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Our beautiful mother, Cecile Bradshaw Ashby, 101, passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona, on Friday, October 1, 2021, surrounded by her family.
Cecile was born on January 13, 1920 at the base of South Mountain, Phoenix, Arizona (The Japanese Flower Gardens), to Clara Estella McClellan and Samuel Silas Bradshaw.
Cecile grew up in a large family during the depression era and although faced with poverty, sorrow and adversity, Cecile instead chose to search for happiness and thrived from the love of her parents and 12 siblings. Her family lived in Mesa and Cecile graduated from Mesa Union High School in 1938. Cecile was very social, she was athletic and fun, but her favorite past-time was dancing and especially attending dances at the old Mezona. She continued to dance well into her 90’s and making fun memories with her kids & grand-kids dancing the Wii Fit – Just Dance. On her 100th Birthday, she warmed the hearts of her family as she danced with one of her sons and a nephew.
Cecile was a lifelong and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She enjoyed serving as a temple worker in the Mesa, Arizona Temple for many years and she was called and served as a full-time missionary to the Tallahassee, Florida mission in 1989. She has some memories of her dad and brothers helping build the Mesa, Arizona Temple and wanted to attend the re-dedication of “her Temple” this month October 2021.
Cecile’s greatest joys were being mother to her 6 children, their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Cecile’s mind was clear and sharp and her incredible memory was vibrant and amazing until the end. Even into her last days on this earth, Cecile remembered her family members by name. She loved them all the mostest.
Cecile loved anything and everything to do with her family and that included all that they did ~ sports, traveling, music, playing games, being outdoors, dancing and having fun. She just wanted to be with her family.
The Love of a Family is Life’s Greatest Blessings!
Cecile is survived by her sons ~ Douglas M. Ashby, Nicholas J. Ashby (Martha), Frederick H. Ashby (Lisa); her daughter ~ Janna Dwiggins (David); 28 grandchildren & 26 spouses; 100 great grandchildren & 6 spouses; 6 great-great grandchildren and 1 coming in 2022.
Cecile was preceded in death by her sons ~ Ronald Ralph Ashby and Gregory N. Ashby; Cecile’s daughter in law Sherry Ashby and also her great-grandsons ~ Crew Benjamin Standring and Kaique Vincent Shibuta. She is also preceded in death by her parents and 12 siblings & their spouses (Ruth Ellsworth, Leonard Bradshaw, Ira Bradshaw, Clara Larson, Tony Bradshaw, Niles Bradshaw, Orley Bradshaw, Rodney Bradshaw, Edward Bradshaw, Anita Reheis, Horace Bradshaw & Silas Bradshaw).
Our mom was and will always be a beloved blessing in our lives!
We love you the mostest mom.
Cecile is dancing again!
As a family we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Anthem Hospice for helping our mom continue to live her last days as some of her best days!
Thank you Dr. Khalid Shirif and Erin
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.
Caroline Perkins completed her life’s journey and was claimed by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on
October 1st, 2021 (Age 91). Caroline triumphed over strokes and numerous other life threatening
ailments throughout her life, but this time she fought her final battle. She was born on May 7, 1930 in
Sacaton, AZ. She was married to George C. Perkins Sr.
Her mother was Olive Ellis Hogan (deceased). She was preceded in death by her husband, George C.
Perkins Sr. and by her children: Gary G. Perkins, George C. Perkins Jr., Carol A. Perkins, Kathryn J.
Maldonado (Frank), and Connie M. Huenergardt (William). She is survived by one sister, Imogene
Jackson and one brother, Roger Ellis. She is also survived by two daughters: Georgina F. Robinson
(Manuel) and Mae F. Calamos (John). In addition, she is survived by many grandchildren, great
grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mama was an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community, where she grew up. She was a
homemaker who loved and nurtured her family with the most unconditional care. Her mission was to
bring God into the lives of those who she loved. She was a dedicated warrior for Jesus Christ and an
exemplary role model of faith. She had an abundance of love for everyone. We thank God for blessing us
all with 91 years of her life.
Ronald Victor White, 64, of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community was born to Claudina Jo & Sylvester White on February 23, 1957. He went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claudina & Sylvester, his sister Victoria “Girl” White. To his family he is best known as “Boy.” Later on, in life he was known as Ronnie or Ron.
