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Donna Francom Packard, our sweet mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died September 2, 2012 in Gilbert, Arizona. She was one of six children (2 boys, 4 girls) born to Ernest Harding Francom and Prudence Hudson. She was born on the Francom Farm on the west mountain in Payson, Utah on January 14, 1920. Her mother died during the childbirth of the youngest sibling when Donna was just eight years of age.
Donna graduated from Payson High School in 1937. She worked on the farm alongside the other siblings and her father, who was well known for his generosity to the town folk after each watermelon season, opening up his fields for the ever-popular ‘Watermelon Busts’ for all to partake of and enjoy.
On December 7, 1938, Donna married Bliss R. Packard, and for several years they raised their young family on the Packard Farm in the Springville west fields before moving into Springville when Bliss became Postmaster in Springville. After retirement they were called to England as Directors of the London Temple Visitors Center from 1979-1981.
Donna cherishes her Springville experiences throughout the years – with neighbors, fulfilling church callings, enjoying study groups, and relationships involving the Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
When Bliss and Donna returned from England, they decided to spend their winters in Mesa, Arizona to be near most of their children and grandchildren – and to enjoy the warmer climate.
Donna and Bliss loved the experiences and new friendships made during the nine years they served as volunteers two days a week in the Mesa Lutheran Hospital.
Donna and Bliss have six terrific children who have brought them great joy, love and happiness:
Diane (Roy; deceased 2004) P. Edwards (Phoenix, AZ)
Dennis (Ruth Tippetts) Packard (San Jose, CA)
Bruce (Jody Powell) Packard (Flagstaff, AZ)
Blair (Cindy Oakley) Packard (Gilbert, AZ)
Richard (Jenny Guthrie) Packard (San Tan Valley, AZ)
Kent (Janet Benson) Packard (Lehi, UT)
Currently there are 38 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 10 AM at the LDS Gilbert 6th Ward Chapel, 2700 East Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert, AZ (visitation at 9 AM).
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all who have had interactions over the years – having positive influence on their sweet parents – stalwarts from another era.
Condolences may be sent to www.bunkercares.com. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to your favorite charity.

Barbara Ruth Reynolds Kinsky, 91, passed away peacefully in her home in Apache Junction, AZ on Aug. 30, 2012. Barbara was born in Andersonville (Clear Creek), TN on June 4, 1921 to Louis Alcane Reynolds and Lelia Mae Jones. She was a hillbilly girl who had the heart of a lion but was gentle as a lamb. Growing up on a farm in the 20’s and 30’s during good and rough times taught her to be strong and self dependent but also show kindness to others in need. Barbara and her second husband bought a little house in the desert in Apache Junction AZ in 1946 and raised her 3 sons while her husband, Albert, was a school teacher who taught school at Superior for a short time and later at Carl Hayden High school. Barbara and her husband were active members of the St. Georges Catholic Church in AJ and enjoyed their summers in their little cabin in Greens peak Hide-a-Way in northern Arizona. She is preceded in death by her 1st husband, Joseph Traxler, 2nd husband, Albert S. Kinsky who passed away on Aug. 9, 2001, 1st born son, David L. Traxler, who passed away on Sept. 2, 2009, older brother, William Carl Reynolds who passed away on Apr. 7, 2010 in Prescott Valley AZ and half brothers and sisters, Bessie, Lillie H. Reynolds, Conda Lee Reynolds and Ulis E. Reynolds.
Survivors include her other two sons, Fred A. Kinsky and Eric F. Kinsky of Apache Junction AZ, two grandchildren, Christopher R. Kinsky and wife Sarah of Show Low AZ, Sara A. Kinsky of San Diego CA, brother, Louie C. Reynolds and wife Bea of Show Low, AZ and little sister, Ruby Mae Reynolds Csuy and husband Paul of Peoria AZ.
Mom, your body and mind may have succumbed to the wear of time, but your goodness, love and kindness of others and your spirit will live on in the hearts of your sons and the ones you touched until the end of time. Goodbye and we will miss you dearly!

