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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.

Alyson Joye Hendrickson passed away unexpectedly on Nov 6^th, 2021, in Phoenix, AZ. She was born May 15^th, 1989, in Papillion, NE, the daughter of Larry M and Darlena Hendrickson.

Alyson graduated from Westwood High, Class of 2007. Alyson was soon after blessed with her son and best friend, Jude in November 2011. She pursued a career as an esthetician and then joined the ZipRecruiter team in Jan 2019.

She had a passion for expression with her style of dress and encouraged her son to freely express himself every day. A space bun enthusiast who also lived up to her nickname “Aly Kat” with her variety of fun headbands.

Alyson made many friends in her short life. Once you became a friend of Alyson’s, you were a friend forever. She shared a love for music with many and attended numerous live concerts. Her son, Jude Dylan, was a testament to her love of the Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Alyson is preceded by her father, Larry, and nephew, Kody. She is survived by her mother, her son, brother Jason, sisters Niki (Jeff) and Cassie. Grandmothers, Alice Larson and Bonnie Hendrickson. Grandfather, Gary Larson. Partner, Jacob and his three children Emery, Graeme and Yuri. Her nephew Ethan and nieces Zoe and Harper meant the world to her and will miss her very much.

She will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, November 16^th, 2021, at Bunker Family University Chapel, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 at 2 PM.

Please join the family at Fat Cats Mesa following the service for food and refreshments.

The family requests that instead of flowers, a contribution be made to her son, Jude. Contributions can be mailed to Bunker’s University Chapel – 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa AZ 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.

Live Stream Link To View Service: https://youtu.be/zeLfZUZx3gQ

Mary Charlene Wright, 69, was called home on Friday, November 5, 2021, with her family by her side in Mesa, Arizona. Charlene was born June 20, 1952 in Scotia, a small logging community in northern California, to Charles and Mary Soule.

She attended Clear Lake High in Lakeport, California, graduating in 1971. After high school she moved to Hanford, California and a year later she had her first child, Steven. She met her husband Frank Wright, on a blind date in 1975. Six months later they were married in Charleston, South Carolina. Soon after, they relocated to Dunoon, Scotland where they welcomed baby twins, Mary and Misty. In 1978, the family returned to the United States and moved from one military base to another until they were stationed for a decade in San Diego, California. When Frank retired, they made Arizona their forever home.

Charlene’s hobbies included cake decorating, camping, jewelry making, genealogy work, collecting antiques, and listening to audio books. For the past eleven years, she served faithfully in her church assignment as a primary teacher to three- and four-year-old children. She spent numerous hours visiting with and cheering on her grandchildren.

Charlene is survived by her husband of 46 years, Frank Wright, her son, Steven Wright (Jessica), and her two daughters, Mary Christensen (Mark) and Misty Giles (Brett). She leaves behind nine grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 933 E Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ 85203, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 9:00am. For more information, please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com .

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.

Yolanda Tamez Grover passed away on November 9th, 2021.  After a long battle with dementia, she is finally at peace.

She was born on February 7th, 1951, in Mathis, TX, to parents Quintin and Eustolia Tamez.  After graduating from Mathis High School in 1970, she pursued a degree in nursing — apt, since everyone who had the honor to know her were cared for deeply by her.

She was twice married: first, to Ludwig A. Kramarz, with whom she had two children: Ludwig Jr. and Jackie; second, to Bradley K. Grover, with whom she had a son: Nicholas, as well as a stepson, Bradley Jr.  She was married to Bradley for 29 years, until his death in 2015, and their marriage was exemplary of love and respect, as well as good humor: the two were rarely seen apart and were always laughing.

A memorial will take place on Monday, November 15th, 2021, at 12pm, at the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter-Day Saints, 454 N. Crismon Rd., Mesa, AZ, 85207.

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

Those unable to attend services in person may view the livestream here: LINK

Event Code 18021

Kevin H. Cunningham, 58, passed away Nov. 6th, 2021 in Gilbert, AZ. He was the son of Lee and Ada Cunningham, born in Mesa, Arizona on July 16th, 1963. He was the youngest of 6 children.

Kevin had a very happy childhood growing up in Mesa going to Emerson Elementary, Carson Junior High, Westwood High School, Mesa Community College, and earning a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. Along the way, he was very active in all sports whether watching or playing. He also served an 18 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to Portland, Oregon from 1982-1984.

He married Wendy Ann Johnson on Jan 8th. 1988 in the Mesa AZ LDS Temple and had three wonderful children. He also had a tender heart for animals and loved caring for the cats in the family.

