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Caleb Zachary Merrill passed away in the arms of family on April 19, 2024. Each of his 34 days on earth was a gift to his loved ones here. Caleb’s life was a sermon on peace and faith. Now passed, he will continue to bless lives, only freer and in an even more heavenly home.

Caleb is the son of Jeff and Jessie Merrill. He is survived by four siblings: Danny, Ellie, Grace, and Noah. A sweet reunion in heaven is greatly anticipated.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 9:30am, at Mesa Cemetery, followed by a memorial at 11:00, held at 1718 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Sometime, we’ll fall on bended knee,

And feel there, graven on His hand

Sometime with tearless eyes we’ll see

What, here, we could not understand.

So trust in God through all thy days;

Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;

Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,

Sometime, sometime we’ll understand.

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.

JoAnn Harrington, 86, of Mesa AZ passed away in her sleep on April 6th 2024 after a recent stay in the hospital.

JoAnn was born on March 12th, 1938 in Cedar Rapids IA, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Duffie.  After graduating JoAnn worked at the Linn County Court House before joining Family Service Agency where she would retire.  JoAnn was nominated for Cedar Rapids woman of the year in the 1990’s for her work at Family Service Agency. JoAnn volunteered at St Luke’s hospital in Cedar Rapids for many years.  After retirement and moving to Mesa, she volunteered at the Banner Gateway Medical Center hospital for over 10 years. She was also an avid bowler and won the 1973 Cedar Rapids city championship in both singles and doubles along with many team titles over the years.

JoAnn is predeceased by her parents Joseph and Sarah, former husband William (Bill) Harrington, sister Betty Kacena and daughter Debi (Carlos) Valenzuela.  She is survived by her sons Mark Harrington and Jim (Catherine) Harrington.  As well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and friends.

Our mom was kind and enjoyed spending time making diamond art the past few years, a hobby she was introduced to by her late daughter.  She also enjoyed a good piece of fudge, listening to Frank Sinatra, her family and a simple drive around town with a coffee in hand. She enjoyed people and enjoyed listening to conversations.

She will be deeply missed, but is now at peace with God and her family and friends that have passed before her.  May she enjoy eternal life in heaven until we see her again.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be determined.

Dorothy Hespelt, age 91, passed away April 18, 2024. A Memorial Service will be held in her honor on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel 3529 East University Drive Mesa, Arizona 85215.

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.

Shirley Leigh Pauole passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024, at the age of 82 surrounded by loved ones. Shirley was born to Iona and John Leigh on January 7, 1942, in Salt Lake City, UT. She grew up splitting her time between Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone, MT where her family owned and operated the Flying “L” Motel.  Shirley was a graduate of East High School and attended the Church College of Hawaii for a time. She was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served a full-time mission in the New York, Cumorah Mission. Shirley later met and married her husband, Allan Pauole, while attending a singles ward in California. They were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Oakland, CA Temple on June 28, 1968.

Shirley fulfilled the most important job of raising children as a stay-at-home mother for over 20 years. She attended more soccer games, wrestling matches, dance recitals, field hockey games, choir concerts, basketball games, and track events than any other mother on earth. In her spare time Shirley loved to teach early morning seminary and taught for over 10 years. She was an excellent seamstress, carefully crafting holiday and formal dresses for her girls. She even opened shop with Shirley’s Bridal Designs out of the family’s home in New Jersey. Shirley went on to become a Hospice Volunteer after the family’s move to Maryland, helping many people transition to the other side. This led her to the job of Bereavement Coordinator with Hospice of Charles County where she ran support groups for grieving loved ones who experienced many different types of loss. This work was a calling for her and gave her great joy and purpose. With that job Shirley decided to go back to college to complete her bachelor’s degree in Humanities at the ripe young age of 62.

Shirley was not known for her cooking, but she was known for her orange rolls. She had a sweet tooth, a great sense of humor, a stash of chocolate in her underwear drawer, and she loved Valentine’s Day the best! She was an avid reader, a dancer from a young age, and she always knew who the killer was on every crime show within the first two minutes. She was an animal lover and had many cats throughout her life but her most recent companions, Addie and Sneakers, will miss her the most.

