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Loyd Gayle Gilbert age 92 passed away at his home on November 18, 2021 in Gilbert Arizona.  He was born January 4, 1929  in Olney, Texas to Leslie Lynn Gilbert and Flossie L. Presnall.  Loyd grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas and graduated from Mineral Wells High in 1946. Loyd joined the Army and was sent to Korea in January, 1951 and served as a communication specialist.  He returned from the war on Christmas day 1951.  In July he left Texas and went to Wyoming for the dream of working on a ranch.  He then worked on the railroad and Telephone Company.  He met Marilyn Sawyer on December 31, 1953 and they were married a year later on December 31,1954 in Lovell, Wyoming.  Loyd worked throughout Wyoming and 4 children were born during this time. He then moved the family to New Mexico to work for an independent telephone company.  It was in Silver City , New Mexico  that the missionaries baptized Loyd, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a year later he took his family to be sealed for Time & All Eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. In December of 1963 Loyd started a new job for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where the family lived in Weatherford, Eastland and finally in MIneral Wells, Texas.  Loyd retired from the phone company as an Engineer in November 1986.  Retirement years were fun as Loyd got his dream of living & working on the T-anchor ranch in Arizona, serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints to the Oklahoma City Mission. After their mission Loyd and Marilyn built a house in 1996 and moved to Gilbert Arizona where he resided until his death. Loyd is survived by his children, Gayle (Roy) Weatherston, Rosalyn Gilbert, Leslie Loyd Gilbert, & Lisa Gilbert,11 grandchildren & 18 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his sweetheart Marilyn Sawyer Gilbert & his brother Harold Gilbert & his parents.

At Loyd’s request only a graveside service will be held with full Military Honors on December 7 at the National Memorial Cemetery of 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.

In memory of Robert Eugene Jones of Mesa, Arizona born in Springfield, Illinois, January 27, 1932 – November 19, 2021. Internment at Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona, December 1, 2021.  United States Air Force Sergeant, Korea era veteran.  Survived by, loving wife of 67 years, Marjorie L. Jones, from Des Moines, Iowa. They met in San Mateo, California and married in Burlingame, California. Son, Gary Jones and spouse Debbie, Daughter, Marjean Stebelski and spouse Wayne. Four Grandchildren, Jennifer Jones, Brian Jones, Andrea Jones & Robert Stebelski. Four Great grandchildren, Kennedy Jones, Lincoln Stebelski, Jade Stebelski, Ivy Stebelski.

If you wish to send flowers, please have them delivered to Bunker’s University Chapel on Tuesday the 30^th, by 4:00 PM or Wednesday the 1st, by 10:00 AM. Local flower stores in the area include Crismon’s Flowers: 480-964-4595; Watson Flower Shops: 480-830-1333; and Sophia Floral Designs: 480-621-8233.

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.

George Richard “Rick” Webster died on November 14, 2021 due to complications from Covid 19, though fully vaccinated. He also suffered from Lewy body dementia for over the past year. He was the only one of six children in his family to be born in a hospital which was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He just missed his 90^th birthday, being born on December 14, 1931.

Rick had an adventuresome childhood, living many places in northeast Arizona and northwest New Mexico. He graduated from North Phoenix High School, already a member of the Naval Reserve, following the admonition of “Join the Navy, See the World.” He attended Arizona State College (now ASU) and Phoenix College, before joining the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program. Rick enlisted as a radio operator with the weather reconnaissance squadron based on Guam. In the WB-29, he made 36 penetrations into the eyes of typhoons. He returned to Arizona and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from what is now known as Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. He finished his formal education at Indiana University with a Master’s Degree in Physical Education.

While living in Arizona, he looked for ways to beat the summer heat and became a camp counselor at Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott. It was there that he met Gail Welter and the rest, as they say, is history. Four children came from this union of over 62 years. They moved all around the country, including two more years on Guam. He taught a wide variety of subjects in school and coached football, track, and basketball. He ended his career in Beaver, Utah, teaching 5^th grade at Belknap Elementary and retiring from the Army National Guard. Rick and Gail loved to travel and managed to visit all fifty states and seven continents. He loved his Lord and served Him in many callings, including three missions with Gail as his companion. He loved camping and being outdoors and took several youth groups down into the Grand Canyon and Havasupai Falls.

