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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.

Cleone Johnson Moore passed away peacefully on Sept 22, 2021 in Mesa, AZ. She was 98 years of age at the time of her passing. She lived an active and rich life with her family and friends.

Cleone was delivered at home in Farmington, Utah on May 28, 1923. She was the second of three children born to loving parents, Joseph Sylvester Johnson and Mahala Reynolds Johnson.

Cleone attended Davis High School in Farmington, UT and later got a job in Salt Lake City at Sweets Candies. It was there that she met the love of her life, Lester O. Moore. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on July 18, 1942.

Cleone was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities throughout her life. She was a Sunday school teacher, primary teacher, young women’s leader, and held various positions within the relief society.

Outside of Church related jobs, she worked at the afore mentioned Sweets Candies Co, in the school cafeteria at Mt. Jordan, Jr. High and at a cookie factory in Draper where one of her sons worked after school. She, along with her husband, Les, also started and ran a small decorative fabric outlet in Mesa called, “Moore and Moore Discount Fabrics”. Cleone always considered her “job” as a wife and mother to be the most important of them all.

Cleone was quite fearless when confronting new challenges. She could tile, paint, create art projects, make dolls, garden, and was a very skilled seamstress. She would agree to try and tackle most any project put in front of her.

Cleone loved babies and would never pass up an opportunity to hold one. Family gatherings always included lots of children. Her descendants consist of her four children: Gary (now deceased), Brent, Marlon, and Colette. She has 36 grandchildren. 29 great grandchildren, and 10 great, great grandchildren.

Cleone was loved and adored by all of her family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be sorely missed.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge and thank her end of life caregivers: Manuela & Constantine Mitrica, and Debbie Griffith with Hospice of the Valley.

Craig Boggs passed away on Sunday, September 19th in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Higley, Arizona on January 16,1962 to father, Sam (Wanda) and mother, Jerri Boggs – the youngest brother to Gary (Starr) and Brent (Melinda). Craig led a happy and fun filled life with family and friends. He enjoyed the little things in life such as relaxing on the beach and in the woods, riding his motorcycle, golfing, and spending time with his friends and family.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 17 years, Dayna; children Leslie (Scott), William (Deirdre), Dave (Pamela), Caytlyn (Paul), and Bayley; grandchildren Daxton, Daisy, Kolton, and Oliver.

A celebration of life will be held at The Pavilion at Las Sendas at 7555 E. Eagle Crest Dr., Mesa, AZ on Sunday, September 26th from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate to the American Heart Association of Arizona Humane Society.

Funeral services for immediate family will be held on Saturday, October 9^th, 2021 at 10 am at the Kimball Stake Center at 1266 South 32^nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85204. The funeral will be streamed for all those who wish to view (follow this link to view live stream https://youtu.be/DABqZiT-p5I )

Kirt Dean McFarland, age 69, passed peacefully, Saturday September 18^th, 2021, at Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona with family by his side.

Kirt was born July 23, 1952, the fourth son and child to Vern Weatherston McFarland and Grace NaDean Lowe of Franklin, Idaho.

After the loss of his father to a tractor accident on the family farm in Franklin, Kirt moved with his mother and 5 brothers, to Logan, Utah, where he attended Wilson Elementary. While attending Logan High School, he was the “Grizzly” bear mascot his junior year, and then went on to become the first male cheerleader his senior year. He then attended Utah State University where he was an Aggie cheerleader. He loved adventure and so began motocross racing where he excelled at his riding skills. He was well known in the Cache Valley community due to his winning numerous races and building a motocross track.

Kirt served a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, to the British Columbia Alaska Mission from 1971 to 1973. After returning from his mission, he met and married Nancy Ann Hunter. Of this marriage, came two beautiful children, Melissa Ann and Brady Kirt. He worked for Parsons Concrete, in the Cache Valley area driving cement trucks. Kirt was never afraid to try anything in life. He decided to build his first home in Mendon, Utah, from the ground up with the help of an older retired contractor. When Kirt and Nancy divorced, he had the opportunity to move to Arizona to become the broker for King B Jerky Co.

He dated and married his sweetheart, Julie Jon Slade, in 1980, and of this marriage came two beautiful daughters, Lisa and Brooke.  Kirt thrived when he was working and began to expand his brokerage business beyond selling beef jerky, to snack and food items. He was a natural entrepreneur and developed many novel food and snack items. Because of Kirt’s salesmanship skills, he excelled in business and went on to patent and trademark some of his business ideas. He was well known and liked by his business associates as well as his customers. Over the years Kirt became known as “The Jerky Man”.

