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Fincher, Luveda Cooper, 95 of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on January 9, 2011. She was born April 9, 1915 in Mesa, Arizona to John H. Cooper and Gertrude Clevenger Cooper. She was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in Primary, Young Women’s, Relief Society and name extraction. She was a member of San Tan Historical Society. Luveda was a homemaker, cotton farmer, dairyman, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother that will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her. She is survived by her children John (Margaret) Fincher, Janice (Doyle, dec.) Penfold, Elaine (David) DeTemple, Carol Conrad, Sharon (Keith) Smith, 24 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, sisters, Maxine Haws and Lois Allen. She is reunited with her parents and three brothers, son-in-law Doyle Penfold, grandson Jarom Smith and great-grand-daughter Sophie DeTemple. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 14th from 6:00 to 8:00p.m.at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 15th, at 10:00a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fairview Ward, 2700 E. Galveston St., Gilbert, AZ. A visitation will precede the service at 9:00a.m. Interment in the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, immediately following service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribution to the Fairview Ward Missionary Fund, Bishop Keller, 3091 E. Kesler Ln, Gilbert, AZ 85295

Ralph E. Harris, 83, passed away on January 5, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Louise Johnson; children Paula (Morris) Williams, Edward (Brenda) Harris, Cathy (Franko) Fritz, Lori (Darin) Huffaker; 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Ralph was born and raised in Lake City, Florida and later served 26 years in the United States Air Force rising to the rank of MSgt. The Air Force sent him around the world including tours of duty during the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts. Ralph retired to Mesa in 1974 where he managed the Mesa Country Club and later the San Juan Country Club in Farmington, New Mexico. After 14 years, he retired a second time. In his later years he enjoyed the morning papers, conversations, the Price Is Right, people-watching, family, and eating lunch out. The valley restaurants will dearly miss him as well as his family and friends. Services will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at the Porter Park Ward located at 1852 N. Stapley, Mesa. The viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. with services at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by Bunkers Garden Chapel, 480-696-6883.

Marilyn Stringfellow, 90, passed away January 3, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born on March 15, 1920 in Richmond, Utah. She will be missed by her beloved husband of 68 years, Elden R. Stringfellow, and four children; Dennis (Kathleen) Stringfellow; Sherida (Dale) Cluff; Loreen (David) Shumway and Randall Stringfellow. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren & 26 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held, Monday, January 10th at 11:00am with visitation at 10:00am at the LDS Chapel at 1430 N. Recker Rd, Mesa, AZ. Flowers or donations may be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201; Ph: 480-696-6883

Husak, Jerry, 63, of Gold Canyon, passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, December 27, 2010, after suffering a heart attack. Jerry was born in Germany in 1947 and grew up in Syracuse, NY where he graduated from LeMoyne College with a degree in Accounting. Jerry served proudly with the United States Marine Corp. and was a veteran of the Vietnam War where his sacrifice earned him a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat. Jerry worked as an Accountant for General Motors for 30 years before retiring in 2001. He lived in Syracuse NY, Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN and Rochester Hills, MI before moving to Gold Canyon in 2003. Jerry had a strong devotion to his family and brought joy to those around him with his witty and undying sense of humor. He was an avid golfer who also enjoyed barbecuing and spending time with his wife, sons and grandchildren. Jerry was predeceased by his beloved son Mark, who died on December 5, 2010, his mother Anna, who died on December 11, 2010, and his in-laws Teodosia and Walter Kowerko. He is survived by his loving wife Orysia of Gold Canyon, his son Damian (Deidre) of Seattle, WA, his granddaughter Sidney, grandsons Hudson and Payton, his father Ewhen of Syracuse, NY, a sister Nadia (Roman) Iwachiw of Syracuse, NY, his brother in-law, Andrew Kowerko of Port Charlotte, FL, and his nephews Roman (Denise) Iwachiw of Washington DC and Olesh (Joselle) Iwachiw of Syracuse, NY. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 3 at 12:30pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. A memorial service will follow at 1:30pm.

