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Paul Worlton Vance, 95, of Mesa Arizona passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2011. He was born June 17, 1915 in Alpine, Utah to James and Lilly Vance. Paul served in World War II as a captain in the Army Air Corps flying B17s. He taught Vocational Agriculture, Safety Education and Driver Training at Chandler High School for 24 years and was active in his church and community. He loved his family, church and country. He is greatly missed by his wife, Iris, and their seven children: Paul DeWayne (Lanae), Claudia Reed (Bill), Dianne Layton (Robert), Kathleen Lindblom (Coy), James (Debbie), Paula Merkley (Richard), John (Janese), 120 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 26 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Services will be Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 11 AM at the Kimball Stake Center, 1266 S. 32nd Street, in Mesa. He will be interred in the Alpine, Utah City Cemetery on Friday, April 29th.

Joshua David Flander, 30, passed away April 14, 2011 in Gilbert, Arizona. Visitation is Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa and on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 9:00 AM before the services. Funeral services are Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the LDS Gilbert Highland Stake Center, 3580 E. Houston Ave., Gilbert, Arizona 85234. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel

Helen Frances Kennedy Richardson, 9/14/1921 – 4/16/2011. WWII brought momentous changes to the entire world. Helen Frances Kennedy could not
have imagined the change that would come when her University of Washington sorority sponsored a dance to support troops sent to Alaska to protect against Japanese invasion. She danced with her soon-to-be husband but was not initially interested. However, his subsequent letter describing what would have been their first date, tipped the balance. Helen was the first born American in her family. Her English born father and Canadian born Belgian mother immigrated from Canada to the US after WWI and settled in Seattle, Washington where she was born. Her father was a clothier and her mother was a nurse. She had two sisters Odette (Larry Davis), and Billy Anne (Charles Vinup). She attended Seattle public schools and was graduated from Roosevelt High. She studied nursing at the University of Washington for three years but her studies were cut short by the war, and ultimately, by her eventual marriage to Wilford Rene Richardson in Mesa, Arizona on October 2, 1943.
They initially settled at Ft. Benning, Georgia. While unpacking Rene’s footlocker, she came across a tiny copy of the Book of Mormon. Through personal study, and without her husband’s knowledge, she converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was baptized and confirmed in the Arizona Temple on August 2, 1944 respectively by her father-in-law, Edmund Wilford Richardson, and by Harry L. Payne. She was later
sealed to her husband on May 1, 1946.
Helen lived a busy and industrious life as a loving wife and consummate mother. In addition to raising her six children, Ed (Brenda Brimhall), Lynne (Robert Jones), Nicole, David (Janet Barney), Bill (Debbie Johnson) and Kathy (Brad Farber), she engaged in oil painting, woodworking, upholstery, and even owned her own drapery business.
Helen was faithful member of the church her entire life and held many positions of authority. She was preceded in death by her parents William F. Kennedy and Lea Coupez, her sister Odette Davis, and by her son, David. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, five children, 26 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 21 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa from 6 to 8 and beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Solomonville Chapel on Saturday April 23. Funeral services will commence at 11:00 a.m. with a burial at the Safford Cemetery thereafter.

Patsy Ann Nelson Shill, age 75, was born on January 15, 1936, in Mesa, Arizona, to Richard Nelson and Kate Patterson Nelson. She passed away April 12, 2011 after a long battle with breast cancer. She met and married Victor Lamar Shill and they recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Patsy was preceded in passing by both parents and an older sister Shirley Nelson Kleiner. She is survived by two brothers Duane and Dennis Nelson, her husband Victor Lamar Shill and four sons, Mike, Wayne, Mark, Curt and daughter Tracy Shill Jensen, their spouses, 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grand children. With sadness we mourn her loss, with joy we remember her humor, courage, strength, gracefulness, wisdom, love and mostly her smile. Her passion for life will live within us always. She will be laid to rest in the Mesa Cemetery on Friday April 15, 2011 after a farewell service Friday at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lehi 6th (Ridge Ward) building, 2220 N. Harris, Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will be on the day of the service from 9 to 9:45 AM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Harold Rawson Gaisford, 91, Gilbert, Arizona, died April 7, 2011. He was born April 26, 1919, in Ogden, Utah. At age 16 he moved to Berkeley, CA, where he took a variety of jobs to help his mother support three younger brothers. He took night classes to improve his employment opportunities and his singing and acting talents. He married Geraldine Lambert on April 25, 1942 in Oakland, CA. He enlisted in 1942 and was promoted through Army ranks to Corporal, First Lieutenant, Captain and Major. After working for a radio station on-air and in sales, he found his nitch in insurance sales, which led to promotions and moves to Utah, Texas, and Arizona. In 1966 he established Gaisford Insurance Agency, which he operated for more than 30 years, bringing his son Gordon into the business. Harold enjoyed many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including choir director, Bishop of the Phoenix 16th Ward, and Mesa Temple worker. He worked alongside his children and grandchildren to impart his skills, his strong work ethic, and self-reliance. His sweetheart of 60 years preceded him in death in 2001. He is survived by four children: Hal (Kay), Steven (Tamara), Gordon (Leslie), and Elizabeth (Chris Cardon). His legacy includes 19 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are Saturday, April 16, 11 AM, Lakeside Ward LDS Chapel, 1005 N. Voyager Dr., Gilbert, visitation one hour before. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Amy Luella Erikson Willis was born in Rexburg, Idaho on April 23, 1915, to Alexander and Isabell Erikson, the 11th of 12 children. She passed away on April 5, 2011. Amy had many fond memories of her life on the farm with such a large family. She worked as a secretary in Washington, DC and at the Arizona State Senate. She was a very faithful member of the LDS church, giving years of service and devotion. Her faith was a great inspiration to her family. Amy was preceded in death by her 11 siblings, an infant daughter, LeNae, and her beloved husband, Max, with whom she served four missions in South America for the LDS Church. She is survived by her children Rick Willis (Denise), Lance Willis (Margie), Elizabeth Barrett (Brad), Ron Willis (Lida), and Maxine Pew (John), 31 grandchildren and 63 great-grandchildren. Services will be Saturday April 16 at 10 AM at the LDS Vineyard Ward Chapel, 1054 West 2nd Place, Mesa. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services in the Relief Society room.

