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Crystal Burger, 38, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on May 9, 2024. She was born on October 9, 1985, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, to Rick and Joan Burger. Crystal loved to listen to country music, watch the Minnesota Twins, and play board games.

In 2000, Crystal moved to Arizona where she continued to enjoy and share joyful moments with family and friends. Her kind spirit and infectious smile will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Crystal is survived by her devoted parents, Rick and Joan; her sister, Rachel Pfeifer and family; and her brother, Ryan Burger and family. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the love she brought into the lives of many.

Marilyn Van Kirk Connelly passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in Tempe, AZ at the age of 80. Born in St. Petersburg, FL on September 25, 1943, Marilyn was the first child of Donald Dean Van Kirk and Mary Caroline Taylor. She had three younger siblings: Catherine, Beverly, and Donald (Don). Marilyn grew up in Southern California where she met the love of her life, John James Connelly. John and Marilyn were married in the Catholic Church in Lake Arrowhead, CA on June 12, 1965.

John and Marilyn began their married lives in West Los Angeles, CA including the births of their first two children, Jon and Kelly. A few years later the family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A short while after John finished with his bachelor’s degree, he received a teaching position in Hawaii. Marilyn and her family moved there in 1970 and were sealed together for Eternity in the Laie Hawaii Temple in 1973. She gave birth to 4 additional children: Rebecca, Ganon, Megan, and Amanda. John and Marilyn lived with their ohana in Hawaii for 35 years. Upon retirement, Marilyn and John traveled with their daughter Rebecca around the country in a motorhome for ten years, visiting children, grandchildren, and countless cousins. Marilyn used every opportunity on their travels to do Family History. In 2013, Marilyn, John, and Rebecca settled in Mesa, AZ.

Marilyn loved working on her family history. She loved to reminisce that she had been studying about her ancestry for over 50 years. She researched countless family names, going back several generations, so that she could learn about them and learn lessons from her ancestors. When meeting new people, Marilyn loved to ask them about their name and where they were from. Marilyn’s first love was her family, her second was singing, and her third was family history. Since her childhood, Marilyn has loved to sing. She even performed in a community performance of “Guys and Dolls” while in college. She led the music in her local church congregation for 30 years, thriving on the excitement of creating musical programs, working with the choir, and of course singing.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Beverly, and her brother Donald (Don. She is survived by her husband John, six children, 25 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren: Jon Michael (Catherine) Connelly of West Valley City, UT has seven children: Kevin, Jennifer (Samuel) Farnsworth, her daughters Charlotte and Maya Mae; Michael, Kimberly (Cory) Mansfield, her sons Thomas, Tanner, and Matthew; Benjamin, Aaron, and Nathaniel (aka Everly). Kelly Ann (Rycharn) Freeman of Kaysville, UT has four children: Stephanie, Christopher, Melissa (Thomas) Jones, and James. Rebecca Velani is unmarried and lives with her father John and brother Ganon Patrick (Heidi) Connelly of Mesa, AZ and their six children: David, Rebecca, Sarah, Thomas (aka TJ), Joseph, and Peter. Megan Pualani (Arnold) Hammari of Boise, ID has four children: Bethany (aka Bennie), Malia, Kaitlyn (aka Kat), and Jessica. Amanda Catherine (Eric) Reynolds of Saratoga Springs, UT have four children: Emma (Derek) Reese, Lily, Carson and Macy.

Marilyn’s services will be held on May 18, 2024 at 1500 E 6th Ave. Mesa, AZ with a viewing at 9am followed by the funeral at 10am.

Burial will be at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery at 12pm. Aloha attire is welcome and tropical flowers are appreciated.

We express our mahalo and aloha to all who have cared for and shown love to Marilyn during her recent challenges and throughout her life. She was known and loved by so many. Often when searching for a desired item, Marilyn would say, “I know I left it here somewhere..”