Vernon Bowring Watkins died December 23, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. He was born January 22, 1927 to Nola Bowring and Norman V. Watkins in Brigham City, UT. He married Bonnie Jean Taylor July 15, 1948 in the Logan, UT Temple. She died March 13, 2002. He married Joyce Blain May 18, 2006. Vern was a veteran of World War II, serving in Germany. Vern graduated from Utah State University and completed a Master’s Degree in Education at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. He and Bonnie moved to Phoenix in 1952 where he was a guidance counselor at the newly-opened Camelback High School. Vern was later employed by SRA and IBM providing educational materials and training to schools in the Intermountain West and Hawaii. He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many capacities. He served as Bishop of the Phoenix 11th Ward and later served as President of the Phoenix East Stake. With wife Bonnie, he presided over the Texas Houston Mission from 1990-1993. Vern loved their missionaries and loved having contact with many in his later years. He was a counselor in the Mesa Arizona Temple presidency and treasured the service and friendship of patrons and temple workers. Vern was an ordinance worker and sealer for 17 years in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He also cherished his many years as a member of the Phoenix East Stake and the Mesa Arizona Kimball East Stake where he resided at the time of his death. Vern is survived by his wife Joyce, and children Connie (Lothaire) Bluth, Norm (Suzanne) and Lori (Dennis) Headley. Stepchildren are Claudia S. Blaine and Brenda Blaine. Vern is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren. Two of his three brothers survive; Norman of Highland, UT and Richard (Paula) of Mendon, UT. His brother Jack preceded him in death and sister-in-law Vanja of Salt Lake City, UT survives. Vern dearly loved his nieces, nephews and cousins. Family was everything to him. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and lived a life exemplary of his Savior. Vern was gracious and kind–he genuinely cared about everyone he met. He continually looked for the good in people, and he always found it. We will miss his kind smile, encouraging words, playful laugh and his big heart. Funeral services will be held at the Kimball East Stake Center, 4640 E Holmes, Mesa, AZ at 11:00am on Friday, December 31, 2010. A viewing will be held prior to services at 9:30am. A viewing will also be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ from 6-8 pm on Thursday, December 30, 2010.

George F Prince, 82, passed away peacefully at home on December 23, 2010 with his beloved wife and children at his side. He was born in St. George, Utah on June 23, 1928 to William H. and Lida Cox Prince, where he spent his formative years. At age 12 his family relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. Upon graduation from South High School he joined the Marine Corps. He married the love of his life, LaRue Morgan, on October 25, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. Nothing in life was more important to him nor brought greater joy than his eternal companion, family and posterity. George was truly an amazing man who accomplished many things in life. After his release from military service, he was diligent in his vocational studies, eventually becoming a Master Electrician. He felt compelled to expand his knowledge in the field of electrical engineering, striving to keep abreast of new developments in this ever-changing field. He worked for many years with his father and brothers at Prince Block Company in Salt Lake City. Later in his career he moved his family to Arizona and worked for Union Rock and Materials, Inc., a Peter Kiewit company, until his retirement in 1985. After his retirement he co-founded Prince Electric with his oldest son Michael. George loved the Savior and spent his life in service to others in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an avid scouter, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and received the distinguished Silver Beaver Award. He was a Bishop, a member of the High Council and served two missions with his beautiful wife. He was a temple worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple for many years. George is survived by LaRue, his wife of 64 years, eight children and their spouses: Kay Lynn & Brian Hardy, Michael & Doris Prince, Tricia & Neil Hardy, Janene & Ralph Pew, Lida & Ronald Willis, Christine & Boyd Shill, Eugene & Kathryn Prince and Robert & Laura Prince. He is also survived by siblings Ronald (&Jerry) Prince and Marlene (& Hugh Pearce). His infant son, William Prince and great grandson Copeland Johnson preceded him in death. His brothers, Douglas (& Beth), Wayne (&Lois) and Jack (&Yvonne), preceded George in death although their spouses are still living. He has 53 Grandchildren and 97 great grandchildren. The viewing is Wednesday, December 29, 2010 from 6– 8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. There will also be a viewing one hour prior to the service. Funeral services are Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 12 PM at the LDS Church Lazona Bldg., 1345 East University Drive, Mesa AZ 85201. Burial will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery. The family wishes to express appreciation to Southwest Kidney and Sunrise Health & Hospice for their thoughtful, compassionate, and professional care.

Diane Norman, 45, of Chandler, AZ passed away on December 12, 2010. She was born in Aurora, CO on September 3, 1965. Diane enjoyed spending time with her family, was a loving mother, wife, aunt, cousin, sister, and friend. Diane worked at the Mesa Fire Department for 10 years. She is preceded in death by her mother Maria Miranda and father Richard Fifield. She is survived by her husband Larry, daughter Ashley, son Justin, brother Rick Fifield, sister Tara Fifield Papano, stepsister Malinda Hunt, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held on December 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Sun Valley Community Church, 456 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296. Arrangements are being entrusted to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, 480-696-6883.

