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Stephanie Lamb Thompson, died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at her residence. Stephanie was 40 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden death.

Born on October 19, 1982, in Sacramento California, Stephanie’s feisty personality entertained her parents and siblings every day. As a young child, she and her family left California and moved to Arizona. She attended high school in Peoria. She met the love of her life while attending church in North Phoenix in 2006 and was married in 2007 to Matthew Thompson in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple.

Stephanie’s fiery personality served her well as she worked for Wells Fargo as a collection’s agent. She quickly became the number one agent, being described as a “lion” on the phone. In her spare time, Stephanie learned many skills while renovating her home with her husband. From laying flooring, to installing her kitchen backsplash, Stephanie would set her mind to something and get it done. Stephanie was a beautiful piano player. She loved to dance, and even spent time as a child in gymnastics and as a cheerleader in high school.

Despite being a “firecracker”, Stephanie grew up to become one of the most compassionate and caring people that most would ever have the pleasure of meeting. Devoted to her children, Stephanie spent every moment of every day striving to be the best mother. She awoke daily with new resolve to gift her children with a truly magical childhood.

Stephanie was caring to her core. Her deep loyalty to those she loved and her kind natured heart became an example to everyone around her. She had a deep well of compassion and empathy to draw from, which she offered freely to others. It is evident that her time on this earth was to be a powerful example to others of what Christlike love truly looks like. For those who were lucky enough to break through her barriers, Stephanie adopted as family, and loved fiercely and profoundly. Stephanie’s love of God grew tremendously in her adult years, and she often loved to spend time in nature. This is where she felt closest to her Heavenly Father.

Stephanie is survived by her loving husband Matthew Thompson; her four children, Payton, Kaitlyn, Avery, and Gwen; parents Randy and Sharon Lamb; her siblings, Kendra (Darrell) Brimhall, Brett (Hailie) Lamb, Nick (Courtney) Lamb, and Brandon; Grandmother Rama Ford, as well as aunts and uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Stephanie’s light is still here. It can be seen in the eyes of her daughters; her spirit can be felt in the air and in the sunshine; and those who love her have witnessed many miracles from Heaven, as she reaches out and pulls strings from the other side of the veil. Knowing we have an angel guiding us from the other side, it is a comfort to know that we will never walk alone as we forge through this mortal life. Stephanie had the most beautiful smile and the most contagious laugh. We can still hear her laugh hang in the air, and we long for the day when we can hear it again. Until that time, we choose to live our lives filled with acts of Christlike service, as Stephanie did.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 10:30 am at the LDS Church Building at: 1005 N Voyager Dr, Gilbert AZ 85234. A viewing will held be at 9:30 am prior to the service. You may also stream the service if you cannot attend in person. 2023-02-25 Memorial Service for Stephanie Thompson https://youtube.com/live/O6CVnAfqDMw?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to our Go Fund Me fundraiser for Matthew Thompson. We hope to raise enough funds so that Matt can spend as much time as possible over the coming months with his daughters as they navigate this next phase of life. Please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/k7anm-in-memory-of-stephanie-thompson

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.

Donald Thomas Spaniak, 77, was born March 22, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois. He lived the last 3 1/2 years in Arizona where he passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023. Donald was the beloved husband of the late Deborah (nee Goven), whom he married on May 17, 1969.  Loving father of Laura (David) Schroer, Donald L. (Jennifer) Spaniak, and David (Hannah) Spaniak. Cherished grandfather of Elizabeth and Matthew Schroer and Nathanael Spaniak. Dear brother of the late George (the late Barbara), Laurie (Darryl) Drake, the late Nicholas (Virginia), and Mary Bell(the late Lyle Schmidt). Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine. He was extremely proud of his long career with Chrysler Financial. No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future when a service in Illinois is scheduled. Interment will take place at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois at that time.

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.

Brandon Joseph Busby, 36, of Mesa, Arizona has returned home to his Heavenly Father on February 12, 2023.

