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Garth Bates was born August 23, 1922 in Burley, Idaho. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Garth was a banker in Prescott, Arizona for many years, retiring as a Regional Vice President for First Interstate Bank of Arizona. He was also well known for his beautiful tenor voice, singing in both community and church events. He is survived by his daughter Susan Bates, his son Todd and his wife Margie, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Opal Bates, his father Arlin Henry Bates, his mother Isabelle Jenkins, and his many brothers and sisters. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 25th, from 9:00-9:45 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1155 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, Arizona. Services will follow at 10 AM. Interment will be at Heritage Memorial Park, Dewey, Arizona, at 2 PM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Albert Henry Schnorr was born on December 19, 1922 in Phoenix, AZ to William and Viola Schnorr. He passed away May 14, 2011. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Schnorr and his sister, Evelyn Hannon. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Schnorr, and his children, Russell (Geri) Schnorr, Tim (Patty) Schnorr, and Christine (Jim) Bucalo. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Anthony, Nina Pelon, Thomas, Zebulan, Jaycee and Jenna, and 4 great-grandchildren, Athena, Mia, Katelyn and Ethan. Albert loved to go to breakfast with his friends, gardening, painting pictures and in his younger years building homes, but above all he loved the Lord and was involved in church all his life. A graveside service will be held Friday, May 20, 2011 at 1 PM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ

Joan Letha Watson, 80, passed away on May 10, 2011 at her home in Mesa, AZ. She was born June 8, 1930 in Rexburg, ID. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Letha Covington and her two brothers, Brent and Blair Covington. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Lyle Watson, two children, Robert (Debbie) Watson and Cynthia (Scott) Riggs, eight grandchildren, Jason, Tyler and Ashley Watson, Angela (David) Clouse, Candice (Jeff) Arnett, Ryan, Kalee and Kelcie Riggs, three great-grandchildren, sister Karen (Eldon) Klingler and sister-in-law, Joyce (Blair) Covington. Visitation is Sunday, May 15, 2011 from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa and one hour before services. Funeral services are Monday, May 16, 2011 at 11 am at the LDS Fairway Groves Ward, 5350 E. McLellan Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205.

Joseph A. Bellino, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio died in Scottsdale, AZ on May 5, 2011 at the age of 104. He was born near Foggia, Italy on October 28, 1906 and emigrated to Youngstown with his family when he was 6 years old.

He worked as a machinist at Republic Steel. After retirement he moved to Tucson, AZ still spending summers in Youngstown. He eventually moved permanently to Arizona. He enjoyed traveling and delighted in having traveled to his birthplace in Italy with family members.

He enjoyed weekend garage sales, bartering as a mental sport. He had a keen intellect and wit and enjoyed teasing his family right up until the end.

Preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Carmella Rita (Cook) and son, Joseph Jr,, Mr. Bellino leaves behind his two daughters, Marie V. Peduzzi of Scottsdale, AZ, Rosalie Galla Nichols and husband, Bruce Nichols of Mesa, AZ and daughter-in-law, Elissa Bellino Pascarella of Las Vegas, NV. He was proud to be the patriarch of 6 generations in his family, with offspring scattered from New York to California.

He lived at home until April 2011, when he was briefly hospitalized. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family members. He is loved and will be missed by all.

Penny L. Sarmento, 62, passed away May 4, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. She was born June 15, 1948 in Casa Grande, AZ. Her life’s work was caring for her husband, family and friends. She enjoyed reading, crafting, golf and loving her husband. She is survived by her husband Harry, parents Richard and Virginia Soulé and many other family members and friends. Funeral services are Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 11 AM, at the LDS Islands Ward, 1150 W. Elliot Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85233. Those wishing to make donations please contact Bunker’s Garden Chapel 480-696-6883 for details.

Germaine, Dr. Randi Matt

50, of Mesa, AZ passed away on May 5, 2011. Born November 5th, 1960, in Sacramento, California, raised in Arizona. He served a mission in Bolivia for the LDS Church. Randi graduated from ASU and received his MD while studying in Illinois. He was a beloved father, son, brother and doctor. The love and gentle kindness he shared with all will be greatly missed. Randi is survived by his mother, Bertha, sister Sandi, brothers Dr. Allen Max Germaine, Monty, and Mark, sons Dustin, Landon, Neil and Jordan. Services for Randi will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 at the LDS Church located at 1852 N Stapley Drive in Mesa. Funeral arrangements were made by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, Mesa.

Reuben Paul Eagar, 62, was born in Springerville, AZ to Paul and Edith Eagar. He spent his childhood years in Eagar, enjoying the carefree lifestyle of the rural area. In his teenage years he worked along side his father and brother, Evan, at the family service station. He graduated from Round Valley High School in 1966. After attending Mesa Community College for one year, he fulfilled an LDS mission to Ontario Canada.

