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William Bruce Merrill 93 years of age passed through the veil from mortality into the presence of God on June 20, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona. William was born on September 4, 1929, in Hayden, Arizona. He was the last of nine children of Pearl and Edgar Merrill. He is preceded in death by his parents Pearl Smith Merrill Duke and Edgar Merrill, his sisters Belva Merrill Slade, Ella Merrill Anderson, Irma Merrill Fullagar Smith, Christy Maxine and brothers Calvin, Herbert, Steven, and Gene. William’s father Edgar passed away in 1930 and the family relocated from Hayden to Kimball Street in Mesa. Mother Pearl remarried Thomas Duke in 1934 and the family with the three youngest boys moved to a farm in Provo Utah. William at the age of 16 joined the United States Marine Corps. He was sworn in on July 24, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and served until 1948. He married Vada Crawford in 1947 in Hawthorn, Nevada they had two children and were divorced in 1953. He worked for the Reno Fire Department from 1952 to 1954 as a Hose man, then Tiller on the ladder truck. Upon returning to Arizona in 1956 he married Dorothy Felix in time settling in Mesa they had two children. William retired as a Lieutenant, from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in 1978, having served 22 years. That same year he became Chief of Police of Paradise Valley. In 1981 after again retiring from his law enforcement career and teaching Criminal Justice at Mesa Community College he started driving Tour Bus all over the country until 1996 when he retired and never worked again. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 60th Ward. William had four children: Sue Ellen (Mike) Banks, William Jr. who died in 1978, Nancy Maria (Dale) Davis, and Todd Ellis (Debbie) Merrill. Eight Grandchildren: April, Justin, Jimmy, Jason, Elena, Thomas, Catalina, and Ava. Five Great-Grandchildren Steven, Layni, Lexi, Brooke, and Hanna. Four Great-Great-Grandsons: Hudson, Charlie, Beckham, and Dakarai. Visitation is Friday, June 30, 2023, from 6-8 pm, at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral Services are Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 10 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel 2152 E. Adobe St., Mesa. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. For More Information go to www.bunkersfuneral.com

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.

Raylene Russell Lavender, age 78, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by all 6 of her children by her side. She is now reunited with her daddy, Cyrus Russell and her Grandbaby, Austin Lavender. Our family will miss her dearly and her passing will leave a huge hole in our hearts.

Our dear sweet Mother loved truly and unconditionally, and her children and Grandchildren were her whole world. She protected her children without them even knowing they needed protecting.

Our Mother was our Selfless, Faithful, Steadfast, and Spiritual warrior! She was a perfect example of Christ-like love and enduring to the end.

Our most loving Mother was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints and served and magnified her callings endlessly.

Our Precious Mother used her talents to make beautiful cards to send notes of encouragement to those who were sick, had birthdays, or cards of sympathy.

Raylene Russell Lavender is survived by her children, Kristy Lavender Babbitt, Celeste Lavender Kniefel, Marchelle Lavender, Scott Lavender, Jenae Lavender Farnsworth, Wendilyn Lavender, 28 Grandchildren and 15 Great-Grandchildren, Mother, Lurline Ray Russell, Siblings: Judy Smith, Keith Russell, Alan Allred, Donetta Bowers, Kathy Broughton, Rory Russell, and Ric Russell. She was preceded in death by her Father, Cyrus Russell, her brother, Gary Russell, and her Grandson, Austin Lavender.

Raylene’s Funeral Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints church building at 933 E. Brown Rd. In Mesa, AZ on Saturday, June 24th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. and Cemetery Services held directly afterwards at the Mesa Cemetery.

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.

Robert MacIndoe, 68, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona after a brief illness.

He was born to Robert MacIndoe and Marilyn Atwater on 08/29/1954 at Lukes Airforce base in Glendale, Arizona.  He is survived by his wife Shelly, his darling sister Suzanne MacIndoe, his brother David Atwater, step-mother Lucy MacIndoe,  sister-in-laws Chris Nelson, Karina Atwater, nephew Hayden Atwater and nieces Hannah Swartz and Lyncon Atwater.

He was loved by his co-workers and friends.

Funeral services are Saturday, July 15^th at 2:00 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa.

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.