Ronnie was the Godfather to Michael, Katrina, Kristina, Krista, Rance Lewis & Jamie Yazzie.
Grandfather to Rianna, Johanna, Sy’anna, Joziah, Chesney, Serraeyia & Laddie Tate. Sinai & Madison Antone, Johanna & Kyle Wilson, Taylor Martinez, Alexander & Inez Avery, Robin Thomas, Ezio Juan, Amirra, Zalika, Mason, Remyni, Isabelle & Sansarae Lewis.
Ronnie was a loving and caring Uncle, Cousin, Grandpa-Papa, Friend & brother in Christ. He was a member of the Ft. McDowell Miracle Church of all Nations, under the direction of Pastor Virginia Curtis. Ronnie was the public relations for his church. He planned & coordinated the revivals, camp meetings and lodging for all the visitors of the church. His leadership role within the church will be greatly missed. He has gained many lifelong friends. He loved traveling for the lord. He is going to be missed by all who loved him.
Cuevas, Ana Elena (Yañez) of Mesa, Arizona, was born on September 26, 1975, in San Jose, California. She passed away surrounded by her loving family members on October 4, 2021 at the age of 46, due to complications from Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome.
Ana was preceded in death by her mother, Concepcion Yañez. She is survived by her husband, Paul, beloved daughter, Yesenia, sisters, Martina Mendoza (Antonio Mendoza) and Maria Pedregon (Ronald Pedregon, Sr), brother, Pedro M Yañez (Rachel McCormick), and father, Pedro J Yañez, Jr., as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ana grew up in San Jose, California and later moved to Arizona where she lived in Phoenix and then moved to Mesa. In 2004, Ana reconnected with Paul Cuevas and, in 2006, they married and raised Ana’s daughter, Yesenia, who was her pride and joy. Ana fulfilled her dream of earning a university degree and, in 2012, graduated with an associate’s degree in Psychology from University of Phoenix and, in 2017, graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development with a minor in Organizational Leadership.
Ana taught Yesenia love, perseverance, strength, compassion, and empathy. Ana worked hard to exemplify a strong, independent, and educated woman so that her daughter could learn to recognize the same traits in herself. Even more priceless to her was her dream of seeing Yesenia complete her Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing degree and was extremely proud that Yesenia is working hard to achieve her goal of being a nurse.
Ana fiercely loved and was loved by her nieces and nephews in Arizona and California. She was looking forward to knowing and loving the newest members of the family, Athena and Noah. She enjoyed traveling back home to California for family get-togethers and events, whether they were baby showers, weddings, birthdays or just-because days. Her home and job were in Arizona, but her heart was always back in San Jose. She treasured those trips home and the memories that came with them.
Ana’s love of travel was evident as she was hoping to use her newly attained passport and fill many pages with destinations stamps. In 2014, Ana and her family traveled to New York City for a week, which had been a lifelong bucket-list item for her. She loved her experience here, the places she visited, and all the memories she made were priceless to her. She traveled to Washington DC, Florida, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Washington, Rocky Point, and as a child, visited her extended family in multiple parts of Mexico.
Ana was dearly loved by all who knew her and will be missed in ways this obituary cannot express.
Visitation and services will be Monday, October 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm (viewing from 5:00 – 6:00 pm) at the Bunker Family Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201. Flowers can be sent to the Bunker Garden Chapel at the same address or call 480-964-8686. A GoFundMe has been created to help Ana’s daughter, Yesenia with any expenses related to her education. You can find more information about donating at Yesenia Palacios-The Road to Becoming a Nurse.
Maricela Rodriguez was born February 17, 1965. She left this world peacefully on October 3, 2021.
Maricela led a happy and fulfilling life and enjoyed doing many things like traveling, dancing, singing, and spending quality time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren.
She was a one of a kind person with the biggest heart. A great friend, the number one mom, the best sister, an amazing aunt and the best Nana to her grandkids. She was always the life of the party and will be missed very much.
Her legacy will continue on through her 3 daughters, Chely, Karina, and Neri, as well as her 7 grandchildren. Private services to be held by family.
