Find An Obituary

Arvil Creston Hughes, 66, passed away August 20, 2011 in Tempe, Arizona. Visitation is Thursday, August 25, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Friday, August 26, 2011 at 10 AM at the LDS Lakeshore Ward, 6001 S. Lakeside Drive, in Tempe. Interment will be in Mesquite, Nevada.

Timothy Allan Roberts, 39, passed away August 12, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wake services are Monday, August 22, 2011 from 6-10 PM at the Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Dr. in Scottsdale. Funeral services are Tuesday, August 23, 2011at 8 AM at the Salt River Presbyterian Church, 1803 N. Longmore, also in Scottsdale. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Lee Raven Vest, 26, passed away August 13, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Wake services are Friday, August 19, 2011 at 6 PM at the Lehi Community Center, 1231 E. Oak in Mesa. Sunrise services are Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 6 AM at the Lehi Cemetery, 926 E. Thomas Road, also in Mesa. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Alice Elizabeth Jioia, 68, passed away August 9, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will be Monday, August 15, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa. Funeral services are Tuesday, August 16 at 4 PM, also at Bunker’s University Chapel.

Karen Delight Roberts, beloved daughter of H. Gail and Anna Marie Cox Roberts, age 29, born November 13, 1981, departed this life August 8, 2011. Her sweet memories will live on through her son Logan and daughter Sylvia, their father Dustin Barmore, goodly parents H. Gail and Anna Marie Cox Roberts, sisters: Renae (Blair) Aston, Gaylene (Michael) Merchant, Sheryl (Ryan) Halls, Michelle (Brian) Evans, Tina (Vance) Merrill, Ree Ann (Jason) Olson, Kimberly (Jayson) Carlson, and brothers: Michael (Charlotte) and Jonathan, 38 nephews and nieces, 17 aunts and uncles, (and you and you and you and you…) Karen loved art, nature, and all of God’s creations. Among these was her greatest joy, that of being a mother. Karen’s beautiful voice will be heard in our hearts, testifying of light and truth and kindness, as she dances with the angels, rejoicing at the empty tomb of our Savior Jesus Christ. Funeral service August 15, 2011, 10:00am, visitation 9:00-9:45am. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 2228 E. Brown, Mesa, AZ 85213. Visitation August 14, 6:00-8:00pm. Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ, 85201. Donations: Anasazi Foundation (for Logan and Sylvia) 1424 S. Stapley Dr. Mesa, AZ 85204

Layton, Susan B., 69, passed away on August 8, 2011, in Mesa, AZ as a result of kidney failure. Susan was born in Salt Lake City, UT, to beloved parents Catherine and Reinhart Brinkman, the third of four children. After graduating from Granite High School, Susan served as a genealogical missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, UT. In December of 1963, she married R. Gary Layton in the Salt Lake Temple. Her Bachelor’s degree in home economics prepared her for a life of service to her family and community. In addition to being an award winning seamstress, Susan loved music and art. Throughout her life, she always strove to beautify her environment. Her best efforts were devoted to her family and linking generations. Susan was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 47 years, Gary; her parents, sons Mark and Jeffery; and brother Stephen. She is survived by brothers Charles (Jodi) and Robert (Lisa); children Catherine (Brian), Paul (D’Net), and Spencer; and 9 grandchildren. A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 10, from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be Friday, August 12 at 2 PM preceded by a visitation at 1 PM at Larkin’s Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, UT.

Leola Willis Reed, 77, passed away August 4, 2011 in Gilbert, AZ. She was born in Mesa, AZ on January 14, 1934 to Emanuel B. Willis and Lilly Vance Willis. She is survived by her sons Danny (Jody), Wylie (Janice), Tim and daughters Lori (John) Poulsen and Jenny (Corey) Chatwin, 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ned Reed and sons Wade and Ned II. Leola will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. She loved the outdoors, gardening and spending time with her family. Visitation will be Monday, August 8, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Tuesday August 9, 2011 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Elliot Ward, 234 N. Greenfield Rd in Gilbert.

