Discovering Rememberances

Find An Obituary

Post Search
Honoring Your Loved Ones

Recent Obituaries

Sharon Elaine Grannis
August 28, 1946 - May 11, 2023

Sharon Elaine Grannis earned her angel wings on May 11, 2023. There to welcome her to heaven were her parents, Merle and Kathleen, and her twin sons Mike and Todd. Sharon will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Stacy and her son Ryan, and their spouses, Tom and Jennifer, her eleven grandchildren, Jessica, Tyler, Megan, Justin, Makenzi, Lindsay, Jadin, Maci, Taylor, Bailey, Teagan, and her nine great-grandchildren, Hazel, Rosabell, Bonnie, Joani, Remi, Aurora, Charlotte, Margot, and Winona.

Born in Pasadena, California on August 28, 1946, Sharon moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1970. Nothing meant more to Sharon than her family. She attended every birthday party, soccer, baseball, or football game, dance recital, graduation, or any other event that involved her loved ones. Besides her family and close friends, Sharon loved shopping, eating out, and decorating for the holidays.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 22nd at 11:00 AM, preceded by a viewing from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa. A graveside service will be held 12:30 PM at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Hospice of the Valley for their tireless, compassionate care.

 

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.

 

View Obituary
Rajkumar Bipin Jadav
04/09/1978 - 04/24/2023

Rajkumar Bipin Jadav was born on the 9th of April 1978 in Neptune, New Jersey to Melody and Bipin Jadav. Raj was the middle child of the family, his older brother being Tapan and his younger sister Anjalee.

In 1979, when Raj was one year old, the Jadav family relocated to Globe, Arizona where his father, Bipin, practiced medicine. They later moved to Chandler, Arizona in 1982 when Raj was 4 years old. In his younger years, Raj would play with the dogs often and loved to make a lot of noise with his toys, pots and pans. He also enjoyed doing karate when he was younger.

The Jadav family are avid Suns fans, and Raj was no exception. They went to most Suns games and private parties. Raj met Suns players and coaches including Dan Majerle, Kevin Johnson, Cedric Ceballos, Tom Chambers, and coach Cotton Fitzsimmons among many more. Raj had a special relationship with his maternal grandfather, Samuel Hankins, and was so excited to ring the Salvation Army bell with him during the holidays. Raj’s favorite teacher taught bible study at Thunderbird Adventist Academy. You would never see him without his best friend, Brad McPhee, growing up. They did everything together.

In 1996, Raj graduated from Gilbert High School and dreamed of working with computers. He was entirely self taught and would take apart computers and tinker with them for fun. In 1997, his daughter with Melissa Shipman, Elissa, was born. Elissa meant the world to him, and he was an amazing dad. She will always remember him as the supporting and loving Dad that he strived to be. Raj and her bonded over movies like Star Wars, and video games like Mario Kart. He was always nurturing his daughter’s interests, showing her how to modify her first game consoles and taking her to karate classes.

Raj’s work with computers was exemplary. His computer repair business, Perfect PC, was something he took great pride in. On occasion, Raj would fix people’s computers for free as an act of kindness, and because he wanted to help people more than anything. ‘Once it was fixed, it was fixed for good.’

On April 12, 2008 his second daughter, Frankie Lynn, was born to him and LaShonda Cruckson. Frankie Lynn unfortunately passed away a few weeks later on April 28, 2008. He always thought about her and kept her in his prayers.

Raj gave a lot of love to so many people, including his fiancée, Danielle Morgan, whom he met in 2010, his daughter, and his family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those who needed it, and he touched many people’s lives.

We will remember him as a kind and loving father, son, brother, and friend. He has joined his brother Tapan, his best friend Brad, LaShonda, and Frankie Lynn in heaven. Raj is survived by his father Bipin, his mother Melody, his sister Anjalee, his daughter Elissa, his nephew Brandon, and his fiancée Danielle. Everyone will love and miss him deeply.

 

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.