LaNae Turley Norton passed away peacefully Sunday, June 18th 2023. She was born December 28th 1966 To Melvin Ronald Turley and Elena (Pratt) Turley. LaNae married her sweetheart, Gregg Webb Norton in the Mesa Temple on June 6, 1986 and they went on to have and raise five children. LaNae was know as a beacon of service and love among family and those in the community. Her free time was spent with her husband, children, and grandchild whom she loved dearly. LaNae had a pure love for music and she made sure to cultivate a home where music was a valued part of every day life. She was well known for her sense of humor and contagious laugh, whether it was playing with her grandchild or catching up with family or friends, her presence was one of warmth and kindness. When LaNae was not with her family she was serving in her callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She had a deep love and testimony of her Savior and the Gospel which she shared frequently with those around her. LaNae went out of her way to show her appreciation and gratitude to those in her life, even for the little things, always writing cards in her signature cursive penmanship. To know LaNae was to love her and to love her was such a gift.

LaNae is survived by her Husband, Gregg Webb Norton, her children and grandchild,  Audra Richards (Skylar Richards, Elodie Richards), Anna Stolworthy (Colton Stolworthy), James Norton, Jonathan Norton (Caitlynn Norton), Amanda Porter (Jason Porter).

LaNae is Preceded in death by her parents Melvin Ronald Turley and Elena Pratt Turley, and her brother Paul Russell Turley.

A funeral service is scheduled in Saint John’s Arizona, June 24th 2023 at 1:00 pm. The service will be held in the LDS chapel  at 35 W. Cleveland Street in Saint John’s Arizona. The family will hold a visitation in the relief society room at 12:00 pm prior to the funeral service for those who wish to attend.

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.

Marsha DeWitt Turk, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loved ones, on June 14, 2023. A daughter of Margaret and Frank DeWitt, born in Mesa, AZ on April 26, 1944, Marsha leaves behind a legacy of kindness, positivity, and service.

Marsha’s life was a testament to the power of embracing every moment with a joyful heart. Her warm and caring nature touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In 1986, she married Dean Turk, and their adventures brought them immeasurable joy throughout the years. Her unwavering love for her family was the cornerstone of her life, and her cherished daughter, Trecia Martinez (Stefan), grandchildren Bryce and Tauri; son, Bryan Payne, grandchildren Sarah, Tamera, and Brandon and great-grandchildren Bella and Cisco will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Marsha was blessed with the love and support of her sisters, Sharlene Bouldin, Deanne Gardner, Garna Randall, and Vicki Gephart. Together, they formed an unbreakable bond that only sisters can understand. Their shared memories, laughter, and care exemplify the enduring power of family.

Marsha’s vibrant spirit extended beyond her family and touched the lives of all who crossed her path. Marsha, a graduate of Mesa High School in 1962, delighted audiences as a talented Rabette. Her contagious school spirit knew no bounds, and even at the ripe age of 79, she never failed to amaze with her twirling prowess. She possessed an extraordinary ability to find beauty in the simplest of things, and her contagious optimism brightened even the cloudiest of days. Marsha was a pillar of strength, offering assistance and encouragement to those in need. Her infectious laughter and unwavering optimism served as a guiding light, reminding us all to treasure the present and embrace life’s blessings.

Marsha’s family invites friends to join them in a celebration of her life on Saturday, June 24^th, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints Stake Center, 613 N. Stewart, Mesa, AZ 85201. Visitation is at 10 am and funeral service begins at 11 am.

Marsha’s legacy will forever live on through the lives she touched, the love she shared, and the joy she spread. Though she may be physically absent, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us.

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.

Patty Rae Younce Ottley, 84, passed away on June 18th, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona.   Patty was born on November 16, 1938, in Tremonton, Utah, the daughter of Ralph and Edna Hess Younce.  She graduated from Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro, Oregon, and attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she worked in the President’s Office.  Later, she worked for various law firms in Oregon.  Her outstanding skills made her an extraordinary secretary and legal assistant.

Patty married LeRoy Ottley in Hillsboro, Oregon, on September 20, 1958, and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple a month later in October for time and all eternity.  Together they raised a loving and close family of four sons. Pat’s most cherished love and priority in her life was her family.  Pat and Roy shared many interests and adventures together.  They enjoyed travels throughout Europe, to Israel, Egypt, Mexico, Central America, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and all fifty states.