Joan Anita Gregory was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, on April 15, 1934 and passed away in Mesa, Arizona on September 29, 2021, the daughter of Harry James Gregory of Hastings, England and Grace M. Walter of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. The family moved to England in 1937, and Joan grew up and went to school in Hastings, where her family chose to stay during World War II and its aftermath. After her father’s death in 1949, she and her mother returned to Canada. Joan attended United College in Winnipeg and later worked in the college library. While a student at United College Joan was an education worker for the home mission system of the United Church of Canada.
In 1960 Joan moved to Phoenix, Arizona joining her mother and stepfather, John Fraser, who had moved there the previous year. She attended Phoenix College and Arizona State University where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in anthropology. She was a graduate assistant, and later taught anthropology as an interim instructor at Phoenix and Scottsdale Community Colleges. In 1973 she began work as an archivist in the Arizona collection at Hayden Library of Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, where she classified and catalogued the John Rhodes and Paul Fannin congressional papers. She later worked in the acquisitions department of the Arizona State University Library.
Joan attended the University of Arizona, Tucson, where she earned a master of library science (M.L.S.) degree. In 1979 she joined the Mesa Public Library as the Acquisitions Librarian, the post she held until her retirement in 1998.
Joan’s favorite form of entertainment was listening to classical music, particularly opera. She had an extensive collection of Renee Fleming performances, her favorite soprano. Throughout her life, she also enjoyed painting and writing poetry. Among her friends, she was known for her love of animals, particularly her beloved poodle, Jamie. In retirement she was a loyal member of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Association and the Arizona Humane Society.
She also enjoyed attending lectures offered at her Independent Living Residence, Canyon Winds in Mesa, Arizona, and reading books on the history of England and English villages, which she generously shared with her neighbors. She also kept current with her field of anthropology through various periodicals. She had a lively and dry sense of humor which was evident at the luncheons with her friends and former colleagues.
Joan will be interred at the City of Mesa (Arizona) Cemetery. According to her wishes, no services are planned in the immediate future. Joan will be sorely missed by her friends in Mesa Arizona, and her family in Los Angeles, California, Canada and England.
Lola Gylling Dana passed away peacefully on October 4, 2021 at the age of 91. She was a longtime resident of Mesa, Arizona and beloved wife of Walter Curtis Dana, who preceded her. Lola is survived by her two younger brothers, Ivan Gylling and J. Gylling along with her six children, Marla Dana, Trish (Wayne) Steffey, Joan (Roger) Grimes, Robert (Jacque) Dana, Julie (Monte) Nevitt, and Gail (Holly) Dana. Her legacy will continue through her twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-seven great grandchildren, who were blessed with her love, kindness, and influence.
Lola was born in La Jara, Colorado on August 17, 1930. She was the daughter of Otto Walter Gylling and Arzella Knight Gylling. She was the third of six children and grew up on a farm. During her high school years, they moved the family to Mesa, Arizona. Lola was very popular at Mesa High School and made friends easily. She was Student Body Vice President and graduated with honors in 1948. She later earned her Real Estate license and a private Pilot’s License.
Lola married Walter Curtis Dana at the Mesa Temple in 1948. They lived on the Dana Ranch on Southern Avenue. Lola was kept busy with her six children. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was very active in a variety of volunteer and leadership positions including President of the Relief Society and involvement with young children of all ages. She and Curt served a Church mission in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lola had many interests and was a talented seamstress. She won numerous awards and ribbons at the county and state level. She enjoyed genealogy research, painting, quilting, ballroom dancing and had a love for playing the piano. She was honored to be the International Flying Farmer Queen, and flew all over the country with Curt, both pilots. She enjoyed spending leisure time at their Prescott cabin and spending time with her growing family.
Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Friday, October 15, 2021 at the Dana Ranch Ward, 1266 S. 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85204. There will be a visitation from 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Bunkers University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213.
For those who would like to view the funeral remotely please use the following links:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/k7iEgNeNccQ
Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94217993863
Jae G Heiner was called home on September 29th, 2021 after a struggle with Covid. Born in 1955 to Ted and Janeene Heiner in Afton, Wyoming, Jae grew up on the farm and dreamed from a young age of building satellites. After serving a mission to Korea for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering at BYU, where he met and married his wife Lillis, and began a prolific career in aerospace working on satellite communications.