 

View Obituary
Mark Anthony Reda
03/06/1958 - 05/05/2023

Mark Anthony Reda, born March 6, 1958, was called home on Friday, May 5, 2023.  There to meet him were his wife, Sheri and countless uncles and aunts.  He is survived by his wife, Jeri Reda; his children Anthony Reda (Kendra) of Louisville, KY and Brianna Rhode (Alex) of Reno, NV; his parents, Gene and Betty Reda of Alliance, OH and brothers Joe Reda and Matt Reda also of Alliance, OH.  Mark spent 40+ years in the live sports production industry before leaving to teach at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at ASU, where he retired in March of this year.  Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 pm Friday, June 9, 2023 at Sun Valley Community Church, 456 E Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ.  If you would like to send flowers, please send them to Sun Valley to arrive on the day of the service before 1pm.

 

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.

View Obituary
Charles Edward Coulter
05/29/1938 - 05/08/2023

Charlie was born May 29, 1938 to Reba and Cecil Coulter in Tatum Springs, Kentucky just outside of Willisburg. One of four boys, he grew up with brothers Glendy Allen (Libby), Gerald Wayne (Bobbie) and J. Roger.

At age 8 the family moved to Arizona where he stayed through high school graduation. Extremely good looking and athletic, he was the co-captain the football team, played basketball, and was also Class Vice President. As a youth, he picked cotton, potatoes and plums, and worked in a gas station to earn extra money.

There were lots of “high jinx” with his high school buddies, many of whom he remained close throughout his life, especially Euell Barnes who kept him supplied in pinto beans and potatoes! And Charlie Mann, with whom he lived with for a period of time in order to play football at Chandler High School, Billy Crofford, Henry Warren, Eddie Basha, Buzzy Boberg, Jackie Barnes Elliott just to name a few

After high school Charlie moved to Long Beach CA with buddy Tommy Tait. The boys shot hoops for quarters at the Long Beach Pike and Charlie secured a job at McDonnell Douglas as an apprentice welder while attending Long Beach College.

Charlie frequented an auction house in Whittier where he fostered a friendship with the owner/auctioneer. When the owner was ready to retire, he taught Charlie the “auctioneers chant” and then sold the auction company to Charlie. With his sing song call and his Southern accent he was a natural and the auction was wildly successful. Renamed “Charlie’s Auction” it remained a staple in the community for any and all types of household goods, furniture and appliances for many years.

In 1978 he sold the Charlie’s Auction and began conducting auctions for the Small Business Administration, the Department of Justice, the Resolution Trust Company and the FDIC. He sold everything from seized businesses, closed savings and loan companies and real estate. It was a demanding profession, but one in which Charlie excelled. He also became the president of the Southern California Auctioneers Association for several years.

His talent for calling an auction and his enticing southern drawl led to a lucrative job in playing the role of auctioneer for both TV shows, movies and commercials. He joined the Screen Actors Guild and had a talent agent for a number of years.

In 1981 Charlie married his soulmate and love of his life, Kathy Slayton, a transplant from Illinois. They met at Finicky’s Steakhouse in La Mirada, CA. during the very popular “80’s happy hour” times. Kathy was there with some friends from her nearby company when Charlie came in with his arms completely full of bouquets of flowers. He put them on the bar and the waitresses starting passing them out. Kathy approached him to get the story of the flowers. Charlie explained that he was exiting the freeway and saw a kid selling flowers. It was cold and getting dark and he bought all the flowers so the kid could go home. After finding out that this blonde haired, blue eyed charmer was single, she gave him her phone number. Long story short, that led to a marriage seven months later that lasted for 42 years.

