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Joseph J Nehra Jr., 80, of Arizona formerly Michigan, passed away November 19,2021.
Joe was the most loving, thoughtful, kind and generous father, companion and friend to all that knew him. He and the love of his life, Faye, enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. We miss him dearly but he will always be in our hearts and memories.

Surviving are the love of his life Faye, his daughter Sheri (Harry) , Son Joseph (Patti), grandchildren Samantha and Alex, sister Grace (Ray) , Gayle (Glen) and many nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to the Veterans.

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.

Patsy Jo (PJ or Gypsy) Widdows Keenan, age 83 of Carbondale, Illinois passed away on November 20, 2021 in her adopted home of Mesa, Arizona. Her physical presence will be missed, but her spirit lives on through her family and friends.

She was born in Carbondale, Illinois on June 22 (or 23), 1939, but lived most of her adult life in the Phoenix, Arizona area. During her lifetime she wore many different hats as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. During her life, she was owner of a ceramic studio, a travel agency and a real estate office. She loved to travel the many places around the world, but kept a special place in her heart for New Orleans. While a woman of many talents, her special talents centered around ceramics, painting, sewing and gardening.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Weaver and Joseph Widdows. PJ leaves behind two brothers Warner Widdows and Michael Widdows. She also leaves three children, 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. They are Angela Fassett (husband Tom and children Christopher and Margret), Gregory Wells (wife Ruthy and children Joseph, Phillip, Thomas and Patricia) and Randall Wells (wife Crystal and children Ezra, Kathleen, Jacob and Sarah). Finally, she leaves behind her good friend and adventurer in arms, Kathy Scheib.

Family and friends will meet after the new year (2022) for a celebration of her life and remembrance lunch. Details will be provided separately.

In lieu of flowers or food, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association at Act.alz.org or at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601

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.

Shirley Burrows Hurst, a resident of Mesa, AZ passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021. She was born on August 25, 1924, in Huntsville, Utah, to parents Orvetta Johansen and George Henry Burrows. She graduated from Weber High School, attended Weber College, and the University of Utah where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a double minor in Dance and Health.

Shirley was a talented musician and dancer. She received a Music Scholarship to Weber College. She played instruments in band and orchestra, sang in the Musettes and other musical groups, and accompanied some groups on the piano. She also taught dance for six years at the Reed School of Dance in Ogden. She entered and won the Miss Ogden beauty pageant on September 1, 1944. She also taught piano lessons after marriage.

Shirley married Stanley Reid Hurst in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 23, 1946. Shirley was an incredible mother and managed an efficient household. She and Stanley provided a warm and loving home environment and opportunities for their children to experience music, dance, sports, and travel.

Shirley was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many capacities, including Relief Society President, Stake Relief Society Music Director, Choir Director, Pianist, Organist and Teacher in many organizations. She was known for her dependability and compassion. When she saw a need she reached out to help. Serving her family and others came naturally to her. She also had a talent for Indexing, and was an indexing reviewer for Family Search, indexing over 89,000 records. In 2007, Shirley and her husband Stanley served a church mission in the Illinois Nauvoo Temple Mission. She served 26 years as a Temple Ordinance Worker.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Stanley Reid Hurst, her parents, her sister Cleo Burrows Mason, her brother Preston Henry Burrows, and grandson Joshua Harrison.

Shirley and Stanley are the parents of 5 children: Robin Harrison (Eric), Debra Loftus (Larry), Guy Henry Hurst (Corinne), Mark Burrows Hurst (Sonya), Mara Behrmann (Lawrence); 20 Grandchildren, and 49 Great-Grandchildren.

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

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.