Brandon was born on June 6th, 1986 in Mesa, Arizona to Robert and Alma Busby. He was the third of five children and the father to three sons. Brandon was a talented steel building craftsman and began working in the industry as a teenager with his father and grandfather. His love for building began as a young child. He loved to create structures and did so with great passion and perfection. At the young age of 23, he earned his Arizona contractor’s license. He also obtained his Wildland Firefighter certification and loved to go on assignments in the beautiful deserts and forests of Arizona. He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the comfort that its teachings and promises brought to his life. Brandon loved most his three sons Tristan, Ashdon and Landen. He enjoyed sharing his love for building with them and often took his boys along with him on projects, teaching and sharing his craft with them.

Brandon loved his family and is survived by his children Tristan, Ashdon and Landen Busby; parents Robert and Alma Busby; siblings Regina Rodriguez (Luis), Blaine Busby, Beau Busby and Alexa Johnson (Jaren); and his eight nieces and nephews. His family loves and misses him immensely and looks forward to being together again.

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.

Gina McCann (Merath), born August 19, 1976 passed away peacefully in her home February 3, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to Debra and John Merath. She is survived by her parents Debra and John, her brother Jesse, her children Bryce, Ashley and Leland, her husband Kevin, and her two grandchildren Ember and Avery. Gina will be remembered for the love she had for her family, her great sense of humor and her giving nature. Gina was always eager to lend anyone a helping hand and she will be sorely missed. Funeral services were held on February 9, 2023.

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.

Lilles M. Zobel, 94, passed away peacefully at home with her five children at her side on February 7, 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was born to Lester and Lillian Jager in Joliet, Illinois in 1928. Lilles led an exciting active life, always surrounded by her family. With her husband, her parents, aunts, sisters, children, grandchildren, and cousins, her life was inspired, living happily one gathering and celebration to the next throughout her journey. Lilles was a model, dance instructor, and business owner. She loved music and dancing was a passion her entire life. Her sense of humor and love of life was infectious. Her grace and beauty both inside and out were breathtaking.

In 1949, in Joliet, Lilles married George Zobel, a former Marine six years her senior. They were blessed to share just shy of 60 years together. They happily raised six children, Deborah E. Craig (John) of New Lenox, Illinois; Thomas L. Zobel (Cindy) of Joliet, Illinois; Timothy S. Zobel (Laura) of Apache Junction, Arizona; William E. Zobel of Phoenix, Arizona; Guy S. Zobel (Tami) of Phoenix, Arizona; and Michelle K. Zobel of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Lilles was proceeded in death by her husband George, her newborn son Georgie, her son William, her sister Doris, and her parents Lillian and Lester.

Lilles lived for, cherished and loved her six children and eighteen grandchildren: John, Carrie, Samantha, Kristen, Tim Jr., Tom Jr., Sarah, Amy, Gabriel, Chelsea, Mickey, Lily, Grace, Guy Jr., Mary, Jaclyn, Danielle, and Georgia, along with twenty-one great grandchildren.

The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5025 E Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 at 10:45 am. Service to follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona; 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024 at 2:30 pm.

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.

Marjorie Ann Steele, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, and friend passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, the 3rd of February 2023, at 83 years old.

Marjorie was born on June 26, 1939, in Bountiful, Utah, to Cecil and Lola Bonham. She was the second child of six—two of whom died when they were in their childhood (Betty and Carl). Surviving to adulthood were her older sister, Gale Flake, and her two younger brothers, Bill and Lee Bonham. Her older sister, Gale, was her best friend throughout her life, until Gale’s death several years ago.

In her early years, Marjorie lived mostly in Arizona—with some time spent in Utah. She fondly remembered road-trip vacations with her family—especially the one where she road with her siblings all across the western United States in the back of her parent’s pick-up truck! In her early twenties, she served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central America Mission. While serving there she learned Spanish well, met life-long friends, and found her love of missionary work. It was this love of missionary work for the gospel of Jesus Christ that drove her to go far outside her comfort zone and meet all her neighbors wherever she lived.

After her mission in Central America, she fell in love with and married Ike Lynn Steele, who also served a mission in Central America and knew Spanish fluently. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on August 21, 1965. 

