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Claudia (Pomeroy) Astle was called home March 13, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 87. Claudia is preceded in returning to her Heavenly home by her Father and Mother, Leslie T. and Norma Walton Pomeroy, her brothers, Norman (Mae), sister-in-law, Karen (Mick), her husband, Neil L. Astle and her eldest son, Rex.

Claudia was born October 12, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was there that she and her high school sweetheart, Neil Astle, met and fell in love and were married and sealed in the LDS Temple in Salt Lake. They began building a life and a wonderful family, living in several cities over the years and visiting many others. She made many friends along the way, whom she cherished and was devoted to her entire life.

Like her beloved Grandma Walton, Claudia loved to cook and bake, and it was her great pleasure to feed anyone who sat at her table. She loved to play cards with her family and friends. Visiting with her family was her greatest joy. Claudia was an accomplished seamstress and loved outdoor activities, especially swimming. As a young woman, she was an amazing diver – a picture of her diving was even published in the Salt Lake Tribune. She also loved playing tennis. In 1979, Claudia moved to Mesa, Arizona where she resided until she was called home.

Claudia leaves behind many who will miss her, including her daughter-in-law, Kris Astle (Rex Astle), her son, Cal Eastley, her daughter, Kari Astle and her husband, Don, and her son Robert Astle and his wife, Jennifer. She is also survived by grandchildren she dearly loved: Kira Jefferson (Robert), Ashley Astle, Logan, Shayne and Kenzi Eastley, Erik Peterson (Kami), Kirstin Roper (Weston) and Kiley Kolodziej (Marc), and Chanara, Carissa and Cameron Astle. We can’t fail to mention her adorable great-grand-children: Sulivan, Gage and Rae; Davin; Kayden, Kysen, Canon, Jaxon, Harper Mae, Ellie; Ledger and Miller; and Elizabeth. Her surviving siblings are Mae Pomeroy (Norman), Mick Pomeroy (Karen), Larry Pomeroy, Ann Barney (Dennis) and Linda Lamoreaux (Edwin), all of whom she loved very much. Claudia has many nieces and nephews who also loved her very much.

Friends and family are invited to join together at her Graveside Service to say “good-bye” at the City of Mesa Cemetery on Monday, March 21 at 1:00 PM.

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.

Elmer (Al) Lippert passed away March 8, 2022 in Mesa AZ. at the age of 80. He was very active and rode his bike every day. He was always there to help a neighbor in need. Fishing & metal detecting were also hobbies he enjoyed. He had a sharp mind & was always telling jokes. He will be sadly missed by all his family. He is survived by 3 son’s Lark Rau, Tobby Rau and Mark Lippert, 2 daughters Roxanne Gross (Harry), Stacey Dougherty (Dan) , 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Gloria Lippert. Funeral services will be at a later date & time Sioux Falls.

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 link:

https://youtu.be/eQ_bW2zgSgc

Dortha Nell (Garner) Wills, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on March 13, 2022, in Chandler, Arizona. She was born on December 25, 1934, in McLoud, Oklahoma, to Thomas and Gertrude (Rowe) Garner. When she was eleven years old, her family which included her siblings: Tom, Jim, Norma Jean, Ralph (deceased), Patsy (deceased), and David, relocated to Mesa, Arizona. She attended Mesa Public Schools, which proudly led her to becoming a Jackrabbit at Mesa High. She was very delighted with the fact she obtained perfect attendance from fifth through ninth grades. During her formative years she faithfully attended First Baptist Church and demonstrated her lifelong devotion to God by living compassionately.

She married Leslie Howard Wills (deceased), the love of her life, on October 6, 1951, in Mesa, Arizona. Their love endured for more than five decades, raising their family in Scottsdale and Gilbert Arizona. They provided a home filled with unconditional love. Dortha and Leslie were devoted parents who lovingly raised seven children, Stanley Wills (deceased), Sandra (Rudy Tafoya), Sheryl (James Hayes), Debra (Greg Bullion) (both deceased), Katheryn (Ronald Lash), Tamera (David Cameron), and Doni Rae (Geoff Cadien).

