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Dolores Mae Watkins of Mesa/Apache Junction passed away peacefully December 28th, 2022. She was born July 14th, 1931 to Joseph and Florence Koza in Evanston, Ill. She is survived by her husband Frank LaMar Watkins of 51 years, her family: Bobby (Laura), Tommy (Barb), Dale (Rosa), Lenora (Michael Falconer) Thompson and Susie (Kerry) Bumpas, Debbie (Steve) Fournier. She is also survived by her siblings Joe and Jerry Koza and Pat O’Donnell, Bernie Dutton.

Visitation will be at Bunker’s Family Mortuary at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM January 4th. Services will be January 5th at 10:30 AM at Bunker’s Family Mortuary followed by graveside services at The City of Mesa Cemetery.

Dolores graduated from ASU in 1952 with a major in education focused on a teaching career. Her true love was soon found working with kids while teaching in Superior Arizona. She taught Home Economics while teaching class on pedal sewing machines with an outdated 48 star flag in her room. During her time in Superior she met and married Robert Frank Thompson a local jeweler that had just returned from WWII service. Dolores and “Bob” had four of their five children while living in Superior.

In 1962 the family moved to Apache Junction. Dolores continued to commute to Superior until 1968 when she began teaching in AJ. Her last child Susie was born in 1968; “Susie” was later adopted and raised by Dolores and LaMar Watkins her devoted husband of 51 years.

Dolores continued teaching in AJ and completed her Master’s Degree in Career and Technical Education in 1974. Although Dolores’ first love was teaching, she began working the administrative side of education due to her talent and needs of the school and community at large. Dolores worked on numerous grants and related one on one specialized student development programs.

Dolores was one of the founding members of the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) and later served in numerous board positions at EVIT including President.

It’s hard to state all the impact Dolores has had over her 64 year active Educational career. She served on numerous State and National level curriculum boards and committees to further education.

Dolores was driven to visit as many destinations as possible throughout the world with LaMar, friends and family. She often teased when her children were together by saying she should have drowned them in the bathtub while she had the chance. Her children at times called her by her 1970’s nickname given to her by a family childhood friend. “Wildflower”!

We will forever miss our mother and wife, rest in peace, YOU DID EXCEPTIONALLY WELL!

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Janice Salem, 77, was called home December 24, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. There to meet her were her husband James Salem and her parents John and Jean McQueary. She is survived by one brother, Joseph McQueary, her children Brenda Salem (Lou) and Stephen Salem (Rachel), and five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Janice was a devout Christian her entire life and enjoyed bible studies and doing God’s will. She was the most caring, loving, and thoughtful person, and she loved her family with all her heart. Her courage, kindness and generosity will be dearly missed, but most of all we will miss her zest for life and her joyous laughter. Funeral services will be held at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201 on Tuesday, January 3, 2022 at 11 AM.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Streaming – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85083963786 

Delia Frances  Badilla Salcido Barraza, 88 was called home on December 19^th, 2022. Delia passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Mesa, AZ.  Delia was born on March 8^th, 1934, in Tucson, AZ to Ignacio Badilla and Enriqueta Rabago.

Delia was preceded in death by her father Ignacio, mother Enriqueta, her son Albert, two grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her husband Albert V. Barraza, her children Gerald, David, Donna and Lorene, two brothers and three sisters. 23 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren.

Delia lived a very happy life helping take care of her 9 siblings. John (Vicky), MaryAnn (Joe), Dorothy “Margie”(Robert), Barbara “Bobbie” (Carlos), Linda Palma (Hector), Fred (Jackie), Robert (Liz), Edward and Theresa. 

Delia married Albert “Peewa” Salcido in April of 1951.  They had their first of 5 children in Tucson, Albert (Cecilia). They moved to Los Angeles, Ca in the early 1950’s. There they had their other 4 children. Gerald, David (Rhonda), Donna and Lorene Hoffman (Russell). She lived in Garden Grove, CA until June of 1972, when they moved to Mesa, AZ for Peewa’s work.  

Delia remarried to Albert V. Barraza and moved to Phoenix where she lived for 20 years. They purchased a home in Mesa, AZ and lived there for more than 20 years. She was married to Albert V. Barraza for over 40 years. She was known by all her grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Nana”.

Delia loved life, she loved to sing, especially to all her babies, grandbabies and great grandbabies. She loved to cook and was fantastic at it. She was so selfless, always putting everyone first.  She always made sure that everyone was fed and happy before eating herself.

Delia was a virtuous woman; she believed in and loved God and Jesus Christ.  She emulated the pure love of Christ, full of unconditional love and Christ like service. She will be greatly missed.

 Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 29^th, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Bunker’s University Chapel at 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Linda Marie Weckerly (Stayer) died on Christmas Day, 2022 at Mesa, Arizona. She was born on November 23, 1953 to Laura (Eagle) and Edward Stayer. She attended school in Cadillac, Michigan and graduated from Central Michigan University. She earned a Master’s Degree from Arizona State University and was employed by the City of Mesa for several years.

She married Terry Weckerly on October 10, 1987. She is survived by three step-children, six step-grandchildren, and seven step-great grandchildren.

She enjoyed collecting and trading antiques and collectables. She was a kind, generous and loving person who will be missed by many.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Barbara Hardy passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 21, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 90. Barbara led a very joyful, beautiful life with a loving spouse, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

In addition to her family, Barbara’s greatest loves were The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, music and serving others.

She is survived by her children, Debra, Michael, Alan, Kaylene, Alecia, 23 grandchildren, 83 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

Funeral services are Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 920 S. Lindsay Road, Mesa, AZ 85204. The viewing will be from 9 AM to 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers donations to Suncrest Hospice are suggested. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

On Sunday, December 11, 2022, James (Jim aka Fitz) Robert Fitzsimmons passed away at 74 years young with his Family at his side. Jim was lovingly devoted to all of his Family and to his faith in God, friends and mankind. Jim was born to Katharine and Francis Fitzsimmons and resided in Chicago, Illinois until he moved to Friendship, Wisconsin where he met and married his loving wife, Marie.

Jim was a Deputy Sheriff/Traffic Safety Coordinator/Training Officer with the Adams County Sheriff’s Department until he and his Family decided to “Head West” and begin another chapter of their life of love in Mesa, Arizona.  Jim became a Phoenix Police Officer, advancing to Detective until his retirement in 2006. For thirty years, Jim was a dedicated police officer directly credited for saving countless lives.

Jim loved music, fishing, road-trips, food and most of all being with his Family. He was gentle and kind.  His smile was infectious and his patience was divine.

Jim is survived by his loving and adored wife, Marie; his most precious son Michael (Susan) Fitzsimmons of Mesa, Arizona; his lovingly devoted daughter Katie Amelia Fitzsimmons (Drew Snowbarger), Mesa, Arizona; loving youngest daughter Jenny and son-in-law Andy Logan, Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Brother George Fitzsimmons, Algonquin, Illinois; Sister Dorothy (Steve) Stroschein of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Brother Edward (Leslie) Fitzsimmons of Sleepy Hollow, Illinois; Brother Robert Fitzsimmons of Mesa, Arizona; Grandchildren, Edward, James, Margaret and Jonathan Fitzsimmons of Mesa, Arizona; Sister-in-law Sue (Les) Roeder of Adams, Wisconsin; Brothers-in-law Roy (Judy Alderman) Bogseth of Friendship, Wisconsin, Walter (Paty) Bogseth of Greenwood, Wisconsin, Robert Bogseth (Laurie Bradford), Adams, Wisconsin, Paul (Cindy) Turner of Minnesota; cousins, nieces/nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Katharine and Francis Fitzsimmons, his sister Margaret Turner, parents-in-law Alice and Harold Bogseth, sisters-in-law Susan Fitzsimmons, Kim Bogseth, Sheri Bogseth, and brother-in-law Merlin Winchester.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1551 E. Dana Avenue, Mesa, Arizona 85204.  A family and friend gathering with food and a celebration of Jim will follow the Mass.

A private burial will be conducted at a later date.

A special thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their loving support of our Family.  Heaven holds a special place for all who are loved.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Dan Arland Branch

On Friday, December 16th, Dan Arland Branch (83), loving husband, father of four, grandfather and great grandfather of 24, passed away. Services will be Friday December 30th viewing at 9am and services at 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 422 E University Drive Mesa, AZ 85203. A charismatic provocateur his whole life, he engaged regularly in political discourse, spiritual speculation, dramatic entrances, and surreptitious acts of kindness. Dan, as he was fond of reminding people, was named after his father’s favorite horse. He was born on October 22nd 1939 to Arland and Leila Branch. An active international marketing consultant for over 50 years, he travelled regularly throughout Central and South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia forging meaningful and lasting relationships everywhere he went. Deeply devoted to Christ and adventure, he served a 2.5-year mission for his church in Peru and Chile in 1960.  He married the love of his life (Cherry Gayle Overall) of 60 years in 1962, and was blessed with four children, Bret, Ben, Boyd, and Jennifer. He is remembered by his family and friends for twirling his mustache at the end of jokes, his unshakable faith in the mercy and love of Jesus Christ, the transcendence of Miles Davis, and loving his fellow man.