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

Rolf Merlin Flake passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona surrounded by family. Rolf was born to Bruce Merlin Flake and Irene Stratton Flake in Snowflake, Arizona on September 16, 1931. Except for his service as a missionary in Mexico and a brief stint working on Church owned livestock properties in Georgia and Florida, Rolf spent his entire life in his beloved state of Arizona. On June 29, 1954, Rolf married the love of his life, Glenna Jean Theabold in the Mesa, Arizona temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During Rolf and Jean’s early married years they lived in Snowflake and a few other locations before moving to Gilbert in 1965. They raised their six children in Gilbert and have been fixtures in the community during its growth from a sleepy agricultural town to the thriving Phoenix suburb that it is today.

Rolf has held a variety of jobs during his long career, mostly centered around the farming and ranching industries. His longest tenured positions were as an appraiser for the Federal Land Bank (15 years) and as a private appraiser with West-States Appraisal Company (14 years). He spent the last 25 years of his career doing what he loved most, which was managing a family ranch on the east edge of the Phoenix metro area. He loved working with his brothers, sons, and grandsons in the ranching business. Nothing pleased him more than checking on the cows or witnessing a good soaking rain.

Rolf is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many positions of leadership and service during his 92 years of life. He demonstrated his faith every day by the way he lived and the way he treated others. Rolf never met an enemy, and any time he saw someone in a cowboy hat he figured it had to be someone he knew . . . and most of the time it was. Many of those who knew him best list integrity as his strongest asset.

Rolf is known and loved by many as a cowboy poet and author. Rolf wrote most of the poems in his Cloud Watchers poetry book during the late 80’s and early 90’s and became a regular attendee at cowboy poetry gatherings around the American West. He loved entertaining his audience with what he called “punch line poetry” and seldom turned down an invitation to perform whether paid or not. His Looking Back series, which includes three volumes of stories about his life which he called “slices of life,” was written in the last couple of years when Rolf’s health would no longer allow him to drive to the ranch every day.

Rolf is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Jean, and five children, LaDawn (Jim) Pyles, Kent (Lori) Flake, Reed (Amy) Flake, Kirk (Lori) Flake, and Kristen (Carl) Bloomfield. Rolf is preceded in death by his daughter Loretta (Pat) Kanavel, and his brother Layne Kent Flake who died in infancy. He is also survived by six siblings, Nena (Arnold) Foster, Lavona Richardson, Leona (Lyn) Kimball, Rey (Margaret) Flake, Garry (Janet) Flake, and Keith (Jodi) Flake. Rolf’s posterity includes 27 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Services for Rolf will include a Visitation on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Funeral services will be May 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilbert Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 777 East Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ.

Burial will be in the Snowflake Cemetery on May 16, 2024, preceded by a brief grave-side service at 11:00 a.m.

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

Charlene Meyers Morris, a resident of Mesa, AZ, aged 71 passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Mesa.

She was born September 15, 1952 in Long Beach, CA. She was adopted by Raymond and Nettie Meyers and grew up with 4 sisters and one brother in Mesa, AZ.  She married Wendell DuBoise Morris of Queen Creek, AZ on June 11, 1971 in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple.  They were blessed with five children; 2 daughters and 3 sons.

Charlene was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and faithfully served in many callings throughout her life.  Her humor touched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

She is survived by: her husband of 52 years, Wendell Morris; daughter, Shelley Howard (married to Scott Howard); son, Nathan Morris (married to Prudence Morris); son, Dana Morris; son, Cameron Morris; and daughter, Heather Koester (married to Brian Koester); sister, Gerry Cook; brother, David Meyers; sister, Ruth Solomon; sister, Naomi Lowry; as well as 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Raymond and Nettie Meyers; her sister Mary Kathleen and her sister Susan Flikkema; her in-laws Robert and Marie Morris; as well as many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 1430 N. Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Family visitation will precede in the Relief Society Room from 9:15-10:00.

Graveside service immediately following the funeral at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201.

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

Juan Carlos Choto, born May 18th, 1983, was called to heaven on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024.