Kirt and Julie took on the task of being their own contractors and together built six homes throughout Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona, within the first 12 years of their marriage. Kirt was a wonderful father and instilled in his four children his love of thrill seeking adventure. He did this through riding roller coasters across the country, snow and water skiing, and many boating trips to Lake Powell.

Kirt treasured his grandchildren more than life itself and loved singing to them a favorite family song “Over the River and Through the Woods”.  He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren.

Kirt was preceded in passing by his parents, Vern Weatherston McFarland and Grace NaDean Lowe, and his two brothers Royal and Jeffery. He is survived by his wife Julie and his children, daughter Melissa and granddaughter Ellinor of Washington State; Son Brady of Arizona; Daughter Lisa (Matt) Bitter and grandchildren, Landon, Abigail and Pearson of Utah; Daughter Brooke (Justin) Rolph and granddaughters Emma, Hannah, Leah, and Clara of Arizona; Siblings; Tom (Chris), Wade (Cindy), Duffy (Connie).

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 8^th 2021, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Bunker Family Garden Chapel at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

He will be interred at the Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona.

Joan LeBran passed away of a sudden illness with her husband and children by her side on September 10, 2021. Joan was happiest when she was surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren. In her spare time, she loved crafting and sewing.

She is survived by her husband Donald LeBran of 61 years. She has 4 children, Linda (Colin) Vaughn; Fountain Hills, AZ, Donald J. LeBran; Bourbonnais, IL, Brent (Diana) LeBran; Queen Creek, AZ, and Lori (Ed) Jones; Gilbert, AZ.

Joan was a retired Phlebotomist of 25 years from Riverside Medical Center.

Joan’s sweet infectious smile would light up a room and her laughter would fill the hearts of those around her.

Her greatest accomplishment was her role as “Mimi” to the loves of her life, her 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her father, Jerome Boudreau, her mother, Leona (Freeman) Boudreau, and her sisters Marla Rice,  and Linda Boudreau.

She has 4 siblings, Beverly (Gil) Peterson; Mesa, AZ, Judy (Ray) Cochand; Oceanside, CA, Sonny (Darlene) Boudreau; Bourbonnais, IL, and Dave (Pam) Boudreau; Villages, FL. and 1 Sister-in-law Carol (Fuzz) Travis; Bradley, IL and many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Wife, Mom, Mimi, Aunt Joni will be best remembered for her Spaghetti and meatballs and Sunday lunch.

Memorials can be made to Banner Sun Health Research Institute (Alzheimer’s) 10515 W. Santa Fe Dr., Sun City, AZ 85351

A Service & Celebration of Joan’s life will be held in Arizona at a date to be determined later on.

Flora Jane Haws passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at the age of 98.  Jane was born in Falco, Alabama and died in Mesa, Arizona. She is preceded in death by her eternal companion Don P. Haws and her daughter Lynda Haws and survived by her daughters Claudia Behring, Maudean Hyde, and Kay Hurt.  She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. Jane served in multiple callings throughout her life for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints including a mission to Southern Florida in the 1940’s, Relief Society President, and multi-stake Camp Director. She retired from the Mesa Public School Food Services with over 20 years of service and also worked for the family business Haws Nursery and Flower Shop in Mesa, AZ. They raised their family in Mesa.  After being in Mesa for 45 years they retired to Florida in the area Jane was raised and spent 31 years there.  A graveside service will be held at Wing Cemetery in Wing Alabama on Friday, October 8, 2021, at 10:30 am. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker’s Funeral Home in Mesa, AZ and Brackney Funeral Home in Crestview, FL.

Matthew Richard Rumsey, of Mesa, AZ was born August 29, 1990, to parents Richard & Susan Rumsey in Poughkeepsie, NY. He passed away unexpectedly on September 16^th, 2021 at age 31. “Matt” was a devoted and loving Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, and friend so he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Matt relocated in 1993 with his family (Mom, Dad, & Sister Rachel) to Mesa, AZ, and has resided there ever since. He first attended Ishikawa Elementary School, then Stapley Jr. High, & lastly he graduated from Mountain View High School in 2008. Matt also attended Carrington (Apollo) College for the Pharmacy Technician program and completed an internship program at Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. He changed his career path and was attending Gateway Community College to become an HVAC Technician while working at the Dolphin Car Wash in Mesa.

