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Sharon Beryl Porter Glasgow passed peacefully on April 6, 2024 in Gilbert AZ at the age of 85.  She was born on August 8, 1938 in Prescott, AZ to Evan and Inez Porter.  She was the 4^th child and had 2 older brothers and 1 sister.  She loved to hunt for turquoise in the train tracks near their home and watch the parades from the top of the Courthouse steps.  At the age of 6 her family moved to Tucson. Her mom and dad made their home out of adobe bricks that they made.  The children stomped the straw into the mud to help out.  After building 3 or 4 adobe homes, living in them and selling them, they settled in the Binghampton area of Tucson.  She made lifelong friends there. They played in the desert gullies and chased jackrabbits, played games and listened to programs on the radio.  She loved the rodeo and Roy Roger movies.  Two more brothers joined the family in Tucson. Her first job was at the Drug Store making sandwiches and Sundaes. She loved secretarial and music classes in school and graduated from Tucson High in 1956.  Their family then moved to Mesa.

She met Harold Glasgow at Stake Conference. They dated for 24 days, got engaged and were married on November 16, 1956 in the Mesa Temple.  They lived in Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert and then on Jarvis Street in Mesa.  They raised 6 children – Lori, Lona, Lane, Laird, Lathe, and Lexine.  They also had 2 Navajo foster daughters, RoseMary Allen and Sylvia Laughter.  Mom made most of our clothes, made bread every Thursday, taught many kids piano lessons in Gilbert and Mesa, and was the organist for many years in the 9^th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She was a lifelong member and held many callings at church, including – RS President, Primary President, Spiritual Living Teacher in RS, and her favorite – Den Mother in Cub Scouts.  We walked to church as a family and had homemade ice cream on Sunday nights.  She took music classes at MCC when all her kids were in school.  She loved being in The Arizona Mormon Choir for many years.  Mom & Dad always had home improvement projects going on in the home.  Mom was thrilled when they were able to buy the Pierce’s baby grand piano!

Mom and Dad went to North Carolina to take care of Grandma after all their kids were married.  They were there for 11 years.  They served in the Washington DC Temple 2 days a week for 3 ½ years. Dad served as Bishop for over 4 years.  Mom served in the Raleigh North Carolina Temple for 5 years.  After returning to Mesa they served in the Mesa Temple for almost 2 years.  They sold their home on Jarvis and bought a mobile home in The Glenn in the same ward.  Mom and Dad served a mission in Louisville Kentucky for 9 months.  Shortly after returning Dad passed away on December 28, 2007.

Sharon served 2 service missions at the ROC, doing family history indexing at The Inter Stake Center.  She quilted humanitarian quilts once a week with the RS sisters in her ward, kept a garden, loved to read, attended the temple weekly and loved to gather with her family for Sunday dinners. She lived with Lona & Dennis for a year, then Lori, then settled at Serenade Assisted Living in Gilbert.  She loved living there with her friend Joyce Petersen, being in the ward choir, going to activities and the temple.  She dearly loved her Savior.

Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Harold Glasgow; parents, Evan & Inez Porter; brother, Dwain Porter; sister, Verdaun Tompkinson; brother Doran Porter; and foster daughters, RoseMary Allen and Sylvia Laughter.    She is survived by her brothers, Daryl Porter (Larysa) and Dale Porter (Jana), daughters Lori Lawlor (Stanley), Lona Johnson (Dennis), Lexine Severtson (Toby), and sons Lane, Laird (Kristina), and Lathe (DeeDee).  She has 40 grandchildren and 79 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 12:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building at 977 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, with a visitation beginning one hour prior. For those unable to attend there is a link to live stream the event: https://zoom.us/j/93266445678

Interment will be held at the Mountain View Memorial Gardens at 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, after the services.

Arrangements through Bunker Funeral Services.

 

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.

 

Audrey Keen, age 81, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her home in Mesa, Arizona on April 4th, 2024.

Audrey was born on February 8th, 1943 in Denlow, Missouri, to her father Herman Williams, and mother Ellen Sellars. She was one of five children: Steve Williams, Ben Sellars, Julie Brown, and Norma Jarrett.

