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Clint Russell Bailey, age 50, passed away on September 7th, 2021, in Gilbert, Arizona, after a mighty and courageous battle with COVID.

Clint was born on January 15th, 1971, in Richland, Washington, to K and Lynda Bailey. He was the father of three children who he loved and adored: Isaac, Quinn, and Madelyn. He graduated from Jerome High School in Jerome, Idaho, and later earned a Masters of Psychology with an emphasis on Education from St Martens University in Lacey, Washington. Clint loved basketball and excelled as a college athlete. He had a passion for cars and worked in the car insurance industry then later as an auto mechanic. Clint was larger than life in many ways; his size, his appetite, his sense of humor, but mostly his kindness. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Clint is survived by his children: Isaac Bailey, Quinn Bailey, and Madelyn Bailey, his parents: K and Lynda Bailey, and his siblings: David Bailey, Bonnie Bergeson, Bryan Bailey, Craig Bailey, Katie Bailey, Alice Matayoshi, and Mindy Rivers. Additionally, Clint is survived by a large extended family of many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Clint is preceded in death by his grandparents: June and Wallace Bailey, and Lois and Russell Haws, and his brother-in-law, Daniel (Mindy) Rivers.

A funeral will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 21915 East Cloud Road Queen Creek, AZ, Monday, September 13th, at 1:00 p.m. with a visiting hour beginning at 12 p.m. Friends and family are invited. Graveside service will be held at San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms, 22425 East Cloud Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 immediately following the funeral service.

Flowers can be sent to Bunker Family Funerals at 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ : https://bunkerfuneral.com

Jacquelyn Dalton, passed away early Tuesday September 7th surrounded by her family.  She will be greatly missed by her family and all who had the privilege to call her a friend.  Jacquelyn was survived her husband Martin, and her children Rich, Sean, David, Caitlin, Kimberly, Samuel, Mason, AnnaMaria, Juliana, Michael, and Jacob. Jacquelyn was preceded in death by her children Joey and Gracie. She will be laid to rest next to her children in Tucson, AZ

Her funeral services and memorial and viewing will be this Friday, September 10, 2021 at the Maplewood Ward Building

3775 South Greenfield Road

GILBERT, Arizona 85297United States

The viewing will be at 9 am followed by her funeral at 10 am.

For those that are unable to attend the services, please join us by viewing the live stream at:

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCGtzqA0LsAyJZNi6Nv1aVQg

Jack Mikel passed away at the age of 59 with his wife Michelle by his side on August 10, 2021, in Gilbert, Arizona.

He was born on February 17, 1962, in Faribault, MN to Janice Ann (Mahoney) Mikel and the late, Fredrick James Mikel. In 1968 Fred moved his family to Tempe, AZ where Jack attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel through 8^th grade.  He then went on to attend and graduate from Tempe High School in 1981.  After graduating high school, he joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego where he served from 1982 to 1987 as an Electronics Warfare Technician Operator.  While in the Navy he traveled to many different countries and enjoyed his years serving. He was proud to serve our Country and enjoyed sharing stories with friends and loved ones about his travels and time in the Navy.

After leaving the Navy, he started his career with U-Haul International in Phoenix, AZ where he served in a wide variety of roles throughout his 29-year career with the Company, including several positions in the field and as a 12-year member of the Internal Audit Team.  Jack bled orange when it came to his commitment and dedication to U-Haul as well as being a mentor to others he taught and lived U-Haul’s Company Values.  In the workplace, he was described as a can-do, glass half-full, “let’s get it done” man as well as direct and relentless in his follow-up and always determined.  He was proud to be a part of the U-Haul Family for so many years.

He married Michelle in 2011 after reconnecting in 2008 at a 31-year OLMC grade school reunion.  They enjoyed traveling and spending time in Rocky Point.  Listening to and watching the waves always brought fond memories of his days in the Navy.  He will truly be missed, but never forgotten by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Mikel; his sister, Kim Mollenkamp and his grandchildren, Nicholas, and Gabriel Mikel.