Marjorie and Lynn had five children—David, Michael, Gary, Thomas and Elena. They hosted a foreign exchange student from Japan for many years—Keisuke Katsuyama. They loved him so much, he became part of the family, and she claimed him as her son. They raised their children mostly in the Phoenix Metro Valley with some time spent in Missouri.

Early on in their marriage, Marjorie received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and became a teacher. She was an excellent elementary school teacher, and had many students later in her life express gratitude to her for sharing her love and talent of teaching with them. She retired from teaching and settled with her husband in north Gilbert at Val Vista Lakes, where she lived for nearly 30 years.

She selflessly took care of her father, mother, and husband until all three of them passed to the other side. She loved serving her family and others, and spent many hours visiting and serving her neighbors while living at Val Vista Lakes.

One of the things she was best known for among her family members was how wonderful she was as a grandma! She had amazing “Grandma Parties” with all her grandchildren on a regular basis. On each grandchild’s birthday she would celebrate with them and show them how special they were to her. As they got older, she sent birthday cards with a little bit of money and her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ written inside. Over the last several years, as she got older, she made a point to call every beloved child and grandchild on their “day”—every month—just to stay connected to each person. Her entire family will miss those monthly calls.

Marjorie will be remembered for her countless acts of service, her strong conviction of the gospel of Jesus Christ, her ability to forgive, her constant loyalty to friends and family, her amazing organizational talent and her unending love for family, friends, and neighbors. She had a quirky fun side that some people seldom saw—hence her latest favorite picture of herself (compliments of Snapchat) that we have displayed above. She had a great love for BYU sports, which she faithfully watched with her good friend, Carol Jean Jones. She was a lovely woman inside and out and will be sorely missed.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents (Cecil and Lola Bonham), three of her siblings (Betty and Carl Bonham, and Gale Bonham Flake), her husband (Lynn Steele), and her son (Thomas Lamar Steele).

Marjorie is survived by 2 of her brothers (Bill and Lee Bonham), 5 of her children (David Steele, Keisuke Katsuyama, Michael Steele, Gary Steele, and Elena Steele Yeager), 25 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

She was unafraid of dying, and even excited to be reunited with her loved ones who passed on before her. Her greatest excitement was to be reunited with her husband again. She passed away happy and peaceful in her sleep, with her daughter by her side. Her viewing, services, and interment will be held as listed above.

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.

Esther Lynn Johnson, born May 9th 1942, Cherokee Iowa , to Donna Marie Carnes and William Casper.

Died December 21, 2022 at her home in Phoenix, Arizona which was her wish.

Esther was creative, artistic, intelligent, and witty. She was a lover of fine art and collected many beautiful pieces through the years.

She was a well-known and respected antique dealer and appraiser for 46 years.

She was the mother of six children: Kenn Freestone, Susan Freestone, Karen (Hamilton), Steven Freestone (deceased),  Kristen (Foland), and Scott Freestone.

16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

She is survived by her brother Jack Johnson.

Services will be private

Stephen LeRoy Peel, 65, of Mesa, peacefully passed away on January 23rd, 2023.

Steve was born in American Fork, Utah, on October 28th, 1957, the second child of LeRoy and LaRae Peel. At five years old, he was one of the first to receive open-heart surgery and was active for the rest of his life. He graduated from Westwood High in 1976, and went on to study geology at Brigham Young University, and forestry at Oregon State and the University of Montana, where he earned his master’s degree while developing the school’s long-distance learning program. He was proud to be a Wilderness guard, which included taking pictures of the parks for documentation and preserving the wilderness by teaching proper etiquette and packing out trash left behind. He spread his love of the outdoors to everyone around him, especially his children. He loved the mountains of Montana but returned home to Arizona at the end of 2003 to be closer to family. Steve loved to make care packages for faraway family members; he shared his love through his generosity, not only with gifts but with his time. He knew a lot about a lot and loved to teach. With Steve, it wasn’t unusual for a one-hour hike to last four hours, or for everybody with him to return with pockets full of rocks.