Pat was an avid reader and loved music.  She was a family history enthusiast, writing numerous journals of their family history, as well as enjoying FamilySearch indexing.

Pat was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sharing her talents and testimony throughout her life through stake and ward leadership and teaching callings in Relief Society and Primary.  She and Roy especially enjoyed serving together in the Portland Oregon Temple as ordinance workers for seventeen (17) years.  They were then called to the Fiji Suva Mission and served a church mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the atoll of Tarawa in the Republic of Kiribati at Moroni High School.

Pat is survived by her husband, LeRoy; their three sons, Dean Todd (Shauna) of Mesa, Arizona, Robert Ray (Sandra) of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Cory Owen (Julie) of Bountiful, Utah; brothers, Geary Younce (Carol) of Fairfax, Virginia, and Doug Younce (Catherine) of Danville, California; sister-in-law Linda Empey (Charles) of Escondido, California; Carol Torrens (James) of Lehi, Utah; eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by their son, Randall Leroy (Connie), her parents and a grandson.

At her request, a graveside service will be held at Fir Lawn Cemetery, Hillsboro, Oregon, where she will be laid to rest near their son, Randy, and her parents.

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.

Most knew our mother as Juanita.  She has always been the epitome of her name which means, “God is gracious”.  Tuesday, June 13, 2023, her 83rd birthday, she peacefully joined her pre-deceased eternal companion, Roland M. “Bill” Washburn, and their son, Matthew.  The other 8 living children and many other family members were near to witness her cross the veil and immediately be greeted by loving family, friends, and creatures blessed to know her here on earth.

Juanita was born on Thursday, June 13, 1940, to Elaine Opal Patterson of Kentucky and her father, Claire William Abbott of Colorado.  She is the oldest of three siblings; survived by her sister, Jeraldine Deymonaz and predeceased by her brother, Michael Stephen Abbott (deceased October 3, 1986).

Juanita spent her youth in eastern Washington loving and caring for animals.  This love and care continued throughout her life and now through her legacy.  She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at seventeen and never looked back. Several years later, she met Roland Washburn in late December 1962 and fell in love.  They were sealed in the LDS Logan Temple in Logan, Utah on February 12, 1963.

Juanita and Bill have nine children plus their spouses: Matthew (deceased March 10, 1964), Cindy & Jeff Brannen, Becky & Bryan Heward, Bill & Tina, Dan & Michelle, Sarah & Ed Ulrich, Tim & Karla, James & Marianne, and Mary & Wes Filhart. There are thirty grandchildren; predeceased by Waylon (deceased March 13, 2008), plus five great-grandchildren.

No doubt her favorite accomplishment was having her family close to her, close to each other, and close to God. She lived and taught her family to live faithful to God, believe in the plan of happiness, and endure to the end. Anyone that knew her knows that she graciously patterned her life by “enduring it well”; all the way to the end of her days!  Juanita exemplified to all she met that eternal progress can be achieved by and through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“First and foremost, if I write nothing else, am known for nothing else, I would that you would know I loved my Savior Jesus Christ my whole life. I believe in Him, my hope is always in Him; my strength is always through Him.”

• Juanita Washburn

Viewing:

Friday, June 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bunkers Funeral Home, 33 Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201

Receiving Line to Express Condolences to Family

Saturday, June 24 from 9-10 a.m. at the LDS Church Building, 1415 E Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204

Funeral

Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. at the LDS Church Building, 1415 E Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204

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.

Edwin Long, 96, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2023 in Gilbert, Arizona.  He was born in Bay Minette, Alabama to Lois and Walter Long on January 21, 1927. They relocated to the Miami, Arizona area when Ed was 3.  Athletics was a driving force in Ed’s life.  He played multiple sports at Miami HS and was a standout basketball player for 4 years at ASU.  He coached basketball at Glendale, Phoenix Tech, Phoenix Union and Phoenix College.  His proudest moments were leading his PU teams to 4 State Championships in 5 years.  Ed spent the last 23 years of his career as the Athletic Director for the Phoenix Union High School System. Part of that time his job included Boys Athletics, Girls Athletics, Marching Band, Pom and Cheer and Special Ed.   In retirement, Ed spent time helping his parents before their passing and working on the many Miami High School Reunion of Classes and the Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