There to meet him were his brother, Bryan, Paz (grandmother), Socorro (sister in law), Homero (nephew), Bacilio (father in law) and many more family members.

Left to carry on his legacy is his wife Lala, daughter Diana, sons Juan Carlos Jr and Johnathan, mother Ana Miriam and many more family members and friends.

Juan Carlos was a hardworking man. He dedicated a lot of his time to his work, where he touched many lives. Outside of work, he loved spending quality time with his family. He didn’t care what he was doing, as long as he was with his family he was happy.

Juan Carlos Choto, nacido el 18 de mayo de 1983, fue llamado al cielo el jueves 2 de mayo de 2024.

Allí lo recibieron su hermano Bryan, Paz (abuela), Socorro (cuñada), Homero (sobrino), Bacilio (suegro) y muchos más miembros de la familia.

Para continuar con su legado quedan su esposa Lala, su hija Diana, sus hijos Juan Carlos Jr y Johnathan, su madre Ana Miriam y muchos más familiares y amigos.

Juan Carlos era un hombre trabajador. Dedicó gran parte de su tiempo a su trabajo, donde tocó muchas vidas. Fuera del trabajo, le encantaba pasar tiempo de calidad con su familia.
No le importaba lo que estuviera haciendo, mientras estuviera con su familia era feliz.

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.

Oliver William Hartfield, 15 months, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 26^th, 2024, in St. Petersburg, FL in his mother’s arms surrounded by family after a long and complex medical journey.

Oliver was born December 30^th, 2022, to parents William and Kylie Hartfield.  Oliver was born in St. Petersburg Florida and was immediately admitted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to receive specialized care for congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Oliver weighed just 2 pounds and 14 oz at birth.

It was discovered that he also had esophageal atresia tracheal fistula and several heart defects. All these abnormalities required multiple surgeries, which Oliver conquered one by one. He beat all odds and was thriving. Oliver was discharged from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in September of 2023.  A few weeks later he was able to go home to Mesa, Arizona where he had the best five months of his life experiencing life as a “normal baby”. In February of 2024, Oliver returned to Florida to have his last needed surgeries and was recovering well.  However, a few weeks later Oliver unexpectedly experienced cardiac arrest which left him with a brain injury that only worsened over time.

Oliver was a strong, resilient, happy, and feisty little red headed boy that was loved by everyone that met him. Even those that never had the opportunity to meet him knew how special he was. Oliver loved to play with his toys and to explore around him. His favorite toy was the “O ball” or “Ollie ball”. This ball was a comfort to him from a very young age.  Oliver loved play time with his mom and dad and kept them very busy at home.  He also loved watching mickey mouse clubhouse, which was especially comforting to him when he was in the hospital.  Oliver brought so much joy to everyone around him.

He is greatly missed by his parents, family, nurses, and doctors.

Oliver is survived by his loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A special thank you to all those at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital that gave Oliver the very best of care. You are like family, and we are forever grateful for each one of you.

Services for Oliver will be held Friday May 17^th, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Porter Park Ward (933 East Brown Road. Mesa, AZ 85203).

Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM.  Funeral Service 11:00 AM.

If unable to attend, you can join on zoom with this link https://zoom.us/j/92924810230.

If ordering flowers, they can be delivered to the church the day of the service by calling Crismon’s Flower Shop (480) 485-1580.

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

Clayton Lee Tew of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on April 25, 2024 at the age of 78, while in the hospital in Mesa, AZ.

He was born on May 6, 1945, to Rex and Lucille Tew and raised in Crestview, Florida. He graduated from Crestview High School and then graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he earned an electrical engineering degree.

Clayton moved back to Crestview and immediately accepted a Civil Service job at Eglin Air Force Base in Research and Development of Munitions. He retired from Eglin after 26 years. He continued his career in the Defense Industry by accepting a position with Motorola in Scottsdale, Arizona. He worked out of the Shalimar, Florida office for a year, waiting for his youngest son to graduate high school. In 1996 Motorola moved him to Scottsdale. Motorola was purchased by General Dynamics in 2001. Clayton retired from General Dynamics in 2011 as a Business Development Director.