Audrey had two beautiful children, Paul Kent Tucker Sr., and Whitney Martinez. Shortly after having her kids, she moved from Missouri to Arizona. She worked for numerous years at Hexcel, and then later in life kept busy by working at Fry’s. She retired at the age of 70.

In addition to her children, she had six grandsons and two step granddaughters who she loved deeply: Paul Kent Tucker Jr., Matthew Tucker, Edward Martinez Jr., Christopher Martinez, David Martinez, Joseph Martinez, Michelle Campbell, and Vanessa Callender. She was also a great grandmother to five!

Audrey lived a very happy life filled with her family, friends, neighbors, dogs, and her favorite activities. Any time you called Audrey, she would tell you that her dogs were sitting right on her lap and she enjoyed relaxing on her front patio with them. She was always being generous and gifting blankets she had sewn, quilts she had found from her favorite store JoAnns, or exciting finds she scored at the thrift store.  Audrey often spoke about Missouri and how it was her favorite place. She beamed talking about those she loved and was always ready to extend her home to anyone who needed it. She will be missed immensely by all.

 

Per Audrey’s request, her ashes will be laid to rest in Missouri, at a later date. Details to follow.

 

 

 

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.

 

Elsa Marie Morris, age 93, was called home on March 13, 2024.  She joins her husband of 25 years, Rex Morris; her sister, Barb Knudsen; and her parents.

Born to Agda and Nels Knudsen, Elsa grew up on a farm near the western coast of Michigan with her two younger sisters, Barb and Jenny.  She attended small country schools through 7th grade, walking the 1 ½ to 2 ½ miles, then riding a bus to the schools in town through her senior year of high school.  Summers were spent helping dad with farm work until late afternoon, followed by a hike to one of the nearby lakes for a daily swim.

At 15, Elsa knew she was called to be a missionary.  After graduating from high school, she spent the next nine years in preparation – first at Bible School, then nurses training, and then getting practical experience working in a local hospital. In 1957, Elsa moved to India and the recently established teaching hospital in Tezpur, Assam:  Baptist Christian Hospital.  The next 22 years were happily spent teaching and working as a registered midwife, all while meeting – and working alongside – many wonderful people and absorbing the Assam culture she grew to love.

In 1979, amidst a backlash against Christian foreign workers, American missionaries were declared persona non grata by the Indian government, so Elsa returned to the US – and to college – while working full time at a hospital in Grand Rapids.

In 1982, Elsa started praying about finding a husband and – through a family member who was a mutual acquaintance – began corresponding with Rex, a retired pastor from Colorado whose wife had passed away three years earlier.  They married in June of 1984, surrounded and supported by her sisters, along with Rex’s four children and their families.  Settling in western Colorado, Elsa continued to work for 15 more years at the local hospital – with occasional trips she and Rex took to visit their families and interesting places around the world.   Retirement brought them to Mesa, Arizona in 2008.

Elsa will be remembered for her constant smile, sunny disposition and generous spirit – for her faith in people and abiding love for the Savior she served.

Elsa is survived by her sister, Genevieve (Don) Veldt of Rockford, Michigan.  She has been a wonderful second Mom and a blessing to 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 6 great‐grandchildren, along with 10 extended‐family spouses.

Services for Elsa will be April 20, 2024 at 10:30am at Journey of Grace Church, 955 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ  85203. The Reverend Kurtis Strunk will be officiating.

Elsa will be interred at Cedaredge Cemetery in Cedaredge, CO.

 

 

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.

 

Charles “Charlie” Leroy Hoover, age 75, of Mesa passed away Thursday, March 28th, 2024 at his home.

Charlie was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on October 31, 1948 to the late Woodrow Wilson Hoover and Edna Eunice Hoover. He graduated from Orangeburg High School in 1968.

After moving to Arizona in 1969, he married Carol Stratman in 1971 until her untimely death in 1972. He married Deanne Whiting in 1974, his wife of 49 years.

Charlie spent 42 years in the grocery industry while simultaneously working for the Arizona Republic Newspaper for 25 years until his retirement in 2011.