These two danced through life together, first on his 40 ft. tri-commander Chris-Kraft boat, The High Bidder, and later in their 45 ft. Prevost Marathon Coach, BAB (big ass bus) where they stayed at their ocean front lot in Newport, Oregon. They did golf junkets and travels thru Canada, including Calgary Stampede, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Alaska, Prince Edward Island, Montreal, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Also New York City, family in Illinois (Ted, Betty, Susan and Mark, Teddy & Becky), family in Kentucky, (Cousin Eddie, Pat and daughter Michelle) – and attended the Kentucky Derby (6 times!). Charlie love the Derby and always waited until they sang “My Old Kentucky Home” before he would have a Mint Julip. They enjoyed the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, Las Vegas and many more adventures, including getting locked in for the night at Opus One Winery because they sampled a little too much wine on a private tour after hours and were unable to drive BAB! They also enjoyed cruises on the Seabourn and were looking forward to another cruise when Charlie passed.

Golf was a huge part of their life together, from their years at Hacienda Golf Club in Los Angeles where Charlie served as president and where they had their wedding reception.They also belonged to La Quinta Country Club for 36 years, which he described as the finest golf course he ever played. He also loved it when there was a little “skin” in the golf game as well as the gin game! Charlie played in the Bob Hope Classic (now the American Express) 17 times and his amateur team won twice!  He was in the celebrity flight when sitting President Clinton and past presidents Ford and Bush and Arnold Palmer all played together.  Kathy caddied for him that day and they were on the driving range at Indian Wells sandwiched between all of them!

During his golf days, Charlie played golf with a young 18 year old Tiger Woods at Hacienda Golf Club and came home and told Kathy, “if this kid doesn’t get hurt, I have just played golf with the greatest golfer of our time.”

Upon retiring from playing in the Hope tournament, Charlie became the announcer of the PGA players on the first tee at La Quinta Country Club. While no longer competitive in golf, he loved being involved in the tournament in this venue.

In addition to his auction business, Charlie donated his time and expertise to call dozens and dozens of charity auctions throughout Southern Calif.  He never charged a dime and helped to raise many millions of dollars for charities such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Sister & Brothers, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Heart Association, Little Company of Mary, Angles Baseball, Folds of Honor, St. Jude and    countless other charity organizations.

The light of his life was grandson Justin Miller, son of his late daughter, Gail. Justin’s wife Amber and great grandchildren, Kennedy, Maverick and Charlie (his namesake!), AKA The Miller Party of Five were a source of constant joy and pride. The many Easters the Miller’s spent at La Quinta Country Club created a lifetime of lasting memories for both Charlie and Kathy. The Thanksgiving at Arrowhead when they were all snowed in, without power to cook the Thanksgiving dinner, with Amber 8 months pregnant with baby Charlie is especially memorable. Amber’s mom Meri somehow pulled it off and Amber’s dad Randy “borrowed” some wood from the neighbor’s porch to keep the fires burning!  It was at that dinner that Charlie learned that the baby would be named after him! What happiness they have brought him!

After a very long and successful auction and real estate career, Charlie and Kathy (and their bestie Westie, Chuckie) retired and moved to Arizona. They ended up in Gilbert, AZ on the point of a lake with a pontoon boat – where the most tedious work of the day was to “shoo” the ducks off the lawn. And where they immediately felt so welcomed and included in all of the great activities afforded them by living in Val Vista Lakes. Charlie so enjoyed being around his friends, family and classmates.  His brother Roger (Glendale, AZ) and his favorite nephew Devon {Flagstaff} and Aunt Bonnie {Mesa} and her son Jason were all here for his last Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6. He had a great time. Charlie had a special fondness for sister-in-law Susan (SISSY!) who recently spent 12 days visiting. So many touched his life as he touched so many.

It truly was a life well lived. Remembrance gathering will be at a later date.

 

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.

View Obituary
Gayle Lynn Peterson Steele
05/02/1948 - 05/06/2023

Gayle Lynn Peterson Steele

Our beloved mother, grandmother, wife, aunt, and friend, Gayle Peterson Steele, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 6th, 2023.

She was born May 2,1948, to Brookie and Burke Peterson in Logan, Utah, and married her adoring husband, Bill Steele on April 12, 1968, in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. They created a wonderful life together which included 5 children, 19 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Gayle was the oldest of five girls (the “five lovelies”) and loved her parents and sisters dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Burke and Brookie Peterson, as well as two sisters, Sherrie Decker and Robin Pederson. She is survived by her sisters Jana Staples and Keri Nielsen.