Shirley is survived by eight of her children Michael Kekoa (Marcie), David Kapena (Cheryl), Allan Keahi, Jennifer Pualani (Miles), Richard Kalihi (Allison), Stephanie Leilani (Brian), Katherine Kanani (Jon), and Kimberly Kapua (Andy). She is also survived by her sisters, Joan Leigh, Helene Rightenour, Jackie Ambler, and brother Dan Leigh. She is preceded in death by her first-born daughter, Dawn Lehua, and her husband of 45 years, Allan Pauole.

Shirley also leaves behind her 19 strong, independent granddaughters and 11 intelligent, kind grandsons. She earned her great-grandmother badge with the arrival of her first great grandson born earlier this year with two more arrivals anxiously expected.

Shirley’s absence will leave a deep void in our lives. Please help us fill that void by eating dessert before your dinner tonight, and definitely no vegetables because that’s what Shirley would have wanted.

Memorial Service will be Monday April 22, 2024 at 11:00 am at the LDS Chapel at 1865 S Higley Road Gilbert, AZ 85295. Those who wish to stream the service can use the following link: youtube.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter, or adopting a cat or two and calling them both Shirley. Donations can also be made to Hospice of the Valley or Hospice of the Chesapeake.

Donate (hov.org)

Make a Secure Online Donation | Hospice of the Chesapeake (hospicechesapeake.org)

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.

Betty Lou McCormick, passed away Tuesday, April 09, 2024 in Chandler, AZ. Born in Hubbard, Nebraska April 11, 1938 to Anna and Earl Gatzemeyer.

Betty lived a beautiful and creative life.

Betty’s main mission in life, if she chose to accept it, was to raise 6 of the most notorious outlaws in Arizona history. She accepted the mission and had great success. She set life examples to inspire her children; Michael (wife Sheila), Mark (wife Cathy), Linda (husband Rick), David, Bradley Paul (deceased), and Evonna (husband Todd). As children, we learned a great work ethic and the importance of God, family and friends. Betty had 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Mom worked as a waitress at a local diner, where she met her future husband, Robert McCormick. He would order radishes with his meals, to get her attention. Well, it worked!!!!!! They were married on October 6, 1956. With a profound faith in God, and very little belongings, they moved to Arizona in 1960. With three children in tow, they had no job waiting, and so many uncertainties. They showed a true pioneer spirit and a sense for adventure.

Our Mom could sew ANYTHING! From clothes, to quilts, to countless other crafts. She gifted these handmade items, made with love, to so many. She also enjoyed other arts and crafts. She had an eye for making beautiful ceramic pieces. The farm girl in her came through in her work ethic. She could build pheasant pens, chicken coops, duck pens, and rabbit pens, with one arm tied behind her back. She could also build horse & cow corrals, chick cages, sheds, and a barn; all in 110 plus degree temperatures. Truly a handyman’s handywoman. Mom will be missed by all.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 1:00pm. at Bunker’s University Chapel located at 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa AZ 85213, west of Val Vista, south of University, next to the CVS parking lot.

Come join us for a celebration of Betty’s life, after the funeral services, with food and fun at the home of Rick & Linda Distler, 960 S. 132nd Place, Gilbert AZ 85233. South of Warner between Gilbert and Cooper.

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.

Revell Kay Miller Sr. has fulfilled the responsibilities of this life and has moved on to the next. Revell fought a long battle with Alzheimers and is now free. Revell K Miller Sr passed away peacefully at Angel Home Health Care Facility in Mesa, Az, surrounded by family, Friday evening April 12, 2024 at 87 years of age.

Revell was born in Brigham City, Utah, December 30, 1936 to Lamont and Iris Miller, the youngest of 6 children. Revell learned to work hard on the family farm. The family moved to Mesa when Revell was 14. He attended and graduated from Mesa High School. GO JACKRABBITS!!! It was there that he met his high school sweetheart, Delores Susan Shepherd. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints November 21,1955. They were married for 68 years.