Family was everything to Dortha! She truly cherished and enjoyed her seventeen grandchildren – April, Justin, Trudy, Crystle, Lisa, Matt, Jamie Renee, Travis, Brandon, Amy, Nicole, Dotti, Amber, Ryan, Leslie, Olivia, and Paige. Her favorite saying was “aren’t we so blessed” and the blessings continued to multiply with the addition of 28 great-grandchildren.

Such a fitting name, Dortha, which means “Gift of God”. Dortha was the salt of the earth with her gracious open acceptance of all personalities, her forgiving manner, and a kind love that touched everyone she met. Among many things Dortha will be remembered for her countless family Christmases at her home. The family has selected to celebrate Dortha’s life by honoring her love of Christmas. Please join us at Bunker Family Funerals Home 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa on March 26, 2022, at 10:30 am for a tribute with an optional visitation at 9:30 am. Attire will be Christmas clothing and accessories. In lieu of flowers, please consider bringing an unwrapped child’s essential gift to the venue the day of the services. These gifts will be donated in Dortha’s name to “Helen’s Hope Chest”, https://helenshopechest.org/needs/, who provide basic needs to Arizona foster children and families who care for them. The Wills family would like to thank Sunrise of Chandler’s amazing caregivers who so gently provided a wonderful warm and caring daily home environment for our mom. We also would like to thank Aegis Hospice who sent Angels on earth to care for mom until she went to be with our dad in heaven.

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.

Jason Lee McKnight, 49, was called home on March 12, 2022, in Mesa, AZ. He passed peacefully from complications due to kidney and heart diseases. He is survived by his wife Joy McKnight, his children JT, Katy, and Anyssa, as well as Craig McKnight (Father), Nancy McKnight (Mother), Robert McKnight (Brother), Joey Wright (Sister), Todd McKnight (Brother), and Carrie Ashcraft (Sister). He served as a Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, through the language of American Sign Language, in Columbus, Ohio; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Tacoma, Washington. Jason and Joy met in Pocatello, Idaho and have been happily married for over 26 years. He lived in various states, during which he had the pleasure of meeting and reaching the lives of many. Jason worked as a Dental Consultant for over 15 years, which took him through all 50 states.

The viewing will be held at 6-8pm on Friday, March 18 at Bunker Funeral Home at 3529 E University Dr Mesa, AZ 85213. The funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, March 19 on 3345 E McLellan Rd Mesa, AZ 85213. Jason will be buried in American Fork, Utah on Tuesday, March 22; his final resting place will have a beautiful view of Mount Timpanogos. Jason’s family asks that bright spring colors, not black, be worn at all services. We will be remembering Jason’s life and celebrating the end of his mortal trials. In lieu of flowers, we ask donations to be made at: donate.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.

Mrs. Linda Jane Tinker, 78, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away Sunday, March 13, 2022, at her home. She was born on October 20, 1943, in Frankclay, Missouri a daughter of the late Peter Woodrow Bobbett and Mary Elmira Kathcart. Linda was united in marriage to Larry Dale Tinker on June 10, 1961, at Leadwood Baptist Church. Two children were born to this union.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years: Larry Dale Tinker of Gilbert, Arizona; son Brent Allen Tinker and wife Susan and grandson Kai of Beaverton, Oregon; son Bradley Allen Tinker and wife Marnie of Gilbert, Arizona; grandson Jared Tinker and wife Erin and great grandkids Reed, Lucy, Weston and Colt; granddaughter Megan Tinker; grandson Logan Tinker and wife McKenna and great grandkids Brooklyn and Annalise; grandson Statton Tinker and wife Mady and great grandson Beau; grandson Harrison Tinker of Gilbert, Arizona. Two brother-in-laws; Randall Penberthy and wife Tina of Troy, Missouri; and Denny Coffman and wife Cris of Valley Park, Missouri; one sister-in-law Beverly Flora and husband Ernie of St. Clair, Missouri.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters Bettie Mae Bobbett; Phyllis Blanche Penberthy; and Bonnie Sue Coffman.

She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

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.

Verna Pearl Randall; a.k.a. Verna Pearl Nichols, Verna Sargent, Verna Wall

Our amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Verna Pearl Randall, departed this earth March 11, 2022 in her home in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 87. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bert & Verna Randall, and husbands, Hyrum Dale Nichols and Jerry Sargent. Her husband, Randy Lee Wall, children, and grandchildren will miss her but rejoice in her glorious reunion with family that have gone before.