Upon returning from Canada, Reuben attended MCC and ASU. He and Helen Hamblin were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1970 and began their 41 years of married life in Mesa. Reuben was in his 40th year of employment with Farnsworth Homes. He started out working on a framing crew. He has been a General Superintendent, Remodel Department Manager, and House Planner/Sub-division Manager. At the time of his death Reuben was President of Farnsworth Homes, Inc. He very much enjoyed his many years of working in the Young Men’s organization of the LDS Church and served as Bishop of the Mesa 46th ward from 1988-1993. He is survived by his sweetheart, Helen, daughter Nicole Conway (Cory), sons Lincoln (Anna), Matthew (Stacy), Clay (Jewelia), Kolter (Lindsey), and C.J. (Lisa), thirteen wonderful grandchildren, and sister Nina Pickering. He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Edith, sister Judith, brother Evan, and granddaughter Shaye. He was an avid horseman and enjoyed seeing Arizona on horseback with family and friends. Above all his favorite thing to do was to spend quality time with his family. A giant among men, he truly was a man of velvet and steel. Reuben passed away on May 2, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services will be on Friday May 6, 2011 at 11am at the Mesa East Stake Center at 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ. Viewing will be Thursday, May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way.

Clevenger, Dorothy Shill

Dorothy Shill Clevenger passed away April 28, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 91. Dorothy, an Arizona native, was born May 10, 1919 in Phoenix to Harry Shill, Sr and Nettie Lockett Shill. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Harry Jr, Theodore, Quinton and sisters Vernetta (Fuller), Norma (Power). Dorothy is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, Earnest Andrew Clevenger, Sister-in-Law Sherlyn Shill, 5 children: Earnest Andrew Jr, David, Jack, Judith (Roland), Linda (Smith), 15 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. While attending Mesa High School Dorothy, along with her sister Norma and best friend Sally Stewart, decided to “rebel” by wearing matching pant suits and ties to school. Of course this was seen as unacceptable behavior for girls and they were quickly sent home to change into dresses. Luckily however this did not prevent her from later gaining employment with Mesa Public Schools, where she worked for 23 years as a baker. Dorothy enjoyed fishing on Black River and was proud to say that she won a fishing contest in 1973 for catching the largest trout. She has passed her love of gardening and the outdoors on to many generations after her. She also enjoyed crocheting; every member of the family received snowflakes at Christmas and she made sure that every baby had a set of towels. As a member of the LDS church Dorothy served diligently in whatever capacity she was asked. As the life of the party, she enjoyed any event that would allow her to be surrounded by family and friends. To say that she will be greatly missed is truly an understatement. A memorial visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Wednesday, May 4th at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services will take place at 11:00am on Thursday, May 5th at the LDS, Lehi Stake Center (1430 N. Grand Street, Mesa, AZ 85201).

Vera Ardith Hamilton Crisp, 86, died May 2, 2011 in Mesa, AZ. She was born January 8, 1925, in Santa Rosa, CA. She was the beloved wife and widow of Dennis Crisp and mother of Dennis Randolph, Patrick, Geoffrey, and David, grandmother to 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are Wednesday, 4 May 2011, at 10 AM at the LDS Mountain Shadows Ward, 6265 N. 82nd St., Scottsdale, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Bernita Gifford, born in Pima Arizona on August 12, 1920, beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother, age 90, passed away Friday April 29, 2011. She is survived by husband James Gifford, daughters Lynn Frost and Donna Vega, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held Wednesday May 4, 2011, 9:00am at Mesa Cemetery, the location of the service is on C Street and 5th Street. Arrangements made through Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201.

Anita Madrigal Chabarria, 78, passed away April 27, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born August 28, 1932 in Georgetown, Texas to Samuel and Elena Madrigal Perez. She was a loving wife and mother who found joy in caring for her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert Chabarria, son Gilbert Chabarria, Jr. and daughter Sarah Chabarria. She is survived by her sons Samuel M Chabarria, Vito Chabarria, Juan Chabarria, Daniel Chabarria and loved by many family members who will miss her. Visitation is Monday, May 2, 2011 at from 10 AM to noon at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Interment will follow at 1 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix.

Backus, Beulah Hansen

Beulah passed away on April 22, 2011. She was born October 21, 1931 in Provo, Utah, to Charles Henry and Erma Hansen. She spent her early years in Springville, Utah. While in high school, Beulah met and fell in love with Ronald Backus. They married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1948. Beulah and Ron moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1954. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many capacities. Her greatest joy in life was her family. Beulah is survived by her husband, Ronald, her sister Jeanne Rasmussen, her 5 children, James Backus, Lynda Williamson, DeeAnn Ford, John Backus, and Joseph Backus. She also leaves thirty grandchildren and fifty-nine great-grandchildren. Services will be held on April 29, 2011. Viewing will be held at 9:30 with Service to follow at 11:00 at the Mesa Kimball East Stake Center located at 4640 E. Holmes. Interment will be at the cemetery in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Funeral arrangement made through Bunker Funeral Home.

