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Barbara Gasman Worman, daughter of Harold and Ruth Gasman was born March 10, 1942 in Escanaba, MI. She passed away at her home in Gilbert, AZ on December 19, 2020 at the age of 78.

Barbara attended St. Joseph’s  Elementary School, Holy Name High School and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1960.   She graduated from St. Joseph’s Nursing School in Hancock, MI in 1964 and soon after married William E. Worman Sr.  They lived in the Detroit area for 8 years and had 4 children.  In 1972 the family moved to Mesa, AZ.

Through the years, Barbara was active in many volunteer ministries including teaching at Christian schools where her children attended and teaching drama to homeschoolers where she wrote, produced and directed plays for many years. She also served the Arizona Republican party in various political roles, earning many awards.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband William Worman Sr., son William Jr. and his wife Beverly and their 3 children (Erin, Bradley and Nathan), daughter Susan Vars and her 3 children (Nick, Julie and Steven) and daughter Tricia Worman and her husband Darren Andre.  She is predeceased by her son Keith.

A celebration of life service will be held 10 AM on April 24, 2021 at Two Rivers Church, Gilbert, AZ. Internment will be at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, Mesa, AZ.

Beverly Joyce (Reed) Wilstead, age 75, joined her sweetheart on the other side when she passed away the evening of April 12, 2021. Beverly was born March 27, 1946 in Mesa, AZ to her parents, Clay “Pa” and Ila”Ma” Reed. She lived the majority of her life in Mesa.Beverly was a graduate of Mesa High School. She married her one and only love, David James Wilstead, in January of 1964. David preceded her in death just five short months ago on November 11, 2020.

Beverly and David Wilstead are known to some as “Grammy” and “Poppy” (including many who are not their own). The love they shared has touched the lives and hearts of countless people. In fact, the word “favorite” is often heard when her name is mentioned. She was special and dear to all who knew her. The fond memories we have of Beverly and the Wilstead legacy will live on for years to come.

Beverly’s posterity includes her six beloved children, 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and their families. Her oldest daughter Jodilyn (Wilstead) and husband Paul Weirtsema, grandchildren Haylee Horne, Bethany Lewis, and Ben Horne. Her oldest son Darrin Wilstead and spouse Jonathan Ali. Her daughter Coriann (Wilstead) Cugudda and husband Daniel Cugudda, grandchildren Daxton and Austin Cugudda. Her daughter Tracilee (Wilstead) O’Brien, grandchildren Chelsey O’Brien, Courtney O’Brien, Joshua O’Brien, Jackson O’Brien, and Karianne Watson. Her youngest daughter Camisue (Wilstead) Neumeyer and husband Michael Neumeyer, grandchildren, Chrisitian Neumeyer, Dallin Neumeyer, Hannah Cochran, Sarah Neumeyer, and Aeden Neumeyer. Her youngest son Taylor Wilstead and his wife Rita Wilstead, grandchildren Olivia Wilstead, Sophie Wilstead, Charlotte Wilstead and Knox Wilstead.

Her biggest treasure by far was her family. She grew up with strong values, loving parents, and the blessing of siblings and relatives as her closest friends. Her dear parents, Clay and Ila Reed preceded her in passing. Our sweet Beverly is survived by her siblings. That group includes four brothers and three sisters and their wonderful families. David’s side of the family includes three brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law (one who preceded her in death), their families and her in-laws Frances Samuel Wilstead and Lucille (Curtis) Wilstead, who also preceded her in passing. David and Beverly have many nephews and nieces, each of whom she knew well and loved very much.

Tremendous and heartfelt gratitude go to the loving staff at Emerald Groves Living Facility and the truly compassionate, exceptional nurses at Noble Hospice. They not only provided comfort for Beverly but embraced her six adult children as family in the transition from this life to the next.