Ed touched many lives during his career, especially those that he coached. He was picked to be the first basketball coach when Carver High School and Phoenix Union High School integrated.  It was a divisive time in our country and Ed was always there to back his players of all color, even if it wasn’t the popular thing to do.   One player said that at a critical time in our lives, Coach Long was one of the few white men to even come into our neighborhoods to help us young men out. Many of his players credit Coach Long for shaping them into the successful men they became.  They have said that without his help and guidance in pursuing colleges and careers, their lives would have gone down a much different path.

He met the love of his life, Cheryl Nix, when they were freshmen at ASU.  Ed and Cheryl were married in 1947 after Ed’s service in the navy during WWII.  They were blessed with two daughters, Cheryl Partridge (Scott) and Carolyn Guptill (Gene).  They instilled a love for travel in their family, especially to their favorite Hawaiian destinations.   Ed and Cheryl were married for almost 75 years until Cheryl’s passing last year.  Ed was preceded in death by his parents, sister Maxine and beloved wife.  He is survived by his daughters, seven grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Mountain View Stake Center – 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, Arizona.  A viewing will be held at the chapel on June 30^th from 6-8pm.  A private burial will precede the funeral.

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.

The world lost a giant among men June 6, 2023.

David Leslie Gardner passed away after what should have been routine surgery, but Dave had worked his body so hard his whole life, this became the last straw.

Dave found his soulmate and was married to Christianne Wendt Gray January 15, 2021.

Dave was an amazing dad to Scott David (Lia Joy), Cristin Lynn (Aaron Michael Aguilar) and Paul James (Katie Marie), as well as Christianne’s children, Shannon, Brianne, Casey (Christi), Whitney (Todd), Tess (Dustin), Caitlin (Curtis) and Hannah (Zak). Being a grandpa brought him great joy, he had 21 grandchildren who loved him dearly.

David Leslie Gardner was born September 24, 1957, in Mesa, Arizona, the seventh child of James Elden and Ellen Christin Gardner. He attended Westwood High School where he played football and served as student body president. He returned to Westwood as a Theatre Arts Teacher (1988-2001), then Mountain View High School (2001-2013). He retired after 25 years of teaching. He put on “some of the best productions” (acting as well as scenery) many had ever seen. Dave didn’t know how to ONLY give 100% to anything he did.

In 2016 Dave re-invented himself, working in sales for Texas Capitol Semiconductor; a company that sells and services equipment for semiconductor clean rooms. It was his innate ability to be a listener, and serve others, that helped him be very successful there as well.

Dave loved deeply – his family, his friends, teaching, singing, building, cooking, baking (cinnamon rolls), swimming – to list a few. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was the foundation of Dave’s life, a life well-lived. He will be missed greatly.

You will be able to watch the funeral service at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKc_wT_U0NM

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.

Rod, Rodrigo, Rodney Reginald Jones

I was the second son of Reginald Charles Jones, from a pioneer, California family, and Gunhild Albertina Karlsson. Mom was born and lived in Sweden until about the age of 16. She and her family immigrated to the US through Ellis Island and the immigration people changed her name to Helen Alberta Carlson.

I was born March 11, 1936. I was raised in Avra Valley, about 25 miles South of Marana, Arizona. My older brother was Rollin Clayton Jones and my younger brother was Colby Charles Jones. I returned home to my Heavenly Father, I hope, on June 8th 2023.

In the Valley, Dad owned a cotton and cattle operation. We lived in a house on a full section of land, overlooking the ranch, and the beautiful Valley with its lovely mountains, just West of the Tucson Mountains. Dad also had farming operations in Yuma and Nyland, California, and would take off in his plane to supervise the other farms. Milewide road was his dirt landing strip! Summers were spent working as a Zanjero or with the feedlot. Winters: picking, stomping, or hauling trailers of cotton to the gin at Marana.

Obituaries seem mostly to be about the deceased ‘s history and accomplishments, so to continue: I graduated from Marana High School, about 25 miles from the ranch, in 1954, with the largest graduating class in its history, 23!