Matt was an avid New York Yankees & New York Jets fan, loved music especially going to live concerts, collecting vinyl records, playing his X Box, camping & hiking, playing golf, spending time with his friends & family, especially his nieces & nephews and oldest daughter Hayden Brooke.

Matthew is survived by his daughters Hayden Brooke (7) & Addison (5), Mother Susan Rumsey, Step-Mom Doreen Chavarria, Sister Rachel Hinchey (Louis), Brother Jason Christopher (Malisha), Step-Sister Chantel Selhorst (Matthew), & Grandmother Theresa Rumsey as well as 3 nieces and one nephew. He was predeceased by his Father Richard W. Rumsey, and his Grandfather Chester H. Rumsey (Pop-Pop).

A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 23^rd, 2021, at 10:30 am in the Lehi Crossing LDS Chapel, 2701 East Lehi Road Mesa, AZ 85213. Arrangements entrusted to Bunker Family Funeral Home 3529 East University Drive Mesa, AZ 85213. Phone # (480) 830-4105.

Matthew’s final resting place will be with his Dad at Queen of Heaven Cemetery

1562 E. Baseline Rd. Mesa, AZ 85204.

To watch the live stream of the services visit the following link and enter the information below: Matthew Rumsey Livestream 

Meeting ID: 370 299 0250
Passcode: 115516

Stella Joyce Olsen, age 72, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, September 19, 2021. She was surrounded by her loved ones.

Joyce was born December 9, 1948 in Brandon, Manitoba to Alexander and Phyllis Wilson. She was the second oldest of 12 children. She and her family joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and move to Arizona shortly after. At age 19, she met Les Olsen at a dance at the Mezona. They fell head over heels for each other and were sealed in the Mesa Arizona LDS temple on April 19, 1968. They went on to have six children, 27 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Joyce loved to learn, and always had a desire to teach and help children. She went back to school in her forties, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Education. She spent several years teaching pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, where she touched the hearts of many children. She was an inspiration to everyone who met her.

Joyce’s greatest joy was being with her family. She spent countless nights attending her grandchildren’s recitals and sporting events and took any chance she had to spend time with those she loved. She and Les enjoyed spending their retirement traveling, serving church missions, going to the movies, and hosting Sunday dinners for her family. She was always up for an adventure.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Les Olsen; her children Kyle (Daena) Olsen, Lainie Neus, David (Julie) Olsen, Todd Olsen, Ryan (Rachel) Olsen, Kristen (Nathan) Brinson; 27 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son in law, Brian Neus; mother, Phyllis Peterson, and father, Alexander Wilson; sister Ann Benton, brothers Terry Wilson and Ronny Wilson.

A viewing will be held Thursday, September 23rd from 6-8pm at Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 24th at 11am, with a viewing from 10-11am, at the LDS church building, 2618 N. Lindsay Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213. Joyce will be laid to rest at the Mesa Cemetery in Mesa, AZ.

Max David Openshaw, son of the late Max and Ivern Openshaw of Mesa, AZ, passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. He was born and raised in Arizona. He served a 2 year mission in New York for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was always willing to serve those around him no matter the day or time. Dave leaves behind a legacy of love and service. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Eva Kathryn Wright Openshaw, his six children, Josh and Hanaga Openshaw, Kevin and Jennie Sawyers, Mark Openshaw, Sam and Heather Openshaw, Jeff and Brittany Cleveland, and Austin and Stephanie Openshaw, and his 18 grandchildren. The visitation is Friday, September 24, 2021 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Funeral services are Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the Eastmark Stake Center, 10725 E. Point Twenty-Two Blvd, Mesa, at 11 am. Burial in the Mesa City Cemetery at 1:30 pm.

John Richard Wright (Rick), 62 of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning on Saturday, September 11^th, 2021

Rick was born to Margaret and Weldon (Ray) Wright on August 25^th, 1959. Born into a loving family, Rick was the youngest brother of 5 boys. Uncle to many, father of Delbert and Lisa Wright, grandfather of Cory, Jason, Seth, Breezy, Shyanne and Chancellor, great-grandfather to Madelyn. He is survived by the love of his life Linda Wright whom he vowed as his wife 42 years ago.

Rick retired after 33 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator at Chandler Ready Mix and Cemex.

Rick enjoyed life in many ways, he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, SprintCar, NASCAR, cooking, BBQ competitions but above all else he enjoyed having a good time with his family and friends that he loved. In that tradition we will be celebrating his life at his home on October 16^th starting at 2pm. 330 S. Hawes Road Mesa, Arizona.

