Find An Obituary

Robert (Bob) Clinton Haden, 89, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on April 16, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Robert was born in Graham, Texas to Ted and Viola Haden on September 16, 1923. He attended Texas A&M and the University of Texas. Robert then entered the banking business ultimately becoming the President of First Citizens Bank in Dallas, Texas and then First Security Bank in Mesa, Arizona. He also was President of the Arizona Bankers Association. After a distinguished 22 year career in banking, receiving several Certificates of Merit from the American Institute of Banking, Robert turned to commercial real estate in 1968 where he was actively engaged in all aspects of commercial real estate brokerage, investment analysis, and appraising. Robert one of the “Greatest Generation

Yvonne E. Ellsworth, 80, passed away at her home in Mesa, Arizona on April 21, 2013. Her family and her faith have been the focus of her life. A cheerful and loving mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Monroe W. Ellsworth, infant daughter, Ilene Obershaw, and infant great-granddaughter, Ava DeFranco. The oldest of 7 children, she is survived by all of her six siblings, her sons Dennis Ellsworth and Duane Obershaw, her daughters Iris Shumway and Jolene Williams, also 11 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Friday, April 26, 2013 at 9 AM at the Beverly Ward LDS Chapel, 1054 W. 2nd Place, Mesa, AZ 85201, preceded by visitations Thursday evening, April 25th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 and at 8 AM Friday, in the Relief Society Room prior to the service. Burial will be at the Show Low Cemetery. Her sparkling optimism and loving ways will be missed, and we look forward to a joyous reunion.

Lola May Pearce Smith, 91, of Mesa died Tuesday, April 16, 2013 after a brief illness. She was with her family when she peacefully passed away. Lola May was a lifelong resident of Arizona spending her early years in Northern Arizona where she was born in Taylor. As a young girl she moved with her family to Mesa. She was pre-deceased by her husband Ross as well as a grandson. She is survived by her children: Ronald Smith (Annette) of Idaho, Mark Smith (Kathy) of Mesa, Sandra Howell (Jack) of CA and LouAnn Done (Mark) of Mesa; 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; sister Ruby Efros of Phoenix, and brothers Marion Pearce of Mesa and Melvin Pearce of Idaho. Lola May enjoyed gardening, quilting & sewing and was an avid genealogist. Lola May was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and belonged to the Westwood ward. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday April 23, 2013 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1054 W. 2nd Place in Mesa. Evening viewing is scheduled for Monday April 22nd from 6-8PM at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa. Additional viewing is set for one hour prior to her funeral services on Tuesday. Interment will follow the funeral services at the City of Mesa Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Gerald (Jerry) Dale Hearn, 83, died April 12, 2013. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family members. He was born October 8, 1929 in Prescott, AZ. He graduated from University of Utah and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a pilot for United Airlines and, in 1972, was the captain of United Flight 855 that was hijacked. He loved to sing and do community theatre. He was a member of the Mesa 30th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served many years in the Mesa LDS Temple. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; four children: Michael Hearn of Los Alamitos, CA; David (Wendy) Hearn of Los Alamitos, CA; Amy (David) Gotzinger of Mesa; Joshua (Heidi) Hearn of Mesa; 15 grandchildren and a great-grandchild; sister, Linda (Ed) Patterson of Maricopa; brother, Larry (Kristy) Hearn of Yuba City, CA; sister-in-law, Darlene Hearn of Palm Desert, CA. He was preceded in death by his son Darrell Hearn; brother, Eugene Hearn; and daughter-in-law, Karen Hearn. Visitation: Sunday 6-8 p.m., Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Service: Monday, 11 a.m., Mesa East Stake Center, 2228 E. Brown Rd., with visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Mesa Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the BYU Hawaii Scholarship Fund at www.give.byuj.edu/inhonor.

Allen, Albert Odell, 81, passed away April 13, 2013. He was Albert and Lily Allen’s Christmas present in 1931, the oldest of seven. Born and raised in the Gila Valley, he married his sweetheart, Thelma Harrington, March 18, 1953 in the Mesa LDS Temple. Thelma preceded him in death in 2005. He will be missed by his five children, Dennis (Clover), Terri (Chris) Strahan, Mark (Sherri), Scott (Katie), and LeAnn (Dean) Purser, 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 6 siblings and numerous nephews and nieces. Visitation is Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services are Friday, April 19, 2013 at 10 AM at the LDS Chapel, 1150 W. Combs Rd., Queen Creek, AZ.

Cluff, Eloise Tyler

87, of Mesa, Az passed away on April 12, 2013. Wife of E. Gwain Cluff (deceased). Eloise was known in her Church and Community for her life long service to others, her incredible piano abilities, her sense of humor and her incomparable laugh. Mother of five: Ron (Polly) Cluff, Melodee (Steve) Hale, David (Kathi) Cluff, Patsy (Terry) Allred, Christi (Dean) Bradshaw. Grandmother of 32. Great grandmother of 89. Visitation Friday, April 19, 6:00-8:00PM Bunkers University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr. Funeral Services Saturday, April 20, 10:00AM Mesa South Stake, 2334 East Pueblo (corner of 24th St. & Pueblo). Pre-visitation 9:00 AM.