Rick’s joy in life was his family. He rarely missed a school event or sporting activity where his children or grandchildren were participating. He leaves his wife Gail Webster, Cynthia Norris (Jim) of Sandy UT; Melora Collette (Thomas) of Bedford, NH; Matthew Webster (Wendi) and John Webster (Hillary) both of Gilbert AZ. Additionally, his family includes 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Rick is also survived by his sister, Lola Phelps, brother Byron Webster (Laura) and half sister Mary Birch (Ray). He is predeceased by his divorced parents, Mark Webster and Beulah Perdue Webster, sister Lucille Lingenfelter, brother-in-law Robert Lingenfelter, brother-in-law, Larry Phelps, and brothers John Webster and Don Webster.

Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to the BeeHive Homes Assisted Living of Gilbert for their most excellent and loving care of Rick in his last five months of life.

Services will be held on November 27, 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 4629 E. Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert AZ. To view the funeral service via Zoom go to  https://zoom.us/j/92761634000.  Viewing will be the same day at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be on November 29, 2021, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Humanitarian Aid Fund at donate.churchofjesuschrist.org or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

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.

Howard Fraulin, 61, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona.He was a free spirit that enjoyed life. He loved to fish. Always had a joke or funny story to share. His kind nature with animals and children was never ending. He was always ready to help others and he will be missed by all.

He was born on May 3, 1960 to Bruno and Rina Fraulin and his memory will be kept alive by his siblings and their children; Paul (Cindy) Fraulin, Jerayme, Brandon and Trevor Spitzer; Julie (Lorin) Arnold; Kelly (Matt) Anspach, Kailynn, Reese and Roman Anspach; Michael (Tina) Runga; Shaelyn Porcelli, Brookelyn and Bruno Runga; and by his children and grandchildren; Tracy Pinto; Michael John and Audrianna Gisella Pinto; Jonathan Fraulin; Peyton Michelle and Vincent Jonathan Fraulin; and Jenni Martinez: Brooklyn Paige and Alexa Lynn Kuman, Meadow Childers. Along with his aunts, uncle, cousins and many friends he made along the way.  There will be no services at this time, but plans to celebrate his life will be planned to celebrate his life.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brian Franklin Black was born January 31, 1971, to the late Franklin Sanders Black and Donna Shirk Black in Denver, Colorado. In 1993 Brian met the love of his life, Stephani Anne Black, who survives with their three daughters: Kristi Moran (Jorge), Katie Black (Anthony Brettler), and Melinda Johnson (Darren). He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Elijah, Elyse, and Everly Moran. Brian is also survived by three older brothers who taught him so much Scott Black (Kathy), Darren Black (Marcy), and David Black (Anne).

Brian was a quintessential family man who enjoyed Sunday dinners with his family and watching football and baseball games. His favorite teams were the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies. His love of hunting, fishing, and sports was forged in his youth. While kidney disease may have hindered his health for much of his life, but it never weakened his spirit or sense of humor.

On November 14, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona, Brian Black passed into a better life. His physical presence will be sorely missed, but family and friends will rejoice that he is no longer suffering. On Tuesday November 23^rd, a visitation will be held from 5:30pm-7:30pm at University Chapel. 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ. 85213.

The Celebration of life will be held Wednesday November 24^th, at 10:00am at Mountain View Cemetery.

7900 E Main St. Mesa, AZ. 85207.

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.

Bethena Lee (Beth) Smith, 76, passed away on November 12, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona with her children by her side.  Beth led a very happy, active life for most of her years on earth, only slowing down a bit in the last 3-4 years as she struggled with COPD.