Verna was born in Phoenix, Arizona on February 11, 1935, the oldest of 7 living children spending summers in Pine, Arizona. She married her high school sweetheart, Dale Nichols. They moved to various ranches as they added to their family of 8 living children before arriving in El Paso, Texas for 12 years then returning to settle in Mesa in 1973.

Verna cherished her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served with dedication for others. She fiercely loved her country and freedom and spent many hours in patriotic service of all kinds wherever she saw the need. Her legacy includes paintings done for posterity, sewing, gardening, singing, & piano. She thoroughly enjoyed performances of the fine arts at all levels.

She is survived by her husband, Randy Lee Wall, her children, Brenda Watson (Len), Colleen Millett (Dan), Gail McClure (Chuck), Julie Lines (Brad), Keith Nichols (Joanne), Carol Killian (David), Leon Nichols (Leisel), and Sharlene Walker, 50 grandchildren, 147 great-grandchildren, and 3 great, great-grandchildren. Her siblings are Bert Randall(Garna), Marilee Randall, Charles Randall-deceased (Valerie), Judy Prince (Bill), Roberta Stapley (Thyrle), Richard Randall (Nancy).

Visitation will be held prior to her funeral service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1430 N. Recker Rd. in Mesa from 8:30-10am on Friday, April 1. The funeral service will begin at 10:30am then adjourn to the Mesa City Cemetery where she will be interred with her husband, Hyrum Dale Nichols.

You may view the funeral service online by visiting the following website:

https://youtu.be/Giq4-dJ2kMw

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 link:

http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/qcazstake

Brett Allen Reed passed away on Sunday morning, March 6, 2022. He is the youngest of the eight children of Clay and Ila May Porter Reed.

Brett is survived by 6 of his siblings: Bill Reed (Claudia), Darlene Jarvis (Daniel), Sharon Allen (Danuel), Lynette Penrod (Wayne), Rodney Reed, and Brian Reed (Bonnie). His older sister Beverly Wilstead (David) preceded him in death. Brett was the beloved uncle of scores of nieces and nephews for whom he had great interest and love. He enjoyed numerous friends, relatives, ward members, and the wonderful hospice caregivers. He appreciated all of their love and compassion, especially near the end of his life.

Brett was a member of the Cloud Creek Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday March 22, 2022 at the Cloud Creek Ward building at 21915 E. Cloud Rd in Queen Creek, 85142. There will be a viewing at 9:00 am prior to the services.

Visitation will be held the previous evening on Monday, March 21 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Special thanks to Suncrest Hospice Care and Springdale Village Respite Care for their love and support of Brett

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.

Edward “Floyd” Johnson went home to rest in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, February 2, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona.

He was born March 29, 1944. He was the son of Otis Sr. and Hazel Hicks Johnson (both deceased) of the Gila River Indian Community, Sacaton, Arizona.

Floyd began his elementary education at Pima Central School in Sacaton, Arizona. He continued in the Tempe Elementary schools. He attended Phoenix College, and earned an associate’s degree in Medical Technology.

Floyd was employed by the Amsterdam Restaurant when he was a very young man. He completed his employment career at the Arizona State Hospital, after 24 years, then he retired.

He enjoyed volunteering for different organizations for the betterment of humanity. Floyd was a avid reader of Native American history, and was a very talented artist. He enjoyed listening to all types of music from symphony orchestra to Native American tribal music, to old time rock and roll.

He was a very kind and loving brother, uncle, mentor and friend to many. He will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and all those who dearly loved him.

He is survived by a sister, Barbara Anderson, a sister, Betty Johnson, a sister, Imogene (Leo) Thomas, a brother, Roger Johnson, a brother, Otis Johnson Jr., and a brother, David Johnson Sr. “Floyd” was preceded in death by a brother, Robert (Evelyn) Johnson, a brother in law, Roy Anderson Sr, a sister in law, Clarice Johnson, and sister in law, Noreen Johnson.

Floyd’s wishes were to be cremated and his ashes be scattered at his childhood home, on the Gila River Indian Community.

Due to the Covid virus, a tribute to Floyd’s life will be at a later date.

Rest in peace Floyd 1944 – 2022.

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.