Her life revolved around family. As her posterity grew, Gayle loved supporting her children and grandchildren in their achievements, both big and small. She was an enthusiastic cheerleader and found immense joy in watching them grow and develop their talents.

Gayle and Bill enjoyed traveling together and had the opportunity to visit many places around the world, including a tour through Jerusalem where she was able to deepen her life-long knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ. She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and faithfully served in many church callings throughout her life, including both ward and stake Relief Society President and a worker in the Mesa Arizona temple.

Gayle was a phenomenal writer with a deep appreciation for the arts and a keen creative eye. She had a natural gift for interior design and keeping up with the latest trends. In her later years, Gayle developed an interest in sewing and crafts. She was generous in extending these talents by making personalized quilts with her grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, service, and commitment to the gospel, and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Gayle is survived by her husband, Bill Steele, as well as her five children: Darren (Tara) Steele, Tiffani (Daren) Schnepf, Kami (Eric) Rich, Megan (Justin) Palmer and Logan Steele.

Saturday, May 13th services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2700 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234. A viewing will begin at 9:00am followed by funeral services at 10:00am. You will be able to view the service following this link: http://tiny.cc/GayleSteele

 

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.

 

View Obituary
Maryalice Pittman
04/19/1938 - 04/28/2023

Maryalice Pittman, 85, of Mesa, AZ, passed away on April 28, 2023, peacefully at home with her children. Maryalice was born on April 19, 1938, to Herbert & Lillie Ham in San Diego, CA. After Maryalice graduated from El Cajon Valley High School in 1956, she went on to start her first job as a bank teller where she met her future husband, William (Bill) Pittman. After getting married on July 31, 1960, William and Maryalice went on to have five children, Robin Johnson, Kyle Pittman, Lori Pittman, Craig Pittman, and Carrie McKinnon. While living in AZ., Maryalice worked at the Phoenix Zoo as a Secretary for the Veterinarian. She enjoyed traveling with her sister Willielee researching her family history and genealogy. She also loved taking and organizing pictures into scrapbooks, playing cards, and spending time with family.

Maryalice was predeceased by her parents Herbert and Lillie Ham, her brother and sister-in-law Donald and Jackie Ham, her husband of 45 years William Pittman, and oldest daughter Robin Johnson. Maryalice is survived by her two sisters Bennielee Horton and Willielee Brown and four children Kyle Pittman and wife Theresa, Lori Pittman, Craig Pittman, and Carrie McKinnon, six grandchildren Brandy Johnson and husband Will, Ryan Johnson and wife Jacy, Sierra Crane and husband Will, Tyler Goldsmith, Jon Sloan, Andrea Leon Matos and husband Frank, and five great grandchildren Kirby Repko, Robin Repko, Brigadier Johnson, Bridgette Johnson, and Cruz Crane.

Services will be held at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ., 85201 on May 13 at 11 am. Visitation at Bunkers Family Funeral Home, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ., 85201 on May 13 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Phoenix Zoo or The National Kidney Foundation.

View Obituary
Gerald Glenn Fuller
05/29/1940 - 05/01/2023

Gerald Glenn Fuller was born to his parents,  Ada Mae Heath and Gerald Dalton Fuller on May 29, 1940 in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan. His spirit returned to his heavenly home to reunite with his parents and eldest son,  Benjamin Glenn Fuller in the evening of Monday,  May 1, 2023.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Vilma Yolanda Carballido Fuller, his 6 children, and  21 grandchildren. Also surviving, his younger brother, confidante and best friend, Thomas Fuller (Myrtle).  Tom and Glenn were the only children of their devoted parents.  His children Sara Blaine (Niel), Beverly Gams (Greg), Cristina Faustini (Val), Susan Udall (Rhett), Meloney Rogers (Kelsey) and Al, a.k.a. Gerald Fuller (Randi) are grieved at his passing but grateful their dad can finally rest in peace.