Daniel Wesley Brock III passed away suddenly August 29, 2012 in Mesa, AZ. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, to Daniel Wesley and Thella Wilson Brock, May 2, 1946. He was raised and educated in Los Angeles along with his four brothers and two sisters. He was the “big

Thomas Seth Merrill, 87, peacefully passed away August 28, 2012 surrounded by his precious family. He was a valiant servant to his family, God & country. He was loved and will be missed by his eternal sweetheart Margaret Ruth Daley, children Tom Merrill (Jeralyn), Jeanne Meldrum (Bob), Gregg Merrill (DeeDee) & Julie Stapley ( Brent), 12 grandchildren & 5 great-grandchildren who adored their forever Popsie. Services will be Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at the LDS Chapel on 1150 W. Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233, viewing from 9-10:30am, followed by the service at 11:00. Interment Wed., Sept. 5, 2012 at 11:00am at the Thatcher, AZ Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Brimley, Parker Clyde, passed away in Seattle, Washington on August 23, 2012, due to complications of Trisomy 18. He was born August 21, 2012, to Lucas and Annie Brimley. In his short time on earth, he touched the lives of his great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He passed away peacefully in the arms of his mother and father. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the LDS Church located at 920 S. Lindsay Rd. in Mesa. Funeral services will be on Saturday, September 1, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Burial will be at the Mesa City Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Gwen Elaine Siedler, age 38, of Tempe, Arizona, passed away August 21, 2012. She was born and raised in Arizona. Gwen, a CPA, was employed by Cleveland Estes Avellone, PLLC. She treasured and was treasured by her work family. She was a “foodie

Gerry McClelland, eighth and youngest child of Noble and Jaunita McClelland, passed away August 21, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Gerry’s education started at Irving Elementary and Carson Jr. High. He graduated from Westwood High in 1979. He was an A star, as he would say. We all knew he was good. He played football and basketball during his years at Westwood High. He loved those Cowboys! Gerry worked three years for Standard Brand Paint Company, in Mesa and four years in Phoenix. Gerry retired in 1993. He also worked part-time with his uncle Bill. Preceding him in death are, his father Noble and his mother Jaunita McClelland. He leaves to cherish his memory six brothers and one sister. Charles Zell (Callie) of Phoenix, AZ, Jessie James of Mesa, AZ, Jim (Joan) of Phoenix, AZ, John L. of Mesa, AZ, Princess Ann Thomas of Tempe, AZ. He also leaves numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly. Visitation will be Thursday, August 30, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Friday, August 31, 2012 at 11 AM at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 56 South Robson in Mesa, followed by interment in the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Mary “Geneal” Smith Goodman, 91, died peacefully at home Aug 23, 2012. She was preceded in death by her 1st husband Paul Lincoln Goodman, daughter Mary Fern, as well as her 2nd husband G. Melvin Johnson. Survivors included Roland and Judy Goodman of Green Valley, Michael and Claudia Goodman of St Johns, Lincoln and Lorry Goodman of Gilbert, Gale and Teresa Goodman of Apache Junction, Robin and Don Cluff of Pima, Cindy and Bill Clites of Queen Creek, Kelly and Cheryl Goodman of Gilbert, and over 150 loving grandchildren and great grandchildren and her sister Barbara Pedersen from Bakersfield, CA. Geneal was born in Virden NM in 1921. Her life’s passion consisted of building a wonderful loving family. She served 2 missions for the LDS church and traveled extensively. She will be dearly missed. Viewing will be held from 6-8 pm Monday Aug 27 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral Services will be held Tues. Aug 28 at the Chandler East Stake Center, 21320 S Greenfield, Gilbert, AZ at 10 am. A Graveside service will be held in Taylor at 5pm at the Reed Hatch Memorial cemetery where Geneal will be placed beside her husband Paul.

Carl DeWayne Standing Elk, 59, passed away August 13, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Wake services will be Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 6 PM at Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85256. Graveside services are Friday, August 24, 2012 at 7 AM at the Lehi Cemetery, 926 East Thomas Road, Mesa, AZ 85203. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Perry Chiago passed away peacefully on August 14, 2012. He is survived by his brother Michael, two sons Ralph and Brian, grandsons Andy, Junior and Nathaniel and granddaughters Samantha and Alyssia. Perry will be remembered as a hard worker and a very generous, caring and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Perry will be missed greatly by all who knew him and we wish him well on his journey. Mass and wake services will be Monday, August 20, 2012, beginning at 6 PM at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Big Field, Arizona. Interment will be Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 6 AM at Big Field Cemetery.

On Friday, August 10, 2012 Margaret passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, AZ, surrounded by her family. She was born in Pocatello, ID on March 26, 1925 to Dr. Robert H. and Lucy Melvina Sutton. Margaret was active all her life in giving service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her family was her greatest joy. She never missed an opportunity to say, “Remember what your name is.