Ethel Jane Hulsey Hall, 93, was born on Feb. 19, 1918 in Luna, NM to Bailey and Jane Hulsey. She passed away on Aug. 3, 2011 in Queen Creek, AZ. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Avard B Hall, her parents and siblings. She leaves behind her loving family which includes her son Donald (Debra) Hall and daughter Rossland (Stanley) Trull. Her grandchildren are Corey (Michelle) Hall, Michelle Hall, Monika (Michael) Lowery, Jessica Trull, Nathaniel (Brittany) Trull; Brian (Stephanie) Trull, and two great-grandchildren, Austin Ross and MaKenna Trull. She loved her family, doing genealogy and working in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Her hobbies included travelling, church, Daughter of the Utah Pioneers, Politics, Family History, and she devoted her life to her family. Her viewing will be held on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa, AZ. Funeral Services are on Friday, Aug. 12 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints (Goldfield Bldg.) at 2520 Old West Hwy in Apache Junction, AZ. Her Graveside Service will be held Saturday, Aug. 13 at 12 PM at the Eagar Cemetery in Eagar, AZ.

Griffin, Meagan Elizabeth, age 15 of Gilbert, AZ passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2011. Meagan was born July 17, 1996 in Mesa AZ. She is survived by her mother Susan; father and step mother Douglas & LeeAnn; sister Kaitlyn; step siblings Angie (Jake), Nick & Chris; Grandma Barb and Grandpa Bob; Aunts and Uncles Kay, Rich, Bill, Gretchen, John and Angie; cousins Lauren, Alison, Cameron, Allyson and Emily; niece Ariana and beloved family dog Spunky. She was a witty, shining star that lit up a room with her smile, laughter and kindness. Among Meagan’s favorite things were sharing her eye for fashion, chocolate, music and spending time with family and friends. But none of those could compare to her passion for softball and the sense of family she shared with her teammates and coaches when playing outfield for Highland High School and the Arizona Hotshots. Visitation will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ, Sunday Aug. 7th from 6-8PM. Funeral Mass Monday Aug 8th at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 440 E Elliot, Gilbert AZ at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the AZ Thunderhawks-Meagan Griffin Fund which has been established to accept charitable donations in Meagan’s memory. Meagan, you will be forever in our hearts.~

W. Harley Jarvis of Mesa, Arizona passed away on July 31, 2011 after a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Harley is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty Ann Jarvis and their six children: sons, Harley (Jill), James (Christy), and Steven; daughters, Jennifer Godfrey (Don), Julie Bradford (Paul), Joy Thayne (Jason); and 21 grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Opal Hopps of Mesa, Arizona; four brothers; Larry, David, Randy and Keith; and two sisters; Sheila Hall and Elaine Ray. Harley was born to Warren Lake Jarvis and Opal Fuller Jarvis (Hopps) on December 25, 1943 and was raised in Mesa, Arizona. He attended Mesa public schools and graduated from Mesa High School in 1962. Harley completed one semester at Arizona State University before serving a two-year, LDS mission to Eastern Canada. Harley returned to ASU in 1965 and married Betty Ann Ellingson in the Arizona Temple on July 26, 1966. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in 1968 and received a Juris Doctors Degree from the ASU College of Law in 1971. Harley was a member of the State Bar of Arizona and the American Bar Association. He joined the Lybrand Ross Brothers and Montgomery firm in the Newport Beach, CA office in 1971, then served as Trust Officer for the Arizona Bank and ended his career in 1995 as an estate planning attorney with Kempton, Jarvis, Decker, Jenkins and Walker. Harley was a member of the Mesa Baseline Rotary Club and served a term as president. He was a long time supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and received special recognition for his service in 1990. Harley was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and treasured his testimony of the restored gospel, the Savior and his Heavenly Father. He served in many callings in the Church including his favorite assignment as Bishop of the Grandview First Ward from 1990-1995. He loved people and loved seeing them happy. Harley will be remembered for his loving relationships and faithful service. Visitation will be Friday, August 5, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Grandview 1st Ward, 1455 N. Harris Dr., also in Mesa. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