He served the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faithfully for many years, including a mission to Uruguay, and made lasting friends through his service.

Steve is survived by his three children, Lex Peel, Kati Keel (Bryce), and Niki Stark (Bailey), six grandchildren, one brother, and three sisters, as well as beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, LaRae Peel, and his father, LeRoy.

Family and friends are invited to funeral services, which will be held February 11, 2023. 2265 S. Hawes Rd. Mesa, Arizona at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Park Foundation, as he spent much of his time in various national parks and was a firm believer in making nature accessible to everyone.

Heaven truly rejoiced, as a Beloved Daughter was called home. For indeed, she brought joy wherever she went.  Shirley Lynn Sykes Knight, 79, passed quietly and peacefully into the loving arms of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, February 3, 2023.  Her favorite Hymn was, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”, and that is truly the example by which she lived. She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and her countenance always reflected her great testimony and love of our Savior and His Restored Gospel. Shirley showed her faith in everything she did as she taught each of us to love unconditionally, to forgive freely and that service is the true measure of our love of God.  Family was everything to Shirley and she loved to entertain and literally feed the world.  Her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered at her knee to be showered with love and wonderful food and laughter and memories. Her brother and sisters were her best friends, and every single niece and nephew called her Nana because she was so much more to them than just an aunt. Her influence for good was felt throughout her life as she faithfully served in every organization of The Church.  Many lives were touched for good as she served in her favorite calling as an ordinance worker in the Lord’s Holy Temple.  She was an extraordinary cook and was always the first to sign up to bring a meal to a sick friend or just someone in need. Shirley was a magnet and others were automatically attracted to her. She had lifelong friends with whom she always kept in touch, and she loved them dearly. In the days before her passing, each and every  family member and friend who lives in Arizona came and knelt by her bed and whispered to her of their love and enduring respect for her.  Many others who reside out of state, facetimed in order to see her beautiful face just once more and convey their love.  We absolutely weep for our loss, but we rejoice for our Shirley and the wonderful reunions on the other side of the veil, for we know that Families are Forever! Shirley will be our mother, grandmother, sister, nana, aunt and friend for all Eternity!

Shirley Lynn Sykes was born on May 13, 1943, in Kirksville, Missouri.  She was the third child born to Francis (Happy) Sykes and Margaret Strait Sykes joining her big brother Don and big sister Kay.  Three years later the family found their true home when they moved to Mesa, Arizona. The family was complete when Shirley became an adoring older sister to Fleta and Francine.  She was a darling little girl who was always a peacemaker and made friends so very easily.  She was an amazing dancer and cheered on the Pom line at Mesa High School.  She married her high school sweetheart, Gail Knight and they had three beautiful children, Christopher Gail Knight (Sue), Lori Lynn Hyland (Craig) and Tauna Kay Osborne (Preston).  There was never a better mother than our Shirley for she truly adored those three little blessings.  Her life was spent working, supporting and loving her babies, for even though they are grown, they will always be her babies!

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Don, and her sister, Kay.  She leaves behind 3 children and spouses, 2 sisters, 15 grandchildren (including spouses) and 23 great-grandchildren, 28 nieces/nephew (including spouses) and 58 great and great-great nieces/nephews and many cousins.

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.

Our beloved husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend, Rex Leroy Zimmerman, peacefully left this earthly life on Monday, February 6, 2023 at his home in Gilbert, Arizona.