Charlie was a jack of all trades and loved to grow and tend to a garden in his backyard every year. He was genuine, a hard worker, and often helped anyone in need. A kid at heart, he loved to play jokes, tell tall tales, and whether it was frontwards or backwards, he enjoyed riding his bicycle. You could often find him taking drives in his truck or relaxing in a chair listening to music. More than anything, he loved his family, always putting their needs first. Charlie is loved by so many and will be missed.

Charlie is survived by his wife Deanne Hoover of Mesa; children, Shelley Valdivieso (Marc), Jeremy Hoover, Zachary Hoover (Tia), Woodrow Hoover (Clint), Charles Hoover, and Katy Flaherty (John). Siblings: Michael Hoover, Mary Peters (Walt), Carol Thomas (Charlie) and 8 grandchildren. Charlie is preceded by his parents, first wife Carol Hoover, siblings John Hoover and Rebecca “Becky” Bradham.

 

The family will welcome guests for a celebration of life for Charlie Hoover on Thursday, April 11th, 2024 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, and funeral on Friday, April 12th, 2024 at 10:00am, both held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1266 S 32nd St, Mesa, AZ, 85204.

In lieu of Flowers, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Fund: Humanitarian Relief | Philanthropies (churchofjesuschrist.org)

 

 

 

 

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.

MaryAnn Lucas Hoopes, aged 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 in Snowflake, Arizona. The 5th of 11 children, she was born on December 24, 1940 in Jacksonville, Florida to John Patrick and Tressie Mae Smith Lucas. She graduated from Jackson High School and then married in 1962, eventually moving to Arizona, where all four of her children were raised. She was a loyal employee for the Gilbert Public School District for many years and enjoyed working at the high school as an attendance clerk. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she loved being able to serve two missions, one in San Diego, CA and one in Des Moines, Iowa. She loved pretty things and collected porcelain dolls for most of her life, which brought her much happiness. She was well-known for her amazing talents in the kitchen and made and decorated countless wedding cakes for friends, family, and people in the community. She especially loved to cook and bake for her loved ones. Her family and her faith in Jesus Christ were the two most important things to her and were what brought her the most joy in her life. She will be truly missed. She is survived by her children, Michelle (Steven) Menlove, Blaine (Cami) Hoopes, Monica (Michael) Olson, and Vance (Jennifer) Hoopes, 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and siblings, Dolly and Diane. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Vernon, LaVerne, Shirley, Freddy, LaMar, James, Lester, and Baby. She will be laid to rest in Hardage-Giddins Greenlawn Cemetery located at 4300 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville, Florida near her parents on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00 am.

There will be a viewing Monday, April 1, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213. The first hour is open to the public the second hour is just for family.

 

 

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.

It is with deep sorrow and love that we mourn the passing of Jaime Rachelle Otter, who left us peacefully surrounded by loved ones on the morning of March 21, 2024, at the age of 45.

Jaime was born on August 27, 1978, in Mesa, Arizona to Randy and Sue Effhauser. She grew up in a lively household with her sister Danielle, where they forged an everlasting bond and were their parents’ little “dynamic duo”. She graduated from Mountain View High School in 1996 and later went on to study nursing and business administration— passions that would define her resilience, adaptability, and kind-hearted nature throughout her life.

In 2002, Jaime married her longtime friend and sweetheart, Jeffrey Otter. Together they embarked on a journey of love, adventure, and companionship for 22 beautiful years. They raised three wonderful children: Abigail, Blake and Ava, instilling in them the values of kindness, perseverance and diligence. Jaime and Jeffrey also taught their kids to find moments to laugh and not stress the little things.

Jaime’s career expanded across several avenues broadening her knowledge in various areas of life. She dedicated many years to The City of Mesa in the Engineering Public Relations Department, which then led to managing her father Randy’s company, Effhauser Plumbing, for five and a half years. Jaime eventually returned to The City of Mesa where she was a Marketing Communications Specialist for six more years before diverting her focus to Public Outreach and HR responsibilities with new companies. Her work ethic paired with her vibrant “larger than life” personality, made the workspace a fun environment for all.

