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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.

Early in the morning on Wednesday, 18, August 2021, Arlene Judkins Anderson went to her eternal home and into the loving arms of her beloved husband Joe, Daughter Wendy Thompson, Parents Don and Mae Judkins and Sister Patricia Black, Arlene was 89 years old. Arlene came into this world in Los Angeles, California on the 20th day of February 1932; the first of three children born to Don and Mae (Bunker) Judkins. Arlene spent her early years in the Los Angeles area where the family eventually settled in Terrance, California. When Arlene was 13, the family moved to Mesa where her father Don started Valley Fence Company and where later she met her Eternal Companion Joseph Mason Anderson. Joe and Arlene were married on 3, March, 1950 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after marriage Joe accepted an offer to open an office of the “American Fence Company” in Tucson. Even though Arlene was pregnant with their first child, at that time Joe ensured she made her doctor appointments in Mesa, where their first daughter Wendy was born eleven months after their wedding. Twenty-one months later Jolene joined the family with Kevin coming 11 months after; while their last two “twins” Darwin and Daryrene entered the world 28 months after Kevin. Yes, five children in five years. Before the twins were born Arlene and Joe had moved back to Mesa where Joe had become a Master Plumber and Arlene and Joe built their first and last house which still stands on 7th Place.

When the twins were in sixth grade, Arlene re-entered the work place as an accomplished Bookkeeper and Secretary first for Labarron and Carrol Insurance, then Cardon Oil, followed by the Lighting Company and ending her working years in her dream job as the Secretary at the LDS institute of Religion at Arizona State University. Brother Call, the director of the institute was very clear, Arlene was being hired not so much for her typing skills, but for her ability to interact with the students in a positive and uplifting manner.

Arlene loved the youth and they loved her. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she spent most of her extensive volunteer activity focused first on Primary (younger) Children, then when her daughters became older, she worked extensively with the Young Women, including yearly Road Shows programs and Summer Camps.

Arlene is survived by four of her five children, Jolene Jackson (Leon), Kevin (Cherri), Darwin (Cindy) and Daryrene Cannon (Craig), as well as her younger brother Donald and his wife Sara. She and Joe have been blessed with 25 Grandchildren, 72 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great, Great, Grand Daughters. Her Oldest Daughter Wendy Thompson (Mark) passed early last year.

A Viewing will be held on Saturday 4, September, 2021 from 9:00AM to 9:50AM with the Funeral service following at 10:00AM. All services will be held at the Latter-day Saint Chapel located at 933 East Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona, 85203.

Wilfred Lee Ghent, 66, passed away in his home on August 18th, 2021. Wilfred, known as Willie, was born in Grant County, Washington in 1955. Willie joined the Air Force during Vietnam and served with honor as an airplane mechanic. After his service, he stayed in the aviation field eventually becoming a Senior Quality Control Inspector for American Airlines. He enjoyed the casual life by fishing, playing guitar, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his family.

Willie is survived by his 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, 5 siblings, and 8 nieces & nephews.

The Funeral Service will be at

Bunker Family Garden Chapel

33 N Centennial Way

Mesa, AZ 85201

It will begin at 11am, with viewing opening at 10. Family will have a private viewing at 9am. Flowers can be sent to the Chapel.

After the service, Willie will be buried with military honors at

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

23029 N Cave Creek Rd.

Phoenix, AZ 85024

Dianne Melander, 75, passed away August 20, 2021 at Amanda’s Care Home under the care of Hospice.  Dianne was born on July 17, 1946 to Leroy and Maxine Melander in Fargo, ND.  Her greatest joy was the time spend with her many cats, dogs, horses, and birds.  She considered these a very important part of her family. Dianne leaves behind her niece Melissa Leverence and her triplet daughters,  Abby, Allie, and Anna, sister-in-law Bonnie Melander, Uncle Allen, numerous cousins, other relatives and numerous friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents Leroy Melander and Maxine Carpenter, paternal grandparents, Agnes and Aron Melander, maternal grandparents, Sena and Max Gotfredsen, brother David, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family would like to thank all of those who provided support and kindness to Dianne in the last six months. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Valley or the Arizona Humane Society. As per Dianne’s wishes there will be no funeral. Arrangements handled by Bunker Family Funeral Home.

Frank Everett Jammes, 92, beloved dad, granddad and GGdad, passed away peacefully August 21, 2021 in Mesa, AZ  He is now reunited in heaven with his wife, Revenell (Nell) Marshall. Frank is also preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Francis Jammes and Blanche Garwood, four brothers and four sisters. Surviving him are his loving daughters Marsha (Marti) Bookstein, Jayne Jammes, #1 grandson Bryan (Heather) Campbell and the apples of his eye, great-grandsons Kai and Jake Campbell, in addition to several nieces and nephews. Frank will be sorely missed.

Born in Sanford, FL, Frank began working and paying his own way at age ten. By age 12, he was working multiple factory and farming jobs after school – and also winning at pool games! Frank moved to Jacksonville and soon found his calling in sales, distinguishing himself by receiving many high sales honors from every employer.

Frank earned his GED and married Revenell Marshall in 1948. The young family later moved to Gainesville, GA for more opportunities. After 14 unhappy months they moved to Cocoa Beach, FL, and he became a salesman catering to America’s exciting new space program’s urgent, launch-critical needs. In 1967, as the space industry waned, he accepted a challenge to move to Arizona, partner in a new industrial supplies firm, and show people in the mining industry what the word service meant; he never looked back. Arizona became home. Over the next five-plus decades, Frank and Nell ran several industrial supplies companies, including B&D Supply Co of Arizona, Valley Industrial Supply, Inc and Copper State Supply, Inc, now run by Jayne.