Rex was the oldest son of Henry Leroy Zimmerman and Dena Mary Otis. He was born February 16, 1941 in San Jose, California. He was a fun loving and kind hearted child who loved music, sports, nature and people from an early age. His love of sports and music led him to San Jose State University where he would meet his eternal companion, Charlene Ann Dilley. They were married on June 14, 1963 in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Life Science and taught high school biology, coached football and baseball. When they moved to Arizona in 1969, he became a financial planner and tax consultant. He was a wonderful husband to his wife of 59 years. He was the best father to his six children, an amazing father-in-law, grandpa and great grandpa. He literally loved everybody. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel like they were the most important person. As soon as Rex met you, he loved you. His big heart and loving ways brought joy to so many throughout his 81 years. He fulfilled his church responsibilities one hundred percent, and if you were lucky enough to be home taught by him, you learned what it truly meant to be a minister. He is survived by his wife Charlene, and his six children, Lisa (Mitchell) Wilson, Brian (Jennifer) Zimmerman, Amy (Shawn) Peterson, Julie (Steve) Shepherd, David (Shelly) Zimmerman, and Eric (Michelle) Zimmerman. He has 36 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, with 3 more on the way. Rex is also survived by his brothers Ron (Linda) Zimmerman and Don (Susan) Zimmerman, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Dena Zimmerman, and great-grandson Logan Barry. “On To The Celestial Kingdom Together!” We love you Dad! Services will be Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Higley Stake Center, 1865 S. Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85295 at 11:00am. There will be a visitation starting at 9:00am. He will be laid to rest at Gilbert Memorial Gardens. There is also a YouTube link to view the services. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2N257T1Y5AuOWVYYs5GJyQ

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.

For those who would like to attend the service virtually:  https://zoom.us/j/92205369120?pwd=QjlCNVNvWUxqVFdDSm9UVzdZcjJPZz09

Donn Seymour Bowman, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, Scoutmaster, builder, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 2 February 2023, just a week short of his 99th birthday.

Donn was born on 9 February 1924 in Colonia Dublán, one of the Mormon Colonies of Mexico, to Claudious and Jennie Bowman. He was the sixth of their nine children, seven sons and two daughters.

Donn was full of life and fun. He appreciated and loved all his teachers, even though he caused them some grief because he also loved mischief. He, along with his brother Keith, Dan Taylor, and Moroni Abegg, formed a club they called “The Winged Four”. They built and test-piloted model airplanes, using the clubhouse they constructed as a study hall and laboratory for that hobby and many other adventures. They also formed bonds of friendship that lasted for over eighty years.

Donn gave the valedictory address at his eighth-grade graduation and then attended high school at Juarez Stake Academy in Colonia Juarez. He enjoyed the twice daily bus ride from Dublán, singing, laughing, and studying with his friends. He was elected editor of the school newspaper his senior year. His first official date with his future wife, Maurine Lunt, was to their graduation dance in May 1942; he described her as “the most beautiful, vivacious girl in school”.

Donn financed his first two years at Brigham Young University by cutting weeds around campus and working as a night watchman. He was then called as a missionary in the Mexican Mission from 1943 to 1946. Maurine served in the same mission until the summer of 1945. As Donn put it, “The mission rules weren’t broken, just strained a little” while they served in the same area for several months. Later Donn became editor of the mission magazine and other publications. It was at his suggestion that President Arwell Pierce asked President David O. McKay for permission to use the name “Liahona” for the mission magazine. This change became effective with the January 1945 issue. The Liahona was eventually published throughout South America and is now the name of the Church’s worldwide magazine.

When Donn returned to Dublán after his mission, he found Maurine engaged to someone else; but, with encouragement from his father, he won her heart and they married in the Mesa Temple on 26 April 1946. After a summer working at Jacob Lake, they returned to BYU and struggled together as he continued his education. Maurine worked as a waitress and took in boarders, while Donn taught Spanish classes at BYU, worked swing shift at a cast iron pipe company, and sold a one-volume encyclopedia. They had two children before he graduated from BYU in May 1949, majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Zoology.

Having taken pre-med classes, Donn applied to the University of Utah School of Medicine and was accepted as an alternate. With help from family members, he bought a house on First Avenue in Salt Lake City in the same ward as President David O. McKay. They had two more children during their years there. To pay off their loans as well as meet the expenses of a growing family, Donn worked as a laborer in construction, sold and installed tile and formica, and held a job as a chemist.

When Donn’s father was called as President of the Mexican Mission in 1953, he asked Donn and Maurine to sell their home in Utah and move with their four young children to Dublán to live in the family home while he was gone. Donn took over the operation of the flour mill, which had been rebuilt after a fire in 1951. When his father was killed in a car accident in 1958 while traveling on mission business, the move became permanent – but the job wasn’t.