IN MEMORY OF ALTHEA STREMLER
Althea Stremler, age 73, met her Lord at Heaven’s Gates on April 6, 2011. She was born to Arie and Katherine Molenaar in Crookston, Minnesota on May 25, 1937, the third of nine children. Her family moved to Peoria, Iowa when she was five years old and later moved to Lynden, Washington when she was ten years old. She attended Lynden Christian Grade School and First Christian Reformed Church.
Her first marriage was to Peter Buma in 1956. They had three children: Craig (Chris) Buma, Cassie, Michael and Jordan, Pella, Iowa; Cheryl (Mark) Blaylock, Steven and Ryan, Kent, Washington; and Caryn (Ed) Norton, Rayn Joy, Josiah, Cypress, Caleb and Ezekiel, Mt. Vernon, Washington.
Harold and Althea Stremler were united in marriage on April 5, 1986 and celebrated 25 years of marriage. They loved to travel in their motor home and volunteered with CRWRC for 15 years helping families and communities across the U.S. in their disaster recovery efforts.
Althea loved life and contributed something to every life she touched. She was a much-loved grandmother and especially loved being with her grandchildren. Flowers and gardening were her favorite hobby and her home was a cheery place for everyone to visit.
She is survived by her loving husband, Harold, of Mesa, Arizona as well as her children and grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Neil (Kay) Molenaar, Wenatchee, WA; Don & Marlene Riggan, Lacey, WA; Harold (Gayle) Molenaar, Tempe, AZ; Les (Lorna) Molenaar, Lynden, WA; Esther (Dick) Mellema, Lynden, WA; Marlene (Lynn) Bleeker, Sioux Center, IA; and Carolyn (George) Sibert, Wenatchee, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also, several step-children & step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister, Marcia, brother, Ken Molenaar, and her parents, Arie & Katherine Molenaar.
Contributions may be made to, Americare Hospice & Palliative Care, Mesa, Arizona.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 7 at 6:00pm at Broadway Christian Church, 7335 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ 85208.

James Charles (J.C.) McClelland, born October 11, 1920, departed this earth on March 31, 2011. J.C. served as an ordained Deacon and Superintendent of Sunday School Ministries for over 55 years at Mt. Olive and Canaan Missionary Baptist Churches. J.C. is a WWII veteran and also retired as a lineman from Qwest Telephone Co. after 35 years of service. J.C. leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 69 years, LuVerna, 13 children, 46 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, 3 sisters and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who all love and will miss him dearly. Viewing is Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. Funeral services are Friday, April 8, 2011 at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church located at 931-2 S. Stapley Dr. in Mesa.

Judy Sherene Russell age 66 passed from this earthly life Friday, April 1, 2011 in Mesa, AZ. She was born April 1st 1945 Montrose CO. She was known to her family as Judy and
to most of her friends and co workers as Sherene. Judy was preceded in death by her
husband Clayton Russell, mother Norma Myler, and her brother Bill Myler, all of Mesa.
She leaves behind her father George Myler of Mesa, two sons, Robert (Vicki)
Leonard, of Japan, Kevin Leonard of Phoenix, three Grandchildren, Lauren, Ian and Caden
Leonard of Japan, two sisters, Janet (Bruce) Bosley and Jeannie (Ray) Engel of Pennsylvania; also 11 Nephews, 7 nieces, 23 great-nephews, 9 great-nieces, and one great-great nephew, who will all miss her greatly, especially the Hippo song! Due to her illness she left PCS as and Administrative Assistant several years ago. Judy loved crocheting, hand crafts, playing UNO with her family, loving on the little kids,
spending time with her friends and “OH YES

Gillespie, Jerold “Jerry” Duane
born November 13, 1950 returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, April 1, 2011. He was 60 years old. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. The funeral will be held at the LDS Stake Center 2701 E. Lehi Road Mesa, AZ at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2011. A viewing will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bunkers Mortuary 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ. He is survived by his wife Mary, sons Dustin, Adam, Devyn, and daughters Amanda and Shannon as well as eight grandchildren. He was a former State Senator and served well in his church and other callings. He was a successful business man, but his most important calling was his family. He will be greatly missed. We love you Dad.