Glenn started life as an energetic boy with a love of learning and service.  He entered the Marine Corp at the age of 18 touring and training overseas, during which he discovered the Book of Mormon.  Knowing it as another testament of Jesus Christ, he converted to full membership to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was baptized July 4, 1965, and is a devoted, active member heretofore.  Glenn also studied business receiving his MBA from the University of Phoenix.  He appreciated technology earning certificates in computer processing, and his love in this field became his life’s work. Glenn moved his family to Mesa, Arizona in 1977, where he stayed for the rest of his life. He has been passionate about doing the right thing, living a Christ-like life and spending time with his family.  Family was always his driving force and greatest motivation. If you would like to make a donation in his honor the family has requested to send it to Hospice services or Alzheimers/Dementia research.

For those who wish to stream the service please use the link below:

Youtube link: https://youtube.com/live/dhk8Vo8ZA2c?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.

View Obituary
Norma Lois Harris
12/29/1934 - 05/02/2023

Norma Lois Harris was reunited with her eternal companion, Kim Fenton Harris, on May 2, 2023. Lois was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on December 29, 1934, to William Leo & Leda Garreau Pearson.  Lois had a wonderful childhood with loving parents, many brothers (3) & sisters (5).  The home was filled with good food, music and fun outings as a family.  Lois began her love of reading when in elementary school and continued throughout her life.

She became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 18 and the following year she married Kim Harris on July 25, 1953, while he was stationed in the Navy in Virginia.  They were sealed together a short time later in the Mesa, AZ Temple when they moved to Arizona.  Soon children began to come into this family while Lois worked and went to school to obtain her teaching degree and then her Master’s degree from ASU.  She taught school for 24 years and was known for her quick wit, keen understanding and was always introducing her students to novel and unique learning experiences. After Lois retired, she and Kim taught school for a year in Saudi Arabia teaching English & History to Princess’s and Princes of the aristocracy.

Lois served faithfully in the Church, mostly in Relief Society. Her son Greg remembers his mom making many meals and taking them to families in the ward.  She also served two Humanitarian missions with her husband, one in Lao P.D.R. and then Izmir, Turkey.  She also taught Bosnians conversational English at Deseret Industries in Mesa, AZ.

Lois is survived by her 4 children: Russell, Gary (Cherie), Greg (Julie) and Sherri (Darrell Hadder) as well as 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Kim F. Harris and daughter-in-law, Lavon Harris.

In accordance with mom’s wishes, there will be a graveside service held for family at Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek.

Memorials and graveside service are being arranged by Bunker’s Garden Chapel in Mesa, AZ.  We wish to thank the staff at Vista Ranch Assisted Living and Hospice for the great care they gave our mother in the last few months of her life.

 

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.

View Obituary
Paula Sue Perkins
11/18/1947 - 04/15/2023

Paula Sue Perkins, born November 18, 1947 and passed away peacefully on April 15, 2023 in Gilbert, Arizona

Paula was born in Electra, Texas to Bettie and Cloyce (John) Brooks. Paula was one of seven siblings. Paula married her husband, Harvey Perkins Jr. on 4/01/1964. They moved their family to Washington state in 1975 where she ultimately made her home for the next 43 years. In 2018 she moved from Stanwood, WA. to Chandler, Arizona to be next to her son and daughter in-law.

In addition to her parents, she is proceeded in death by her husband Harvey Perkins, daughter Kimberly, sister Diana Wolf and brother Michael Brooks.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children Troy (Donna) and Tammie. Sisters, Melinda (Brad), Connie (Ralph), Trina (Michael) and Nita (Don). Grandchildren, Jordynn (Austin), Taylore (Kasey) and Kaylee (Brandon). Great-grandchildren, Brody, Beaux and Bentlee.

 

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.