Please join us in honoring and commemorating the beautiful life of Beverly Wilstead.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 19, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 pm at
Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. 85201
Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 am at the LDS Chapel located at
1852 N. Stapley Drive Mesa, AZ 85203. (Stapley and McKellips)

Rodney Reed was reunited with his Heavenly Father on April 9th, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. Rodney was born on November 18^th, 1955 in Provo, Utah. He was the firstborn son of Ronald E. and Betty Lou Reed.

At 18 months old, he moved with his parents to make Snowflake, Arizona their new home. He started in first grade at Snowflake Elementary, attended Snowflake Junior High and graduated from Snowflake High in 1974. Rodney served a faithful two-year mission in Texas San Antonio from 1975-1977. Upon his return, he attended Mesa Community College, majoring in history. He had various employers, including Kerby’s Furniture, supporting himself throughout college years, until settling into his lifelong career of 31 years with Mesa Public Schools as a Facilities Assistant at O’Connor Elementary School.

In November 1986, Rodney and Charlene Goulding met at church. They soon became best friends, and on February 20^th, 1988 were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they raised a beautiful family of four children: Chad, Roxanne, Jacob, and Chyanne. His family was the most important thing to him. He loved his wife and children unconditionally and spoiled his grandchildren on a regular basis.

Rodney had many hobbies and things he loved about life. Some of these hobbies included reading, writing short stories and poems, fishing and gardening. He loved watching basketball, Diamondbacks baseball, and BYU football.

Rodney was preceded in death by his mother Betty Lou and is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Charlene; his father Ronald E. (Diana) Reed; and four siblings: Russell (Neena) Reed, Randal (Peggy) Reed, Michelle (Michael) Dontas, and Cassanda (Scott) Stevens. Rodney is additionally survived by his four children: Chad Kennedy and fiancé Duygu Buyrukçu, Roxanne (Jared) Harris, and their two children Enzo and Isla; Jacob (Katy) Reed and their two children Olivia and Maria; and Chyanne (Glenn) Johnson.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 17^th at 9:00 am. Services will be located at the Alta Mesa LDS Stake Center on 5350 E McLellan Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205.

The public viewing for Rodney will be held the night before on Friday, April 16th from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Bunker Family Funeral Home located at 3529 E University Dr Mesa, AZ 85213.

Spencer Lewis Oaks, 32 was called home on April 10, 2021 in Gilbert, Arizona.  There to meet him was his brother David.   Spencer is survived by his parents, Lewis and Susan Oaks, sister Colleen and husband Martin, brother Mark and wife Nicole, and brother Steven and wife Kyla, along with 7 nephews and 1 niece, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Spencer is also survived by grandmother Pat Flanagan and grandparents Lynn and Colleen McMullin.  Spencer will truly be missed by those who were privileged to know him.  Funeral services are Friday, April 23 with visitation at 9:00 AM and funeral at 10:00 AM at the LDS chapel at 9431 E.  Point Twenty Two Blvd, Mesa AZ  85212.  Place of burial is San Tan Memorial Gardens, 22425 E. Cloud Rd., Queen Creek, AZ  85142.  For more information, go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Terry S Hall, 72, of Mesa AZ, passed away 4-02-2021 of heart failure. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, playing volleyball and a good laugh. She was married in the Mesa Temple and was married 42 years. She had a lifelong desire to serve the Lord and did so as a marvelous mother among other things.

She is survived by her husband, Jesse, with children Brad, Alan, Taci, Danae, Tiffany and 6 grandkids.

Her funeral services will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel also known as the Beverly Building on Tuesday April 13, 2021 located at 1054 W 2nd Pl Mesa, AZ 85201 She will then be interred at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Sherril Allan Harmon of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Euleta Merrill and Darwin; and daughter, Xana.  He is survived by seven siblings: LaRue Reay, Thomas, Wayne, Mozelle Szymanski, Dean, Orlo and Joyce Livingston. He is also survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Irene Rose Denison Harmon; six children: Trudy Fjeldsted, Laurel Cronin, Pamela Nielson, Lanett Ho Ching, Corwin Harmon and Sherlene Harmon; 23 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.