Those wishing to view the services online may do so at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/91586289556

Our beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Alvin Ray Fulkerson, passed away on March 5, 2022 in Mesa Arizona at the age of 77. Alvin is preceded in returning to heaven by his Father and Mother, his sister Helen Ann Durfey, and his son Brian. He is survived by his wife Nicia, his remaining children, in-laws, and grandchildren.

Alvin was born in American Fork Utah on December 12, 1944 to Alvin Monroe Fulkerson and Helen Ellison. Alvin, also known as “Butch” by his friends and family, was the second of Alvin and Helen’s four children.

Butch graduated from American Fork High School in 1963 before going on to serve for a short time in the National Guard. He served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Southern States Mission. Following his mission, Alvin attended, and graduated from, Brigham Young University with a degree in Chemistry and a minor in Pre-Med.

At the age of 24 Alvin fell in love with Nicia Beer. The two were married in the Salt Lake City temple on May 16, 1969. The couple has five children together who were the pride and joy of his life: Jeff Fulkerson, Brian Fulkerson, Holly (Brian) Ricks, Stacy (Chad) Ellingson, and Lisa Allen. They are also the proud grandparents of twelve grandchildren: Zach (Carly), Tyler, Emma, Carson, Avery, Kate, Poppy, Tatum, Macy, Mack, Goldie, and Ozzy.

Following his graduation from BYU, Alvin continued his education at St. Louis University where he finished medical school, and completed his residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Texas. During this time, he continued to serve in the military, living with his family and serving in both Augsburg Germany and Fort Huachuca Arizona. In 1984, Alvin and Nicia brought their family in Mesa Arizona, where he bought his Medical Practice. They have resided in Mesa for the last thirty-six years. Alvin put his medical degree to use as a Dermatologist where he treated and was beloved by numerous patients for almost three decades.

Alvin was a devout and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and served the members of the church in various capacities throughout his life. Alvin placed service, his love for his family, and his love for the Lord as the essential foundations in his life. In addition to his mission, Alvin also served as a Bishop, a Counselor for two Stake Presidencies, and as the President of the Mesa Arizona Lehi Stake for nearly a decade. Following his release, Alvin and Nicia were blessed to serve together in the Mesa Arizona temple for over three years.

Alvin loved the Lord, his family, his Country and the BYU Cougars. He was a kind, loving, humble man who strove to make everyone around him feel special and who devoted his life to serving others. He was a beacon for all that is good and has touched the lives of countless individuals. While his passing has greatly impacted the lives of his loved ones, our hearts are full with the remembrance of his legacy and the love that we share for him. We are forever grateful for the knowledge that we will see him again and that families are forever. We love you Papa!

Funeral Services will be held on March 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lehi Stake Center in Mesa Arizona. The Stake Center is located at: 1430 N Grand; Mesa, AZ 85201. The viewing is also at Lehi Stake Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation to: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Perpetual Education Fund.”

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 Kay (Mejer) Velleman, 76, passed away suddenly on March 3rd, 2022, from a pulmonary embolism in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to Vince and Marion (Jewett) Mejer on October 1st, 1945. She graduated from St Joseph’s High School in South Bend, IN. She met her husband of 56 years, James Velleman, in an English and a Biology class at Indiana/ Purdue Extension College. He still called her his “sweet pea” to this day. When she was younger, she enjoyed playing in a volleyball league, gardening, and Camping. She was so proud to get her Associates Degree in Business in 1994 while being a working parent. In the most recent years, she spent her time scrapbooking, working with the women’s ministries at All Saints Parish in Mesa Arizona, going on cruises, visiting the casinos, playing cards and Bingo and being with her family. Barb was a giver. She was happiest when she was able to volunteer, give to the community, to the church and most of all to her family. They moved from Bryan, Ohio to Mesa, Arizona in 2011 to be closer to their Grandchildren. She was always there to make birthday cakes, help where needed and will be missed tremendously.