Our mother and friend, Clemencia Pivaral Golithon of Mesa, peacefully left this world on

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the age of 92. She was born on August 4, 1920 in

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer

Eugene Golithon. She leaves her children, Rodrigo (Barbara) Alconero, Linda (Delwin)

Stapley, and Silvia Golithon, 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren her love. Her

farewell service will be Saturday April 20, 2013 at 11 AM, preceded by a viewing

at 10 AM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona,

85201.

Ottis Ray Pope, born February 8, 1937 in Silver City, NM to John G. Pope and Florence Howell, was called home Friday April 12, 2013 in Mesa, AZ. He is survived by Gloria, his wife of 38 years, 9 children, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. An aircraft machinist for 35 years, he enjoyed reading, writing, photography, painting, gardening and freecell. Visitation will be Wed. April 17 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Thurs. April 18 at 11 AM with the family visitation from 10-10:40 at the L.D.S. Church, 422 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203. Interment will be in the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Lawrence Hiatt Packard, 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away April 16, 2013 after a very brief and brutal battle with metastatic melanoma. He was born July 7, 1923 in Nampa, Idaho to Owen Earl and Clara May Hiatt Packard. Larry grew up in a loving home under conditions of depression-era hardship. After high school, he entered the Army Air Corps during WWII, serving as a gunner on many missions over Italy and Austria. Later he served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to his beloved Polynesian people in Tahiti. His life-long love of everything Tahitian suffused his heart, home and family life. After his mission, Larry joined his family who had moved to Mesa, Arizona where he met and married the fun-loving and compassionate Martha Kerby in 1950. They raised a busy and happy household of seven children while Larry received his education at ASU and taught history and government for 31 years, mainly at Mesa High School. Larry also received his general contractor’s license and founded Empire Construction, building many homes in the City of Mesa. After retirement in 1983, Larry and Martha served two additional missions in Tahiti. He also became a master woodworker, following in his father’s footsteps, delighting his family with beautifully crafted gifts and treasures. He dearly loved his many years of service as a sealer in the Tahiti and Mesa Temples. Larry is survived by his devoted and loving second wife and high school sweetheart, LaRue Yorgason McKnight Packard, who returned him to great happiness after Martha’s death in 2009, his children Robert (Christine), Stephen, Marla (Gary) Blum, Judy (Roger) Ethington, Sheila (John) Whitney, Penni (Arn) Stonebrink, and Cindy (Vern) Brown, 36 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, stepchildren Terry (deceased) and Debra McKnight, Linda (Doug) Henry, Randy McKnight, and Bart (Alane) McKnight and their families, as well as loving nephews and nieces, in-laws and other relatives and friends. He is further survived by his sisters, Elaine Packard Cox and Lowene Packard Saxton. He is preceded in death by his dear wife of 59 years, Martha, one grandson, and his siblings, Arthur and Jeanne Packard Nielsen. Services will be held at the LDS Solomon Ward Building on Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m. with visitation on Friday, April 19 from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday. Sincere thanks to Drs. Hugo Fazz, Ramsey Umar, Grace Hospice, Celeste Luna and Bonnie Morgan. In lieu of flowers, donations to the LDS General Missionary or Perpetual Education Fund are suggested. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Marian Louise Mulkins, 85, was born February 15, 1928 in Mesa, Arizona, to LaPrele Maeser Bond and George Alma Bond. She was the eldest of their five children, and sister to Karl, Kenneth, Paul, and Joyce Bond. She was a faithful servant and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and respected first grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Mesa. On April 11, 2013, she passed peacefully and was surrounded by her three sons; William, Thomas, and Steven. Her legacy includes being a loving grandmother to six and great-grandmother to three. As our matriarch, she set the example for kindness and strength. She was our beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and loyal friend. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm Friday April 19, at Gilbert Arizona Val Vista Stake Center, 1005 N. Voyager Drive, in Gilbert. Funeral Services will be at 3pm Saturday, April 20, at Gilbert Arizona Val Vista Stake Center. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Faith Marts Evans, a long-time resident of the Phoenix – and Mesa, Arizona area, went home to be with our Lord on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at the age of 84 years. She lived with Parkinson’s Disease and its complications. Greeting her were her parents, William Raleigh Marts and Reba Ann Donaldson, her brothers Douglas J. Marts, and Colonel Jay F. Marts, as well as her husband of 52 years, Robert Edgar Evans. Born September 7, 1928 in Salem, New Jersey, Faith was loved by everyone with whom she crossed paths. She was spirited, inspirational, and intelligent, graduating 2nd highest in her High School graduating class of 1947, as well as scoring second highest on the DuPont entrance exam. Her dedication and personal sacrifice to her family was of utmost importance to her and she taught us to not judge others and to show mercy. Faith’s beauty and creativity earned her the first runner-up in the Mrs. Littleton Homemaker contest in Colorado, but her beauty and talent was more than skin deep. She was a beautiful soul and it shined through to everyone she met. Her sister, Hope E Marts in Delaware is her only remaining sibling. To continue her legacy are her sons Douglas R. Evans, Eric B. Evans, Todd W. Evans and her daughter, Tamra E. Wittman and “son-of-love,