Jack is survived by his wife, Michelle Vukov-Mikel of Phoenix, children, Patrick (Emily), of Pittsburg, TX, Jakelyn Mikel of Dallas, TX, Ashley Mikel of Pittsburg, TX; mother, Janice Mikel of Chandler; siblings, Michele Mikel of Chandler, Laurie Doane (Jim) of Tigard, OR, Paul (Laurie) of Chandler, Jennifer Watson (Dan) of Walnut Creek, CA and one grandchild.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Bunker Family Funeral Homes Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85044.  The Celebration will be a beach theme, casual attire is welcome.  Face Masks will be required during the Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Valley in Jacks name.

Careen Louise Simpson Johnston, 75, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2021, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Careen lived a full life that was devoted to her family and her faith.

Born in San Diego, California on December 29, 1945, the oldest child of Conrad Dahle Simpson and Barbara “Bobbie” Louise Rice Simpson, she spent her early years in Santa Clara, CA, where she excelled in academics, foreign language, and music. She would go on to become the valedictorian of her high school and earn a scholarship to Brigham Young University, from which she graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

She met Jay Orvel Johnston while he was attending Stanford University and she was working as an elementary school teacher. They married on June 14, 1969, in the Oakland California temple and lived in Santa Clara, CA as they expanded their family to include five children. In 1981, Jay and Careen moved to Gilbert, AZ where they have lived for 40 years.

Careen was a devoted mother to her kids and an exemplary teacher to hundreds of children in the Gilbert Public Schools. She continued her career in education by teaching elementary strings and then became a second-grade teacher at Patterson Elementary. She also served as an assistant principal and a school librarian.

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Careen spent countless hours serving others in her many callings, including Relief Society President, Scout Leader, and ward and temple organist.

Careen loved to travel with her husband Jay, especially to San Diego and to the ocean. She loved to read and to go out to restaurants. However, her greatest passion was spending time with her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by so many of her family and friends who loved her.

She is survived by husband Jay Johnston; children, David (Sherry) Johnston of Mesa, AZ, Steven (Amber) Johnston of Highlands Ranch, CO, Brian (Connie) Johnston of Queen Creek, AZ, Karen (Karl) Johnson of Stafford, VA, and Lisa (Steve) Nicholes of Meridian, ID. She is also survived by her sister Dennae (Don) Adams, and brothers Dairen and Branden (Tammy) Simpson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1150 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, AZ, 85234, with a visitation from 10:00-10:45 am. There will be a graveside service at Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85257 at 1:15 pm following the funeral. Flowers can be sent to Bunker Family Funeral Home, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 85201.

Matthew McNeil Wheaton passed away on August 28, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona, at the young age of 47. Matt was always young at heart, cherished by many, and known for being large in stature. But even bigger was his presence that will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

He was born on October 11, 1973, in San Jose, California, where he spent much of his childhood and early formative years. His family moved during his teenage years to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and later to Modesto, California, where he lived during most of his early adulthood. Finally, he settled down in Mesa, Arizona, where he went on to earn an MBA degree at University of Phoenix. Matt loved & worked at Core & Main as a System Support & Implementation Specialist for the past 7 years.

He is survived by his eternal companion, Monica, 36, and his three daughters, Harper, 9, Vivianne, 5, and Cosette, 3.

Also surviving is his father, Michael Wheaton, 74, his mother, Cheryl McNeil, 75, and his younger brother, Ryan Wheaton, 41.

Matt had a plethora of interests that amassed a wide array of subjects. His teenage years consisted of skateboarding and volleyball, where he was nicknamed, “2Tall” since he was younger and taller than most of his teammates.

He also had a deep love for motorcycles that began when he was still in diapers, and was fostered by the ownership of his very first bike at age 11. He purchased his current motorcycle during the last year of his life and received a lot of joy from those rides. He offered to take friends and family on rides around the block or up the street with him, and went on a few longer cruises with friends and family. He was knowledgeable in many areas, always intrigued by complex topics of conversation and studious on anything he didn’t yet know. Matt was so cherished by his family and friends, especially his wife and three young daughters. Oh how they all treasured their dad. He made sure to spend time with each one individually and made them feel so special and loved. Matt was the ultimate big brother figure to those even outside his family. One of his many amazing qualities was his eagerness to help when someone was in need. He touched many hearts throughout his short lifetime, so the hole left behind in the hearts of all those who knew him will be impossible to fill.

Matt will be honored at a memorial service on September 11th, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the LDS church (Mesa Arizona Lehi Stake) located at 1430 N. Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Please consider donating to Matt’s GoFundMe account to help his wife, Monica, defray the costs of funeral expenses and to aid in raising their three young daughters at https://gofund.me/26d250f8.