They have seven children:  R. Kay Miller, Julie Miller Lovell, Martha Jo Miller Nelson, Kathleen Miller Pittam, Nyle Miller, Laura Miller Shaw and son Robert Lynn Miller, who preceded them in death.  They have 34 grandchildren and 77 great-grandchildren.

Revell worked for the City of Mesa in the electrical department for 38 years as a lineman and as the supervisor of the underground electrical system for downtown Mesa.

After retiring Revell loved to travel with his wife. They made several trips in their motorhome across the United States, studying American history and the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from which they gained great enjoyment.  They also enjoyed hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim and exploring other trails.  Revell was a wonderful photographer and artist using crayons or wood as his favored materials.  He carved many horses by hand and loved to give them to his grandchildren until he could no longer carve.

If you ever met Revell you will never forget being asked, “Where are you going?”

Arrangements are being taken care of by Bunkers University Chapel. (www.bunkerfuneral .com) Visitations will be held at the Barkley chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1455 N Harris Rd Mesa, Az from 9 am to 9:45 am, followed by Funeral services at 10 am. Interment will be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

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.

Louise Riggs Eastep passed away at her home on April 3, 2024, and would have been 103 years old on her next birthday.

She was born May 24, 1921, to Brigham Adelbert Riggs, Jr. and Mariam Elizabeth Chamberlain Riggs in Kanab, Utah where she later graduated from Kanab High School.

She lived a long and active life filled with family, friends, and many travel adventures with her husband, David Eastep.  Louise and Dave were married in 1970 and celebrated over 53 years together.

Louise was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority for over 50 years, and she enjoyed volunteer work that included making and donating quilts and volunteering at several hospitals wherever she lived.  Although Louise didn’t have children of her own, she is survived by many nieces and nephews who grew up with “Aunt Louise” in their lives.  Louise was known for remembering birthdays and keeping in touch with family and friends through cards and letters.

She was proud of her pioneer heritage and her Kanab roots and will be missed by many dear friends and loved ones in Utah, Arizona, and Silver City, New Mexico.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced.

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.

Amanda Laryn McCook Arnett, cherished daughter, sister, wife, and mother, while surrounded by her loving family at home, was called to her heavenly home on April 5, 2024 after bravely battling brain cancer.

Born August 31, 1986, to Heather and John McCook, Amanda’s life is a testament to love, faith, and perseverance.

From a young age, Amanda’s remarkable soprano voice enchanted all who heard it. She pursued her passion for music, singing in prestigious choirs and earning accolades for her talent. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Choral Music education from Arizona State University, Amanda’s voice was described as “not of this world,” captivating hearts with its beauty.

On June 16, 2006, Amanda was sealed for eternity to the love of her life, Brian Arnett, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together, they have been blessed with five children: Hannah (15), Leah (13), Bethany (11), Abigail (11), and Seth (7). Amanda’s greatest joy is being a devoted mother; nurturing her children with unconditional love and unwavering dedication.

Throughout her life, Amanda’s faith in Jesus Christ was her guiding light. She exemplified kindness, generosity, and selflessness; always ready to help others in need. Her home was filled with love, music, laughter, and cherished memories with her family and friends.

Amanda is survived by her husband Brian and their five children, parents John and Heather McCook, brothers Chris (Julie) and Nathan (Marissa), and her grandmother Marjorie Davis.

Amanda’s legacy of love, resilience, and faith continues to inspire all who know her. She leaves behind a world touched by her grace, and a family forever blessed by her presence.

A memorial service will be held at 10am, April 20, 2024 at 1865 S Higley Rd Gilbert, AZ 85295 

If you wish to gift flowers, please call Watson’s Florist in Gilbert, Arizona | 480.632.8700

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.

Nellie Johanna Davidson passed away on April 8, 2024 at 7:00 am in Mesa, Arizona.  She was born in Durango, Colorado on August 29, 1934.  She loved everyone!

Johanna was born to Harold Schaaf and Nellie Mae Hazer.  She was the oldest of six children.  She graduated from Durango High School.  She lived in Arizona from the age of 17.  She is the mother of Rod and Brad Smith. She has 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Johanna was married to Tom Davidson on  February 16, 1976.  They lived their married life together in Sedona, Payson and 40 years in Mesa.

