) Thompson and her husband Pete, JoAn (Hancock) Finter and her husband Alex, and John Hancock – twenty-six grandchildren, and forty-seven great-grandchildren. Norman was a charismatic, witty, and loving grandpa. Norman made each grandkid feel as if they were Norman’s favorite, and “grandma and grandpa’s house” was everyone’s favorite gathering spot. Each of Norman’s grandchildren has their own special memory of Grandpa – Sets and Runs card games, cousin sleepovers, Denny’s breakfasts, surprise allowances, summer reunions, phone calls and texts, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve parties, funny stories, and unquestionable support.

Services are pending.

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.

Gary Finley Fire was born on the 6^th of December in 1941 on The Crow Creek Indian Reservation in Fort Thompson, SD to Spencer Louis Fire and Ethel Marion Hislaw (Edwards). Gary lived 80 years of a most adventurous and joyful life especially in his childhood where he would ride horses bareback across the plains with his only beloved brother, catch cats by their tails or snatch a chicken for his precious mother for dinner. As Gary grew older, he enlisted in the United States Army where he would serve proudly with his brother. From there he would start a family and eventually be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and serve diligently for nearly 47 years in several callings that would help nurture him into a faithful servant of the Lord and become the man we knew and respected. He esteemed His Lord and Savior and the work he knew would be required of him. Gary was very accomplished in anything he did and would dedicate his time and energy to working hard while serving others along the way. He would remarry and humbly provide for his growing family anyway he could and continue to work diligently over the course of his life. He had a love for woodworking, taught and played pool with his grandchildren and golfed when he had the chance. His greatest accomplishment in life was having a family and to have friends whom he loved more than his heart could hold. Gary was full of magnetic charm and made every day a “happy day” to ensure everyone felt loved that he ever came into contact with and left them leaving with a laugh and a smile. He was loyal to a fault and was a respecter of his family history and the stories he would tell about his ancestors would somehow touch your heart as if you knew them.

Gary lovingly and peacefully passed on to the other side of the veil on the 28^th of December, 2021 to greet his loved ones whom we are sure welcomed him with buoyant open arms. He was cared for through laughter, love, scripture and song by his loving wife, children and grandchildren whom were by his side until the moment he passed. Gary is cherished by his wife Sunni Fire of 35 years, their 10 children, Holly Fire Meade, Lisa Wormell Tate, Vicki Wormell MacLay, Teresa Wormell Wagenhals, Spencer Fire, John Wormell, John Fire, Nancy Fire Tu’ivai, David Wormell, Michael Wormell and their spouses. Absolutely adored his 30 grandchildren, had 9.5 Great Grandchildren as well as the many beloved and loyal friends whom he adored. His loyal dog Tito will miss him tremendously.

For those who would like to attend Gary’s funeral services or send love and pay respects to the family, the services will be as follows: Saturday the 8^th of January, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2715 E. Ocotillo Road, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140, the funeral services will begin at 10am with an open visitation to all who knew Gary, followed with the commemorative celebration of Gary’s life at 11am. The funeral procession will directly follow and the graveside service will begin at 1pm at San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms 22425 E. Cloud Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

A tremendous thank you to those who have sent their sympathies, condolences and prayers to Gary and his family, they have all been felt and truly treasured. We are blessed with the in home care nurses and www.bunkerfuneral.com for the assurance and care for our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, relative, friend and acquaintance.

The Gary Fire Family

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

In the early morning hours of December 29, 2021, the world lost the luster of an honorable man. Richard (Dick) Eugene Lee quietly passed away holding hands with his sweetheart of sixty-six years. Through the Christmas holiday and on the evening of his passing, he had the blessing of visiting with his children and many of his grandchildren.

Dick was born the youngest of four children on June 2, 1936, in Long Pine Nebraska to Willis Earl Lee and Grace Briggs Lee. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. At thirteen, because of his father’s health, the family established their home in Mesa, Arizona. Dick graduated from Mesa High School and began his studies at Arizona State University, graduating in June, 1961.  He completed several graduate courses in geography as well as architectural design.

Dick married Sandra Lyn Hall on September 26, 1955. He is survived by his eternal companion and four children: Jaci Lyn (Dave Nielson), Joni Kay (Dennis Neuenschwander), Timothy Shane, and Jeffrey Troy, as well as five grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Following his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dick and Sandra were sealed in the Mesa Arizona temple on June 9, 1961. Throughout his life, Dick was a devoted disciple, fulfilling numerous callings in the Church, including service in bishoprics and stake presidencies. He and Sandra also fulfilled an extended senior missionary assignment in the Gunnison Utah prison.

A proud United States Air Force veteran, Dick flew military transports. During his six years of service (1961-1967), he received the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He completed his service with the rank of captain. Following his discharge, he flew for United Air Lines until his retirement in 1985.

Dick thirsted for knowledge. He was an avid researcher and reader, always learning. If he didn’t know how to do something, he simply bought a book and figured it out. He used this gift to renovate a dilapidated hundred- and ten-year-old house in Salina, Utah. He was an avid genealogist, compiling many generations of his family. Following retirement, he and Sandra toured the country in their fifth wheel to complete his research.

Above all, Dick was a family man. He was deeply devoted to his wife and family. He was immensely proud of his children and their accomplishments. His righteous influence will be felt through succeeding generations of his posterity. His life was an example of commitment and steadfastness to his faith and to the eternal principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grave side services with military honors will be held at two p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, in the Mesa City Cemetery.

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.