Bert Thomas Jones,41, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 3, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Globe, Arizona July 31, 1980, to parents Terry and Judy Jones. He is survived by his parents, his children Alissa Jones ( 17) and Gisele Jones (15), six siblings, a large extended family, and many pets.

Bert had many passions including golf, RC racing, cooking, playing guitar, mountain biking and his photography business. He loved Harry Potter, anime, video games, Mexican food, and Dave Matthews band. Bert was a die-hard Arizona sports fan and loved the Cardinals above all others. His greatest loves, best friends, and favorite photography subjects were his two girls.

Bert will be remembered  for his fantastic sense of humor, his beautiful photographs, and his love and devotion to his parents, daughters, and pets. He will be missed dearly by all his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 9th at 11 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. For more information, visit www.bunkerfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to cardinals charities.

Mavis Ware Buchanan was born on October 15, 1924 in Monroe, Utah to Samuel Russel and Della May Parsons Ware. She died on September 2, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. Mavis had three brothers: Lowell, Vahl, Samuel; and two sisters: Glenna and Dona Janine. Her father was a dairy farmer. She wasn’t allowed to help on the farm but kept busy helping her mother and learning the skills of homemaking and gardening. Mavis was a skilled seamstress, quilter, knitter, painter, cook/baker, organizer, loved to do counted cross stitch, and often had a puzzle to work on or a book that she was reading. She also was a prolific writer. Mavis loved music and had an excellent alto voice. When she lost her hearing 20 years ago, she missed her music. She kept up with technology and was skilled on the computer. Mavis married her Navy sweetheart, Dohn R Buchanan in the Manti Temple on April 14, 1944. They had three children: Joyce, Shauna and Robert. Her greatest love was her family and her ancestors. Mavis and Dohn served a mission for 2 years in the Mesa Family History Center. He preceded her in death on January 5, 2016. She was also active in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers organization for over 50 years. Mavis served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as teacher and leader. Mavis is survived by her children: Joyce Howe (David), Shauna Bunker, and Robert Buchanan. She has 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great[1]grandchildren; brother, Sam Ware. Her family and friends will miss her. Also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lowell and Vahl; infant sisters: Glenna and Dona Janine; son-in-law, Edward Bunker. The family would like to extend their love and heartfelt thanks to her care givers, Kim and Marilyn Willis at Heart Prints Elderly Care for their loving kindness to our mother and father for the past 7 years. A family service will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Bunker Family Funeral Home, University Chapel in Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will be held at Bunker Family Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. following the family service. Interment will be Saturday, September 11, at 10:00 a.m. in the Glenwood Cemetery in Glenwood, Utah. Arrangements are under the care of Bunker Family Funeral Home in Mesa and Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti, Utah.

“ Some people only walk this earth for a short time. Their departure reminds us that angels are watching over us. 

On August 9th, Della Lukesh rejoined her heavenly family and gained her wings. She was 56 years old. 

Della was the proud mother of five children. She was mother to three biological children & she adopted two of her grandchildren after the death of her daughter, Kathryn. Della’s greatest love was her family. And all her children were proud to call her mom.

Della is survived by her father, Richard (83), her sons, Vincent (33) & Andrew (14) as well as her daughter, Angela (15). She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Anthony & Adrian and several brothers. 

She was loved by many & will be missed. “ 

After a life of dedicated service and unrelenting hard work, John Phillip Mathews graduated from this life on August 29, 2021.  He was born in Ogden, Utah, January 27, 1941 to John Steed Mathews and Millicent Neil Mathews. John grew up in Pleasant View, Utah raised by his widowed Mother.  He graduated from Weber High in 1959 and attended Weber State University where he met his future wife, Jean Ann Holbrook.  They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 8, 1960.