When she was a teenager, she loved horses and competed in barrel racing.  She worked a few years for Motorola in Phoenix, had a successful Indian jewelry business in Provo, Utah, and had a Diet Center business in Sedona and Flagstaff.  She also managed a Diet Center in Mesa before retiring.

She and her husband, Tom, served church missions in Papua New Guinea, Australia, Russia, Arizona and Kentucky.

She loved serving people, and was loved by everyone because of her caring personality. Johanna had a deep love for the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be held on  Saturday, April 20, 2024

Viewing from 9:00 to 10:15 am

Service at 10:30 am

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

7752 E. McDowell Rd.

Mesa, AZ

Interment

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

Monday, April 22, 2024

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.

Gregory Jamal Hooks passed away at the age of 51.

Gregory or some know him as Jamal, was born to Gregory and Joan Hooks on June 9^th 1972 in Los Angeles California. Gregory was a very kind person with a gentle spirit. We would call him a gentle giant because he was so big and tall. He was a quiet and reserved person to a point but once people got to know him they would see his beautiful personality come through. Gregory was a very funny person. He had a sarcasm that would make people laugh. Gregory loved sports and especially football. He attended Culver city High School in California and was dubbed “Mr. Culver City”. He was considered one of the best athletes. He took all state in football, track and basketball. After high school, He played for Santa Monica College and later transferred to play with the University of Utah from 1992 to 1993 as a wide receiver. He made many friends at the U of U and had many frat brothers with the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. His studies were in criminal justice. After college Greg went on to be a youth corrections counselor for the Juvenile Justice system for the State of Utah. Greg loved kids and was great at being a positive mentor for troubled youth. Where ever Greg went he made a difference and people always remembered him. Greg loved his family whether immediate or the family that he gained through marriage to Krista Hooks. On June 20^th, 2019 Greg and Krista were blessed to adopt and become parents to a beautiful girl named Mylea Hooks. Greg always had a way of making her giggle with his humor and he was always so patient and kind with his daughter. He always made her feel safe and loved.  He called her his boo boo kitty. She will always hold love for Greg in her heart. Greg will be missed by many. He is survived by siblings Richard Ridgley, Yvette Ridgley, Damien Hooks (Toni). Also survived by his daughter Mylea Hooks. He is proceeded in death by his parents Gregory Hooks and Joan Hooks. Greg has many nieces and nephews through immediate family and through the Martinez family (Krista) that all love him very much. No matter what Greg, you will always be a part of the Martinez family. You are in Gods care now G-Wiz. Rest in paradise Greg. A memorial service will be held on Thursday May 30^th at 10:30 AM at Calvary Baptist Church 1090 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT.

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.

Emily Patricia “Pat” Hansom (née Kerley), 77, passed away peacefully in her Phoenix, Arizona home, surrounded by her family on Monday, April 8, 2024. Pat was born in Dallas, TX, the eldest child of Ed and Frances Kerley’s three children. She spent her earliest years in the Dallas area near her large extended family. In 1955, her family relocated to Arizona, first to Yuma and then in the early 1960s, the family moved to North Phoenix where she would spend the rest of her life.

Pat graduated from Camelback High School in 1964. In 1967, she met her eternal companion Reginald Andrew “Andy” Hansom, Jr. She deeply loved and admired the Hansom family, and as a result of their love and example, she was converted and baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shortly before she and Andy were married on August 23, 1968. Patty and Andy were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple the following year.

Pat and Andy raised their five children in Phoenix, AZ. Patty was a successful entrepreneur. Her business, Hansom Costumes, made dancewear for studios around the Northwest Valley for over 20 years. She used her sewing skills to help support her family, but also to bless others and provide service in all her circles of influence, creating items of beauty and utility and teaching her skills to anyone willing to learn. She was not only a gifted seamstress but excelled at any artistic endeavor she set her mind to.

Pat was passionate about her family. This was manifest through her dedication to genealogy work. From the time of her baptism, she spent her life painstakingly searching for her ancestors to link them as part of her eternal family. Patty’s love for her family was best on display in the presence of her “spectacular” grandchildren; she celebrated each one for their individuality, and her place as their grandmother was her most cherished role.