The mill had been sold in 1957, and Donn had turned to construction to make his livelihood. He built up a business that included carpenter, structural iron, and machine shops and a building materials store. He trained men to do plumbing, electrical, and masonry work. He designed and built and/or remodeled most of the homes and swimming pools built in Nuevo Casas Grandes and the Colonies during the next 15 years. His work included partnerships with Church supervisors to build schools, a gymnasium, and new chapels. He planted an orchard out on the flat, which he later sold to his brother Claudius. He and his brother Keith developed a successful cattle ranch out near the lakes.

Tragedy struck when the Bowman pioneer home burned down in 1973, but Donn was always optimistic and positive about life. He and Maurine held a family council with his four youngest children, all born in Mexico and still living at home, and the decision was made to use the insurance money to first build a pool and tennis court and then build a new home.

In the fall of 1969, Donn began teaching at Academia Juarez. For the next 19 years he taught English, American History, and shop classes, including carpentry, auto mechanics, welding, printing, and mechanical drawing. To improve his teaching skills, he attended summer classes at BYU. He worked with the BYU technology department to transfer their outdated equipment to the JSA. Besides shop equipment, he helped acquire a multilith printer and a Veratype machine. He stopped teaching at the end of the 1988 school year.

Donn’s lifetime of service in the Church began soon after he moved to Dublán. He was called as a counselor in the Dublán Ward Bishopric from 1953 to 1956, and again in 1985. He served as a counselor in the Juarez Stake presidency from 1956 through 1968. He was a Gospel Doctrine teacher and Ward YMMIA President, and he and Maurine served as Branch Presidents in Hidalgo from 1978 to 1983.

In addition to these callings, Donn volunteered to be Scoutmaster in 1967 and spent 19 years serving in that capacity for countless young men. He then became stake scout director in 1986 and built up scout troops in every unit of the stake, as well as working with units in Nuevo Casas Grandes and Ciudad Juarez.

Donn and Maurine served a full-time mission together as directors of the Church Visitors Center in Montevideo, Uruguay, from 1989 to 1991. Donn also traveled around the country to encourage implementation of the scouting program there. After returning home, they moved to Mesa, AZ in 1992 to be closer to their children. They served as workers in the Mesa Temple, but loved to return “home” to the Colonies at every opportunity to visit family and friends.

Another trial began in 1995 when Maurine was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. Her death on 4 January 2002 was a painful loss after 55 years of constant companionship and love, tempered only by the knowledge that they would be together again.

Donn continued to serve in the temple, where he eventually met Nancy Iacoi, whom he married in the Mesa Temple on 19 April 2003. They were able to travel extensively together both before and after serving in the Cochabamba Bolivia Temple Mission from January 2004 to July 2005. Nancy passed away unexpectedly from the effects of a brain hemorrhage, on 25 April 2008 in Scottsdale, AZ.

One benefit of Donn’s call to serve in the Cochabamba Temple was that President Faust set him apart as a temple sealer. This gave him the opportunity later to perform sealings for over 20 of his grandchildren and other family members.

Lonely once again, Donn eventually began dating Dorothy Kalember, whom he married in Scottsdale, AZ on 2 January 2009. They took many trips together, but by August 2012 her battle with dementia was becoming increasingly obvious. Donn continued to care for her in their Scottsdale home until a fall sent him to the hospital for ten days in May 2019 and then to a rehabilitation center for physical therapy. Dorothy was placed in a respite
facility; she never was able to speak after his accident and passed away on 8 June 2019, before he could resume caring for her. Donn moved to the Citadel in July 2019, where he lived until the time of his passing.

Donn was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Claudius, Bob, Wesley, Keith, Maurice, and Tracy; his sisters Dorothy McClellan and Kathleen Criddle; his three wives, Maurine, Nancy, and Dorothy; his son-in-law Gerald Cardon, and three of his grandchildren, Brett and Rae Dawn Bowman and Donn Carlos Brown.