Preceded in death by his parents (Arland and Leila), and younger brother (Steve). Dan is survived by his wife Cherry, children, Bret (Cindy), Ben (Kerri), Boyd, Jennifer (Geoff) Boeyenga, and 24 grand and great grandchildren.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Kristin Leigh Rogers (December 10, 1957– December 19, 2022)

Surrounded by her loving family in the home that she made, Kristin Rogers departed this life peacefully on December 19, 2022, after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).  She was 65.

Kristin was born on December 10, 1957.  After graduating from Ygnacio Valley High in Concord, California, she attended Brigham Young University, where she met the love of her life, David.  Kristin then chose to spend her days loving and serving her family, friends, fellow church members, and 30-years’ worth of preschool and kindergarten students at New Vistas Academy.  Kristin’s greatest life work was making her loved ones’ lives better, their days more joyful, and their characters stronger.  In her “spare” time, she became a Boston Marathon-qualified triathlete, an inimitable baker, a much-loved church youth leader, and the most fun and stylish grandma you’ve ever seen.  Kristin leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.

She survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, David; her father, Karl; her sisters, Kerry and Kim; her brother, Scott (Elaine); her eternally grateful children, Jason (Jenny), Jenny (Tom), Ashley (Will), and Amber; eight adoring grandchildren; and too many loved ones and students to count.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Satterfield.

If Kristin loved anything more than her family, it was the gospel of Jesus Christ.  In the face of an insurmountable health diagnosis, she never lost her faith or begrudged her circumstances—even with certain death on the immediate horizon.  Instead, in Kristin’s final testimony—painstakingly written as her faculties waned—she expressed gratitude for her Savior, the Great Physician.  Because of Him, she knew that one day she would “mount up with wings as eagles”; she would “run, and not be weary,” and “walk, and not faint.”

Thank you, Kristin—forever our dear wife, mom, grandma, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend.  God be with you till we meet again.

Funeral services are Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 7752 E. McDowell Road, Mesa, AZ.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Association (https://donate.als.org/) using drogers@voyagerproperties.com for recipient’s email address.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Those wishing to view the services online, may do so at the following live stream link:
https://zoom.us/j/97705775339?pwd=YVI0akFwb2o0dWNWN1krT3VHaFZjdz09
Passcode: 122222

Virginia Hastings Baker, 83, passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 14, 2022. She was born in her grandmother Hinton’s house in Hurricane, Utah, on December 20, 1938. Virginia was the fourth and youngest daughter of Harvey Elbert Hastings and Camilla Hinton. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters: Florence Craig, Joann Steffen, and Sara Sylvia Bagley. She is survived by her husband and love of her life of 65 years, Charles Verl Baker, and her children: Laurie Patterson (Gary), Shelley Mills (Steven), Susan Baker (the favorite), Charles II (Jennifer), Matthew (Heidi-deceased; Rebecca), and Scott (Seini), including close family friends Ray Angilau (DeAnn) and Moni Angilau (Elaine). She was a grandmother of 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

When Virginia was 8 years old, she moved with her family from Hurricane to Mesa, Arizona. She attended elementary, junior high, and high school in Mesa. When the new Mesa Junior High opened, she was in the first 8th grade class. Virginia was active in the band in junior high and high school. She was also on the student council, and yearbook staff. She even interviewed actor Art Carney when she worked for the Phoenix Gazette while she was in high school.

Virginia was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations.

When her children were all in school, she worked as a school registrar at Mesa Junior High. Later, she worked as a school secretary for Johnson Elementary School in Mesa until she retired. She made many lifelong friends working at the school. Both teachers and students loved her.

Virginia loved to create beautiful wreaths and flower arrangements. She loved decorating for Christmas—her most favorite time of year—as well as for wedding receptions. We will miss her cooking and baking, especially her Sunday roasts, lemon pies, and pumpkin pies. She loved camping with her family, watching sports (an avid fan of football and basketball), and visiting relatives in other states and countries.

A visitation is scheduled on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 85201. Funeral services are Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 11:00 am (preceded by a visitation at 10:00 am) at the LDS Chapel at 2334 East Pueblo Ave., Mesa, AZ, 85204. Virginia will be interred in the Mesa City Cemetery. Bunker’s University Chapel will manage the funeral arrangements.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Live Stream Link To View Service: 

https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%2Fj%2F94496287768%3Fpwd%3DT1h1dUN2RmhTWjQzeVBSY1ZpSDVCZz09&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw2DZXuDoucQ7cf-sfmu5eCn

Stephen Harold Denler, 77, died at his home in Mesa, AZ on Dec. 11, 2022 after a short battle with an aggressive illness. Our beloved husband, dad, brother, grandpa, great grandpa and friend to many was surrounded by family when he passed. He is known for his love of life and family, love of adventure, wit and generosity. He loved hunting, fishing, golf, and following BYU sports. He has faith in and love of Jesus Christ which was exemplified in his faithful service and daily
life.