Patty served in nearly every capacity available to her in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: a teacher to children, teens and adults, a family history advisor, and as the President of her congregation’s women’s organization. She impacted hundreds of people through her teaching and service. However, her greatest impact was within the walls of her own home, raising her children with love and faith, and caring for her disabled sister, Ann, with kindness and devotion. Over the years, her house was a welcoming home to many outside her immediate family, stretching to fit any need.

Pat is survived by her dear husband of 56 years, Andy, her five children Traci Arias (Tony), Jason Hansom (Bethany), Lindsey Peterson (Layne), Kierra Burns (Robert), and Joshua Hansom (Miranda), 20 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and her younger brother Jim Kerley. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Frances Kerley, her parents-in-law Reg and Nell Hansom, and her younger sister Ann Kerley. The memory of her determination, loving service, and pursuit of the things that brought her joy will carry her loved ones through the immense loss felt by all.

Funeral services for Pat will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior at the Country Gables Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15018 N. 39th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85053. The concluding service and interment will take place at 2:00 P.M. at The City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street in Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements are being cared for by Bunker Family Funerals in Mesa, AZ. The family wishes to express immense gratitude to Hospice of the Valley for the tender care they provided during Patty’s final months.

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.

Autumn Janssen, 61, passed away on April 2, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born in Riverside, CA, and as a daughter of an U.S. Air Force career officer, lived in North Carolina, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Arizona. She met and married her husband of nearly 25 years, Timothy (TJ), in Prescott, AZ in July 1998.

Autumn has said it herself, but she was made to be a mother. She loved her husband, two daughters, and dogs more than anything in the world. She was a loyal friend that anyone could rely on and gave the best advice. She created the best home cooked meals and would always help out a person in need.

She is survived by her husband, Timothy; daughters, Sydney Janssen and Shelby Janssen; and sister, Ashley Claxon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to any of the charities below:

• Big Mutt Network (where she adopted her beloved dog, Sampson)
• Any Veterans Charity (in support and respect of her father)
• Planned Parenthood (to advocate for a woman’s right to choose)
• A Local Volleyball Team (her favorite sport and where she enjoyed watching her daughters play)

Services will be held:

Sunday, May 19, 2024 @ 11:45am

The Grove

7010 S 27th Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85041

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.

In loving memory of Merlin Dean Gindlesperger

May 5, 1931 to March 21, 2024, and eternity,

Merlin  joined his wife of 71 years, Bessie Gindlesperger, and their son, Mark Gindlesperger along with many other loved ones in the heavenly realms.  Upon this earthly realm to be joined at a later date, he left his brothers; Homer, Ronald and Barry. He also left 5 of his children and their spouses; Helen Christine Wilson and husband Doug, Bonny Walters and husband Arthur,  Brian Gindlesperger, Terri Hepperly and husband Michael, Paula Langton and husband David.  He also left the earthly realm with 11 grandchildren 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Merlin was an avid follower and believer in Jesus Christ and always strived to follow the will of God. He loved his family and friends dearly and that love was and is returned.

He fervently and consistently prayed for each and every family member and friend by name.

He was a jack of all trades and a master of many; never afraid of getting his hands dirty. Merlin was  continually a student, a teacher, a preacher, a missionary, a spiritual leader, a philanthropist, a spinner of tales, a tourist, a tourist guide, a baker, a counselor, a musician, a singer, a composer, a music enthusiast, a reader, an author, a beacon of light, and the list goes on and on.  He lived more in one lifetime than can only be imagined.

As we bid farewell to this earthly chapter, let us remember Merlin as a man who walked in faith, leaving footprints of Grace, Mercy, and Love. May his legacy continue to inspire us to live purposely, love unconditionally, and seek God’s presence continually  in our lives.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

AMEN!!!

