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Ella Jeanne Biggs Dorsett, 21 May 1934 – 28 December 2011.
Cecil Jerry Dorsett, three brothers, Harold Biggs, Johnny Biggs (deceased), Donald Biggs, four daughters, seven grand-children and eighteen great grand-children will celebrate the life of Ella Jeanne Dorsett on January 3, 2012. Services will be held at 11 AM. Respects can be paid from 10 to 10:45 AM in the LDS Chapel, 2647 S. Signal Butte Rd, Mesa. Jeanne was born in Mesa, Arizona, to Fred Shill Biggs and Zula Irene Crismon and raised in Lehi. She married Jerry on 6 May 1953 and began a life filled with travel and adventure. As children came along, her focus changed to them and never shifted, only to be expanded to include grand-children and the greats. There were never enough for her. Then there was Wal-Mart and Disneyland or any other interesting store with anyone who would go. Jeanne loved life and lived free as long as she could. All of us, including Wal-Mart, will miss the sparkle in her eyes and the joy of her laughter. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Anna Olga Underwood, 89, passed away December 26, 2011 in Gilbert, Arizona. Funeral services are Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 at 11 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Burial will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Minarchin, Robert Scott, 41, of Mesa, AZ, passed away December 17, 2011 surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Minarchin, and is survived by his loving wife Monica, daughters Autumn and Brooke, son Hayden, his mother Donna Minarchin (Thomas Zdoniak), sister Tami (Thomas) Jenkins, brothers David (Sherry), and Daniel (Candace) Minarchin, and many special nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a graduate of Maysville HS Class of 1989 and an Alumni of Arizona State University, Class of 1993. Visitation Wednesday, December 21st from 6:00-8:00p.m., at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa. Funeral service, Thursday, December 22nd, at 1:00p.m.also at Bunker’s University Chapel.

Don R. Horrocks, 78, passed away December 12, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will be Friday, December 16, 2011 from 6-8 PM at the LDS Chapel at 5620 East Adobe in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the same location. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Nadine Magnusson Anderson Harris, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on December 11, 2011. She was born in Mesa, Arizona on February 17, 1924 to Peter and Lettie Magnusson. Nadine graduated from Mesa High School in 1942, and two years later, she married Robert F. Anderson. They had four children together. Nadine was a gifted pianist and through the years, she devoted countless hours of service accompanying performers of all ages. On the weekends she played in a popular dance band that performed throughout Arizona. After over twenty years playing for Mesa Rotary meetings, she was unanimously brought in as the first woman Rotarian of the Mesa club. Nadine selflessly dedicated her time to the community she loved and always remained active in community affairs. Her service to the people of Mesa won her the city title of Mesa Artist of the Year for 1973. Later in life, Nadine married Tom (Richard) Harris, a friend from high school, and they delighted in sharing memories of their friends and of early Mesa. Nadine was an extraordinary human being whose love and generosity knew no bounds. She was renowned for her sparkling personality, unlimited energy, and matchless zest for life; her radiant spirit illuminated any room she entered. Though she will be greatly missed by her family and friends, Nadine leaves us her enduring legacy of beautiful music, selfless service, and unconditional love. We are all better for having had her in our lives. Nadine is survived by her sister Velda Martz; her sister-in-law, Donna Magnusson; her four children, Fred, Gordon, Kathy (Adams), and Chris; 12 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel at 1249 South 48th Street in Mesa. Viewings will occur at Bunker’s Garden Chapel on Friday night (16th) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning at the church at 9:00 a.m.

Margaret Vehrs King, 63, of Tempe, AZ passed on December 5, 2011. The visitation will be Thursday, December 8th from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Her funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 9th at 9:30 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 2121 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ. In her honor please consider a contribution to St. Mary’s Food Bank.