He was heavily involved in Boy Scouts, receiving the Silver Beaver award in 2017. He also spent many years researching and editing a new science textbook with colleagues, The Universal Model. Jae’s life is a legacy of the pursuit of knowledge, hard work, family, and devoted church service.
He is missed by his wife, eight beloved children, eleven grandchildren, and a multitude of lives touched by his integrity, love, service and his testimony of Jesus Christ.
The funeral service will be held on October 9th at 11:00am at 1550 N. Val Vista Dr. in Mesa, with visitation beginning at 9:30am. Flowers may be sent to Bunker Family Mortuary, 480-964-8686.
Former Richmond resident, John D. Washington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 2, 2021.
John, born December 17, 1928, came from Pineville, KY when he was 17years old. During his years in Richmond, he held positions at Wayne Division, Eaton Gear Works, Avco and Dana Perfect Circle where he retired in 1992. John and his wife, Eva Pearl Hurd, relocated to Phoenix, AZ in 2007.
Many Richmond residents will remember John from his many editorials in the Palladium Item challenging racism, discrimination, unfair housing, and disparity in hiring practices. His views were so popular and in stark contrast to another frequent writer, that the Palladium Item did a story on him and three additional editorial contributors on July 10, 1983. John was also a frequent caller to WKBV sharing his views on the issues of the day.
John leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 74 years, Eva Pearl Hurd, four children, Deborah (Marvin) Flood, Damita (Kim) Armstead, John (Karen) Washington, all of Arizona and Renae Dabney, Cleveland, OH, 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. John was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Brandi Pennington, parents Joe and Agnes Taylor Washington, 13 siblings, and special nephew Herman “Ford” Washington.
There will be no service or public calling. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Foundation of America or American Kidney Fund.
Dawn Marie Chantry (Schaeffer) age 62, passed away October 2, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. Dawn was a beloved daughter, wife, mom, grandmother, sister, and aunt.
Dawn loved her granddaughters, baking, and crafting. Her greatest gifts were her kindness and heart.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years Randy, her son Jason (Mandy), her granddaughters Gracie and Abbie, her father Thomas (Leonora), her sister Elisa (Russell) and many nieces, nephews, and Jackson(dog).
A celebration of life will commence on Saturday, October 9th at 11:00AM at Gethsemane Lutheran Church- 1035 E. Guadeloupe Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283.
Johnny McKinney, 61 years young, passed away in the comfort of his own home surrounded by the love of his family on September 18th, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. Johnny was a hard-working man; known for his generosity, sense of humor, and his willingness to help those in need. An “Honorable Cowboy” he was the toughest, nicest guy you would ever meet, always putting the needs of others before his own. Nothing gave Johnny more joy than giving to those around him. Johnny loved his movies, fast cars, but above-all he loved his family. A beloved father, brother, and son: Johnny is survived by his soul-mate Delia, siblings; Rusty and Caroline, father; Charles, and children; Carrie, Johnny Jr., Travis, and Bryonna. His Legacy will continue in his granddaughter Lyla. We will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Arizona Golf Resort on November 7th at 1pm, 425 S. Power Road, Mesa. Once Johnny completed his chemo treatments he planned on renting a beach house in San Diego in order to spend time with his family, in honor of this, we ask for casual, or beach like attire during his Celebration.
Doug Smith, born March 21, 1952, was called home on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona peacefully in his sleep.
In 1972, Doug married the love of his life, Ruth Smith and they were so lucky to have celebrated over 50 years together laughing, camping, and raising their two children, Parker Smith and Amanda Rowland.
Doug was known for his love of the outdoors, camping, fishing, carpentry, computers, and making jokes.
Doug loved his two children and two grandchildren Parker Smith, Amanda Rowland, Holley Rowland, and Carter Rowland.
Left to carry on his traditions are his wife Ruth Smith, son Parker Smith and grandchildren Holley Rowland and Carter Rowland. His legacies will continue on.
The memorial will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday October 17, 2021 at 4238 E Dover St Mesa, AZ 85205.
Barton Furnas Seever, Jr. of Queen Creek, Arizona, was born on July 24, 1945, in Merced, California. He passed away surrounded by loving family members on September 25, 2021 at the age of 76, due to complications from cancer treatments.
