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Dennis Pickett Blackhurst, born August 20, 1937, in Pocatello, Idaho, passed away on December 3, 2013, in Mesa, Arizona. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rose Mary, five beautiful daughters, Melenie Reynolds (Lane), Jennifer Cava, Juliette Qureshi (Ahmed), Brigitte Snowden (David), Alison Knudson (Kelly), 18 grandchildren and brother Hoyt Blackhurst (Kathy). A graduate of Brigham Young University and University of Arizona School of Law, Dennis was a successful lawyer for 36 years. Highlights were service as a Maricopa County prosecutor and partnership at Udall, Shumway, Blackhurst, Allen, Lyons & Bentley, where he represented the Mesa and Gilbert Public School Districts. He served his country in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1963. Dennis served faithfully as a bishop and missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including full-time missions in England as a young man and in Hawaii and New York with Rose Mary after he retired. He loved golf and the friendships it brought. He was a talented pianist who loved to play hymns and classic Broadway show tunes. Dennis was a darling husband, devoted father and loving grandfather. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 10, 2013, 6-8 pm, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona and from 10:00 to 10:30 am, prior to funeral services at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2835 East Des Moines, Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the LDS Missionary Fund at www.ldsphilanthropies.org/missionary/.

Katherine Bowen Brenner, 91, peacefully passed away at her home Dec. 3, 2013. Katie was born in Gilbert, AZ to Tom and Genevieve Bowen on Nov. 15, 1922. She attended Gilbert and Mesa schools where she enjoyed sports and being a Rabbet at Mesa High School. She continued her education at ASU, receiving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education. She taught PE at Franklin School and Mesa Jr. High, finishing her career at Mesa High as a girl’s counselor. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and memorable summer trips with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband George and son John. She is survived by her children George (Debbie), Ruth (Jerry) Sullivan, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Visitation is Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013 from 5-7 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Funeral services are Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Lazona Ward, 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203. Donations may be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund at http://pef.lds.org/.

Dorothy Iverson passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30th at her home in Mesa, Arizona with family at her side. Dorothy was a devoted wife, full time homemaker and mother of three sons. She worked several years at the Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator and dial reader early in her career. In addition, she helped run the family auto body shop business for over fifty years. She was a people person who made friends easily and could strike up an impromptu conversation with anyone. In her spare time, she loved to knit, crochet, and craft, but perhaps was best known for her wonderful cooking. Spending time with family and friends was her greatest joy. Volunteering at Birchwood Nursing Home for many years was an activity she also thoroughly enjoyed. Dorothy was a founding member of the Forest Lake Beautification Club. Following her husband Don’s retirement, they moved to their “Arizona Ranch

Ercel Knight Garrett, 83, passed away Monday, November 25, 2013. She was preceded in death by her Husband, granddaughter, eleven siblings, and parents. She is survived by her three children, Brent (Nancy) Garrett, Valerie (Donald) Biggs, and Debbie (Dave) Farris, eleven grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 2, 2013 at noon, preceded by a visitation at 10:30a.m. at the LDS Chapel located at North Horne and Lehi Road in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, donations to the LDS Humanitarian or Missionary Fund are suggested. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel

Erie Lee Bloch, 88, passed away November 25, 2013 in Tempe, Arizona. Services will be private. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Doris Jean Kaye, 60, passed away November 20, 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wake services are Friday November 29, 2013 from 6-10 PM at the Salt River Memorial Hall, 10661 E. Palm Lane, Scottsdale, 85256. Funeral services are Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 8 AM at the Lehi Community Center, 1231 E. Oak Street, Mesa 85203. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Donald Lee Hartmann passed away quietly Wednesday November 20th 2013 at the age of 80. Don was born on May 24, 1933 in Michigan City, IN and earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from TRINE University formally known as Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana. He married the late Beverly Ann Gring who preceded Donald in Heaven on February 20, 2012. Donald and Beverly were married on June 19, 1954 before Don joined the United States Army in 1957 as a Personnel Specialist. Don and Beverly spent 57 glorious years together in Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, and Wisconsin, before retiring to Mesa, AZ in 2000. Donald is preceded in death by his daughter Angela, his parents Marie and Roy, step-mother Charlotte, and his cherished dog Ollie. He is survived by his sister Jeannette, step-brother Robert, children Sandra, Brenda, Douglas and Stephen; 7 grandchildren; Megan, Chad, Evan, Andrew, Hannah, Amanda, & Sara; 1 great grandchild Luke; two beloved pets Jasper and Echo; and many special friends. Donald treasured the LDS Church where he served in many capacities including service as a Temple Worker. Donald will be remembered by his loved ones and dear friends as a very service minded man, devoting time to family, the U.S. Government, The Lions Club International Foundation, and the LDS Church. Visitation will be Sunday November 24th from 5–7 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. A viewing will be held Monday, November 25 at 9AM prior to the 10AM service at the LDS Aspen Ward, 1249 South 48th Street Mesa, AZ 85206. Interment to follow at the Mesa City Cemetery. In lieu of flower’s the family requests that donations in Donald’s name be made to the Lions Club International Foundation; http://www.lcif.org/EN/index.php, 300 W. 22nd St. Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842; specifically the White Cane Program.