Obituary for Martha E. Sauer
Martha Elizabeth Sprenger Sauer, 88, of 2089 Leisure World, Mesa, Arizona, died peacefully in her sleep November 26, 2011. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, December 6 at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9601 Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85207. Martha was born October 27, 1923 in Schenectady, NY two days before her future husband George M. Sauer, Jr., also of Schenectady. Their relationship began in the fourth grade, and they were married 2 weeks after George returned from the Pacific in 1946. Martha graduated from Albany State Teacher’s College with majors in English and Music. She taught English in Long Island and Scotia, NY. When the family moved to Cleveland, OH, she taught Sophomore English at Lutheran High School East from 1968 to 1980, where she published the yearbook and the newspaper, and directed 12 drama and musical productions. She was a consummate educator, using her skills and love of God, nature and the arts to teach Sunday School, lead a Girl Scout troop, work as archivist for the Cleveland Play House Theater, research and publish histories and genealogies of her extended family branches, and many other activities with and for others. For many years her family hosted foreign exchange social workers as they studied American culture and social work. These guests soon became part of the family and life-long friends. Martha’s loves were her family, her church, bird watching, canoeing, camping, riding on the back of George’s Honda (especially going fast), all of nature and its Creator. She was curious, determined and always strove for excellence. Martha is predeceased by her daughter Ellen B. Corbin. She leaves behind her husband of 65 year, George, her daughters Amy (Joe) Helewa of San Diego, CA, Cynthia (Barry Blakeslee) Klenz of Cleveland, OH, and Nancy (Dave) Eberling of Chicago, IL. Martha and George have 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Albany, NY. Donations may be made to: Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Barnett Center for Conservation, PO Box 65, 8 Nature Way, Keene Valley, NY 12943 or Hospice of the Valley, www.hov.org. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Pauline Ricks Rudd, 86 passed away peacefully on November 28, 2011. She was born in Twin Falls,
Idaho on February 2, 1925. Mrs. Rudd was a faithful servant of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in numerous positions in Relief Society, Primary, Young Women’s and Choir, always serving with love and compassion. She was an example to all of us, as how to love and serve others. She is respected and cherished by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband,
Melvin J. Rudd Jr., son, Dennis J. Rudd, 7 brothers and 3 sisters, grandson, Craig and great-grandson Hunter. She is survived by sons Corey L. (Shelly), Gevan C. (Joyce), Tobin G. (Irene), C. Kirk (Sharon), daughter, Shauna A. Lambert (David), daughter-in-law Brenda; sister Betty Williams (Lewis), 32 grandchildren, and 69 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, December 2, 2011 from 6 – 8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, December 3, 2011, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lazona Ward, 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ with visitation held one hour prior.

Montgomery, Arthur Charles, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 24 November (Thanksgiving Day) after a long illness. Born February 1, 1920 in Petersburg, Illinois to Ben and Grace Montgomery, he is survived by his wife Jean Montgomery, a sister Francis Peterson, four nieces Sonia Montgomery, Jean Lasky, Shirley Foulks, Pennie Robinson, a nephew John Montgomery and seven adult relatives who grew up knowing him as “Grampa Art

Urshel Claude Taylor, 74, passed away November 27, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, December 2, 2011 at 11 Am, preceded by a visitation at 9:30 AM at the LDS Papago Park Ward, 1816 N. Extension Road. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Violet M. Walsh, 86, passed away November 21, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial services are Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 11 AM at the Mountain View Memorial Gardens Chapel.

Edmond Adolph Backlund, 89, passed away November 20, 2011 in Gilbert, AZ. He was born May 25, 1922 in Ft. Bragg, CA. He is survived by his wife Donna Backlund, sons Steve (Myra) and Gary (Jerry) Backlund, step-sons Michael (Karen), Matt (deceased), Mark and Mitch (Sue) Cutchen, 7 grandchildren & 17 great grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11 AM at the LDS Fairview Ward Bldg., 2700 E. Galveston St. Gilbert, AZ 85295. Private interment services will be held. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Virginia Lucille Cardon, beloved by family, friends, and all who knew her passed away on Monday, November 14, 2011, almost two months after her cherished husband left this earth. Born in Lansing, Michigan, her father a physician and her mother a nurse, Virginia attended the University of Arizona where she met her true love. After a whirlwind courtship of two weeks, she married Helaman and began her 71 year love affair. While in Michigan, Virginia was active in a number of volunteer organizations and ran the family sheet metal business. Soon after she joined the LDS church, she became a Stake Relief Society President. She also served in the Chicago Temple for 5 years, and as a missionary in the Duck River Indian Reservation. Virginia loved children. Her home was filled with dolls and toys that she would cheerfully give to any child who walked through the door. She was the epitome of grace and gentleness with a playful streak that delighted everyone. She was preceded in death by her husband, Helaman Pratt Cardon, her parents, Dr. Harold A. Miller and Winifred B. Miller and her brother, Harold (Ruth) Miller. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn (Bill) Kameese, her daughter, Amy (Jerry) Nickles, her son, David (Pam) Cardon, her grandchildren, Heather (Matt) Bills, Heidi (Charles) Hillman, Melissa (Maggie) Nickles, Jeffrey Nickles and five great-grandchildren, Andrew, Sophia, Tyler, Ava, and Elin. The family would like to thank Charmaine Caruso and Jeanette Griffith for their loving care. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, November 21, 2011 at the Grandview 1St Ward Building, 1455 N. Harris, Mesa; the viewing will begin at 9:00AM and the service at 10:00AM with internment to follow at the Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
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