John began his 35 year career with Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. working at Bakers Shoes and attending Weber State in Ogden.  He was promoted to Store Manager in Denver, and then to the position of Director of Sales Training and Career Development in the St. Louis Corporate Office where he won the Flair Award for his training videos.  Upon his retirement, he and his wife returned to Ogden in 1998, moving from there to Mesa, AZ in 2011.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he served as ward and stake Young Men’s President, a member of the Explorer Scout Committee receiving an award for dedicated service to the BSA; an early morning seminary instructor, counselor to two bishops and as a member of the High Council in St. Louis and St Louis North Stakes.  John served as the Press and Publicity Director for the LDS Church’s City of Joseph Pageant held in Nauvoo, Illinois for ten years where he also played the lively role of Parley P. Pratt.  He and his wife served as foster parents and as temple workers in five temples, including in the Philippine Manila Temple Mission (2004-2005). After returning to Ogden, he was called to serve as Stake Mission President for the wards at Weber State University and served for five years as Bishop of the Liberty Park Ward from 2006 to 2011.

John now joins his wife, Jean who passed in 2019, and leaves behind sons Michael (Paula) of Scottsdale, AZ; Mark (Nancy) of Arlington, Texas; and daughter Nanette of Mesa, AZ; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; sister Jackie M. Anderson of Scottsdale, AZ and brother Jerry Conrad Mathews of Bristol, VA.

Funeral services will be held at Recker Ward, 1430 N. Recker Rd., Mesa, AZ on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 am.  A viewing will be held at 10:00 am preceding the Funeral.  Graveside services will be held at Aultorest Memorial Park in Ogden, Utah on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 11:00 am, weather permitting.

For more information and to send condolences, please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Curt Stradling returned home Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 after a courageous 15 month battle with Glioblastoma.  Curt was at his home with his wife by his side.

Curt is survived by his parents Phil and Dora; wife, Sheryl; children, Austin, Jenna (Josh), Trey (Madi), Chad, and Seth;  grandchildren, Freddie, Kai, Emilia, Stella, Zoey and Gus; siblings Susan (Robert), Martin (Lana), and Brian (Ana); and father-in-law Arch Lobb.

Curt was born Jan. 26, 1963 in Mesa, AZ to Phil and Dora Stradling.  He is a 1981 graduate of Westwood High School.  After graduation, he served a church mission in Florida.

Curt lived an amazing life.  He was kind and compassionate and always helped others.  He was larger than life.  He took care of his family and loved them more than words can express.  He left us much too soon. Curt’s last 15 months were the hardest of his life.  He showed courage and strength while being faced with a terrible disease.  He is our hero, and we miss him dearly.  We love you, Curt…. too much!

Services remembering Curt will be held Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 at 9:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 21915 E. Cloud Road, Queen Creek. Visitation will be at 8:30 am

Ron P. Lisonbee, 68, was called home on Friday, August 27, 2021, after a strong, brave 3-year fight with cancer.  Left to carry on the traditions of Ron are his wife Cindy, sons Justin, Tyler, Cameron (Natalie), Zachary (Paulina), 3 grandchildren and his emotional support grand dog Archie.

Ron worked for 30 years for the City of Mesa and taught his sons about hard work, dedication but most of all to have fun and enjoy life.  He was a selfless person who would do anything for this family and made many sacrifices.  Ron enjoyed playing the guitar, traveling to the Oregon Coast and Las Vegas, painting, family dinners but most of all always making his family smile and laugh.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.  A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201. The family requests in lieu of flowers to consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley or the American Institute of Cancer Research.

Charles Ray Elmer was born April 5, 1937 and passed away on August 13, 2021 after a long illness.  He was born to Andrew J. Elmer and Virginia Ann Mitchell Elmer.  Charles was raised in Miami and Safford, Arizona where he graduated high school.  In 1958 he wed Carol Piper.  He worked for San Juan County New Mexico, went to barber school in Tucson, and moved to Kearny, Arizona to work as a barber in 1966.  He left barbering behind and went to work for Kennecott Copper Company as a machinist until his retirement in the 1990’s.  Charles married Carol Vance in 1979 and relocated to Apache Junction.  He is predeceased by his sister Bobbie Howard and brothers Derell Elmer, Ralph Elmer, and Phillip Elmer.  He is survived by his wife Carol Vance Elmer and children Cathie (Robert) Butteweg, Julie Valenzuela, Michael (Lucy) Elmer, Charles (Sharon) Elmer and Steve Elmer, Pam (John) Feather, Melissa (Paul) Vance, Karen (Scott) Gilpin, Kenny (Laurie) Vance, Kim (Matthew) Wright, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Charles was known as a quiet, gentle man who had a talent to fix anything.  He was very creative and made silver and turquoise jewelry, leatherwork including saddles, and welded sculptures.  You could always find him tinkering in one of his shops creating his various masterpieces.   At Charles’ request a simple graveside service will be held on a date to be determined at Thatcher Cemetery, Thatcher, Arizona.