View Obituary
Donald Eugene Hall
12/14/1953 - 04/30/2023

Donald Eugene Hall finished his early journey on April 30, 2023, in Mesa, AZ.  Donald or Don as many knew him, was born to Avard B Hall and Ethel Jan Hulsey Hall.  He grew up in the White Mountains and helped on his father’s ranch throughout his early years especially until he got married.  He grew up going to school in Nutrioso, Eagar, and St. Johns, Arizona.  He graduated high school from St. Johns High School and then served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Sacramento, California.

After his mission, he attended Eastern Arizona College where he received his Associates of Arts degree, but most importantly he met his “beautiful red head, the love of his life” Debra Jan Winkler.  They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple, and they just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this past March.   At the beginning of their marriage, he held a few jobs which included Fire Fighter, worked at the Petrified Forest, Truck Driver, Deputy at the Sheriff’s Office, City of St. Johns water district worker, and finally found his career at Salt River Project which he worked as a Heavy Duty Mechanic for 34 years and retired from there.   He also volunteered as a Firefighter in St. Johns, AZ.

During those years. Donald and Debra had 3 children: Corey, Michelle, and Monika which they raised for the majority of their young lives in St. Johns, AZ.  Many people knew Donald as Don, Don-Don, Scoutmaster, Coach, 4-H leader, Brother, Uncle, Dad, and Papa.  Donald and Debra moved to Apache Junction, AZ in 1999 and had a wonderful life there surrounded by family and friends.  He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for his entire life and served in many callings and assignments.   He loved always being on a lake fishing or even hunting up in the White Mountains.

Donald was preceded in death by his father Avard B Hall, mother Ethel Jane Hulsey Hall, granddaughter Mihaela Lowery, father in law James Rufus Winkler, and brother in law Russell Winkler. He is survived by many who love him and will miss him dearly. These include his wife Debra Jan Hall (Winkler), Corey (Michelle) Hall, Michelle (Javier) Garcia, Monika (Michael) Lowery, his Mother in Law Janice Hatch Winkler, step Mother in Law Katherine Winkler, his sister Rossland (Stanley) Trull, his brother in Law Rodney Winkler.  Grandkids: Austin Ross, Chelsey Garcia, Makaden Lowery, Bailey Garcia, Masen Lowery, Javier Garcia (JD), Madysen Lowery, Maxten Lowery, Madden Lowery,  Madelyn Lowery, and Kathryn (Miguel) Magallanes, Frank Valdez, Anthony (Rosie) Valdez, a few grand kids, nieces, and nephews.

A public viewing will be held in his honor on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Bunker Funeral Home at 3529 E University Dr in Mesa from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm.   His graveside burial service will be held at the Alpine Cemetery on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

 

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.

View Obituary
Louise “Weezie” Harris
07/14/1926 - 04/19/2023

Louise “Weezie” Harris passed from this life on the evening of April 19, 2023, at the age of 96.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. Harris; by her parents, Vernon and Nellie Johnson; and by her siblings, Vernell Johnson, Laurel Rowe Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Marva Johnson, Beulah Johnson, Francis Lynn Johnson, and Clifford Eugene Johnson.  She is survived and lovingly remembered by her children Paula Williams (Morris), Ed Harris (Brenda), Cathy Fritz (Franko), and Lori Huffaker (Darin).

Mom was born in Chandler, AZ.  She grew up during the Great Depression and met her future husband at the start of the Korean War.  They were married and would live where the Air Force sent them – Arizona, Texas, Scotland, France, Washington, Iran, Florida, Mississippi, and New Mexico before coming back home to Arizona.

They spent their retirement years eating out and enjoying life.  Mom was a talented artist, poet, and journal keeper.  She will be remembered for her love of family, kindness, generosity, laughter, and amazing pies, cakes, bread, and fried chicken.

Everyone who knew her loved her, especially her 13 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends, we are all so grateful to have had her in our lives.

 

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.