He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on Nov. 3, 1945, to Harold and Cleo (Marble) Denler. He grew up in Richland, Washington where he graduated from Columbia High School. He loved his Richland friends and was proud to have been a Richland Bomber. He received 4 Varsity letters for playing Football, Basketball, Baseball and Golf.

He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the British South Mission from 1965 to 1967. He served three years in the United States Army assigned to the ROTC unit at Brigham Young University. He earned a Bachelor ‘s and Master’s degrees from BYU.

He married the love of his life and eternal companion Cristi Bishop in the Logan Temple on April 3, 1969.

His employment history included working as an executive for the May Company Dept. Stores in Southern California, teaching school in the Alpine School District in Utah, the majority of his career was spent as a furniture manufacturers representative working for these companies, ZCMI executive in Salt Lake City, Lane Furniture Company in 6 western states, AICO Furniture and Ashley Furniture.

After retirement he served 3 more missions with his wife, Cristi. They served at the San Diego State University LDS Institute, the Conference Center at Temple Square and at the Santa Monica College LDS Institute. He especially enjoyed his many opportunities for church service, some of interest were a stint at the MTC and as the Bishop of the BYU 69th ward and the calling of nursery worker in Alpine and Mesa. He also served his community as a member of the Alpine City Council for 4 years making an impact on Alpine City Parks and Recreation including the creation and expansion of Burgess Park, the gazebo in the city park and Christmas in the Park.

He is survived by his wife Cristi of Mesa, AZ; Brother, Scott Denler of Richland, WA; Children, Chelsea (Nate) Lamb of Mesa, AZ, Devon (Heather) Denler of Gilbert, AZ, Paisley (Ryan) Zerr of Yuma, AZ; Grandchildren, Brittany Lamb of Springville, UT, Alex (Tyler) Lovell of American Fork, UT, Sydney (Jeff) Bailey of Cedar City, UT, Morgan (Tanner) Lunt of Apache Junction, AZ, Mattie (Tanner) Casto of Springville, UT Brecken (Hailey) Denler of Boston, MA, Aspen (Ryan) Brady of Provo, UT, Kamden Denler of St. George, UT, Brennan Zerr of Yuma, AZ, Peyton Zerr of Yuma, AZ, Beckett Zerr of Yuma, AZ, Reagan Zerr of Yuma, AZ; Great Grandchildren, Dawson, Jackson, Brinley and Danny Lovell of American Fork, UT; Kooper, Parker and Brighton Bailey of Cedar City, UT.

Preceded in Death by his parents, Harold and Cleo Denler and his grandson Kyson Denler Lamb.

Funeral Services will be held Wed. Dec. 28th at 11:00am at 3920 E Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ. Viewing for family and friends will be from 9:00am-10:30am at the same location. There will be a graveside service and burial in the Historic Springville Cemetery, Springville, UT on Friday Dec. 30th at 12pm.

Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 is handling funeral arrangements. ww.bunkerfuneral.com

Zoom link for funeral services: https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%

Bill Clark Flake joined his heavenly family on November 12, 2022 in Pinal County, AZ.

Born on June 29, 1966 in Mesa to parents Russel Flake and M. Gail Bonham, he lived in the state of Arizona all of his life. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1984 where he had been a member of the Honor Choir, Concert Choir, and Drama Club. Bill was so good at singing and projecting his voice, that in most of his solo and acting performances he did not require a microphone. He loved to laugh and smile, and smiled for the first time when he was just three months old – and then never stopped.

Bill loved spending time with family and he enjoyed baking and playing games, any kind of game. He had excellent memory skills and would share memorized poems (he wrote several), quotes from books and talks, and movie lines with flawless delivery. Bill was expert at sharing exciting and dramatic stories that always ended with laughter, and his big personality will be missed greatly. Bill enjoyed serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints in the California San Jose area. He contacted and made friends with numerous Tongan people whom he appreciated, served and loved.

In the last years of his life, Bill had lots of health challenges, but mostly suffered in silence and learned to rely heavily on the Lord’s mercy. He was very calm in his trials and endured patiently .He also started to learn the Russian Language which he had always been fascinated with. Bill was large in stature and size most of his life and so he looked intimidating, but he was like the bull in the story Ferdinand, with a tender oversized heart and the willingness to do almost anything to help someone in need. He began a tradition of giving gifts to those who were less fortunate annually on his birthday.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother M. Gail Bonham and his sister Carol Flake-VanErstvelde. He is survived by his Father Russel (Karen) Flake and siblings, Cherryl Mabus, DeMar (Mary Lou) Flake, Margie (Scott) Luster, and John Flake.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.