Find An Obituary

Donald Allen Sharon passed away peacefully on June 5, 2009 at the age of 72 in Phoenix, AZ. He is survived by his wife Shirley, two sons Don Jr and David (Jena), two daughters Dina Bradshaw (Kim) and Donna Fields (Lauren), 16 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Friday June 12th, 2009 at 9:00 AM at the Highland Ward Chapel 2835 E. Des Moines St. Mesa, AZ 85213. Funeral Service will follow at 10:00 AM at the Highland Ward Chapel. Interment at Mesa City Cemetery. Arrangements through Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Robinson, James Daniel, 52, of Mesa, AZ passed away on June 4th, 2009, due to complications from a work-related injury. Daniel was self-employed, operating Pro-Tech Security for more than 22 years. Daniel’s greatest love was fishing, anywhere, anytime. He was known by friends and family as a quiet, gentle, and kind man. Daniel was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Mae Thomas. He is survived by his father, J Ronald Robinson, siblings Chad, Randy (Laura), Jenny Burnham (Lynn), Michael, Ted (Rene) and Susan Birch (Rod), and 22 nieces and nephews. A visitation and viewing will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 on Tuesday, June 16th from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Internment will take place at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Daniel, we love you and will miss you!

Wierson, Rudolph, “Rudy

Bradley Paul Jones, 35, passed away in Mesa, AZ June 2, 2009. Brad was raised in Mesa, attending Mountain View High School, 1989-1991 where he served as Student Body President. He was a member of the marching band, active in drama and debate. Brad’s relationships embraced friends from every walk of life. He is survived by his parents Don and Ann Jones, brother Chris (Tracy) and daughter Vivian. A celebration of Brad’s life will be held Monday June 8th, 2009 at 5:30 PM, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mesa Salvation Army, PO Box 1120, Mesa, AZ 85211.

Jeanie (Alice I.) Boyd, 92, passed away June 2, 2009 in Mesa, AZ. She was born July 23, 1916 in Dexter, KY. She was preceded in death by her husband John H. Boyd, a son Michael G. Boyd and two great-granddaughters McKenna Van Schooten and Jeanie Munoz. She is survived by her children Steven J. Boyd and Vicki S. Long, grandchildren Jaine Larson, Julie Munoz, Erin Harvey, Clancy Van Schooten, Megan Moneypenney, Shannon Morrison, and Tyler Long, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be Friday, June 5, 2009 from 7 – 9 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. Funeral services are Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Mesa Church of Christ, 1223 E. Dana Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204. She will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.

Leslie Howard Wills was born to Loyd and Pearl Wills on October 1st, 1930 in Seminole, Oklahoma and entered eternal life on June 2, 2009. Les moved to Arizona in 1950 while in the United States Air Force, stationed at Williams Air Force Base. He married the love of his life, Dortha Nell Garner in 1951. Les was honorably discharged in 1953 and began a long and rich career at AiResearch, Garrett, AlliedSignal in 1954. He made life-long friends during his 37 year career. He lived by the rule “treat people like you want to be treated

Sharon Ann Townsend Keeling, 64, passed away peacefully after a long illness, Sunday May 31st, with her family by her side. Sharon was born on May 12, 1945 in Mesa, AZ. She attended Mesa High School and soon after married the love of her life, David Keeling. Sharon was a loving and devoted wife of 42 years, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be missed by all who knew her. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served diligently in many callings, including faithful temple worker for many years. She is survived by her loving husband David, daughters Kristen Heywood (Gaylon), Charai Layton (Jon), Lisa Carter (Jason), Tiffany Cluff (Tyler), and sons David T. Keeling (Dova), and Jared Keeling (Heidi), 22 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Friday June 5th at the LDS Salt River Stake Center located at the 6000 block of east Brown Road in Mesa. A viewing will also be held the evening before at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa, from 6 to 8 PM.

James Madison Neal, Jr. was born August 6, 1925 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to James Neal and Tille Neal (Edders). He passed away May 21, 2009 at the age of 83 in Mesa, Arizona.

He was a veteran of WWII, where he served as a PT Boat Technician, and was on the beach at Normandy June 6, 1944 when the allied troops landed. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in 1949, and later received a Masters Degree from South Dakota State University.

He worked for newspapers in Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, South Dakota, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. After 18 ½ years in the newsroom he began a career in education. Neal became a university instructor in 1967. He taught for four years at South Dakota State University. In 1971, he accepted a teaching position with the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s School of Journalism. During his tenure Professor Neal taught courses in the areas of Newswriting and Reporting; Editing and Communications Law. In 1976, Neal co-authored with Suzanne S. Brown “Newswriting and Reporting (Iowa University Press, Ames, Iowa). The textbook shows the novice reporter how to recognize a news story, get the necessary ingredients, put them together properly and polish the finished product. The textbook is still in use today in classrooms around the world.

Neal received UNL’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 1984. In 1990 he received UNL’s Distinguished Professor Award. In 1990 Professor Neal retired from UNL.

Neal served on the board of directors for the Nebraska Civil Liberties Union and later on the Union’s Arizona board.

He was preceded in death by his wife Caroline Dorothy Becker Neal, and his son Charles Taylor Neal. He is survived by his son, James W. Neal, his daughters Jody Ann Neal and Carolyn Sue Sweeney, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona.