Funeral services will be broadcasted at: https://youtube.com/live/_B3UzgdqnGg?feature=share

Jeffrey James Pickles passed away April 6, 2024 at his home in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by his family.  He was born April 19, 1940 in Nelson, Lancashire England, the son of James and Ivy Pickles.  His family relocated to Taber, Alberta Canada in October 1954 and then in 1960 Jeff served a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in South Africa.  He later attended Brigham Young University where he met his eternal sweetheart Linda and was married in August 1964.  It was noticed and said by many that he treated her like a queen.  Upon graduation, Jeff and Linda moved to Los Angeles, California where he began his banking career, being part of the first team to travel the state introducing Mastercard to merchants.  During that same time Jeff began serving in the first of 5 LDS bishoprics, creating a legacy of lifetime service, fueled by his love of the Lord.  A move to Scottsdale in 1971 established them firmly in Arizona and soon found them in Mesa where they raised their family of six children.  Soon after moving to Arizona he became a US citizen and became passionate about his love of country.  His other passions included family, fishing, camping and the ASU Sun Devils.  He enjoyed working in the Boy Scouts and, having a special affinity for the youth, served in his church working with youth from early on all the way up to young single adults.  He served on the High Council for his church and both he and Linda served as Church Service Missionaries in the Tempe LDS Institute and later in the Mesa LDS temple, cementing church service as the moving force in his life.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda, and their six children Julie Alyce Butler (Delvin), Robert James Pickles (Jennifer), Jeffrey Boyd Pickles (Jill), Stacie Lynne Pickles, David Marc Pickles (Kristine), and Melinda Anne Brower (Stephen) as well as 16 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, brothers Carl Pickles and Derrick Pickles and brothers-in-law Darrell Jensen (Norma) and Brent Jensen (Kathy), all of whom he treasured and loved dearly.  He was preceded in death by his parents James and Ivy and a sister Brenda Henline.  There will be a viewing Friday April 12^th from 6-8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.  Funeral services will be Saturday April 13^th at Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 N. Harris Dr., Mesa AZ 85203 with a viewing from 9-10am with the funeral commencing at 10am.  Interment will be held at the Mesa City Cemetery following the services.  Funeral services will be broadcasted at https://youtube.com/live/_B3UzgdqnGg?feature=share.

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.

Blanca Margarita Montiel was born in San Miguel, El Salvador on July 20th, 1949 to Luis Tevez and Emilia Molina.

Her home for the last eight years was in Arizona, most recently in Mesa and she passed from this life on April 7th, 2024 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Blanca was a devoted mother who blessed her home with love and gentleness.  Her children were raised knowing she would move heaven and earth for them; she was there to support and encourage them all through their lives. The gift of such a loving upbringing shows in the warmth and kindness of her children.

Friends are welcome to join Blanca’s family in honoring her on Monday, April 15th, 2024. Services are listed above.

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.

Kristian Elmgren, age 85, of Mesa passed away Friday, April 5, 2024.  Kris was born on May 30, 1938 in Helsinki, Finland to Brita Schroderus and Hans Elmgren.  He was the oldest of four sons.

After the family immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1957, Kris met and married his first wife, Paula Anderson in 1962 and they had two children, Gregor and Ingrid.  After they were divorced in 1977, Kris married Barbara Socha in 1979, his wife of 44 years.

Kris worked in the retail industry, first as a Canadian chain store buyer and then as a manufacturer’s sales rep to Canadian and US chain stores.

Kris and Barbara immigrated to the United States in 1994, eventually arriving in Mesa in 2009 where his daughter, Ingrid’s family and her mother, Paula, were already living.  Kris considered himself lucky to be somewhere he never expected to be with the most important people in his life.

He always loved gardening, adjusting from Northern cold climates with their daffodils and rhododendrons to semi-tropical Florida and finally to the desert where he learned how to propagate cactus.  The plants he left behind will be a constant reminder of him.

Kris lost his young son Gregor to an untimely death and is also preceded in death by two of his brothers, Kai and Kim.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Socha; his daughter Ingrid DiRusso (Robert); their children, his grandchildren, Timothy DiRusso (Shannon O’Toole) and Allanah Silvestro (Kenny); and a younger brother, Ken Elmgren (Sue) and their son, Will.

Kris’ ashes will be scattered in Fulford, Quebec, Canada where his parents lived their last years and where they and his son are buried.

There will be a celebration of his life by his family and friends on his birthday, May 30^th.

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.