I wanted to spend the rest of my life on the ranch, but my folks packed my bags and sent me to the University of Arizona to become educated and possibly… Civilized. My second year at U of A, I decided to join a fraternity, but the “Hick from the sticks”, always wearing Levi’s, boots, and cowboy shirts received no offers to join any fraternity. I decided to conform the next semester and bought light blue trousers, a white, button-down shirt to match my white, suede shoes that I had used as a drum major in high school, and a yellow, v-neck sweater. I became a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and later was elected president for two terms. Any leadership skills I began to acquire, I attribute to my membership in Theta Chi.

Too much leadership at Theta Chi and too little scholarship led to my dropping out of U of A and going to work for Phoenix Title and Trust in Tucson as an escrow officer trainee, and Escrow Officer for a couple of years.

My life took a real turn from working in the title insurance and escrow, when I was called to be a missionary for the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, I was called to serve in Mexico for 2 1/2 years. Words can never express the joy and happiness and gratitude I still feel these many years later for having had the opportunity to serve as a missionary of my Heavenly Father’s.

After my mission I returned home to my parents in Marana and searched for work in Tucson. No luck! Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun were enemy territory since I was a U A Wildcat, but hunger forced me to humble myself and look to find work in Tempe, under the foreboding shadow of ASU.

Escrow and real estate were my main careers for many years. When times were rough, as in the late 1980s and early 90s I became a teacher; The most satisfying work I ever engaged in.

Living in Tempe, I began attending the young adult dances at ASU and met the most beautiful, best dancer and most popular girl attending the LDS institute and soon married Joy Christensen in the Arizona Temple, in Mesa. During our 35-year marriage we had seven children together: Joy “Victoria” (Harold), Sarah “Jane” (Chris), Rodney “Bruce” (Lynell), “Aaron” Christensen (Alicia), “Julia” Alice, “Maria” Elena (Travis), and Gary Carlos. I am survived by 33 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. My other, adopted children are Israel Rodrigo Jones and Omar Rodrigo Jones.

Growing years for the children were years of boating, camping, trips to Mexico, and always, a backyard pool.

During my marriage to Joy, and while having beautiful, intelligent and fun-loving, faithful children; I managed to attend one year of law school at ASU, earn a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin-American Area Studies from ASU and a Master’s degree in Bilingual Multicultural Education from Northern Arizona University. I’ve always felt proud of having been able to study at all three of our state’s universities.

After my divorce from Joy in 1999, I continued teaching for a short time and then began in real estate again. I also formed Sign On Time, mobile signers, a mobile notary public service.

In 2002 I met Jerry Jones, who had just moved to Arizona from San Antonio, Texas. We had our wedding ceremony at home in Mesa. Later, in 2008 we were married in Palm Springs, California, where same sex marriages were legal. We have worked together as owners of Sign On time, in real estate, traveled together and enjoyed each other’s love and companionship. Jerry has been my greatest strength, friend, and love since we first met.

Life has been a series of beautiful experiences, learning, growing, helping others through church work, and opening our home to others who have needed a place to stay while they formed a foundation for their lives. The hard times, few, the joyful times many! I know that my Redeemer lives.

Rod passed away on June 8, 2023 after a short illness. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10am for visiting and at 11am for a funeral at 2334 E. Pueblo Ave. Mesa 85204. You may also join us via zoom for the live service at 11am  https://zoom.us/j/95219044267

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.

John Duane Moody, age 91, passed through the veil May 10, 2023 to return to his heavenly home. There to welcome him were his parents Laverne Wright and Bryant Moody and 5 brothers and sisters Myrlene, Dwight, Venor, Carol and Mary. He left behind his wife Kay, children Lisa Burton, Jan DeWitt, Brent Moody and Andrea Rubio, 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

John was born in Hinckley UT, where he lived until joining the Air force in 1952. John went to college at BYU where he met his wife Kay. They made a final move to Scottsdale Arizona where  John taught grade school until he retired. They spent every summer since living in Scottsdale enjoying the beautiful mountains in Lakeside, Az.