Glenda Maude Stradling Lloyd, born May 29, 1921, passed away on April 11, 2013 in Mesa. A native of Arizona, she was born in St. Johns, the daughter of Joseph O. and Harriet J. Stradling. She married Dr. David O. Lloyd, a veteran of WW II, on September 18, 1946. They are the parents of seven children: John Arthur, Dennis, Linden, Janet Lisonbee, Bonnie Roberts, and Julie, deceased. They have 38 grandchildren and 79 great grandchildren.

Glenda resided in Arizona much of her life. She attended Mesa Public Schools and Brigham Young University. Always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as an auxiliary teacher, librarian; and missionary for the church in Independence, Missouri. Later, with her husband, she served as a tour guide in the Missouri, Independence Visitors Center.

She supported David in his many civic responsibilities during his professional years, and was the mother, homemaker, and family gardener as they reared their children. Upon his retirement, as Assistant Superinten-dent of Mesa Public Schools, she accompanied him in his quest to see the world. Throughout her life, she maintained a keen interest in current events because of having seen most of the countries mentioned in the news coverage. Glenda’s political views were frequently sought by others because she conscientiously evaluated candidates and issues according to Constitutional principles of government.

There will be a visitation Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 10 AM at the LDS Stewart Ward, 613 N. Stewart, Mesa, AZ, with a visitation at 9 AM. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery.

Beloved mother and grandmother, Karen Hathcock Tyler passed away Thursday, April 11, 2013 surrounded by her family at her Mesa, Arizona home. Born July 23, 1943 in Mesa, Karen was the oldest daughter of David and Alberta Hathcock. A 3rd generation native, Karen graduated from Mesa High School in 1961. A lifelong member of the LDS Church, Karen served in many capacities, but her favorite was teaching in the Sunday School and Relief Society. An interior decorator, avid reader and writer, Karen’s chief career was her family. Karen devoted her life to raising her children, spoiling her grandchildren and mothering many others who weren’t her own. She was best known for her sense of humor, practical advice and love of beauty. Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Elton Ross Tyler. Karen is survived by her children, Allison Tyler Jones, Loren Ross Tyler, Ann Tyler Smith, Douglas Wm. Tyler, Caroline Tyler DeCesare and Laurel Tyler; 21 living grandchildren; her mother, Alberta Hathcock;

siblings, Jim Hathcock. Jane Garvin ,Bob Hathcock and Jean Smith. Viewing to be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way on Friday, April 19th from 6-8 pm. Funeral Services to be held at the LDS Church Building on Pueblo and Lindsay Rd. in Mesa, Saturday, April 20th at 10 am with visitation one hour prior. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of The Valley 6063 E. Arbor Ave. Mesa, AZ 85206 480-654-6737.

Lucille E. Dees Mate, 100, of Mesa, AZ, died April 11, 2013. Visitation is Monday, April 15, 2013 from 5-7 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Lucille was born in Minco OK, December 13, 1912. She married Jack B. Dees in 1930 and was married to him until his death in 1973. She was married to Rodney Mate from 1978 until his death in 2007. Mrs.Mate moved to AZ in 1936, living many years in Scottsdale, Cottonwood, and the east valley. She is survived by her two daughters, Betty Dees Bendure, Juanita Dees Svendsen and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, and many great & great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, William L. Dees. She slipped into peaceful slumber surrounded by her family. Our special thanks to Home Instead & Hospice of the Valley for their care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to East Valley Adult Resources (Mesa Senior Services).

Muriel Joan Wright, 82, of Gilbert, AZ passed away April 7, 2013. Visitation is Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services are Friday, April 12, 2013 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Lindsay Ward, 1150 N. Lindsay Rd., Gilbert, AZ.

Charles Edgar Buckhannon III was born on August 19, 1962 in Phoenix, Arizona. His parents are Chuck Buckhannon and Barbara Angle. Chuck graduated from Camelback High School in 1980. He served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Philippines. After attending Brigham Young University, he met his wife Robin Davis and they were married on June 13, 1986. Chuck worked for Morgan Stanley-Dean Witter as an investment broker for many years and ended his career at UBS. Chuck was an amazing father to five children, Brittany (Brady), Emily (Jackson), Shelley, Chase and Davis. He is survived by his brother Matt, his many brother and sisters-in-law, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Chuck was an incredible husband, son, father, uncle and friend to many people. All will miss him. He lived a life of service and was an example of Christ like love. There will be a viewing Thursday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Bunker Garden Chapel (33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 12 at the Citrus Heights Stake Center (2549 North 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ 85213).