GUTHRIE, Wanda Knudsen of Gilbert, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, died in Mesa, AZ on July 30, 2011 at age 83. She was born in Phoenix on August 5, 1927 to Niona (Lamb) and Warren Knudsen, members of pioneer ranching and dairying families in Arizona and New Mexico. Wanda was the eldest of eight children. She was an outstanding student in Bluewater, NM, Gilbert and Mesa, AZ schools, graduating from MUHS in 1945. For many years her special high school friends have remained in touch and periodically met in reunions. Those friends included Charmaine Guthrie Halversen, Rosalie Nichols Woods, Shirley Ollerton Buck, Marian Bond Mulkins, Clara Cluff Tryon, Frankie Robson Decker, and Marian Haws Pew. In her senior year she remembers getting up early to help milk several cows before riding 3½ miles on her bicycle to school to attend an early morning Seminary class. Several days a week after school she walked downtown to the Woolworth store and worked for 2 hours at 35 cents per hour. During her junior and senior years she was the accompanist for Acapella and other chorus classes. Wanda met Glenn Guthrie on April 18, 1945. He was home on leave after his aircraft carrier was badly damaged with a heavy loss of life while supporting the marine invasion of Iwo Jima. Theirs was a great love story as they courted for 21 days before Glenn went back to the Navy. They wrote to each other every day for 6 ½ months. On November 15, 1945, Wanda and Glenn were married in the LDS Arizona Temple. Always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wanda gave much service in many different assignments. She particularly enjoyed those involving music. Twice she worked as Relief Society President of her ward. She has contributed greatly to the family histories and life stories of her family and forebears. She and Glenn served a mission at the Family History Center in Mesa. Glenn and Wanda are the parents of six children: Anna Jean (Royce West) of Gilbert, Catherine (Dennis Vance) of Puyallup, WA, Marlene (Robert Elliott) of Gilbert, Steve (June) of Casa Grande, Dale (Jo Ellen) of Gilbert, and Wayne (Kathy) of Mesa. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Verna Bunnell and Carolyn Wright. She is survived by her husband Glenn, their six children, 31 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings, Wendell (Tricia), Marvin (Margaret), Benny (Willa), Ronald (Betty) and Sherry (Joel Foutz). The family expresses appreciation to Sharon and Steve McRae and helpers at the Golden Age Care Home for their kindnesses and loving concern for Wanda. Also, we remember Hospice of the Valley and especially Wanda’s special friend Teresa. Services will be held Saturday, August 6, at the Catalina Ward building, 1520 S. Catalina, Gilbert, at 10 AM with a viewing at 9 AM. (1/4 mile west of the Gilbert Road-Ray Road intersection) A viewing will also be held on Friday at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, from 6 – 8 PM. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Judith “Judy

David Wadsworth, 41, passed away July 23, 2011 in Chandler, Arizona. Memorial services are Friday, July 29, 2011 at 2 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Hamblin, Cherrill Larson, 86, passed from this mortal life on July 22, 2011, at her home in Gilbert, Arizona, after a five month struggle with colon cancer. She was born in Douglas, Arizona, on December 10, 1924, to James Milas Larson and Katie Welker, who moved the family to Phoenix, Arizona, shortly after Cherrill was born. She attended public school in Phoenix where she graduated from North Phoenix High School in 1942. It was there that she performed as a cheerleader and gained a reputation as the “Belle of the Ball.

ETHEL MAE MILLETT HALE, 85, peacefully passed into eternity Friday, July 15, 2011, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born in Gilbert, Arizona on June 27, 1926, the only daughter of William Howard and Lillian Mable Freestone Millett. She was the source of much sweetness in a family of five brothers: Howard, Lyal, Teddy, Donald, and Richard. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1944. Her beautiful smile was freely shared and when she sang, her voice would thrill all who heard “to the very heart.