Sherril was born on September 6, 1937 to Leland Elroy Harmon and Lucile Houtz Harmon in Price, Utah, which was settled by his paternal great-grandparents (Horsley) in mid-1880.  At a young age, he participated in 4-H club and scouting, earning awards and merit badges and becoming an Eagle Scout.  Sherril learned to work hard at the family rabbit farm, distributed 150 newspapers by bicycle and rebuilt a Ford engine. He learned to play the piano and sang in school choirs, where he met his life-long sweetheart, Irene. He did well in school and earned a 4-year scholarship for college.

In June of 1959, Sherril received a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Utah.  A few days later, Sherril and Irene were married and sealed for eternity in the Manti, Utah LDS Temple.  Together they drove across the country to New York, where Sherril started a 3-year graduate program with General Electric.  As part of a rotation program, they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Trudy was born in 1960.  Then, they moved to Schenectady, New York, where Laurel was born in 1962.

Upon completion of the graduate program, Sherril continued with GE, choosing a job in Phoenix, Arizona to be closer to family. Here, two more daughters were born — Pamela in 1964 and Lanett in 1966.   Sherril received a total of 12 patents for his computer work at GE.  A new opportunity, working for General Automation, brought the family to Tustin, California where Corwin was born in 1970.

Beginning in 1972, the family welcomed foster babies into their home for a total of 26 over the next ten years.  After Sherlene was born in 1976, the family moved to Mesa, Arizona where Sherril continued his career in computers at Motorola.  For a brief period, the family lived in Orem, Utah, where Sherril worked with a computer start-up company.  One foster baby with special needs, Xana, was adopted and sealed to the family in 1982 in the Provo, Utah LDS Temple.  Ultimately, the family settled back in Mesa, Arizona where Sherril retired from Motorola in 2001.

Sherril was a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who dedicated his life to helping others and serving as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many positions in scouting and earned the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his service. Sherril served in various leadership positions in the church, including stake young men’s president, high councilor and bishop.  After retiring, Sherril served a mission at the Mesa Regional Family History Center, where he served over 12 years — first as a volunteer, then as a formal missionary and finally as director with his beloved wife, Irene.

This gentle, caring, wise and wonderful patriarch cherished his large family above all else.  Sherril will forever be remembered for his big smile, kind heart, sense of humor, ability to fix anything, patience, warm embrace and unconditional love.

A memorial service will be broadcast Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10 am in Arizona (11 am in Utah).  https://byu.zoom.us/j/91202463881?pwd=R2NDeFFYYUxVNE1FWlZNMHdmV0JsZz09

Joanne Drescher Caudill was born July 21, 1924, in Spencer, Indiana, to Morgan L. and Ruby Hickam Drescher.  Her whole life was centered in the musical environment and heritage of her family.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Morgan H. Drescher and John L. Drescher.  The family was involved in many phases of music performance, including string quartet, band, orchestra, and choral activities.  Following graduation from Indiana University with degrees in Music Education and Master of Music Majoring in Piano Performance, she traveled briefly as a pianist before settling into the academic life as a professor of piano at Oklahoma Baptist University and then Marshall University.  She was active in the Presbyterian Church throughout her life and continued serving as a performing pianist and chamber musician.  Retiring to Arizona with her husband, Kyle, in 1980, she remained active in musical activities both as a teacher and as a performer in various organizations.  Among her professional organizations were Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, Music Teachers National Association, and Music Educators National Conference.   Her time in Arizona capped a successful career in teaching and performing what she loved.

Survivors include many cousins in Indiana.  She will be buried in the family plot in the Riverside Cemetery in Spencer, Indiana.  Joanne will be remembered fondly as a light to any life she touched.

Wade J. Peterson joined his eternal family on Friday, April 2, 2021.  He died of natural causes at his home in Phoenix, Arizona.  Wade was born October 6, 1944, in Rexburg, Idaho to Gordon and Mildred (Johnson) Peterson.

He was a life-long farmer and a US Navy veteran. He attended Antelope Union High School, Class of 1962, and Ricks College where he met Sandie, his wife of 51 years.