Douglas Arthur Cheesman passed away on August 21, 2021 at the age of 71, in his daughter’s home in Mesa, Arizona. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a resilient attitude. Despite these challenges Doug continued to always desire success and happiness in his children’s lives and spread joy and happiness to those around him.

Doug met his wife, Lark, while attending BYU after his mission to Mexico. They remained faithfully married until her passing in 2017. Together they had four children: Jennifer, Melissa, Paul and Todd. He is survived by many grandchildren who he was always happy to see and spend time with. His love of family was a constant theme throughout his life. Doug was actively involved in the LDS Church. He held numerous service positions until his medical condition no longer permitted active church service. His testimony of a loving Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ was something he held dear until the very end.

Doug will be honored in memorial service August 28th, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the LDS Church located on 10036 E Brown Road Mesa, AZ 85209.

https://zoom.us/j/99418080832

Tatiana LaShay Morrison, 30, passed away on August 20, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. Tatiana was a loud, loving, beautiful soul, who was always dancing her heart out. Her memory will be cherished forever.

Tatiana was born on January 8, 1991, to Tyrone and Tara in San Diego, California. She attended school in Mesa, Arizona. Tatiana’s legacy will live through her beautiful daughter Tiari Laren, who she loved more than anything.

Tatiana is survived by her father; Tyrone Morrison, mother; Tara Morrison, brothers; Tyrone Jr., Tarek and Taren, sister; Ciara and daughter Tiari.

The funeral service will be held at 5:00 pm on Friday September 3,2021 at Bunker Gardens Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201.

Steven Bryan Sorensen, 58 of Gilbert, Arizona passed unexpectedly on July 26th,2021, his absence has left a hole in the hearts of his family and friends. Steve was born in Tacoma, Washington. He was raised in Seattle and had a passion for anything with a motor. This influenced his decision to attend the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Arizona, where he realized he needed to be in the sunshine and get out of the rain. Steve worked at RideNow Powersports for twenty years, building a loyal customer base who would request that he be the only one to work on their equipment. He loved camping and exploring trails in his rzr with his wife and friends. He especially enjoyed those moments with his Dad. He showed his love for his friends by always being available to help them with their mechanical needs, he was a very giving person. He just missed the birth of his grandson by ten days, something he was very excited about. He is survived by his
wife Debbie, stepdaughter Katie Peyton (Brian), grandson Joshua, Mother Susan Potemkin, Father Gary Sorensen, Sister Juliann Sorensen (Ken), Brother Nikolay (Paulyne) many nieces and nephews and of course we must include the fur babies Lzzy, Holly and Magee. A Celebration of Life will be held in October.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a local Pet Rescue in Steve’s honor.

John Forrest Osife Sr. (5/28/1941 – 8/21/2021) was born in Sacaton, Arizona to Anthony Osife and Matilda Williams. One of 5 children, he grew up in Bapchule and finished high school at St. Peters, after which he entered the construction business; including clock laying, carpentry, and operating heavy equipment.

John and his wife Leticia were married in 1977 t the Fort McDowell Presbyterian Church. Together with their children, they spent their life caring for other members of their family and members of the Fort McDowell, fostering numerous children over the years. Anyone in need knew they could find a home with John and Leticia. Their openness to helping other was their defining characteristic, and they embraced it all their lives.

Church was a central part of John and Leticia’s life: Bible study and choir practice were non-negotiable, and the whole extended family participated in church activities. John loved horses and was a genuine cowboy at heart. He enjoyed team roping events and had a community of friends who participated in this activity with him for years. These friends were treasured by John.

John loved the Lord and was comforted by his return to Jesus. His faith gave him and his family members great comfort. Pastor Brandon Johns was beside him in his final weeks sharing conversations.

John is survived by his wife, Leticia, and his sons John Jr., James, Donna, and Judy. His grandchildren: Candance, Lucas, Derwin, Jonathan, Manny, Ruby, Bianca, and Yvonne, as well as 20 plus great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 5 – 8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. The funeral will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at the Fort McDowell Presbyterian Church at the Arbor at 8:00 AM.