Sonja Karin Caldwell, 60, devoted wife, loving mother, super fun grandmother and loyal friend sadly passed away Friday May 15th, 2009. Sonja was born February 3rd, 1949 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. Sonja was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Elsa Hepfl (Danzmann). She is survived by her husband of 40 years John Caldwell, her children Jennifer (Watkins), Scott, Sally (Udall), Joyce (Castro), Joseph, Sarah, Jodi, Samantha, step-children Richard, Gwendolyn (Green) and 27 grandchildren. She is also survived by her three sisters Bobi (Hepfl), Debi (Graham), Carmen (Hepfl Tickner) and she was a second mom to countless others. Her favorite place as a child was Myrtle Beach, SC, and as an adult she loved Germany. She spent most of her life here in Arizona. She loved arts and crafts and was an original prankster. She could feed an army and enjoyed helping others. Visitation will be Sat., May 23rd, 2009 at 8:30am, followed by the service at 10:00am at the LDS Stake Center, 2717 E. Ocotillo Rd, Queen Creek, 85240. Dedication will be at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St, Mesa, 85201 immediately following the services.

Russ Welker, 36, of Mesa, Arizona was unexpectedly called home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, May 17th 2009. He attended Dobson High School and graduated from ASU with a Bachelors Degree. Russ served the Tempe Police Department for 10 years as a detective on the Auto Theft Squad and State Task Force. He was a devoted member of the LDS church and served a two year Spanish speaking mission. Russ’s generosity and kind heart were an inspiration to his family. He lived his life with integrity and bravery. He is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Kathrine; his two angels Cassie (6) and Brooke (4) whom he loved and adored; parents Terry and Kathy Welker; and sister Holly (Robert)Amarillas. A fund has been set up at Chase Bank c/o Kathrine Welker. Services to be held Friday, May 22nd 2009, at the LDS chapel located at 4629 E Guadalupe, Gilbert, AZ. Viewing at 9:30am. Service following at 11am. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Harold Lloyd Cogswell, 84, passed away in Mesa, AZ on May 16, 2009after a short illness. Harold was born in Center, TX on Oct. 1, 1924. HE was a WWII veteran, and a pioneer citrus farmer in the Mesa area. A man who truly showed that “actions speak louder than words

Gwendolyn Lucille Palmer, 87, passed away May 8, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend,

Gwen was born on June 21, 1921 in Farmington, Maine. She is preceded in death by her husband, Philip W. Palmer. They moved from Maine to Arizona in 1951 where they raised their family. She is survived by one brother, eight children, 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, May 15th, 11:00-11:45 AM, followed by the service at 12 noon at the LDS Stake Center, 2707 S. College Ave., Tempe. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Barbara Whitman, 74, entered into rest May 11, 2009. She worked for the BIA as a cook at the Casa Blanca Day School for 37 years. She was preceded in death by her son Laddie A. Baptisto. She is survived by 3 daughters, Cynthia L. Baptisto, Delores E. Tate, Janice G. Whitman, 20 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, sisters Andrea and Jannette Stepp. Services will be held at the family residence, 152 E. Sacaton Rd., Sacaton, Friday May 15, 2009. Rosary will begin at 6:00 PM. Traditional Maricopa cremation ceremony will begin at 9:00 PM. Burial to follow at the East Sacaton Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Scott William Wilson, devoted husband, loving father, fun-loving grandfather and loyal friend sadly passed away Tuesday May 5th 2009. Scott was born November 19, 1953 in Racine, Wisconsin. After graduation he moved to Colorado where he met and married his soul mate Karen Ihrig in 1976 and began their family in 1979. He worked for Exeter Drilling during that time. In 1988 they moved to Mesa, Arizona where he began his career in aviation. For the past 18 years he was employed by and had a LUV for Southwest Airlines. Scott had a passion for learning and a talent for fixing things. He enjoyed being with family and friends, being a jokester, riding motorcycles, scuba diving, golfing, traveling, and volunteering his time to MASD and Special Olympics. Scott was preceded in death by his parents William and Dolores Wilson (né Tilton) and his sister Marcia Ballinger. He is survived by Karen Wilson, his wife of 33 years, his son Justin Wilson, his daughter Mindi (Wilson) Cadden, son-in-law Ryan Cadden and beautiful grand-daughters Madison, Piper and Tatum. He is also survived by his six siblings Dennis, Craig, Karen Lehman, Brian, Jeri, and Loretta Norris, and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 6 – 8pm on Wed. May 13, 2009 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel located at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, 85201. Funeral Services will be Thurs., May 14th, 2009 at 2pm at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church located at 1730 W. Guadalupe Rd. Mesa, 85202. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled (MASD). MASD P.O. BOX 4727 Mesa, AZ 85211-4727.

Lillian Marvalene Barkley Sanborn, 87, born Nov. 6, 1921 in Glendale, AZ, returned to her lifelong sweetheart May 8, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Marvalene was a very talented and strong woman, a beautiful seamstress, wonderful cook, and accomplished pianist. She spent her entire life working with her husband and sons farming and ranching. She also worked as a telephone operator during WWII, at Dixon Electronics and retired from Gilbert High School in the 1980’s. Marvalene was a past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star. She was a good friend, a devoted wife and loved her boys and grandchildren. She is survived by three sons, Jerry (Darlene), Terry (Marta) and Ricki (Becky), numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister Phylis and two brothers Duane and Vernon. She was preceded in death by her husband Pryor, son Mike, grandson Wade and brother Robert Barkley. Graveside services will be held Thursday, May 13, 2009 at 10:00 AM at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Dutton, Chris Duncan, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away on May 5, 2009, at the age of 49. He was born on March 6, 1960 to Joe and Florence Dutton in Phoenix, AZ, the youngest of four children. He was a chiropractor and a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Chris graduated from Greenway High School in Phoenix, AZ and Western States Chiropractic School, Gresham, OR. He had practices in Moab, UT and Mesa, AZ. He will be missed by his loving wife April, his children Brittni Zelm, Nicholas Dutton, Kylie Dutton, Garrett Dutton, Duncan Dutton, three grandchildren, sister Patricia Apraham , and brother Steven Dutton. A “Celebration of Life,