At the age of 21, Clayton was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while attending BYU. He was an active member, serving in many leadership roles throughout the years and recently enjoyed serving as a Mesa Arizona Temple worker.

He was a proud father and grandfather. He took all opportunities to share his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He enjoyed watching and cheering on the grands in their extracurricular activities. A favorite hobby was coin collecting and family history research.

Clayton’s legacy will be his notable work ethic and providing well for his family, which he learned from his parents.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his children (grandchildren): son, Brian and Diana (Shasta), daughter Gretchen and Kevin (Andrew), son Jon and Amie (Tate and Rhys), son Phillip and Brittny (Benjamin, Capri, and Emmy), son Chad and Megan (Talmage, Olivia, and Sophia), and his brother Pete. His parents, Rex and Lucille and sister-in-law Ginny, preceded him in death.

All services are private. Contributions in memory of Clayton may be made to the Online Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which if selected, provides the family with notification of memorial donations made).
https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/

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.

Melton Martin, 50, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona, after a long and challenging illness. He was a man of faith.

Melton was born in Crownpoint, New Mexico, May 1974. As a child he lived in Crownpoint, New Mexico, and then moved to Klagetoh, Arizona, in his teen years.

He was the middle child of Tom and Louise Martin. He had many siblings – Wilbert, Gabriel, Fernando, Gilbert, Susie, Marilyn, Leonard, Tom Jr. and, Albert, Calvin, Martha, Anthony, and Samson (Darrell). Melton never married nor had any children of his own.

Melton lived a tough life, still, he remained humble throughout, and he had a heart of gold. He will be remembered best for caring about others, having a sense of humor, laughter, kindness, and the courage to deal with life’s trials. He was a generous man. He would go to any length to make others whole, and he would literally give the shirt off his back without hesitation. His greatest joy was caring for his mother, visiting family, and spending time with the Lord. He was a caregiver, a jack-of-all-trades, a carpenter, a lumber jack, and he made sure his ‘mom’ had a cozy and warm home.

Our brother, Melton, will be greatly missed. He now lives with our Heavenly Father, in peace and joy.

Services for Melton will be held at the Klagetoh Chapter House, Klagetoh, Arizona, on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 12 Noon. A farewell dinner will follow the services – as held in our Navajo tradition.

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.

Kenneth “Kenny” Lawrence Jones, 73, was called home on April 26, 2024 in Mesa, AZ. He was born to Kenneth Lee Jones and Ruth Louise Jennings in Mesa, AZ on March 5, 1951.  Kenny grew up to be intelligent, honest, hardworking, goal-oriented and willing to give 100% or more in whatever he did.  Ken attended Lincoln and Emerson Elementary, Carson Junior HIgh, Westwood High School and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Arizona State University.  Ken was a marketing director for Xerox, Apple, Canon USA & Tokos.  Ken’s hobbies were hunting, fishing, reading and working out.  Ken served many callings in his church.  Some were scout master, stake executive secretary and young single adult bishop.  In August 1974, he was sealed for time and eternity to his sweetheart, Darla Jean Wright in the Salt Lake Temple.  They were lucky to have celebrated 50 years together and raised four wonderful children and enjoyed 15 grandchildren.  Ken is survived by his wife, Darla, son, Rustin Jones (Ashley),daughters, Staci Brinkerhoff (Troy), Kendra Brimhall (Broc) and Kilee Chamberlain (Mark).  Ken was the best papa to his 15 grandchildren.  They are Sarah, Rylie, Joshua, Rachel, Anna, Samantha, Rex, Brooke, Colton, James, Annie, Vanna, Sally, Dylan & June.  There will be a viewing Friday evening, May 3, 2024 from 6-8 pm at Bunkers Funeral Home 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 (Val Vista & University).  Funeral services are Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10 am. At the Lehi Stake Center 1430 Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201. Burial will be at City of Mesa Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are suggested.