Donna Fay Hanberg Brimley, 84, passed away December 11, 2010, at her home in Mesa. She was born Oct. 5, 1926 in Latuda, UT to Roy and Armida Petty Hanberg. She was married for 50 years to Jay Brimley, who died in 2000. They are the parents of Stan (Colleen), Susan Court (Steve), Linda-deceased, Kent (Margaret), Bart, Steven (Mary) and Matt (Susan). She had 34 grandchildren and 26 great- grandchildren, and counting. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara McGee and brother, Ted Hanberg. Many friends and neighbors called her “Grandma Donna

Glen O. Dixon, 73, passed away peacefully Dec. 6, 2010. Glen loved hiking, camping, service to others, and most of all his family. He was truly a kind and “gentle man”. He is survived by his loving wife Genevieve, 7 children, Tammy Gunderson, Becky Self, Lori Robison, Patty Wright, Kathy Whiting, David and Kevin Dixon, 33 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 grandchild. Services will be held at the LDS church on 810 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa, AZ, on Monday, Dec. 13, at 10:00.

Ronald Allen Willis, 79, of Mesa, passed away surrounded by his family Dec. 7, 2010. He was born in Taylor, AZ on Feb. 7, 1931 to Clarence Edmund Willis and Eva Josephine Allen Willis. Ronald married his high school sweetheart, Veleda (Penrod) Willis. They were married 61 years. He was active in sports and was named Outstanding Athlete his senior year. He was a general contractor and built many homes and government projects in AZ and NV. Ronald and Veleda were served as directors of the LDS dance festivals held at ASU for 15 years. He served as a stake missionary and in many other callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ronald loved the outdoors, especially camping and hunting. He shot many deer, elk, antelope and one Chevy floorboard. Ronald is survived by his wife Veleda, brother Chan (Linda) Willis & brother in law Charlie Hall-Taylor; children Rhonda (Ronald) Smith-Snowflake, Keevin (Judy) Willis – Mesa, Stacey (Gary) Farr – Mesa, Cricket (Doug) Hatch – Flagstaff, Mark Allen Willis – Mesa; 22 grandchildren and soon to be 38 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jordan Hatch, his parents, brother Loye (Ione) Willis, and sisters Kate Hall and Violet (Earl) Reeves. Visitation is Friday, Dec. 10 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral services are Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Mountain Vista Ward, 6655 E. Preston Rd. in Mesa.

Victor A. Escobedo, 82, passed away Dec. 1, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. He was born Nov. 6, 1928 to Guadalupe and Mercedes Escobedo. He married Felipa Vasquez Dec. 27, 1946. They are the parents of George (Rebecca), Robert and Gloria; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Visitation is Thursday, Dec. 9 at 10 AM followed by services at 11 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 15 East 1st Ave. in Mesa. A reception will follow the burial. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Charles Michael Edward McFarland, 60, passed away December 2, 2010 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born November 14, 1950 in Mesa, AZ. He is survived by his siblings Liz, Sean, Earl, Cindy, Laura and Lisa; five children; Karen, Michelle, Michael, Sean and Whitney. Services will be Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 11 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. with a celebration of life to follow at the Superstition Dairy, 3440 S. Hawes, Mesa, AZ 85212. In lieu of flowers donations are welcome for Whitney’s school fund at Chase bank, account # 29 75 4809 36

Christopher Brady Brewer was born on September 23, 1996 and was reunited with the Lord on November 30, 2010. He will be remembered by all for his caring personality, charismatic smile, exceptional wit and the love in his heart for those he came in contact with. Regardless of place, Christopher had a great ability to make friends with complete strangers and engage in conversation easily. Loving family members left behind are his parents Heith and Julie Brewer, brothers Brian and Nicholas, grandparents Harold and Tamara Brewer, Melvin and Stephanie Campbell, great-grandmothers Melva Brewer and Gloria Campbell and a large number of loving aunts, uncles and cousins. The viewing will be held Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. The service will be held Friday, Dec. 10 at 10 AM at the LDS chapel at 464 E. 1st Ave, Mesa. Donations can be made to the “Christopher Brewer Memorial Fund