Bill J. Brisco, 83, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at his home March 29, 2011. Bill was born February 26, 1928 to parents, Orba and Lucy Brisco, in a tent in Hobart, Oklahoma during heavy snowfall. Orphaned in his teens, he was blessed to live with the Keck Family of Buckeye, Arizona until joining the U.S. Army Air Corps in June 1946. Bill dropped out of Buckeye Union High School to serve his country until May 1949 as a radio operator and crewman aboard B-29 Superfortresses in the Strategic Air Command. Following his military service, Bill went on to earn both his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees enabling him a long and distinguished career in education. He taught at nearly every level, from small reservation elementary schools to the associate professor level at the University of Missouri. Following the election of President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, Bill was asked to join the U.S. Department of Education in Washington D.C. in an effort to craft reforms and policy at the national level for the U.S. education system. In addition to teaching, Bill was an experienced administrator, working as the Superintendent for International Schools in South America and for over 20 years in the U.S. Army education system at Ft. Eustis, Virginia and Amberg, Germany before retiring and moving back to his beloved Arizona. Bill served selflessly within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for many years. He enjoyed a variety of equally important roles, from Sunday School teacher to Bishop. Bill enjoyed the company of people regardless of their background, color, or religion. He enjoyed talking with, but enjoyed working with them even more. Bill loved classic cars, the desert, traveling, photography, and classical music. He was positive, self-reliant and never quit, right up until the end. Within his “Greatest Generation

Emma DeAlba, 94, passed away March 29, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Monday April, 4, 2011 at 10 AM preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Lyn Rae Ward, 1266 S. 32nd Street in Mesa. Interment will be in Redlands, CA. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Kenneth Pierre Haumont, passed away March 25, 2011, 4 months after his father Pierre Henry Haumont passed. Kenneth grew up in South Phoenix and was the first graduating class of South Mountain High School.
He worked hard and played hard and lived life to the fullest. He worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator, project manager of roadways, bridges, and as an estimator for the last 15 years.
He Loved the out-of-doors. In his early years he hunted deer with his folks, later quail and dove with a dog named Max, his companion during those times. He loved playing sports such as all church basketball, softball and golf, but tennis was his real love and played until a month before his death. In the 70’s he and his father played in the Australian Tennis Open, also during the 70’s he owned Whitelocks Sporting Goods in North/East Phoenix.
He owned a restaurant in Pinetop, AZ with his wife Wanda.
We loved him for his generosity in helping his children and giving extravagant gifts, he liked people and was a loyal friend, but his sense of fun came from his mother the late Vernece Love Haumont.
He was a life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) and was a faithful home teacher; his families loved his well thought out messages.
He is survived by three children, Sterling Pierre Haumont, Kendra Keever and Michelle Moyer, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his wife of 35 years Wanda Mae Haumont and her two daughters Toni Diane Stewart and Debbie Shadle, two sisters Beverly (Max) Balthrop, Renee (Bill) Woods and many nieces and nephews who will miss him.
The viewing will be at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ, March 30th, from 6:00-8:00p.m. Services for Kenneth (Pete) Haumont will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1455 N. Harris, at 10:00a.m., on Thursday, March 31, 2011, with a viewing one hour prior.

Leonard Sutton Dixon, 89, passed away March 21, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial Services will be Friday, April 1, 2011 at 3:30 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.

Ethan William Ellsworth (7), born September 4, 2003, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on March 26, 2011, in Mesa, Arizona. Ethan is survived by his loving parents, Marcus and Kimberly Ellsworth, older brother Parker and younger sister, Madilyn , grandparents Elaine and Lynn Ellsworth (Snowflake, AZ) and Chuck and Marilyn Spittle (Monroe, MI), numerous aunts , uncles and cousins.
Throughout his short lifetime, he lived to the fullest, very energetic about sports, teams, friends, school, plays and music. He was kind-hearted and compassionate and had many close friends! Ethan attended 2nd grade at Franklin NE Elementary where he claimed his favorite subject was recess.
He died unexpectedly from complications of AVM (blood vessel defect in the brain).
Funeral will be held Wednesday, March 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel at 6655 E. Preston, Mesa, 85215, where viewing will be from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Interment will be at Snowflake, AZ cemetery later that day.
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