Funeral webinar link: https://zoom.us/j/91632363051

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

Raymond Alan Pedersen, 70, passed away on April 28, 2024 with the love of his life, Alice Amator, by his side.  It was his wish to die at home with her near him, and his cats and dogs, who had brought him so much joy.

Ray was born to George and Marian Pedersen on July 11, 1953 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  When still very young he moved to Park Ridge, Illinois.  He attended Washington School, Lincoln Jr High, and Maine South High School.  He was always the class clown and retained that ability to make people smile and laugh.  He loved playing ice hockey in the winter, and he started to learn to play the guitar, which became a life-long passion.  He loved playing his Martin D-18, which he recently purchased, and was very proud of it.

He chose to explore the country that he loved after graduating from high school.  One of his trips was to Arizona, where he fell in love with the beauty of the desert, and he decided that he would make Arizona his home.

He worked at several jobs before landing a position at Swift Transportation, where he rose up the ranks and retired as Western Regional Flatbed Safety Manager.

Along the way he met a woman who swept him off his feet: Alice Amator.  He told his sister that Alice was the love of his life.  They built a beautiful life together and enjoyed spending time on the beach in San Diego and snuggling with their cats and dogs at the home they created in Mesa.

When Ray was diagnosed with aggressive bone marrow cancer, he approached life with deep strength, which did not surprise anyone who knew him. He battled every day with excruciating pain and great courage.

He leaves behind a heart-broken family:  his life partner, Alice Amator, his sister Janice Pedersen Stuerzl,  brother-in-law Roy Stuerzl, and beloved nieces Jennifer Stuerzl and Jill Stuerzl.  He also leaves behind his brother Jim Pedersen.

The family wishes to thank the staff at MD Anderson-Gilbert, especially Dr. Aileen Go who was by his side every day, and Hospice of the Valley which helped him find peace during his last days at home.

Cremation.

Donations to MD Anderson in Gilbert, Arizona in Ray’s name will be most appreciated: https://www.bannerhealth.com/ways-to-give/foundations

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.

Nancy Louise Ware, 68, went to be with her Lord on April 25, 2024 in Mesa, Arizona.

She was born on February 27, 1956 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and had lived for the past 36 years in Mesa.

She loved her family and her dogs, along with stuffed animals, lighthouses, reading, singing, studying the Bible, teaching Bible stories to children, listening to gospel music, watching old television shows, and playing board games.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Ann Havener. She is survived by her siblings Patricia (Roger) McClelland, Linda (John) Duncan, Ron (Chris) Havener; her husband Lance Ware; her children Victor (Bonnie) Ware, Justin (Kathryn) Ware, Hannah Ware; and two grandchildren.

Memorial services are Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2 PM, preceded by a visitation at 1 PM, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Friends for Life Animal Rescue are suggested: 952 W Melody Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233 (480-497-8296)

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.

Marshall Martin, 73 was called home on April 23, 2024 in his home in Mesa, AZ.

Marshall was a loving and devoted father and husband. He was born in Safford, AZ and lived with his sister and two brothers growing up in the valley of the sun. He loved photography, cooking, and gardening through his life. His 50-year career was in the HVAC mechanical industry in the valley and later retired in Payson, AZ working at the Payson School District.

He is survived by his wife Brenda Martin-Tabb. His three children Patricia Limbert, Michael Martin, Christin Kuratko. His six grandchildren Sammantha, Sean, Jestyn, Slater, Haylen, and Brooklynn and one great grandchild, Liam. His siblings Merrilee, Mike, Mark, and Echo.

Viewing at Bunkers Family Mortuary, Tuesday April 30, 2024, 6-8 pm, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213

Graveside Service – Mesa Cemetery, Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 9 am, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201

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.

Alexa Nicole Wermuth, 25, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and niece, passed away on April 19, 2024.

Her quiet strength, creative spirit, and caring nature endeared her to all whose lives she touched. Her memory will be forever cherished.

