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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 50^th 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.

Service Date and Time:  10/05/2021, 10:00-11:00

Service/Interment Location:  National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ  85024

Live stream link: https://youtu.be/VkdT9gczrZg

Angel Reyes Gutierrez, of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Lancaster, CA, passed away suddenly on September 05, 2021, at the age of 89 years old.  Angel was a devoted and loving husband to Leonor for 63 years, and father to three sons.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Angel is survived by his sons Fernando (Mary) and Daniel; brother Emilio (Maria), sisters Tomasa Walton (James) and Beatris Martinez (Santos); grandchildren Daniel (Fiancee’ Christina), Evan (Ryann), Tyler, Michelle Lindsay (Greg), Jessica Seay (Rand); and 11 great-grandchildren.  Although his beloved wife Leonor survived his death, she passed away on September 17, 2021.

He is preceded in death by son Ruben; parents Jose and Maria; brothers Jose, Augusta, Francisco, Jesse, Tony, David; sisters Juanita Huerta, Marcelina Quintero, Rosa Rios, and Mary Hernandez; and granddaughter Angela.

Service Date and Time:  10/05/2021, 10:00-11:00

Service/Interment Location:  National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ  85024

Live stream link: https://youtu.be/VkdT9gczrZg

Leonor “Nora” Garcia Gutierrez of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Lancaster, CA, passed away unexpectedly on September 17, 2021, at the age of 88 years old.  Leonor was a devoted and loving wife to her husband and best friend of 63 years and mother to three sons.  She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion to those she knew and to those in need.

Nora is survived by sons Fernando (Mary) and Daniel; brothers John Garcia (Gloria), Henry Garcia, and sister Dolores Montes.

She is preceded in death by son Ruben; parents Trinidad and Dolores Garcia; brothers Alfredo Garcia; sisters Rafailita Garcia, Luisa Rodriguez, Adelia Zapata, Ehelvina Garcia, and Vivian Rivera; and granddaughter Angela.

Peter Anderson Spanganberg passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021 at age 48 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born December 3, 1972 in Clifton Springs, NY to Eugene and Charlotte Spanganberg of Palmyra, NY. He was the youngest of four children. Peter was a devoted son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and friend.

Peter was raised in Palmyra, NY and attended high school at The Harley School in Rochester, NY. After high school, Peter attended Brigham Young University. During his college years, Peter served a two-year volunteer mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Padova, Italy. He married Heather Dow in December of 1998. Their marriage was solemnized in the San Diego Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After graduating with honors from Brigham Young University, Peter attended the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. During dental school, Peter was elected student body president and was active in several research projects and graduated with honors. After dental school, he completed a 4 year surgical residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of the Pacific at Alameda Hospital in Oakland, CA.

In 2007, following residency, Peter and Heather and their young son, Ethan, moved to Queen Creek Arizona, where Peter opened the Sonoma Oral and Facial Surgery practice. Eventually, his practice expanded to include an office in Yuma, AZ.

Peter was a frequent contributor and lecturer on oral and facial surgery devices and techniques. In addition, Peter committed a portion of his time and practice to pro bono medical services to those in need. He took a particular interest in cancer patients and provided cosmetic and dental procedures for those in need.

In 2010, Peter married his second wife, Lynn Northern and welcomed into his heart her children, Nemi and Sage Northern. In 2013, their youngest son, Shea, was born into an active and busy household.

Pete had a deep love of family and friends. His family has countless stories of Pete rearranging his busy schedule to come to the rescue of a family member or friend with needs. He was beloved for his wit, fun loving attitude, and kind heart.  Peter had a love for adventure and travel. In his earlier years, he ran 3 marathons and went skydiving. He obtained his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying for both business and pleasure. He looked forward to a good scuba diving trip and went Great White Shark cage diving. A favorite memory for him was kayaking the San Juan Islands and scuba diving in Hawaii and Cozumel with Ethan. He loved beautiful cars and enjoyed racing high performance vehicles. He and his family looked forward to winter ski trips to Utah and trips to the beach. He was looking forward to a heli-ski trip in Alaska this coming winter. Peter and Lynn shared a common love for animals, and they collected a menagerie of them, including many family dogs, exotic cats, horses, reptiles, and a giant tortoise. His dream was to one day acquire a giraffe!

What Peter considered his greatest accomplishment in life was his family, whom he loved dearly.  Peter died in the Banner Desert Medical Center, in Mesa Arizona at the too young age of 48 due to complications associated with the Covid-19 Virus. He leaves behind his wife Lynn, children, Nemi, Ethan, Sage and Shea and his former wife, Heather Spanganberg. He is also survived by a brother, Rob of Rochester, NY, sister, Leslie Doughty (Chris) of Wrentham, MA and sister, Elaine Zelter (Peter) of Naples, NY and many nieces and nephews, friends, and associates. He was predeceased by his parents Eugene and Charlotte Spanganberg.  Peter will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 9th, 2021 at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 21915 E. Cloud Rd. Queen Creek, AZ.  Arrangements made by Bunker

Kenneth Hugh McCarty, 78, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at 12:50pm on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona.

He was born on July 7, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio. He was a longtime resident of Peru, Indiana and was a retired auto dealer.

He is survived by five children, Kenneth McCarty of Showlow, AZ, Tila Kienitz and husband John of Gilbert, AZ, Paula Ann Behrend of Salt Lake City, UT, Kevin McCarty and wife Sandra od Peru, IN, and Jill Gillespie and husband Nate of Kokomo, IN. Also, sister Joan Palmer of Costa Mesa, CA, along with 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and his beloved fur baby, Princess.

There will be no public services. Private burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru, IN.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home and Bunker’s University Chapel. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com

Mildred Johns was called home at the age of 88 on September 16^th 2021.

She joins her sister Bertha Nuvamsa, her 4 children, Bonnie, Franklin, Linda and Patricia and her husband Byron C. Johns. She is survived by her son Johnny and daughter Cheryl.

Mildred was a loving and caring wife and mother not only to her children but also to her 16 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She was always willing to help any way she could. She was a wonderful US Navy mother caring for 6 small children while our father was overseas doing his duty.

Arrangements entrusted to Bunker Family Garden Chapel 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

We would also like to acknowledge wonderful caregivers and social worker, Beth, Jeniece and Stephanie with Hospice of the Valley.