Those who knew him are privileged to the legacy he left behind.. The family bonds created while experiencing his love of the outdoors and our beautiful world. From respecting a single flower growing on the forest floor to climbing Mount Baldy and looking at the world from the highest mountain. He enjoyed fishing in streams and lakes, camping in the mountains and camping on the beaches in Mexico. Many adventures during which he made good solid friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was a storyteller, he often included times of his work as forest ranger, or his life growing up and always with a touch of his famous sarcastic humor.  Luckily he passed this humor on to his children. And last his love and faith in the savior Jesus Christ and dedication to his gospel.

John was an honorable man, looked up to and respected by all.  We cherish the memories we are blessed with and will hold them close until we meet again.

Servicing will be Saturday June 17th

Viewing 10;00:-1100 am

Service 11:00 am

at

Church of Latter day saints

1249 S. 48th St

   Mesa AZ 85206

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.

Lela May Zimmerman passed away June 9, 2023, in her home in Mesa Arizona. She was born to Thomas Elmer Donaldson and Hazel Reatha Carlin at Peru Township, Miami County, Indiana. Her death was the result of numerous old age medical issues with which she dealt. She was the second child of seven children; the other six were all boys; Norman Lee, Kenneth Leroy, Keith E., Elmer Leon, Larry Dean and Glen Edward. Sole-survivors are: Kenneth and Larry. Lela graduated from Chippewa High School in 1950.

Following graduation, Lela and a girlfriend of hers from Wabash, Indiana chose to take a trip to California. They eventually made it to El Paso Texas, where she eventually ended up as secretary to the chief nurse’s office at William Beaumont Army Hospital. It was during this time (1954), Lela and Walter Zimmerman met, eventually marrying in February of 1955. They eventually had six children: Kathryn, Daniel, Eric (Deceased), Lisa, Jan and Dennis, 17 grandchildren, and 22 great­ grandchildren.

In addition to her great dedication as wife and mother for 68 years, she served for over 28 years in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints as a young woman’s teacher and advisor, occasionally interrupted by calls to serve such as relief Society president and an additional term as councilor to the Relief Society President. She was dearly loved by the young women she taught. Over the years Lela and her family lived in El Paso, Texas, Philadelphia, PA, Tempe, AZ, and finally, Mesa, AZ.

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.

Cal was born to parents Calvin Henry Shults and Pauline Simmons, and raised in “the great state of Texas”.

Through difficult times he and his brother Wayne and sister Nelra were raised to adulthood in the Texas State Home in Waco  TX.  Cal served 6 years in the Air Force where he was trasferred to Williams Air Force base. He then went to work for AirResearch and retired after 38 years from what is now Honeywell.

He was married to the love of his life Fannie Mae Shults for 67 years.  Cal and Fannie had 4 children, 16 grand-children,  23 great-grand children, and 2 great-great-grand children.

Cal was best known for his jokes, stories and amazingly strong handshake.

Cal was 93 and proceeded in death by his parents, brother, sister and son Calvin Wayne Shults.

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.

On June 8, 2023, We lost our modern day Pollyanna, after a brave journey fighting cancer.

Jerilyn Flake was born on March 21, 1951 in Mesa, Arizona to Charles and Ethel Flake.  Jeri grew up with her older sister Cindy and her younger brother Chuck. Many years later, their family was blessed with their brother, Jim.

Jeri had a wonderful childhood, putting on plays, making mud pies, riding bikes with her siblings and spending time in her dad’s Yellowfront store. She was a cheerleader, and was very popular because she was beautiful both inside and out. After graduating from Westwood High School, she moved to Provo, Utah for a bit, and had lots of fun with friends. She later moved to California because she loved the beach, but came back home to be near her brother Jim. She stayed in Arizona working in the dental field for many years and then opened a Mexican Restaurant called Jerilitas in the Tri City Mall.  It ultimately closed because of her generous heart… she gave way too big of portions!

Everyone knows the shining star in her life is her daughter Staci. Together they were a dynamic duo. They moved to Port Orchard, Washington to live near her sister for a few years, and then followed them to Utah when Staci was 5. Jeri gave her all to being a mom to Staci and all her friends. She worked full time in a dental office and had dear friends in the workplace, many who became like family.  She made lifelong friends throughout her life because of her love, acceptance and kindness towards others.