Opal Lavona Fuller Jarvis Hopps, daughter of Horace and Gladys Fuller and a Gila Valley native, born June 27, 1922, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 20, 2013. Opal was the devoted and loving mother of seven children, Harley (deceased) & Betty Jarvis, Larry Jarvis, David & Jan Jarvis, Randy & Lucille Jarvis, Sheila Hall, Keith & Channa Jarvis, Elaine & Kendall Ray, and loving grandmother to 33 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren. Opal was a 1941 Mesa High School graduate and performed with the Rabettes and graduated from Phoenix College in 1965. She became a Real Estate Broker in 1972 and built a successful real estate practice known as Jarvis & Associates. Opal was a devoted member of the LDS church and sent five sons on church missions, with all children sealed in the LDS temple. Opal spent her latter days serving in the Mesa Temple and regularly performed in the Easter Pageant. Visitation is Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa. Funeral services are Monday, November 25, 2013 at 1 PM, preceded by a visitation at 12 PM at the LDS Kensington Ward, 3345 E. McLellan Rd., Mesa 85213.

Maurice Kenton Corrington, 100, passed away November 19, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. Funeral services are Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Osborn Ward, 3102 North 18th Ave., Phoenix, 85015. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Jay William Douglas, 66, passed away on November 13, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Jay was born in San Pedro, CA on February 11, 1947 to William Shirley and E. Ann Douglas. He is survived by two sisters, Dianne (Andy) Culver and Lorraine (George) Stahlin. Although he always lived in the city, he was a cowboy at heart with a love for the outdoors and horses. He was well known in the copier world where he worked for over 40 years. In the early eighties, he and four partners built a successful office equipment company called Infincom, later sold to Alco Standard. This was his proudest business accomplishment. Jay loved people and people loved him as he generously served in the community and church all of his life. He was and will remain a beloved husband, father, and grandfather to his wife Lynn, daughter Corin (Mike) Wayne, and sons Jason (Laurie) and Justin Douglas and six wonderful grandchildren whom he leaves behind. Funeral services are Monday, November 25, 2013 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at the LDS Preston Chapel, 6655 E. Preston Rd., Mesa, AZ 85215. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Gerald K. Blau 87, passed away with family by his side on November 15, 2013. He will be remembered for his incredible work ethic and integrity. Whether serving in the military, laboring on the farm and later in the air conditioning field, or devoting time to church and family, Gerald always had a warm smile and hands ready to work. He was a loving husband to Geniel Lowe Blau for almost 63 years, and a kind father to Jeanene and Rod Castillo, Bonita and Daniel Quillen, Gary and Patti Blau, Steve Blau and Barbara, Janet Ward-Blau, Jeffrey and Chris Blau, Duane and Emily Blau, Brenda Blau, David and Valerie Blau, Donalyn and James Richardson. His legacy continues through his 31 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. A viewing will be held from 6-8 PM on Friday, November 22nd at the LDS church on 825 S. 32nd St. Mesa 85204. Funeral services will be held Saturday the 23rd at 1 PM at the same location. Bunker’s Garden Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Richard Aaron Rodenbaugh, 25, passed away Monday, November 11, 2013 in West Jordan, Utah. He was born July 19, 1988 in Mesa, Arizona to Jill and Tod Rodenbaugh. Aaron graduated from Mountain View High School in 2006. He enjoyed sports and played on football and baseball teams for Poston and Mountain View. After high school he certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. Most recently he worked in new construction at Jack Serdar Plumbing in Salt Lake City and attended school to obtain his journeyman plumber certification. He loved working out at the gym, running, hiking, going to Lake Powell, and spending time with family and many friends.
He was a loving father to son, Kyle (Kai) Stephen Rodenbaugh (mother Hailey Dering). He leaves behind numerous loved ones: his companion Melissa Noel Liad and her daughter, Maci; brothers and their wives Jeremy (Shanna), Clinton (Jennifer), and Tod (Casey); nephews Bren, Brooks, and Benjamin; nieces Kirsten, Kylee, Kami, and Henleigh; grandparents Carlene Rodenbaugh, Hope Sanford, Mike and Shelly Adams, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2013 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral service is at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1911 N 24th Street (McKellips and 24th Street in Mesa) on Saturday, November 23, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 9 a.m. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.
Donations in the name of Kyle Rodenbaugh (Aaron’s son) will be accepted at any Wells Fargo branch office.

Boyd E. Steiner, 90, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Boyd led an active life filled with family and friends. He was well-known for his southwestern art and was an electrical / building contractor. His life was spent in serving others, including serving four stake missions, as scoutmaster for 9 years and as a merit badge counselor all his life. He was always there for anyone in need. His family includes his wife Maxine, children Sherry, Dave (deceased), Lynne (deceased), Mike, Doug, Christine, Kelli, 37 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, November 15, 2013 from 6-7:30 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 10:30 am at the LDS Cornerstone Ward at University and Mesa Drive.

Karen Fallas-Avendaño, 40, passed away November 5, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. Memorial services are Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 2 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Scott Lynn Fernwalt of Mesa, passed away on November 8th unexpectedly at the age of 50. Beloved husband, father and grandfather will be missed by all. Scott was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, May 27th 1963 to Arthur and Shirlee Fernwalt. He graduated from Scottsdale High School in 1982. He worked in air conditioning for over 30 years and most recently for Clear Air in Peoria, which he enjoyed very much. He married his soul mate and love of his life Yvonne in 1984. He was preceded in death by his father Arthur Jr. and brother Mark (Cindy). He is survived by his wife Yvonne, children Christopher and Nicole, grandchildren Alexis and Nicholas, brother Art III (Sharon), mother Shirlee (Boris Paul) and many nephews and nieces. Services will be Friday November 15th at 11AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, Arizona. You may express condolences online at www.bunkercares.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank.
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