Wade was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities including Bishop and the people of the Wellton Ward were truly part of his family. One of the highlights in Wade’s life was serving a mission for The Church in New York. He loved it!

He also loved living in the Wellton-Mohawk Valley and enjoyed attending any and all of the community events. He contributed as a leader in 4-H, Cub Scouts, and served for many years on the Wellton School board and the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District board.

Wade is survived by his wife, Sandie, children, Bryce Wade Peterson (Andrea), Kira Jane Turner (Micah), brother, Layne G. Peterson (Sandy), sister, Liane Fuller (Alan), and sister, Lori Peterson.

Wade has seven grandchildren who were the light of his life: Ashley (Brigham), Jenna, Brooklyn, Kylie, Andrew, Abigail, and Isaac. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ryan Kay Peterson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021, 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8824 S Avenue 36 E, Wellton, Arizona.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 19, 2021, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona followed by private family interment at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

In lieu of flowers donations to St. Mary’s Food Bank or The Church of Jesus Christ Humanitarian Aid Fund are suggested.

firstfoodbank.org

philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services

Joanne Crooks, 75 was reunited with her husband on March 31st 2021.  Joanne was born in Chicago Illinois on 08/01/1945. She moved to Mesa Arizona in 1975 where she worked as an accounting/office manager for many different companies over the course of her career as well as running her own real estate company.  She married Oren Crooks on 03/02/1979 and together blended a family of 5. Joanne and Oren worked together as well as traveled to many beautiful places over the years with friends and family.  Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband Oren Crooks, parents Helen and John Rizza and her brother Paul Rizza.  She will be deeply missed by her surviving family; twin daughters Denise Axelrod (Glen Axelrod) of Mesa Arizona, Melissa Moore (Luis Cochran) of Florence Arizona, as well as her 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband in a private graveside service with the family at City of Mesa Cemetery.  

Albertina Clair Rux was called home Tuesday, March 30, 2021.  There to meet her were: her husband of 40 years, Michael Rux Sr., her parents, Mary Shell, Bob Shell, and Bert Jolley, her brother, Joseph Jolley, and her precious grandson Adrian Kerr.  Left to carry on the traditions are her children: Michael Rux Jr. (Jessica Rux), Jennifer Rice (James Rice) and Rachael Cota (Jacob Cota).  Her Legacy will continue through her 7 grandchildren Jennica and Ryker Rux, Madilyn Nickola, Austin Rice, Zaniyah, Zoey and Jacob Jr. Cota and her beloved companion Norman (Norm) Frei.

Tina was born Albertina Clair Jolley on April 1, 1957 at the Logan County hospital in Sterling, Colorado in the town closest to her family’s wheat farm.  Tina’s father, Bert Jolley passed away before she was born.  Mary Jolley moved with her four kids: Beth, Joe, Jeff, and Tina to Mesa, AZ in 1960 when Tina was just three years old.  Mary then met Bob Shell who had a daughter, Connie.  Bob and Mary married, blended families, and had two boys, Todd and Tyler.  Tina was a good swimmer at a young age and excelled at the butterfly stroke.

Tina was a proud grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing games and doing crafts.  She had a deep love for Jesus and enjoyed studying the bible. She was a kind, funny, strong, and outspoken person. She will be dearly missed, so, we will hold onto the very poem she herself wrote:

“Although death brings heartache hard to heal, love and memories no one can steal, In the still tender heart of me resides Christ with love, beauty, and my deepest cry.  Yearning for that day of redemption when I awaken like him and know as I am known.”

In honor of her strong love and relationship with Jesus, we remind all that knew her that she loves you all and has returned to the Father.

“To live is Christ to die is gain”

The family will be holding a visitation for Albertina Clair Jolley-Rux at Bunker’s Family Funeral – University Chapel, located at 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213, on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. with a celebration of her life to follow.