View Obituary
Brenda Sheryl Gardner
- 04/17/2023

On April 17, 2023, Brenda Sheryl Gardner passed away peacefully at age 82 at her home in Mesa, Arizona.  Sheryl was the mother of five children.  However, many people considered her their surrogate and part-time mother. Mom loved growing up in Mesa AZ, raising her family in Torrance CA, and retiring to Lakeside AZ.

When Sheryl’s children were young, the phrase “stay-at-home-mom” didn’t exist.  It was normal for women to stay home with the children while their husbands worked.  But even by the standards of that time, Sheryl was a wonderful wife and mother. She cared deeply for her family, church, and community. She was always working on a “project” to benefit her family and friends.  She loved sewing, fashion, and movies.

Sheryl is survived by her husband Bryce, sons Gary (Carolyn) and Ty (Jill), daughters Jolene (Greg), Diana (Tim), and Amy (Jeremy), and twenty grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

 

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.

 

View Obituary
Debra (Debbie) Jo Earl Hatch
12/29/1952 - 04/20/2023

Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend Debra “Debbie” Jo Hatch passed away April 20th, 2023 at her home in Gilbert, Arizona. Debbie was born on December 29th 1952 to Lillian Sams Earl and William Thayne Earl.

Debbie attended Hawthorne Elementary, OE Bell Junior High School, and Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, ID. She graduated in 1970. She loved her many friends who touched her life for good during these years.

She married Barlow Nelson Hatch on August 8th 1974 in the Idaho Falls Temple and were blessed with 4 beautiful children.  They later divorced.

She attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho for a short time before training as a Dental Assistant which she did for several years. She held several jobs over her life including working in the emergency room, medical offices, and travel agent. Her favorite job of all was that of mother and grandmother. She lived for the lives of her children and grandchildren and loved being involved in and supporting all their activities and pursuits. She said many times, “All I ever wanted to be was a mother and grandmother.”

Her hobbies included water & snow skiing, camping with family, cooking, decorating, traveling, doting on her grandkids, shopping, returning to Idaho Falls for the 4th of July Parade, and vacationing at Island Park.

Debbie was a loving and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with a testimony of the restored gospel.  She loved her many callings of which her favorite was working in the Mesa & Gilbert AZ temples. She was a gifted decorator and homemaker, known widely for her cooking and yummy cinnamon rolls. She loved any reason to get family and loved ones together to throw a party complete with an abundance of homemade food and fun.  She was a people person and loved to hear the stories of her friends while sharing in their joys, struggles and successes.

Debbie is survived by her children Joshua (Angie) Hatch of Franklin, TN, Sean (Kursty) Hatch of Queen Creek, AZ, Elisha (Brett) Romney of Gilbert, AZ and Derek (Colette) Hatch of Colorado Springs, CO, brother Dennis (Susan) Earl of Mesa, AZ, sister Susan (Brent) Williams of Gilbert, AZ, brother-in-law Dale Jensen of Idaho Falls, ID and 19 grandchildren Cody, Gavin, Kayla, Makenzie, Taylor, Mattelyn, Maddison, Draysen, Kenadee, Baylee, Jaxson, Micah, Kembria, Ellie, Ronan, Andrew, Hudson, and Noelle.

She was preceded in death by her father Wm Thayne Earl, mother Lillian Sams, sister Gayla Jensen, and grandson Easton Hatch.

In accordance with Mom’s wishes, there will be a graveside service held for family and close friends. She will be laid to rest at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery in Gilbert AZ.

Memorials and graveside service are being arranged by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, however, please send flowers and other memorials to Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297. Any questions please call Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-964-8686.

Debbie will always be remembered by family & friends

 

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.

View Obituary
Justin Jeffrey Counter
02/16/1986 - 04/17/2023

Justin Jeffrey Counter

1986-2023

Justin Counter of Mesa, AZ  passed away at his home on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Services will be held at Bunker University Chapel on Friday, April 28th, 2023 at 11am.  Interment will be at Mesa Cemetery in Section 217 Lot 1.