He is survived by his wife Wendy, and 3 children, Ryan 31, Michael 29, and Chanel 26, as well as his four sisters, LaRae Lewis, Annette Penrod, Carol Moss and Lesa Pollard. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mont Cunningham.

Funeral service will be Tuesday the 16 of November 2021 located at the LDS church at 4629 E Guadalupe Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234. Service will be held at 10am, with a visitation prior from 9-9:45am. Burial to follow at Mesa City Cemetery.

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

Thomas Edward Keath, 54, of Mesa AZ, passed away quietly on Thursday November 4, 2021, from an aggressive cancer. Tom was preceded in his passing by his father Danny Joe Keath and is survived by his mother, Karen Keath, who provided care for him in his final days and his four Brothers, their families, and a host of nieces & nephews.

Tom was born in Kansas City Kansas at Bethany Medical Center on October 10, 1967. His first days on earth were a bit premature and he suffered early from hyaline membrane syndrome. Further, his formative years of childhood were hampered by club feet which were ultimately corrected after some significant effort. He was active in plays and other activities during his years in high school. As well, Tom served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Salt Lake City North Mission from 1989 to 1991. Throughout his life he was a fierce defender of the Savior Jesus Christ and his church.

Tom was employed for most of his work career as a mechanical maintenance worker at an apartment complex, the Coulter Dealership in Tempe, and the Infinity Dealership located in Mesa. He took great pride in his work and was liked by all those with whom he labored.

He was married briefly and divorced. However, he remained engaged in life and made many acquaintances, dated some wonderful women, and associated with individuals who often became lifelong friends.

He was an avid video gamer who both taught and learned the ins and outs of the many complex games he participated in. Also much like his brothers and Father, Tom had an interest in machinery and tech which provided him with a surplus of hobbies and prospects for intellectual refinement.

In the end, Tom had made many fine friends who’s lives he helped enrich and who did the same for him.

Services for Tom will be held November 12th from 11 AM to 12 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1005 N. Voyager, Gilbert, AZ 85234.

Burial and dedication of the grave will follow at 1 PM at the Mesa City Cemetery.

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

 

Joe Bernard Nelson, age 85, was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 5, 1936, to Samuel Bernard Nelson and Viola Virginia Werner.  He had one older sister, Shirley Ann Nelson Sherwood, who passed in April of this year.

Joe graduated from Mesa High School in 1954.  Prior to serving a thirty-six month church mission in Uruguay, Joe completed a year and one quarter at Brigham Young University.  Upon his return from South America, Joe attended Arizona State University graduating in 1962 with a degree in accounting.  He successfully completed the certified public accounting exam five years later and founded his own firm which ultimately became known as Nelson, Lambson & Co., CPAs.  He was a good friend to his partners, a fair boss to his employees and greatly respected by his clients and business associates.

Joe and his first wife, Janille Roberts Mullins, have three children:  Jason Bernard Nelson (deceased in 2004), Julie Ann Connolly and Jennifer Jo Higby.  Joe is also survived by his son-in-law, Arthur Higby, who is like a son to him.  Joe has twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  He and his second wife, Susan Walsh Nelson, enjoyed thirty-five years of marriage.  They served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had been Mesa Temple workers several years ago.

Joe lived a wonderful, full life.  His heart was generous to a fault.  While he struggled with memory, he never struggled with his love of family and dear friends. And he never lost his sense of humor.

He was lovingly cared for the last six months by true angels from Angel Home Healthcare including Jim, Patti, Frank, David, Joe and many others plus tender nurses from Hospice at Home of Arizona, especially Cassi Partridge.  Words cannot express how grateful our family is for all their love and kindness.

“What a wonderful thing is death, really, when all is said and done.  It is the great reliever.  It is a majestic, quiet passing on from this life to another life, a better life.  We go to a place where we will not suffer as we have suffered here, but where we will continue to grow, accumulating knowledge, developing and being useful under the plan of the Almighty made possible through the atonement of the Son of God.”

At Joe’s request, there will be a public viewing for family and friends Friday evening November 12 from 6:30-8:30pm at the LDS chapel located at 2414 N. Old Gilbert Road and a private graveside service for immediate family the next morning.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.

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

Daniel M “PAPA” Ines, born July 06, 1956, was called to be with the Lord on Thursday November 04,2021.  He was an amazing and loving  husband and dad. Daniel is survived by his wife Martha, sons Daniel and Omar, there wives Robin and Cristy, and his five grandchildren – Eli, Ethan, Savannah, Olivia, and Noah. We know your In heaven reunited with Family that has left before us. We are truly going to miss you “PAPA”.

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