Donn is survived by his eight children: Marza Cardon; Greg (Kathy) Bowman; Renee (John) Hatch; Dan (Kellie) Bowman; Harold (Alicia) Bowman; Donn (Nancy) Bowman; Roxie (David) Brown; and Rhett (Colleen) Bowman; 42 of his 45 grandchildren; and 118 great grandchildren (with more on the way!). He will be missed by the extended Bowman and Lunt-Taylor families. Many will especially miss his birthday and Christmas cards,
packed with pictures and inspirational messages.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, 15 February 2023, at the Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ. On Thursday morning, 16 February 2023, a viewing will begin at 9 a.m. and services will begin at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 4640 E. Holmes Ave.,  Mesa. Interment will be in the Mesa City Cemetery following the services.

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.

Joye Larson Smith passed away peacefully on February 4, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona.  She was born to James Milas Larson and Katie Agnes Welker on July 10, 1929.  She married Glenn S. Smith in 1949, and they had seven children, living the last 52 years in Thatcher, Arizona.  She lived a very happy, active life filled with family, friends, and many activities such as painting, church, and stage productions.  Glenn and Joye served LDS Temple missions in Atlanta, Georgia and Mexico City, Mexico.

She is survived by her children:  Steven Smith (Georgia); Annabel Hall (John); Linda Carpenter (Mannie); Kenny Smith (Anneta); Sterling Smith (Paula); Nathan Smith (Shelly); and Heather McMullin (John); with 29 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Friday, February 17, 2023.  A graveside service at Mesa City Cemetery will be on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 9:00 am.  A funeral/memorial service will be held in the LDS Stake Center in Thatcher, Arizona on February 18, 2023 at 3:00 pm.

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.

Brigitte Agnes Keilflug (Kacmarek) Howell passed away peacefully on January 23, 2023, at her home in Gilbert, Arizona.  She was born in Leibuch Kreis Schwerin an der Warthe in Germany, close to the Polish border to Martha Keilflug Kaczmarek and Roman Ludwig Kaczmarek.  After her mother’s death, 8 days after she was born, Brigitte was adopted by her uncle Linus Florian Keilflug and his wife, Martha Wesolek Keilflug. 

Brigitte grew up in Berlin, traveled to London working for a British family, then to Washington D.C., and finally joined the American Army as a WAC (Women’s Army Corp).  It was in the Military at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, that she met and married her husband, Virstee Howell, Jr.  They were married for 67 years.

Brigitte is survived by her husband, Virstee, their children Gwendolyn (AZ), Michael (CA), Kathleen (CA), and Ellen (TX), and her three grandchildren Steven and Kevin Reeves (AZ) and Christine Wheeler (PA).  In Berlin, she is preceded in death by her brother Manfred, who she loved so dearly.  She leaves behind her brother’s wife, Gerda, her niece Marion Hülsemann and husband Rudi, their children Benjamin, Jacquelin, and Sven, and their grandchildren, Niclas and Julian.

She is remembered ever so fondly by her LDS community for her generous, sweet, and sassy spirit; by her children for her creativity and resourcefulness as a young mother with 4 children, Mutti’s storytelling about her life in Germany, her ability to be funny without even trying, and her unashamed abandonment to laughter that invited you to follow along.  She is remembered by her husband for her undying love and fighting spirit through so many trials in life.  He lovingly calls her a “tough cookie”.

In lieu of flowers, please send cards to include memories of time spent with “Kitty” that can be shared with her family in the U.S. and Germany. She would have loved this since she was the master cardmaker.

John H. Jose Jr., a proud member of the United States Marine Corp., passed away January 23, 2023.

John H. Jose Jr. is survived by his siblings: Daryl Jose Sr. Cynthia Jose, Henrietta Jose, Dylan Jose,

Herschel Jose, Felinda Pacheco, Leticia Jose, Valerian Jose, and Norbert Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Iva Lee Smith and John H. Jose Sr., and by his siblings, Stanley Kisto, Karen Kisto, Martin Sanchez, and Luis Ruiz.