Alexa was known for her artistic flair, her meticulous organizational skills, and her passion for baking and cooking delicious meals. She found solace in the simple pleasure of using gel pens to express her creativity.

As a dedicated third-year college student studying microbiology, Alexa pursued her academic goals with passion and commitment. She possessed exceptional managerial skills and showcased her leadership talents through her position at Steve’s Krazy Subs.

Alexa is survived by her parents, Daniel and Lisa Wermuth, her siblings, Aaron, Alyssa (Nick) Puglise, Ashlyn, Ambria (Chris Weiss), Abel, and Abigail Wermuth, all of Mesa, Arizona, and grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins who loved her dearly.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Westwood LDS Church building. Family and friends may visit prior to the service, at 10 a.m. Alexa will be laid to rest at the City of Mesa Cemetery, with arrangements by Bunker Family Garden Chapel.

May Alexa’s memory bring comfort and peace, and may her legacy of love and strength continue to inspire.

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

Our beloved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Bette Lyn Payne Peterson passed from this life peacefully at age 84 on April 18, 2024, at home in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by her husband and all four of her adult children.

Bette was born July 8, 1939, in Oakland, California to Ezrel Junius Payne and Helen Dixon Payne, the second of two children. Her older sister Barbara, just 18 months her senior, became a beloved playmate and close friend her entire life. Growing up, the family moved frequently, finding homes in Provo, Utah, and Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. While her family didn’t have much in terms of earthly riches, they had an abundance of love, creativity, and faith. Bette learned to sew from her mother and became an accomplished seamstress.

Bette was beautiful inside and out. She was a smart student and hard worker. She became the first female student body president in elementary school (K-8), and, as a senior in high school, served as student body treasurer. She was featured in the paper in a small group voted “Most Outstanding” by her senior class. She loved to dance and was a pom-pom cheerleader. Bette attended one year at BYU in Provo.

She met and fell in love with Robert Warren Peterson (Bob) while at home in Phoenix. They dated and were married in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple. While Bob attended medical school at the University of Southern California, Bette worked as a secretary in the Intern Training Office at the Los Angeles County General Hospital. They eventually returned to Phoenix, where they raised their four children.

Bette loved Bob, her family, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. She kept an impeccable home and supported her children in their many endeavors. She loved serving at church in numerous callings, including Stake Primary President and Ward Relief Society President. She served with Bob as Mission Leaders of the Hamburg Germany Mission for three years, where she taught, fed, and loved the missionaries. She traveled frequently through East Germany into Berlin, witnessing the historic fall of the Berlin Wall.

She loved her extensive travels with Bob, but she often said she really just enjoyed being anywhere with Bob, whom she adored. The couple built a beautiful home, largely of Bette’s design, on the cliffs of St. George while Bob started a post-mission practice. They served a second mission based in Frankfurt, Germany, for 18 months. After they eventually returned to Arizona to be near grandchildren, Bette volunteered for over ten years as a temple worker in the Mesa, Arizona temple. Through all this, Bette dealt with physical ailments, including a congenital heart defect that in 1977 required an artificial heart valve, as well as in Frankfurt experiencing total hearing loss, which was only somewhat remedied with cochlear implants. Bette never complained.

Bette was dignified, gracious, and soft spoken, but she was passionate about her family. She showed this love for her grandchildren by sewing beautiful blessing clothes and blankets for them, faithfully attending their recitals, sports events, and graduations, planning multiple yearly treasure hunts, and giving each of them an ornament every Christmas. She had an infallible memory and provided a card with a “little bit of cash” at every birthday and anniversary. She greeted her first great-grandchild in December 2023 with the same eagerness and affection she showed all the others.

We will miss our “Sweet Bette” as Papa (Bob) called her. She has created a lasting legacy by her example of exact obedience, active faith, endurance, and unconditional kindness and love.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Barbara Ipsen. She is survived by her beloved husband Robert and by her children, Kristi Peterson, Lisa (Rick) Allen, Brian (Sharla) Peterson, David (Sharon) Peterson; 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Interment at Mesa City Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona.