She was born July 21, 1945 in Alamosa, Colorado to Albert and Bertha Smith. Beth spent her early childhood years in the Alamosa area, before moving to Mesa with her family, and finally graduating high school in Alamosa.  She married Jerry Smith of Blanca in 1964, where she raised her two children, while being a homemaker and helping to work the family farm.  Following the dissolution of their marriage, Beth founded “Weekends” Tavern, which is still in operation today.  Running “Weekends” and helping to raise her adored grandchildren was her life’s passion for several years.  She eventually sold “Weekends” and retired in Payson, Arizona.  Beth loved the outdoors, fishing and socializing with friends, but what brought her the most joy in life were her children and grandchildren.  She was always excited to tell anyone who would listen, about their lives and accomplishments.  Beth was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan, and she seldom ever missed a game on television and was always thrilled to cook up a big pot of “Nanny’s” green chile and watch her Broncos with family and friends.  She also became a fan of the “World of Outlaws” sprint car racing series and loved to travel to races with her sisters and their husbands.

Beth was preceded in death by her father Albert Smith, her mother Bertha Smith (Reed), and her sister Bevelie (Otis) McFadden.  She is survived by her sister Bonnie (Norman) Kirk, her son Monty (Christy) Smith of Blanca, her daughter Ginger Smith of Mesa, grandson Jake Smith of Alamosa, granddaughters Jordan Smith of Chandler, AZ, Skylar Smith of Salt Lake City, UT, and Hannah Smith of Glendale, AZ, grandsons Luke and Trey Jones of Blanca, and new baby great granddaughter Tatum Leona of Alamosa.

For friends and family in Arizona, a memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on November 27^, 2021 at Bunker Family Funerals, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.

There will also be a memorial service in Alamosa at Rogers Family Mortuary at 205 State Ave in Alamosa at 10 am on December 4.  The service will be followed by a short graveside service and internment at the Alamosa Cemetery.  Friends are invited to join the family at “Weekends” Tavern following the graveside service for a light dinner, drinks, and fellowship in Beth’s honor.

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.

John A. Ali, age 75, of Goodyear, AZ passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2021 in Gilbert, AZ.  John was born March 25, 1946 in Yuba City, CA. to parents Anayat and Mary K. Ali.  John was the third of five siblings.

John attended Marysville schools until 1963 and graduated from Tolleson High School , Tolleson, AZ in 1964.  

In 1965 John was drafted by the Army and served three years in Vietnam.

Shortly after returning home from the military, John began an amazing career working for Goodyear Aerospace, then becoming Lockheed years later.  His work there included the blueprint department, head of mail department and as the event/catering coordinator.

John spent his retirement years reading, putting puzzles together, cooking for friends and neighbors and visiting his children and family.

John was blessed with two children and was a dedicated and loving father.  In addition John never met a stranger.  He spread kindness, love and laughter to everyone he met.  John will certainly be missed by many.

John was preceded in death by his parents and most recently by his brother Joseph (Joe) Ali of Litchfield Park, AZ.

John is survived by his children Adam (Jen) Ali of AZ, Erin (Justin) Beard of WA and granddaughter Isabelle of AZ.  Sisters Alice (Richard) Valentini of Yuba City, CA, Dorothy (DJ) Johnston of Yuba City, CA and Marian Walker of Green Valley, AZ.  Sister-in-Law Sheryl Ali of Litchfield Park, AZ and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Goodyear,  AZ on January 29, 2022 at Palm Valley Golf Club, from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. You can RSVP via the invite linked here: https://pp.events/ajYGAOX4

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.

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.

Vesta Hammond Udall was called home by our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Vesta was born on December 8, 1942 in Jacksonville Florida to Gladys and Pete Hammond. She moved to Arizona in 1971 where she taught special education at the junior high and high school level for many years and eventually retired from Westwood High School in Mesa. Teaching and helping teenagers were her life’s passion and she will be remembered and loved by many. Vesta was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed teaching Sunday school for many years as well. She had a gift for making people, especially teenagers, feel accepted and loved unconditionally.

Vesta is survived by her daughter, Adrien Udall and granddaughters, Katie and Alisa Udall, whom she adored. She is also survived by her son, Peter Udall, and two devoted men whom she called her sons, Steven Cave and Kevin Smith.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 19, 2021 at 11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa East Stake Center – 2228 E. Brown Road, 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.