Danny Valencia, 50, 08/08/2012, Scottsdale, AZ. He is survived by his soul mate Irene Carrizosa, 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Visitation will be held from 6-10pm, Monday, August 13, 2012 at Memorial Hall 9849 E. Earll Dr, Scottsdale AZ 85256. Funeral with a burial following will take place at 8AM, Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at Memorial Hall. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Ellen Catherine Binder, 88 passed away peacefully on August 9, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to John and Bessie Beals in Ottawa County, Kansas in 1924. Ellen led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends, and many activities such as painting, sewing for her family, her church and ballroom dancing. In 1944, she married her neighbor boy, Leslie J. Binder and they were lucky to have celebrated over 50 years together working their farms in Iowa and raising their three daughters; Mary C. Peterson (Gary), of Trenton, MO.; Patricia E. Sunde (Jim) of Cherokee, Iowa; and Joni L. Hodapp (Roger) of Osage Beach, MO. Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie, a granddaughter, Sarah Peterson, a son-in-law, Gary Peterson, her parents John and Bessie Beals, her brother Wayne Beals (Alluwee)and all three sisters, Wilma Trott (David), Dorothy Gray (Roland), and Doris Holman (Ted) and all of their respective spouses.
Ellen loved her three daughters and her six grandchildren; Julile Klages (Jim), David Peterson (Stacey), Cory Hodapp (Sarah), Garrett Peterson, Katy Travis (Brooks), and Jillian Brown (Chad) and her twelve great-grandchildren: Katie and Braley Peterson, James and Jeric Klages, Sailor Van Loo, Rocco and Vince Hodapp, and Teague and Brett Travis, and Calvin, Amelia and Hayden Brown. Memorial Services are pending at the Warner Funeral Home in Spencer, Iowa.

Dona Belle Ortlund, 93, died on Saturday, August 4, 2012 in hospice care in Mesa, AZ. She was born May 6, 1919 in Sioux City, IA, the daughter of Harry E. and Nellie A. Shoberg. She grew up in Sioux City and, on April 21, 1942, married her life-long mate, Robert B. (Bob) Ortlund of Des Moines, IA. Eventually, the Ortlunds moved to Arizona where they raised two children, gave generously of their time to church and youth activities and enjoyed the beauty of the Southwest. Dona Belle was a gifted pianist and organist and particularly enjoyed accompanying the church choir, which Bob conducted. They were a team in every sense of the word. Dona Belle retired in 1983 after over 25 years of service with the Mesa School District as executive secretary to at least two high school principals. Dona Belle is survived by her husband Bob, her son Robert A. Ortlund of Payson, her daughter, Charlotte Wells of Kingman, three grandchildren (Sarah, David and Breanna) and two great-grandchildren (Faith and Zion). Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Garland Ellsworth “BUCK” Wallace, passed away Aug. 8, 2012 in Mesa, AZ. He was born Feb. 8, 1913, in Liberty, MO to Carrie June Allen and Byron Procter Wallace. Buck moved to Arizona as a young man. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 yrs, Juanita L. Morehead Wallace. He is survived by his children, Archie Lobb (Carolyn, deceased) and Wanda Thompson (Charles), grandchildren, David Lobb, Sheryl (Curt) Stradling, Richard (Kristi) Carpenter, Russell (Kristyn) Shumway, Steve (Shannon) Thompson; great-grandchildren Austin, Jenna (Josh) Wood, Trey, Chad, Seth, Race, Zane, Preston, Parker, Porter, Charlize, Adelaide Rose, and great-great-grandson Freddie Wood. He is also survived by his dear friend, Barbara Lamburtes. Mr. Wallace served in the Navy during WWII. His varied career included construction, AZ Highway Patrolman, and 20 years as a State Ranger with the AZ Game and Fish Department. Buck loved working in the beautiful mountains and lakes of AZ with his horse, Pard. A 60 yr member of the Masonic Temple, he was a well-liked and generous man, recognized by his western hat, cowboy shirt w/pearl snaps, wranglers, leather belt ‘BUCK’, and cowboy boots. Buck always had a smile and a story. He is cherished by his family, friends and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial gifts to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, 3405 N. Higley Rd., Mesa, AZ 85215. Funeral services are Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.

Gary Duane Brewer, 69
Of Mesa, Arizona
Died August 6, 2012
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, from 6:00-8:00pm, at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213.
Funeral Services Saturday, Aug. 11, 9:00a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
Dana Ranch Ward, 1266 S. 32nd St., Mesa, with visitation one hour prior to service. Army Veteran
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