There will be a visitation for Bette, Friday May 3, 2024 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 from 6-8:00 pm. There is also time one hour prior to her service on Saturday May 4, 2024. The service will begin at 10:30 am Saturday May 4, 2024 at the LDS Chapel at 2549 N 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ 85213.

For those unable to attend the service, it can be streamed using the following link:

https://zoom.us/rec/share/sTVasiOoNZqd1yxWCYuqtFeGN3G–CNed3Sg3Cgmc6fJ84UHaWuDrUyGYqz5MBR3.uqo3sVz6q3oOwwVS

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

Geraldine (Gerri) Sugar Torhan, 81, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, April 19, 2024, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Gerri was born on July 9^th, 1942, in Baldwinsville, New York and graduated from CW Baker High School in 1959.  While raising her three daughters, Kristin Marie, Katherine Leigh, and Karen Elizabeth, she worked many jobs, and eventually retired from a successful career with MetLife in Virginia Beach as their office manager.

Gerri had many passions in life.  She enjoyed sewing beautiful clothing for her children and grandchildren in their younger years.  She was an amazing cook and baker, making delicious meals and treats.  Some of the family favorites included lasagna, potato salad, apple betty, her hand me down chocolate cake recipe, and frosted sugar cookies for every holiday (really – she loved celebrating all holidays and kept Hallmark in business!).  Gerri enjoyed spending time at the beach, and we have made many family memories on beach vacations.  She always enjoyed socializing with friends and family and was known to be the life of the party and a practical joker.  Other passions included playing softball for many years, golfing, tending to her flower garden, bird watching, building and decorating her doll house, and cruising the Caribbean with friends.

Surviving are her husband of 37 years, Andy, beloved daughters, Katherine (Mark) Girard and Karen (Jerry) Femano, son-in-law Tim Walter, and grandchildren Rachel (Deen) Coleman, Kelly Walter, Joe Femano, Chris Femano, Sophia Femano, and Mike Femano; and her first husband Jim Hebblethwaite.

Gerri was preceded in death by her daughter Kristin Walter, brothers Richard and Kenny Sugar, and her parents Fred (Myrtle) and Mildred Sugar.

Her family held a private celebration of Gerri’s life following her passing.

We would like to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to the many family members and friends for their love and support throughout Gerri’s illness.  A special thank you to the staff at Legacy Retirement Residence of Mesa who took such good care of her during her final months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gerri’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the National Audubon Society.

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.

Georgia Bateman Smith passed away quietly on April 16, 2024, from age related causes, completing a life of 89 full and devoted years, caring for her husband and her family, and for so many of her friends and neighbors.  She was a light in the lives of all who knew her.  She is survived by her husband, Lehi Tingen Smith with whom she enjoyed 68 years of devoted wedded bliss, by four sons, David (wife Kellie), Mark (wife Shelly), Thane (wife Jean) and Kent (wife Julie), by 17 grandchildren, and by 22 great-grandchildren.  She also spent many years of her life leading and building the lives of children besides her own, while serving over 25 years in all positions in the Primary organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She made many willing sacrifices in her life, allowing her husband to pursue his own career.  She was born in a maternity home in Tempe, Arizona, the daughter of George M. Bateman and Florence Harris Bateman, and lived in Tempe and Mesa most of her life.  She also lived in California for limited intervals of time during her life.  She was a quiet, forgiving, and caring friend to her students with whom she worked during her restricted career teaching in public schools.  She was truly a gentle soul.  She always exhibited natural tendencies to be kind and caring towards one and all, friends as well as strangers, those tendencies so many of us others strive all our lives to develop.  She will be sorely missed by her family and so many friends and associates.  Funeral services will be held Saturday April 27, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 1345 East University Drive Mesa, AZ 85203. Viewing at 9:00A, Service at 10A. Her body will be interred at the Mesa City Cemetery.