You will be able to view the service online at: https://youtube.com/live/di-T2_9P23M?feature=share

Justin Jeffrey was born on February 16, 1986 to Clifford L. Counter and Kay D. (Counter) Baylor at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ.  He attended Mesa Public Schools and graduated from Mesa High School in 2004. He worked in the IT Industry in various positions.

Justin was self-taught on many subjects including computers, self-defense, photography, languages, religions, psychology, and dog training. He had a wicked sense of humor and always looked for opportunities to prank people. A favorite family memory is when his grandmother was scooping ice cream to prepare a dessert for his graduation party. When she turned around to grab a spoon, he took the ice cream container and put it up on top of the ceiling fan blade. He let her think she was going senile for a minute or so before grabbing it and putting it back down. Justin loved music and online gaming as well. He participated in many online communities and was fondly known as Germz.

He is survived by his parents, step-father Keith Baylor of Mesa, AZ, brothers Joshua (Brittany) Ross of Safford, AZ, Stephen Bradenburg of Mesa, AZ, sisters Dr. Krista (Edwin) Puruhito of Mesa, Arizona, Dr. Nicole (Norman) Banks of Poulsbo, WA, Araceli Counter of El Paso, TX,  Grandmother Janis Draheim of Mesa, AZ, and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his maternal grandfather Bill Draheim, paternal grandparents, Cliff and Myrna Counter, infant brother Jason Ross, uncles Eddie Post, Mark Draheim, and Jeff Draheim, and many much beloved 4 legged friends including his most beloved Scout.

In lieu of flowers please consider making to a donation to NAMI Valley of the Sun, https://namivalleyofthesun.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.

View Obituary
Larry Ralph Porter
08/17/1944 - 04/12/2023

 

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Larry Ralph Porter, age 78, passed away suddenly at home on April 12, 2023. Born August 17, 1944 to Ralph H. and Helen F. Porter in Ashland, KY, he moved to Ohio, then Utah, and spent his last 40 years in Mesa, AZ.

Larry was a journeyman machinist and at one time owned an auto body shop. As a machinist, he machined a part for the Apollo program on the rocket that traveled to the moon.

Larry was a family man who adored nature and Mother Earth. He loved camping, hiking, fishing, hunting (he called it “camping with a gun”) and anything with a motor. He kept many recreational vehicles running so his family could play endlessly in nature’s playground. He held a special interest in aircraft and took his family to the Reno Air Races for years.

Missing Larry are his wife of 60 years, Linda (Hill) Porter, his children Michelle Porter, Melissa Cordovana (Joseph), and Sean Porter (Janet). His adoring grandchildren, Joseph Cordovana, Meghann Cordovana, Zachary Porter, and Jacob Porter will all miss him so much. He is also survived by his sister, Ina George.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Carol Murray and Marilyn Carson, and a baby brother, Alva Porter.

Larry will be cremated and no funeral service will be held, per his request. A celebration of his life will be held this summer.

View Obituary
Lee Van Ball
03/31/1952 - 04/20/2023

Lee Van Ball of Mesa, Arizona passed away Thursday April 20, 2023.

His Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, May 5, 2023, at 10:00AM, at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way Mesa, Arizona 85201.  You may live stream the service by using the link below.

https://youtube.com/live/10BcQmpmKac?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.

View Obituary
Your Legacy

Arizona Obituaries And Obituary Archive

At Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation, we cherish each unique life, considering it special and sacred. Our obituary archive allows you to explore the obituaries of those we’ve had the privilege to care for, and gives you the chance to share thoughts, messages, or stories with their families.

Use our search function to find a specific obituary, or contact us if you’d like to have your loved one’s obituary hosted on our site.

Our Values
Contacts us Today (480) 964-8686
Pre-Planning

Let us help you honor their legacy.

Celebrate your loved one’s life however you see fit. At Bunker, we’re committed to helping you. With decades of experience serving families like yours, we can guide you in the right direction to set up a fitting tribute to the special person you have lost.

Call Now Button