Jaime’s interests extended beyond her professional life. She loved to cook and was always looking for new recipes to whip up for her family and friends. She was also an avid lover of crafts, especially making jewelry. Her joy was most evident in time spent with her children and family— a testament to how she was raised and her belief in quality time and familial bonds.

Jaime is survived by her three children, who made up the entirety of her world, Abigail (Michael) Strauss, Blake, and Ava. Along with her children and husband Jeffrey, Jaime is survived by her parents, Randy and Sue Effhauser, her sister Danielle, Brother-in-law Bryan, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, many friends and honorary parents, Jack & Velma Tidwell.

The Otter and Effhauser families wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to family members, friends, caregivers, and staff at Hospice of the Valley for their loving care and support during Jaime’s final days.

Jaime’s legacy will live on through the stories she shared and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her radiant smile, her “Grandma Rose side-eye”, and the unconditional love she gave to all who knew her.

For those wishing to send condolences or share memories, please contact the Otter and Effhauser families through Bunker Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley at Donate (hov.org)

 

A celebration of Jaime’s life will begin with a viewing on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bunker Family Funeral Home. Subsequently, there will be a funeral service held at Christ the King Catholic Church on April 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with the interment to follow at Green Acres Cemetery. Those who aren’t able to physically attend, can live stream the funeral service. Further details and link are listed below.

 

Viewing

Monday April 1st 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Bunker Family Funeral Home ~ Garden Chapel

33 Centennial Way

Mesa, AZ 85201

 

Mass

Tuesday April 2nd 10:00 a.m.

Christ the King Catholic Church

1551 E. Dana Ave.

Mesa, AZ 85204

 

Live Stream Link:

https://youtube.com/live/bxQu2SbkhY8?feature=share

 

Interment

Following Mass

Green Acres Cemetery

401 N. Hayden Rd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85257

 

 

 

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.

 

Barbara Ann Storey, age 67, Mesa, AZ, passed away suddenly on March 22, 2024, in her home. Barbara (Barbie) was born in Hartford, CT and grew up in Enfield. She moved to Arizona more than 45 years ago. Barbara retired from Microsemi Corp. She graduated from Fermi High School in Enfield, CT.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, William E. and Janet L. Storey. Barbara is survived by her brother, William E. Storey, spouse Sally, children, Brenda, William, Andrew, and Shannon. Her Sister, Angela Sanchez, spouse Juan, children, John, Ulani and Maria. Her sister, Judy L. Storey and sister, Yvonne M. Foley, spouse, Patrick, children, Megan, Sarah and Ryan. Her extended Arizona family predeceased Lloyd W. Gauld Sr. Barb’s companion and survived by his family, Margee & Glen Damiani, Tammy J. Gauld-Bush, Suzanne R. Kritenberg, Joe R. Gauld. And the extended family who called her Auntie Barbie; Tyler Bush, Robert Bush, Rochelle Lockhart, Anthony Damiani, Angelina Bush, Candace Damiani, D’Angelo Bush (deceased), Daniel Bush, Sabreena Erickson, Andy Erickson, Gianna Damiani, Marissa Gauld, Jasmine Gauld, Aiden Damiani and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara grew up in Enfield, Connecticut but loved living in Mesa, Arizona.  She enjoyed crafting, crocheting Christmas stockings and teaching family how to crochet.  She gave many stockings as gifts to family and friends. Barbara was also an avid reader and enjoyed audio books.  Barbie loved spending time with her Arizona family and always talked about all of them to her Connecticut family. Barb and her companion Llyod had a passion collecting and selling precious gems and stones and making jewelry.  The Arizona family members have loving memories of their time with both Barbie and Lloyd at gem fairs and scouting for stones. Barbara (Barbie) was well loved and will be greatly missed by her family.

A small Celebration of life will be held in both Arizona and Connecticut by the family.  Donations can be made to your charity of choice.

 

 

 

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.

Alyssa Danielle Esparza age 32, daughter of Chris and Pat Esparza, went to the Lord on March 21, 2024.  She was born in Mesa, AZ.