Bobby Lynn Porter, 88, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2021.  Bob was born January 12, 1933, to Roland and Mina Haws Porter in Escalante, Utah.  He was the seventh of eight children.  At the age of 5, they moved to the ranch where he first learned about hard work.  He attended elementary and high school in Escalante and had great relationships with his teachers and classmates, graduating in 1951.  Bob got his draft notice to the U.S. Army in 1952 and reported for basic training shortly after.  He was discharged in 1954 just in time for Christmas.  On November 22, 1955, he married Sandra Bailey in the St. George Temple for time and all eternity.  He attended and played basketball for Cedar City University and in 1959 graduated from the College of Southern Utah with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  He later went on to earn a master’s degree from Arizona State University.  He and Sandra moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1959 where he taught elementary school for 14 years.  Bob was a builder and skilled craftsman.  He built 5 of the homes they lived in over the years along with homes and cabinets for others all over the valley.  In 1973 Bob obtained his contractors license and operated Bob Porter Construction until starting up a cabinetry business, Sawmill Custom Cabinets, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2003.  He and Sandra served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Honduras San Pedro Sula Mission in Belize from 2003 to 2004.  Bob and Sandra served in the Mesa Arizona Temple for 13 years.  Bob always had a project he was working on in the shop, a part of the yard he was tending to, or a piece of history he was learning about.  Bob was known and loved for his kind heart, service to others, and wonderful sense of humor. 

He is survived by his wife Sandra, children Teresa LeSueur (Darrel), Brent (Afton), and Travis (Alyssa), thirteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, four sisters, two daughters, and one grandson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 9, 2021, at the Edgewood Ward building, 4640 E. Holmes Ave, Mesa, with visitation at 9:00 am followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona. Services will also be available through Zoom https://zoom.us/j/93431437098 or YouTube https://youtu.be/ZMIeOQexh0U for those wishing to join remotely. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services

Vivian “Penny” Aarestad, 99, Mesa, AZ, formerly of Halstad, MN, passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at home at Fountain of the Sun in Mesa, with family by her side and under the care of Hospice at Home of Arizona.

Vivian is preceded in death by her husband, Bennitt Aarestad. She is survived by her sons, Larry (Becky) Aarestad, Ogema, MN, and Randy (Sandi) Aarestad, Halstad, MN; daughter, Barbara (David Moewes) Aarestad, Mesa, AZ; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

A complete obituary to follow.   Arrangements are pending for celebration of life gatherings at Fountain of the Sun in Mesa, AZ and Augustana Lutheran Church, rural Halstad, MN.

Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada & Halstad, Minnesota.  Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com

Margaret Ruth Criswell, 73 Passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona after a long illness. She was born in Mesa August 2^nd, 1947 to Winton and Beulah Langford. She was a life-long Mesa resident, graduating from Westwood High School.

She married Gary Criswell in the Mesa Temple in 1968. She enjoyed being a homemaker, cooking for her family and singing in the choir.

Margaret is survived by her 4 children, Jennifer Courter(Ken), Jason, Stephanie and Kimberly. She was preceded in death by her husband.

Delilah Shockman passed away on Wednesday night, March 24th, in Mesa, AZ.  Estle Stockton and Alice Martin, her parents, were married in 1943 and blessed with five children, David, Nedra, Delilah, Eliza, and Myron. Delilah was born in Orange, Texas, on September 18th of 1951, a happy and pleasant child. Estle, her father, passed away in the summer of 1958, and her mother moved the family to Mesa, AZ, in 1959.

She went to Westwood High School, where she met her sweetheart, and their love story began in an instant.  They were married in 1970, and her first child later that same year in October. Delilah attended MCC for a few semesters and did very well, earning an A in Organic Chemistry, but favoring Childhood Development, becoming a vital part of her life’s work with young children and individuals with disabilities.

Delilah worked for Motorola for a few years and continued to have children. When her last daughter was born, she became an entrepreneur, running a nursery at home. She loved children, her own, and every child that came into her home. After nearly ten years of running a nursery, Delilah began a new career at MARC Center in Mesa. She was a life coach as well as a friend to all those with whom she worked.  Delilah was known for her generosity, service, and endless patience with those around her. She was a teacher and found meaning and purpose in helping others learn and grow.