In 2000, she packed up a Uhaul and moved back to Mesa to care for her elderly parents. She gave many years serving them. After they passed, Jeri followed Staci and her “spirited bunch” from Texas, to Southern Utah, to Hawaii, then settled in Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert, Arizona. Here she was a caregiver for many years, caring for someone else, while going through cancer herself. She was selfless. She loved spending all her free time with her grandkids. She loved her ward family so much, they were home to her.  Jeri spent the last months of her life in her “Jerilita(Mema) Suite” at the Jardine home, with Staci, Seth and their children who she loved with all her heart. She had hundreds of people come and share their love with her at this time and let her love on them!

Jeri is survived by her gregarious loving daughter Staci and husband Seth, and her precious grandchildren who were her everything, Alissa(Trent), Kenzie, Taft, Emily, Kayli, Amaya, Havyn and Tyson. Her great grandson, Tobias. Her sister Cindy(Bob) Patten, brothers Chuck(Dori) Flake, Jim(Hope) Flake, and many nieces and nephews who had the very best Aunt Jer!

Jeri was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Ethel, and her nephew Jordan Jay Patten.

A special thank you to the many nurses and caregivers who have loved, served and cared for Jeri these past many months. Especially to her very best friend Donna, her niece Heather, her friend Patty, and to Sam, Kathy, Amy, Nas, Kristy, Nicki, Cliff and Mike.

Services will be held on June 19, 2023 at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1005 N. Voyager Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85234.

Virtual Link:   https://youtube.com/live/d_jcw1tjnTU?feature=share

The Interment will take place following the funeral at the Mesa Cemetary, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201.

May we never forget the way she made us feel, and try to spread that love and light with others!! Not everyone could touch others lives as she has. She was affectionately everyone’s Mema.  She lived “The Glad Game” and found the good in everyone. Jeri would give a loud “coo da coo” to greet loved ones. Let’s make the world better by doing the same. Coo da coo!

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.

Gordon Montierth, Jr., 55, also known as Gordie, passed away on June 4, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born on February 14, 1968, in Phoenix, Arizona.  Gordie was a fun-loving, charming, and kind-hearted person who loved being the center of attention.  He was a good friend and loved by many.  Gordie earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.  Most recently he worked in the financial services industry.

Gordie enjoyed participating in a variety of sports and attending sporting events.  In his youth, he loved to fish and ride his dirt bike at the family cabin in Greer.  He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended the Fiesta Ward.  He served the church for two years in the California Ventura Mission.

Gordie is survived by his children Gordon “Trey” (Kendra), Regan Smithson (Harvey), Houston, and Brighton, his former wife Sylvia (nee Lee), his grandchildren Braelynn and Remington, his mother Edna Rae Montierth (nee Clawson), sisters Sheri Skousen (Lynn), Shauna Hart (Rob), and Tamara Whitmer (Joe), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Leon Montierth.

A closed-casket viewing will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2300 W. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, Arizona.  Services will also be available remotely at https://zoom.us/j/98672840341.

The greatest man I have ever known has left us.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Neldon Nichols, Jr., known as Nick to his friends.  He completed his earthly mission on May 31, 2023.  Nick was born on May 15, 1947 in Mesa, AZ where he resided his entire life.  He was the eldest son of the late Neldon and Janell Nichols.  He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Nick was a man who lived his life with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America for 65 years in every capacity.  He worked tirelessly to improve his community through service to countless young men and adult leaders.  Nick was known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand.  He was full of patience, especially towards his children.  As an accomplished carpenter and draftsman, he designed and/or built hundreds of homes in the state throughout his life. He was a huge ASU supporter and held football season tickets with his family and friends for the past 50 years.  He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving a mission in Toronto Canada, and in a multitude of callings after.

He is survived by his wife of over 52 years, Linda, and children Nathan (Jessie), Kara (Todd Bowman), Lorette (David Haynes), Ryan (Amber), Brandon (Olena), Kendon (Jenn), and 27 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He is also survived by his brothers David, Jack, Jim, Tom, Alan and sister Linda Petersen. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Peggy Hipps and Barbara Gibson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 9th at 10am with a viewing starting at 9am at the LDS chapel located at 2618 N Lindsay Rd in Mesa. (Lindsay Rd north of Mckellips)

He was truly a great man and his legacy will continue to inspire others for generations to come.