Alyssa had a passion for reading, cooking, watching movies, and enjoying her coffee with her beloved cat, Punkz.  Alyssa’s priority was being a great role model for her younger sisters, always putting their needs first before her own. Her physical, mental and emotional strength was an inspiration to everyone she met.  Alyssa traveled extensively both domestically and internationally.  Her favorite tradition was spending summers on the dog beach in Coronado, California.  Her journeys to major European cities were one of the highlights of her traveling experiences.

Alyssa is survived by her parents Chris and Pat Esparza (Stepfather Steve Marciano); her sisters Victoria Watts (Jacob), Christina Esparza, Olivia Esparza and Yesenia Rojas; Niece Josephine Watts and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.  She is predeceased by her Grandfather Jesus Aguero and Grandmother Unni Esparza.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Bunker Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

 

 

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.

Jerry Edward Dexel passed away on March 22, 2024, surrounded by his daughters and life partner. He was born in Flint, MI on September 6, 1942, to Jack and Dorothy Dexel. Jerry proudly served in the US Navy and was a sailor on the Henry B. Wilson. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Vera Mae Rodabaugh, on August 1, 1961, and had four daughters whom he affectionally called “his girls.” Jerry retired from Arizona Water Company as a Division Manager after 35 years of service. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandpapa and friend.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Dorothy Dexel, wife Vera Dexel, daughter and son-in-law Rhonda & Billy Tate, and great-grandson Kage Schiewe. He is survived by his brothers Tom (Kay) Dexel of Seaside, CA, Dennis (Susie) Dexel of Ignacio, CO, Steve (Marilee) Dexel of Bayfield, CO, life partner Debby Sutch of Cortez, CO, his daughters Kim (Wade) Goodall of Mesa, AZ, Mischel Dusek of Tucson, AZ, Melissa (Steve) Streitmatter of Heyworth, IL, grandchildren Amber (Matt) Szymeczek of Vail, AZ, Casey (Vanessa) Goodall of Mesa, AZ, Ashely (James) Hinkle of Sapulpa, OK, Chance (Alyssa) Tate of Aquilla, TX, Kaylee Mason, Evan, Cameron, Sofia and Jenny Dusek of Tucson, AZ, Sarah (Robbie) Ashenbemer of Heyworth, IL and great-grandchildren Ella and Sawyer Szymeczek, Zach and Lilly Goodall, Zayda and Zackary Williams, Jake and Jayden Hinkle, Billy and Madison Tate, Elija, Peyton and Ollie Mason, and Ian, Wesley, Jane and Josie Ashenbremer.  Jerry also had a special relationship with Cory and Cyndal Sutch and their children Kaydence and Steven, who also called him Grandpa Jerry.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Reata Rancho Clubhouse, 9828 E. Pueblo Avenue, Mesa, AZ. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Mancos, CO. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry’s name can be made to the American Lung Association.

 

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.

Jorge M. Hernandez, 82, went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.

He was born in Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico but always called Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico home, lovingly referring to it as “God’s heaven on earth.”

Jorge was an electrical engineer who holds over 25 patents in the electronics field. He loved everything science especially space exploration. He had a great sense of humor and his favorite movie was The Three Amigos.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Yolanda, children Yolanda (Jeff France) and Jorge and three grandsons Cameron, Nathan and Aaron.

 

Funeral services are Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 2:00pm preceded by a visitation at 1:00pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Walter E. Sokalick Jr., born May 27, 1936, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 20, 2024.  Walt was born to Walter “Eddie” Sr. and Rosalia Marie Gorel in Simpson, PA. He and his brothers, Carl and James (Brian) were raised by their beloved mother in Passaic, NJ.

Walt joined the Air Force in 1957 and while stationed at Lowry AFB in Denver, CO. met Lois Kathryn Meyer.  After a brief courtship the two were married in 1963 and enjoyed over 61 blessed years together. Along the way they welcomed three children: Keith, Jeff (Cindy), and Karen McBroom (Timothy).  Walt was also blessed with and is survived by seven grandchildren, Kyle, Brittany, Kayte, David, Katherine, Dyne, and Jordan, and four great grandchildren, Mia, Sebastian, Aiden, and Max.