A service honoring the life of John H. Jose Jr. will be held February 4, 2023 at Vah-ki Cemetery located at

4150 W. Casa Blanca Rd., Bapchule, AZ 85121 at 9:00 am.

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.

Ronnie Ray Blackham was born November 19, 1945 in Mount Pleasant, UT to Ray D and Dorothy (Shepherd) Blackham. Growing up, Ronnie loved to play baseball. He was an amazing left-handed pitcher. He was scouted by the White Sox in high school. Ronnie earned his Eagle Scout award in his teen years.  He graduated from North Sevier High School in 1964. He then attended Snow College in Ephraim, UT and went on to get his bachelor’s degree in Statistics and Computer Sciences from Utah State University in Logan, UT. On September 10, 1965 he married LaReta Seely from Redmond for time and all eternity in the Manti, UT Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple. After moving from UT to AZ in 1984, Ronnie worked for the City of Mesa Fire Department until his retirement in 2010. Although he would say he walked the dog and greased the pole, he worked with and managed the city’s communications system for the fire department. From 2014-2016 Ronnie and LaReta served a two-year full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake. They worked hard and loved the people they served with.

Ronnie had an infectious sense of humor and wit. Up until he passed, he kept his family laughing. He loved all things Disney, baseball, and family. Ronnie loved to go to Disneyland or Disneyworld as often as he could with LaReta and his family. One of his favorite things was to take LaReta and their grandchildren to Disneyland around the time they turned 10 years old. The grandkids loved this tradition and looked forward to their one on one time with Grandpa and Grandma at the “happiest place on earth”. He loved to travel and would often take trips to see the fall colors in the north eastern states. Throughout his life, Ronnie served and gave willingly and freely. All who met him, loved him and his kind heart. God and his family always came first; he was incredibly selfless. Ronnie passed away on January 28, 2023 in Tempe, AZ after a year of health issues. Ronnie is survived by his wife LaReta, their four children; Rhonda (Mark) Huish, Jeremy (Becky) Blackham, Kimberly (Eric) Pyles, and Shelly (Edward) Hiatt, sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was welcomed to the other side by his father, mother, baby brother and many loved ones. Although we miss him terribly, we are thankful his body is no longer struggling. We rejoice in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that we will be with him again someday.

A viewing will be held at Bunker Mortuary University Chapel 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213 February 10, 2023 7pm- 8pm. The funeral services will be held at the Mesa South Stake Center 2334 E Pueblo, Mesa, AZ 85204 on February 11, 2023 at 11am.

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.

Betty Jane Crosier, age 85, of Mesa, AZ passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023.  Betty was born August 6, 1937.

Betty met her loving husband Dave in the 1940s when she visited her aunt and uncle, who lived across the street from Dave’s childhood home.  They spent time together and stayed in touch over the years before their first date.  They married at age 21, which resulted in a love that spanned over six decades.

Betty was highly devoted to her family.  She represented an important pillar of support for her children, always encouraging them on their efforts, and being present for their important life moments.  Later, she enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with her 8 grandchildren.  Her goal was to see some of them graduate high school and college, which included one last month.  It was a special joy for her to also see two great grandchildren.

Betty enjoyed her trips to Laughlin and Las Vegas, NV and looked forward to larger family get togethers during holidays.  She was known for her big smile, friendly warmth, empathy, and supportive nature.  She was genuine.  She will be missed by all those who were blessed enough to have known her.

Carrying on Betty’s legacy, she is survived by her husband, David Crosier, daughter Sandra Dean and her, fiancée, George Griffin, son Dale Crosier and his wife Luciane, son Daniel Crosier and his wife Rachel, grandchildren Nicole Lints and her husband Miles, Christopher Dean and his wife Karrisa, Edgar, Parker, Emily (Zee), Claire (Cam), Grayson, Nathan, and great grandchildren Christopher, Jr and Chloe.

Fond memories and any expressions of sympathy can be shared at: www.bunkerfuneral.com for the Crosier family.  Celebration of life will be for the family and at a later time.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are suggested.

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.