Roland J. Lafleche, age 80, passed away on April 24, 2011 at his stepdaughter Flora and Robert’s Chandler, AZ home. Roland and his wife Flora have been living there since 2004 when Roland became ill and they could no longer live in their own home. He was born in Castleman, Ontario Canada, to Albert Joseph and Rose Marie Dagenais Lafleche on August 31, 1930. Roland is preceded in death by his parents Albert Joseph and Rose Marie, his two sisters Jeanette and Yolande and two brothers Richard and Jean Guy. Survivors include his wife Flora (nee)Sanchez, his step-daughter Flora Aguilar(Robert), their children, Robbie (Susan,)grandchildren Alexander Socrates and Ryan Augustus. Michealla (Michael) grandchildren Savanna Quinn and Gannon Diego Heslin. Paul (Dee) Perez and grandchildren Tyler James, Pablo Cody Madelyn Wilma and expecting another baby in October. Step-daughter Catalina (Stuart Ryan) their children Cody (Breanna) Dennee,, grandchildren Brandi and Brae Lynn, US Army Ranger Staff Sergeant Tyler (Leah) Dennee and their child Isabella Rosa. Bianca (David) Garrobo their children Micah, Nevaeh and Angel. Step-daughter Robin (Leonard)Frederick their children Laci Marie (Ian) Allen, Levi ( Shelby) and baby Leonides, Lincoln, Lane. Landis Mathew, that has preceded Roland and is now in heaven. Roland is survived by biological children Lisa (Greg)Burke their children Jesse and Christopher and his children Samantha and Alex. Four sons Gaeton, Louie, Claude and Yvan. He was a lumberjack in Canada at a very young age. He then worked in the mining industry in Canada and later he came to the United States. In 1960’s he worked in Grants New Mexico uranium mining and later in Safford in copper mining. There he met Flora and they married in 1973. They then started a hog farm and worked night and day mostly by themselves rarely did they hire outside help. They traveled to market their hogs to California. They sold the hog farm in 1996, Mom stayed home and Roland couldn’t take it sitting down doing nothing so he became a handyman until he had the misfortune of falling off of a roof. He was air evacuated to Good Samaritan where he spent many months healing from all his injuries. As the time passed his lungs became a big problem and he had a very hard time breathing. He was diagnosed with Restricted Pulmonary Disease attributed to all the years of working in the uranium mines (underground) before the U.S. government came in and put in place all the rules and regulations about wearing masks, having blowers and all other safety precautions that they have now. It took its toll on him little by little. The U.S. government compensated him by providing 24 hour nursing care seven days a week since October 2009 till he breathed his last breath. He was very blessed he had five real great nurses, they worked 12 hour shifts and they truly took real good care of Roland and loved him also. His nurses were Louise, Valie, Misty, Kelly and Joe. When he was in the hospital and I Flora (step-daughter) could not be with him they would take turns visiting without being asked or being compensated. They are truly the angels of mercy. Roland’s hobbies included work seek puzzles, watching wrestling, repairing whatever needed repairing and he read one book after another. Robert, Roland and myself we were always trading books to read. My Mom didn’t quite get into the reading like we did. VISITATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT CALDWELLS FUNERAL HOME AT 112 E MAIN STREET, SAFFORD, AZ 85546. VIEWING ON SUNDAY MAY 8, 2011 FROM 6-7 PM ROSARY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING 7-8 PM. THE ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED AT ST. ROSE OF LIMA CHURCH AT 311 S CENTRAL AVE. SAFFORD, AZ 85546 ON MONDAY MAY 9th, 2011 AT 11 AM. BURIAL WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SANCHEZ FAMILY CEMETARY IN SANCHEZ. Contact Flora Aguilar at 480-656-2518, or 480-980-0123 for any further information.

IDA PERKINS WATKINS, the daughter of Jesse Nelson & Mabel Perkins, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 23, 2011 in Mesa, AZ. She was born in Snowflake AZ on October 18, 1910. She was 100 years old.

She served valiantly throughout her life in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held various callings in which she gave her ‘all’. She dedicated her life to serving others. She leaves a great legacy to her large posterity.

She is survived by her seven children: Lorum Russell, Ida Merlene (Garrard), Mabel Jean (Stephenson), Wayne Lavier, Warner “R

Bertha Boyer, 76, of Mesa, AZ passed away on April 22, 2011. Bert, as she was known during her adult life, was the youngest of three children born to Earl C. and Lillian Davis of Harkers Island, North Carolina. She was raised on the Island but left there at the tender age of 17 to marry and begin her family in Mesa, Arizona. Among her many talents, she was known for her beautiful singing voice and we were blessed to witness her vocal talents regularly in church and at home. Bert loved floral design, which led to a career in the craft industry with special focus on floral related crafts for Michaels and then Craftmart stores. All who knew and loved her will miss Bert’s positive attitude and sunny disposition. We honor her memory and treasure her legacy of beauty and grace. Bert is survived by Ivan Boyer, her loving husband of 33 years, her brother,

Charles R. Davis and sister, Gilda Willis; her five children, Michele Dustman,Diana Smith, David Porter, Annette Thomas and Gilda Cobretti, stepson Scott Boyer; nineteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. A viewing will be held Thursday, April 28, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bunker Family Funeral Home, Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa,AZ 85201. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the LDS Los Altos Ward Building, 2300 W. Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85202.