Walt retired from the Air Force in 1978 and then enjoyed a second career at Martin Marietta.  When Walt and Lois retired to Mesa, AZ in 1990, he had a third career at Dillard’s.

Walt was a social butterfly who never met a stranger, and if you were fortunate to have met him, you never forgot him or his sense of humor.  He was never without a smile or a song in his heart and could turn anything into a Walter original song.  In addition to serving his Lord he enjoyed traveling and cruises with his family.

 

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on April 20, at the Broadway Christian Church, 7335 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85208

In lieu of flowers donations to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation in memory of MSgt (ret) Walter Sokalick are suggested: Donate – Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)

 

 

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.

 

Jerry Henrickson passed away peacefully at his home on March 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family who cared for him during his final days.

He is preceded in death by Doris (Jacobs), his soul mate and wife of 63 years, who passed away less than two years earlier.  Also greeting him in heaven is his son Gordon and grandson James.

Jerry is survived by his son Ken (Deb), and daughters Lynda Schaeppi (Scott) and Julie Nicholson (Kevin) and a legacy of 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Jerry was born in Saint Paul Minnesota on June 2, 1941.  After his father returned from serving in WWII they moved to the family farm in Sisseton, South Dakota and then later to the Pierre area.  It was while in High School in Pierre that he met Doris and would become married at a very young age.

Following an enlistment in the Army, during which his first three children were born, he worked in various career fields to support his young family.  He eventually entered the telecommunications industry, obtained a college degree, and worked at 3M in the burgeoning data networking field.

Jerry enjoyed reminiscing with his children, sharing stories of the cars he owned, tales of struggles and hardships endured, and the trips he took with Doris.  He was eager to discuss current events with his children and always willing to offer his opinion.  He could usually be found at his computer reading articles until his final days.

Jerry was a very intelligent, successful, and self-made man.  He set an example for his children of what can be accomplished with tenacity and perseverance.  He encouraged his children to be independent and strive toward their goals.  And he was generous toward them throughout his entire life.

Jerry will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dorothea Carol Thomas Shawcroft, 90, received her heavenly “transfer” assignment on March 18, 2024, reuniting with her eternal and favorite companion, John Lynn Shawcroft, as well as their daughter, Marianne, who died as an infant. She is preceded in death by great-grandchildren, Parker, Ignaci, Marigold and twin brother to Nephi.  She leaves behind her children Diana Palmer (Ron), Karl, Carolyn Rasmussen (Ed), Janet Rasmussen (Ward) and Paul, her 17 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Dorothea was born on September 15, 1933 to Millard Harold Thomas and Bertha Sophia Nielson in Manassa, Colorado, joining two older brothers, Dale and Leland. Her younger sisters, Mary Jane and Sharon later completed the family. She loved her parents and siblings and they were a close-knit family throughout her life.  She loved growing up on a farm and worked hard as the oldest daughter.  She helped feed threshing crews, milked the cows, rode horses and chopped kindling.  She loved the time her dad sent her to Primary driving the tractor, even though she was so small she could barely see over the steering wheel. She was also grateful for the older boys that helped her crank it up and start the engine so she could drive it home when Primary was over.  She talked lovingly of evenings sitting at her dad’s feet after dinner while he read great books to her and her siblings.  Dorothea loved school, loved learning and was always reading a book or two. She earned her BA in Music Education from BYU in 1954.

She was invited to a dance by Lynn Shawcroft, their courtship began, and they were married on June 8, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  They lived in LaJara and worked on the family farm, until they decided they needed a career change to support their growing family.  They left their beloved San Luis Valley in 1959 and moved to Broomfield, Colorado, where Lynn began teaching in the Boulder Valley school district.  They lived in Broomfield for the next twenty-two years and were involved with the community there, raising their 5 children, teaching piano students, serving in many church callings and making life-long friends.  In 1981 they moved to Mesa, Arizona, where Dorothea continued to serve her family, church and teach many more piano students.