A dedicated Christian, he shared his faith through example. Wherever he lived, he joined and served in a local Southern Baptist Church. Frank learned to be a faithful steward as a young adult and led building programs for growing congregations over the decades in Cocoa Beach, FL and Gold Canyon, AZ.

Visitation will be held Tuesday August 24, 2021 at Bunker Family Funeral Home University Chapel at 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, 85213 from 4PM – 7PM. Funeral services will be Wednesday August 25 at First Southern Baptist Church of Mesa/Heart of Mesa, 851 North Stapley Drive, Mesa, 85203 at 10:30 AM. Service available online at Heartofmesa.org/livestream.

Peel Funeral Home, 301 E. Evans Avenue, Bonifay, FL will support the family on Saturday, August 28. Visitation will be at the Funeral Home at 9:30AM, with services at 10:30AM. Committal service will follow at East Pittman Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Heart of Mesa Church, above, or East Pittman Baptist Church, Highway 179, Bonifay, FL, 32425.

Steven James Perkins, age 69, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away August 20, 2021 while surrounded by family.  He was born to Roy Perkins and Betye Jordan. He attended Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona and graduated with a Masters of Tax Accounting from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He married Barbara Johnson.

Steve spent his 40 year career at SWD Urethane and Arizona Foam and Spray.  He loved outdoor pursuits with his brother and sons. He served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara, their five children, Steven “Jim” Perkins Jr. (Laurel Owens), Kamber Sonne (Lee), Scott Perkins (Kaci Salmon), Amie Hancock (Scott) and Ashley Garner (Ren), twenty-four of his twenty-five grandchildren, his parents, and four siblings, Larry, Greg, Shellie Willis, and Sandy Mathews, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 6-8pm at Bunker’s University Chapel 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213 and at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 5350 E. McLellan, Mesa, Arizona 85205 on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 9-9:45am. Funeral services will then be held beginning at 10:00am.  He will be laid to rest in the Mesa Cemetery.

For those who would like to watch remotely, below is the Zoom information to stream the funeral services for Brother Steve Perkins.

-Bishop Jones

Steve Perkin’s Memorial Service

Time: August 27th at 10:00 am  AZ time

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/93055044493?pwd=VWIKT3hBMGxCA2d5ZzbE9vMWJPUT09

Meeting ID#:   930 5504 4493

Passcode:         344531

Laura Christine Stuart, 44, has left her family and friends in this world to be with her father in Heaven.

She passed away on August 14, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on June 13, 1977, in Anaheim, California.

Laura is survived by her life partner, Fabian Navarro, Two daughters, Sophia Mejic and Peyton Navarro.

Also surviving are her mother, Stella Thurston, Two sisters, Kelly (Doug) Chambers and Tracy McGlynn along with three brothers, James McGlynn, Jr., Brandon (Jennifer) Awrey, and John Stuart. She was also survived by many aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

Laura graduated from Highland High School and Earl’s School of Cosmetology.

She was a sports fanatic who loved the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Suns and never missed a game.

Laura always had a smile on her face, and everyone loved to hear her boisterous laugh. She never met a stranger. Laura is loved and will be missed by so many.

Visitation will be Friday, August 20, 2021 at Bunker Family Funeral and Cremations Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 at 5:00 with services to follow at 6:00. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Laura’s Gofundme account to help defray the costs of funeral expenses and help with the costs of raising her two daughters at gofund.me/fa178ddd.

With sorrow in our hearts, we announce the death of Adriana Michelle Brown, 47, who passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona.  She was born October 9, 1973, in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Adriana graduated from Norfolk Agricultural High School, Walpole, MA in 1991. Adriana graduated from Devry Institute of Technology in Phoenix, AZ.

Adriana worked for many years in the Information Technology industries, where she earned a reputation as a reliable employee and coworker.  She was known for making friends with whomever she met and will be remembered for her sense of humor and big heart.

Adriana is preceded in death by her father Robert A Brown. She is survived by her Mother Nitzia I Brown, her brothers Robert A Brown Jr. & Steven R Brown and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Due to health and safety concerns brought on by the current Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no funeral or memorial service at this time. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Adriana’s  memory to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

John P. Gilligan

Mesa, AZ – John P. Gilligan of Mesa , Arizona, formerly of Yonkers , N.Y. died August 14 at 84.

Born in Manhattan to Patrick and Mary Gilligan on February 25th 1937, John had more than 40 years in banking, and was well known in Yonkers for his work with the Kiwanus Club , Yonkers Chamber of Commerce, United Way and the Westchester County Bankers Association .

He was predeceased by his wife Nancy in December 2020. They had many dogs over the years and he loved them all. He also loved the San Francisco Giants formerly of the Polo Grounds, N.Y. where he saw them play as a kid.

He is survived by son John , wife Emily, who became John’s “daughter” over the years, sister Alice Scherf , nephew Robert (Mary) , nieces Barbara Zaccarelli and Marianne Telenko (Allan) their families , and many cousins and friends , all of whom he loved dearly.

Also survived by Nancy’s daughter Shannon, son John Sorensen (Colleen) and Martin , Evelyn and Patrick. Also by grandchildren Emmy (Ethan), Cori , Jessie , Skye and Noah, and his dog Sarah, rehomed by Emmy.

From John Jr :

After his second Covid vaccine in April my father had brain fog and issues with balance and appetite. He began to develop dementia , which increased rapidly after a fall at home in July. He stopped eating in the hospital , which led to his death.

As a media member , I know the story is not balanced. My father told me in his last months that he was “done with vaccines” and said “giving it to kids would be criminal.” Heed his words.

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