Bart was preceded in death by his father Barton F. Seever, mother Grace A. Seever, and his sister Sherry S. Acevedo. He is survived by his beloved wife Janice of 50 years, stepmother Arduth Seever, sister Diane Schneider, six children: Aaron (Amy), Adam (Hydee), Daniel, Angela (Jeff Monson), Rochelle (Derrick Spitzer), Rosanne (David Tomich), and 27 grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Bart Seever was a beacon of generosity and service. He would always give without question even when they barely had enough, welcome strangers into their home even when they had no room, and serve others even when he had his own struggles. He was a man of God and had tremendous faith. He had a testimony of Jesus as the Son of God, and the Savior of the world, and that was evident in the way that he lived. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Great Lakes area as a young man, as well as a couples mission with his wife, Janice from 2017-2019 in Phoenix.
Bart grew up on his family’s olive ranch, and later became a controller at Striblings Nursery and Kings View in California. He was a co-founder and CFO at Bulwark Exterminating. His many hobbies included genealogy, traveling with Janice to Europe and Hawaii, biking through Europe, and hiking and backpacking in Yosemite.
Bart’s pride and joy was his wife and family. He taught his children love, perseverance, strength, compassion, grit, and empathy. In June, the entire family including all 27 of his grandchildren celebrated Janice and Bart’s 50th wedding anniversary in Oceanside, California, which is a memory the family will always cherish.
Visitation and services will be Friday October 8, 2021 at 10 am (viewing from 9:00-9:45 am) at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 18951 E. Germann Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
Mortuary: Bunker Family Funerals & Cremations www.bunkerfuneral.com
Burial: San Tan Memorial Gardens 22425 E. Cloud Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Flowers and condolences can be sent to the Spitzer home at 21735 E Escalante Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
Lorraine Clara Manuel, 90, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2021, in Sacaton, AZ. Mrs. Manuel of Blackwater was born in Sacaton on October 15, 1930.
She enjoyed watching old tv shows, reading, listening to country-western music, shopping, traveling, dancing at native American powwows, going to see family and seeing her great-grandson’s football games.
Mr. and Mrs. Manuel came live in Prescott, AZ in the 1950’s to the 1980’s and moving to Sacaton in the late 1970’s to the present. She also lived in Santa Rosa, CA from 2002 to 2006.
She worked at Yavapai Community Hospital in the 1960’s. In the 1960’s and 1970’s she was a member the American Legion Auxiliary and Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary serving as a Department Commander. In 1974 she volunteered 100 hours of service at the Veterans Administration Center in Prescott. In the 1980’s she was in the Ira H. Hayes Auxiliary Unit 84 American Legion in Sacaton. In the 1980’s she was part of the first Elders Group in Sacaton.
She is survived by her brother Harry Kisto of Sacaton and sister Jenny Jose of Blackwater. Sons Terrance W. Manuel of Prescott, Leon B. Manuel Jr of Sacaton and Cecil B. Manuel of Tucson; 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother Grace Kisto of Blackwater, Father, Homer Jackson of Sacaton, husband of 38 years Leon Manuel of Sacaton and son Tobias Manuel of Sacaton. Sisters Lenora, Carmelita, Rose, others. Brothers Edmund, Larry, and others.
Service and visitation are from 10 am to 12 pm for the public. Burial, with her husband, will be from 2-230pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix.
Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation is in charge of arrangements at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. For more information visit www.bunkerfuneral.com
Jason Brian Young, 49 passed away peacefully in his home, in Mesa, Arizona. Jason loved to travel, hunt, fish, and camp. He loved being outdoors and surrounded by family and friends. He enjoyed his life and loved to take trips all over with his children and grandchildren. Jason worked for Mesa Unified School District and enjoyed every bit of it. Jason is preceded in death by, Mother (Ruth Young) and Father (Billy Young). Jason is survived by, Wife (Debbie Young), Sons Shane (Alysha) and Paul Piperata, Daughter Brandy (Joshua) Marcum, Sisters Bonnie (Roger) Skaarland and Cheryl Young, Brother David (Nancy) Young, and seven Grandchildren. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 10:00AM at Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa AZ 85213. Followed by a Luncheon at 2211 S. Keene Mesa AZ, 85209.
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