* * Here is a link to watch the funeral services* https://youtu.be/mny2lyW98Fw 

Our noble father, Guy Maurice Buckley, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 10, 2021, surrounded by many of his children and grandkids. He had recently been suffering from complications from radiation treatments from his successful battle against cancer 17 years earlier. It was an honor to have the opportunity to serve Dad and Gramps these last few weeks because he had devoted so much of his life to taking care of his family.

Dad was born in Kilgore, Texas on November 21, 1936. For all those who knew him, he was a dynamo, always working hard—whether he was serving the Lord or helping defend someone with his brilliant legal mind. He loved to laugh, and in his conversations with family, friends or even colleagues, was ever ready with a story or joke. With his kids, he’d test us on our knowledge in a myriad of subjects, always interested in our opinions on everything from Church doctrine and history to the day’s current political events.

For the last nine years, Dad had been valiantly pressing on without his beloved wife, Ruth. We were all so proud of him because Mom was everything to our dad. But he didn’t squander the time he had remaining and spent so many of his days going to bat for those who needed his wisdom, compassion and vast experience. There never was a better lawyer to have on your side. He would fight for what was right and you knew the Lord was with him. He never failed to talk about the gospel with his clients. He had a sincere desire to help people improve their lives.

Dad grew up dirt poor, and worked with his siblings (one older brother, five older sisters and one younger sister) as a migrant field worker, primarily picking potatoes and cotton. And did he LOVE to tell those stories! He was a great brother but had to put up with a lot of teasing from his sisters because, according to them, Dad was his mother’s “golden boy” who could do no wrong. He would defend himself saying he was just obedient and never caused his mother any grief.

Dad’s mother, who had served a mission herself, died when Dad was just 18. His older sister, Mitzi, had just returned from her mission and encouraged Dad to go. He served a very successful mission in the Northwestern States and loved every minute of it.

After his mission, he met our wonderful mom, Anna Ruth Woodhouse, and for Dad, it was love at first sight. He asked Mom to marry him on their second date. She was a bit horrified, but he wasn’t about to give up. It didn’t take long before they were sealed in the Mesa Temple on February 23, 1961. A week before Mom passed away, she called Dad her “diamond in the rough” and between the gospel’s refining influence on him and her love for him, any rough edges he’d had as a young man had been smoothed out and what was left was a precious gem.

Dad earned a bachelor’s degree from ASU in economics with a minor in geology and then went to Tucson with Mom to earn his law degree from the University of Arizona while Mom taught 2^nd grade there for a year or two. He also spent several months in NYC getting his stockbroker’s license. Dad needed very little sleep which always seemed unfair to the rest of us mortals as he was also gifted with a quick mind and photographic memory. We’re pretty sure Mom will be lobbying for some of that amazing memory now that they’re back together again.

Dad was a fearless missionary and loved to talk about the Savior to anyone he could. He was happiest serving as a missionary for the Lord. When the Spirit would prompt him to approach even a stranger, unlike most of us, he’d obey. Days before leaving this earth, he was bearing his testimony to his hospice nurse. He had so very little strength but was using it the best way he knew how to the very end.

His testimony of the Savior has had a lasting impact on all his kids. In our family, we often say that we got our faith from Dad and were taught the gospel and how to apply it in our lives from Mom. They were a great team. Besides Dad’s four or five stake missions (we lost count), Mom and Dad went on to serve four full-time missions together for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Macon, Georgia (twice – once before his colon cancer was discovered, and then a second time after he had recovered). Then they were called to Burns, Oregon and Portland, Oregon. They requested that all their calls be proselyting missions. It wasn’t easy on Mom with her shyness and bad back, but she didn’t complain and was the perfect counterbalance to Dad’s boldness and strength.

Many who knew Mom and Dad would have been surprised to learn that his shy Ruth was actually in charge at home—not because she nagged or used some manipulative ploy to rule the roost; rather it was because our dad loved Mom so much that he was happy and willing to do whatever he could to make her happy. And our mother returned the favor by giving Dad a home that was filled with beauty, laughter and love. Mom loved children and had a special gift for mothering, and soon they had eight of their own. Our family was also blessed to have sweet Felicita Nakai from the Church’s Navajo placement program become part of our family from the 8^th grade on.