Fire Captain Trevor Madrid, 36, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona surrounded by his family and closest friends.  He has proudly served his community as a Mesa Firefighter for 14 years.  He loved traveling, adventure, and his family.  He has battled a rare cancer for 2.5 years and is now free.

He is survived by his wife, Angela; daughter, Mila; and son, Maverick. 

The viewing will be at 6-8pm on Monday, November 22, 2021 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

The funeral service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Mission Church, 4450 E Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ  85234.

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.

WAKE SERVICE
November 19, 2021, from 6-9pm
134 W. Toha Street, House 21
Sacaton, Arizona 85147

BURIAL SERVICE
November 20, 2021, at 8:00 AM
Sacaton East Cemetery
Sacaton, Arizona

James “Jim” Poole passed away peacefully on November 7, 2021 after a brief bout with cancer. Born just outside Nashville, Tennessee, Jim spent a majority of his life in California and Arizona, moving just a few years ago to Blacksburg, VA to be closer to family.

Jim was an incredible athlete playing both basketball and baseball for San Diego State University. He was honored to have his baseball jersey retired as one of the top pitchers in school history. Following graduation, he went on to participate as a member of the winning USA Basketball Team for the 1955 Pan American Games earning a gold medal. He followed that as a member of the All Air Force Volleyball Team in 1957, during his time serving in the Air Force competing in the Armed Forces Sports.

Jim became a world-class, international badminton champion and one of the most decorated players in USA Badminton history. He was the number one-ranked singles player and number one-ranked doubles player (with partner Don Paup) throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. His 65 United States Championships are the most for any badminton player and his record of winning his first in 1958 and his last in 1979, a span of 21 years, remains the longest of any player in USA Badminton history. He won numerous European and Canadian titles and was the World Champion in the over-55 age group in 1987. His most cherished victory was winning the Malaysia Open in 1961, as he was the first victor from a non-Asian country. He remains the only American player to win this elite tournament. He also played for the US National Team (Thomas Cup) from 1958-1976 (even coaching several teams) traveling all over the world. In 1970 he was elected into the USA Badminton Hall of Fame now known as the Walk of Fame.

As his badminton career was winding down, his football officiating career was reaching its pinnacle as he worked for 20 years on the field for the National Football League (1975-1995) being honored to officiate Super Bowl XXI (1987) and Super Bowl XXVII (1994). After retiring from the field, Jim worked briefly as a supervisor in New York City before returning full-time to Sun Lakes, Arizona where he continued to be an NFL trainer and then an observer for the Arizona Cardinal games for many more years. During his retirement years in Arizona, Jim naturally became a scratch golfer and won a couple club championships.

Professionally, Jim was a college professor for over 30 years at Cal State University, Northridge and Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. He received his doctorate from LSU.

Jim met his wife of 53 years, Sue, during his time in the Air Force. Jim and Sue loved traveling and spending time with their family. Sadly, Sue passed away in 2013. Jim is survived by daughters Kelly (Mark) and Lisa (Jeff), and son Jon (Kathleen), seven grandchildren Melissa (Matt), Kristin, Carly (Geoff), Kenny, Ricky, Kyle, McKayla, and one great grandchild Wyatt.

There will be a graveside service on 11/23/21 at 2:00pm at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa, AZ. Rev. Jonathan Arnpriester of Chandler United Methodist Church will be presiding. The family is welcoming guests for a reception immediately following the service.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Solomon, the staff at Medi-Home Health (most notably Jacqui, Alecia, and Matthew), and the staff and ownership of English Meadows Blacksburg for their care and concern for Jim in Blacksburg, VA. Additionally, thanks to the staff at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg and to Bunker Family Funeral Home in Mesa, AZ for their assistance in arrangements.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society

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.

Allison Codi Ledbury, 35, passed away on November 2, 2021 in Mesa Arizona. She graduated from Skyline High School in 2004 then attended East Valley Institute of Technology for cosmetology school which led to a career of cutting hair. Allison loved her job, making people feel good about themselves, and working with people.

She is survived by her father Doug Ledbury, mother Cindy Ledbury, sister Hannah Gates, daughter Gabriella and many other family members. There will be a Celebration of Life for her on November 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Red Mountain Park for family and close friends.

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.