In 1984 they accepted a mission call to serve in the Ecuador Quito mission.  At 51 years old, Dorothea worked hard and studied to learn to speak Spanish, which she mastered and retained until her final days.  She and Lynn also served as Mission President in the Ecuador Guayaquil mission, as missionaries in the Guatemala Guatemala City Central mission, and then were blessed to open the Guayaquil  Ecuador Temple and serve as the President and Matron. The impact they had on the lives of many missionaries and beloved people living in Ecuador and Guatemala continues on today.  When they weren’t serving in the capacity of missionaries, they loved spending time at their Colorado cabin, and Dorothea (Nana) was her happiest when the family gathered to spend time there.  Their winters were spent with family in Arizona, and many wonderful times will be remembered.

Dorothea was always a very positive, happy person, who enjoyed being a homemaker, music teacher and loving wife and grandma.  She had a valiant testimony of Jesus Christ and tried to follow His example in the way she lived her life. She spent her final years at Serenade Assisted Living home and always loved the many visitors and family who spent time with her there.  She will be dearly missed and we hope to celebrate and honor her life by following her example.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 5, 2024 with a 10:00 am viewing and services at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 920 S Lindsay Rd, Mesa, AZ, 85204.

The live stream link for people out of town or unable to attend the service in person: Dorthea Shawcroft Funeral

A graveside service and interment will be held at 11:00 am at the Sanford Cemetery, Sanford, CO on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

 

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.

Sylvia Lynn Sherman Hays, 62, of Mesa, AZ passed away on March 16, 2024 surrounded by her family. Her body could no longer keep up the fight against Ovarian Cancer, but her spirit was still strong.

Sylvia was born in Bisbee, AZ on February 17, 1962 to Sadie and Walter Sherman. As a child, her hair was so blonde, her father called her Sylver. The nickname stuck, even though her hair darkened, and was used throughout her life by many other family members and friends.

Sylvia was a kind and caring person. She was able to strike up a conversation with anyone that she met and make personal connections. She listened and remembered details about others’ lives. Sylvia touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

The last few years of Sylvia’s life, she worked for Southwest Airlines. She enjoyed the perk of traveling for free to often visit her grandsons in Texas and Georgia. Sylvia expressed desires to travel, especially foreign, and had been planning a girls trip to Fiji with her daughters. And, though she will not be physically with them, the girls trip will still take place.

Family was extremely important to Sylvia, and she often tried to maintain ties with as many family members as she could. She loved and was proud of each of her three daughters. Sylvia will continue to watch over her family as a guardian angel as we wait until we can see her again.

She is survived by her three daughters Rachelle Truhler, Katie Walker, and Lora Schillemat, and their families which includes her six grandsons.

Sylvia is preceded in death by both of her parents, James Walter Sherman (father) and Sadie Loraine Bailey Sherman (mother), her brother, James Rodrick Sherman, and a most beloved sister, Sheila Gay Sherman Waldon.

Sylvia’s remains will be buried in the Elfrida Cemetery with her beloved family members who have already passed. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The family of Sylvia would like to express thanks to the many nurses and doctors that took the time to help her find answers. And, thanks to Hospice of the Valley for ensuring that Sylvia’s last days with us on Earth were painless and comfortable.

JASON , age 51, passed away on March 19th after a battle with cancer.  His father, Walter, preceded him in death.  He will be missed by his mother, Marilyn, brother, Ken, sister- in law, Wendy, niece, Quincy, nephew, Zion, aunts Michelle and Maureen and Uncle Jake plus cousins and many friends.

His life was best summed up by one of friends, Ashley Smith: “At first glance, he was a simple guy.  And in a lot ways, he was exactly that.  When you got to know him, though, he was anything BUT.  Drove a pick-up, always dressed like a cowboy in his duster and big ol’ Smokey the Bear hat, was even a truck driver for a while.  Honestly, probably the closet thing to a real-life Ron Swanson I’ve ever met.”