Dad served in a variety of Church callings over the years. He particularly loved being Bishop of the 63^rd ward from 1985 to 1990 because he cared so much about the ward members. It put him in a position to help and serve even more. He was also called to serve as a regional welfare bishop for several years, helping many who needed a compassionate and inspired leader to help them get back on their feet. His last calling was as a primary teacher and he couldn’t have enjoyed that more.

Besides the gospel, Mom and our family, Dad’s great loves were deep-sea fishing, rocks (he kept a collection of unusual finds in his closet), the oil and gas industry, trading in the stock market and playing with his kids and grandkids. He was the best horsey EVER and was still playing “hide and seek” with his youngest grandkids just weeks before his passing. Dad was a ham and that made family home evening very entertaining as he often wanted to “act out” the stories. Just two years ago, he was wanting to write a screenplay for a great movie idea he had. Dad dreamed big and that made life fun for those around him.

Dad was so generous in helping those with financial difficulties. As just two examples, he helped our mother’s dear sister, Beth, buy an apple orchard and a home when our Uncle Gary died in a plane crash. He also took care of our mother’s salt-of-the-earth parents for years, buying them a home in Payson, Utah, near Beth, and making sure they had what they needed. Dad adopted Mom’s folks as his own. He adored them and the feeling was mutual. Dad understood that money was to help others, and not just to be spent for pleasure. Dad didn’t buy himself toys or fancy cars. Instead, he bought things for his family to enjoy. Dad never mentioned helping anyone financially to the family, but our Mom made sure we knew what kind of gem we had for a father.

Dad leaves behind eight children and their families. Stephen (Julie), Stephanie, Jennifer Hall (Mark), Lynda Hale, Tricia Ashby (Ric), Eric (Jaimee), Mark (Kristen), Heather Lamond (Bryan). Dad has 32 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Dad’s only surviving sibling is the lovely, MarJo Compton, his youngest sister.

Although we would have loved to keep our magnificent “wagon master” with us for the tumultuous days ahead, we are thrilled he’s with our beautiful Mom again and that he’s back to teasing her and kissing her at every opportunity that presents itself…or doesn’t. He tended to snatch those kisses whenever he could, embarrassing Mom. We know we now have one more cheerleader in heaven, rooting alongside Mom for us to be faithful and do well in this life then hurry back home to be with our Heavenly Parents, our loving Savior and the best parents we could have possibly asked for here on Earth.

We will be celebrating Dad’s life on Saturday, September 25 at 10am in his ward building located at 925 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203. All are welcome.

There will also be a viewing on Friday, September 24^th from 6pm-8pm at Bunker’s Mortuary at 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Todd Bateman Wilhelm passed away Friday Sept 3, 2021, in Queen Creek, AZ.  Todd was born to LaVerl and Linda Gore Wilhelm on April 13, 1979, in Springerville, AZ. Todd was raised in St. Johns, AZ and spent many hours working on the ranch. After serving a full-time mission in Nashville, Tennessee, for his church, Todd graduated from ASU with a B.A. in Finance and a graduate degree in Tax and Accounting.

More than anything in life, Todd loved his family and spending time with them. He loved to meander with his wife Maguen and his children, taking the road wherever it led them. Todd loved all the reunions and family trips he took with his siblings, nieces and nephews.

Todd had a big smile and contagious laugh. He laughed at himself and never let the trials in life keep him down. He left a legacy of compassion and friendship. Todd was amazingly resilient. Once he set his mind to something, he never gave up. Todd’s courage to overcome obstacles was founded in his strong testimony of Jesus Christ.

Todd is survived by his wife Maguen Adel Wilhelm and their daughter Hannah Linda Wilhelm, his daughter and son Wren Ellis Wilhelm and Craig Bateman Wilhelm, stepchildren Ashlee, Tyler, Kaiden, Alexcia, and Aleise Denhalter, his father and stepmom, LaVerl (Carol) Wilhelm and siblings: Sonia (Don) Carroll, Vaughn (Tifani) Wilhelm, Kurt Wilhelm, Shanie (Edward) Janes, Kathi (Kurt) Hausmann, Diane (William) Ritman, Mark (Megan) Wilhelm. Todd was preceded in death by his mom Linda, stepdad Jim Burns, and his youngest brother, Craig.

Todd will be buried in the St. Johns, Arizona Cemetery, Sept 21, 2021.  His funeral will be Sept 20, 2021 at 11:00 am at 33794 N Gary, Queen Creek AZ, 85142. For more information go to bunkerfuneral.com (The University Chapel)