Delilah is preceded in death by her parents, Estle and Alice, her brother Dave and her sweet infant son, Gabriel. Delilah is survived by her husband of 50 years, Paul Shockman, her daughters, Pallas, Erika, Leae, Elissia, Dyana and her son Apollo; her siblings Nedra, Eliza, and Myron; grandchildren Michael, Leo, Hunter, Actias, Laura, Jordan, Chandler, Annie, Liam, Zander, Carter, Alex, and Ezri.

Funeral services will be held on April 5th, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1054 W 2nd Pl, Mesa, AZ. There will be a short viewing at 2 pm, the funeral service will follow at 3 pm, and the family and friends are invited to stay for a light dinner. She will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery on Tuesday at 2 pm.

Perry Oliver, beloved husband, father of 8, Grandfather of 26, and Great Grandfather of 12 peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father from his home in San Tan Valley on March 25, 2021.  Born June 7th, 1937 in Louisville Kentucky, Perry was raised in Lebanon Tennessee and then Springfield Illinois where he met his wife of over 63 years, Joyce Elaine Fryer.  In 1974 Perry and Joyce took their six children and migrated west to Mesa Arizona where their last two children were born.

Perry was a serial entrepreneur and founded several businesses over the past 50 years, as well as being a Facilities Director and Contract Engineer.  Perry served his country in both the Air and Army National Guards, a legacy reflected by his descendants to this day.

From Golden Glove competitions, being in the Civil Air Patrol, to singing in talent shows, Perry’s youth was eclectic.  A trait that followed him through life.  He played the trumpet in his high-school band and loved his harmonica.  Later in life he would take-up the bagpipe and was always, always whistling.  An Arizona history buff, Perry loved to visit historical sites, off-road in his beloved red jeep, pan for gold, and target shoot … all with his children.  Perry was an accomplished pilot, loved to fly, and dreamed of one day doing aerobatics in the Pitts S-1 biplane he was restoring.

In 1962 Perry joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In 1964 Perry was sealed to his wife and then three sons in the Salt Lake Temple.  Though Perry served in three Bishoprics and various church organizations, his greatest love was serving as an ordinance worker in both the Mesa and Gilbert Temples.

Perry’s sense of humor and juvenile antics will be missed, but his eternal love for his family and his Savior is truly a source of comfort.

Ralph Dee Spilsbury, 79, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2021, surrounded by his family.  He was born on August 28, 1941, in Whittier, California, the only child of Ralph Spilsbury and Georgia Ann Hurley (Smith). He graduated from Mesa High and married his sweetheart, Janelle Ray, on March 27, 1964. His large family was everything to him.  He was the father of 8 children, grandpa to 32, and great grandpa to 8. Ralph was very active in FFA in high school and won many awards.  His love of animals and nature continued throughout his life.  Ralph was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when he was 16 years old and served a mission in the Northwestern States Mission.  He received a Bachelors in Agricultural Science from ASU and a Masters and a PH.D in Agronomy from the U of A. He loved sharing his love of animals, plants, trees, gardening, soil, and fishing with anyone who would listen.  He enjoyed serving in various callings in the church but especially looked back on his years of being Bishop of Mesa 27^th Ward with great fondness. Ralph is survived by his children Laura Jepson (Rick), Susie Petkovsek, David (Patti), Jeremy (Julie), Holly Eddy, Greg (Chelsea), Megan Turnbull (Josh). He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janelle, son Aaron Eric, and grandchildren Chad and Summer Petkovsek. There will be a viewing Wednesday, March 31^st, from 6-8pm at Bunker’s University Chapel (3529 E University Dr, Mesa). Services will be held Thursday, April 1^st, at 10am with a viewing prior at 9am at the LDS church building on Lindsay and Pueblo (920 S Lindsay Rd, Mesa). Here is the zoom link for those unable to attend in person. https://youtu.be/vAk3GaaHlak