But he also backpacked through Europe after high school, spoke SEVERAL languages (he’d have conversations with the Polish owner of a restaurant we’d go to – in Polish), and had a deep love for the symphony and classical music.  When you hopped in his pick-up that was probably dusty as hell, he’d have KBAH,(classical radio station)  or NPR on the radio.  I used the term “multi-faceted” once, and he really liked that. Even with how worldly he was, I was the one that taught him how to use chopsticks – by explaining it in engineering terms, since that’s how his brain was set up.  He was just as happy at a hockey game as he was at a Dvorak symphony.

I hope he gets to see the Northern Lights where he’s headed.  I hope there’s a beach, and forest, and lots of room to wander, and I hope there’s music.  All the music”

 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future.  If you care to make a donation please make it to MD Anderson Cancer Center research.  Go to https://www.mdanderson.org/– click Donate today -Memory of Jason Bialobrzeski, where donation goes select- Cancer Research.

 

 

 

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.

L. Reed Tucker passed away from post-surgery complications on March 15, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Always known as Reed, he was born on Mother’s Day, May 11,1947, in Provo, Utah, to George Travers Tucker, Jr., and Thaola Humphrey.  Reed was the third of six children: George Terrell, Karen, Steven Sidney, Neil Blair, and Van Richard. Reed spent his entire childhood in the same house in Orem, Utah, where he enjoyed riding horses, camping, hunting, and fishing. He graduated from Orem High School in 1965, where he participated on the state championship football and track teams, playing tight end and setting state records in pole vault. Reed continued his love for sports after college by officiating high school and college football and basketball for thirty years. He served as district basketball commissioner and state rules interpreter for ten years and earned State of Idaho Official of the Year awards for his work in both football and basketball.

Reed was attending Dixie Junior College in St. George, Utah, on a football and track scholarship when he met his forever companion, Diana Rose Olsen. They were married in the St. George LDS Temple on July 7, 1967. Together, they had four children: Jennifer, Gary, Karen, and Alisa. After living for a short time in Utah, the family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, in 1973 where Reed worked for Boise Cascade before founding Tucker Lumber in 1984. He later worked as a salesman for various businesses and as a commercial driver. He loved driving big diesel trucks around Magic Valley and buses to various local sports competitions. Reed loved driving the teams around and would often watch them compete before driving them home.

Tuc loved the mountains dearly and spent nearly fifty years traveling and guiding horse pack trips in Idaho’s backcountry, where he also worked as a backcountry trail rider for the US Forest Service. He thoroughly enjoyed riding, training, packing, and shoeing his horses. He also loved his country. He proudly flew the American flag in his yard and often teared up when he heard “Battle Hymn of the Republic” or “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Reed was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. While he always loved serving in the Church, his favorite calling was serving in the Twin Falls Temple with Diana. He served as an ordinance worker and trainer for eleven years. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loved to share it with friends and family.

Reed never met a stranger and loved to chat. More than anything, Reed loved with his whole heart, and his family meant everything to him. He rarely missed an opportunity to express his love for each one and attended as many concerts, plays, matches, games, and recitals as he could. He took every opportunity to nap with his grandkids, tell Scratch stories, and “play rough.” He was famous for giving wet Willies and eating Falls Brand hot dogs, root beer barrels, diet Pepsi, and root beer floats. We will all miss his signature “Love you, Heber,” and big hugs and kisses.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diana; brothers Neil Blair (Debbie), Van Richard (Sue), and sister-in-law Pat Tucker; children Jenny (Brad) Denton of Mesa, Arizona, Gary (Heather) Tucker of Malad, Idaho, Karen (Matthew) Thompson and Alisa (Matt) Radmall, both of Twin Falls, Idaho; 20 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Terry and Rocco (Steve), sister Karen, and one grandchild.

Services will be held in both Mesa, Arizona (where he had recently moved), and Jerome, Idaho. A visitation will be held Tuesday March 26 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at Bunker Mortuary 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, followed by a graveside service around 1 pm at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street. A memorial service will be held Friday March 29 from 10-11 am Mountain Daylight Time at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 825 East Avenue B, Jerome, ID (Zoom link for memorial service: https://zoom.us/j/94554589920).

Family will greet visitors directly after the memorial service.

 

 

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.