She is survived by her Husband James “Jim” Velleman, Daughter Tonya “Toni” (Jason) Wellman and Son David Velleman. Her Grandchildren Kaeden and Suraya Wellman, her 2 brothers Vince (Fran) Mejer and Bob Mejer, Sister-in-Law Janet (Jack) Stroobandt, Brother-in-law Jim (Judi) Mirda, like a sister Diane (Jim) Stahler and several nieces and nephews- Joel Mejer, Nichole (Aaron) Svik, Christopher Curtis, Terri Wilson, Tami (Tim) Kelly, Mike (Shannon) Stroobandt, Mark (Patricia) Stroobandt, Jimmy (Cathy) Mirda, Mike (Lauri) Mirda and Tina (Mike) Mazzola. And many more Grand Nieces and Nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Nephews Samuel Mejer and Jason Mejer and Sister-in-Law Sylvia Mirda.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel 3529 East University Drive Mesa, AZ. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 10 a.m. at All Saint’s Catholic Church 1534 North Recker Road Mesa, AZ. Lunch will be served after the service at Dreamland Villas Read Hall. Burial will take place on Friday, March 18, 2022 at 9 a.m. National Memorial Cemetery of Phoenix 23029 North Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ.

Memorial Donations, in Barbara’s name, are requested to St. Vincent de Paul: https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give

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.

Melvin Natani, 72 y/o Veteran, passed away on March 1, 2022, at home with family in Sacaton, AZ.

Melvin had a happy, active life filled with family and friends. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching western movies, spending time outside doing yard work, and having cook-outs. 

Melvin is survived by his wife Brenda. Their children Ada, Melvin, Dallas Joy, Michelle, and Rodney. Also eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

On March 16, 2022, Graveyard Services will be at Veterans National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ.

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.

Robert (Bob) Carpenter, 84 passed away peacefully on February 24, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to Elza and Virginia Carpenter in Ford, Kentucky in 1937. Bob worked hard all his life and was a wonderful husband and father.  His favorite past times were fishing, reading, talking politics, and ending up in Facebook jail. In 1957, Bob married the love of his life, his best friend, Georgia (Libby) Little and they were lucky to have celebrated over 64 years together. Bob is survived by his wife Libby, son, Robert (Russel) Carpenter (Kathy) of Nashville, TN, daughter, Tonya (Chris) Hughes of Mesa, AZ. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and eight 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.

Those wishing to view the services online may do so at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/99164822254

Jane Johnson Rasmussen, 77, was born November 23, 1944 to Richard G. and Nadeen LeSueur Johnson at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a 4th generation Mesan for 77 years and was always proud of her Johnson/LeSueur ancestry.  Education was very important to Jane. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1963, received her BAE from ASU, and her Masters Degree at U of A.  Jane was blessed with six decades of love with John William Rasmussen, also an Arizona native. They married in 1965 and the Rasmussen adventures began! Jane treasured her calling as the mother of their four children: Erik, Kristen (Scott Dawson), Richard (Chrissy) and Kent (Becky). She was a wonderful loving Mom and their home was the ultimate gathering place with lots of fun activities and the good food Jane made. As the children grew older, Jane returned to teaching for Mesa Public Schools for many years.

The frosting on Jane’s cake of life came in the form of her 13 “most adorable” grandchildren. She has always been, and will continue to be, their biggest fan. She cheered them on and supported them at all their events. She made them each feel as though they were her favorite. Jane loved to travel and explore.  She and John enjoyed many cruises and adventures together and completed two dedicated “road trip” summers to tour the entire United States.  She loved to be with her family which often included trips to the snow, water and sand dunes.  She was always on the go!  One of Jane’s favorite past times was relaxing in the sun in Arizona or at Newport or Mission Beach. She was a true Zonie beach babe.  She also enjoyed snow and water skiing and later her daily gym routine. Jane was an avid reader and always had a stack of books around. She loved genealogy and family history and received so much joy in learning about her ancestors and their history.  She served an LDS mission at the Church History Center helping others do their genealogy. She enjoyed her many church callings through the years,  especially being a Relief Society President. Jane lived and loved to serve. She was always looking for ways to help others and carry out celestial promptings by doing kind things for anyone in need.  Even as her health began to fail, she remained the ultimate hostess and thoughtful person she had always been. She was especially known for her personalized cards for all occasions that were filled with expressions of love and kindness.

Visitation will be at Bunkers Family Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201 on Monday, March 7th from 6 to 8pm.

An additional visitation will also take place at 10:00 am Tuesday, March 8th, with the funeral following at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2549 N. 32nd Street Mesa, AZ 85213.

In lieu of flowers, Jane would love for you to take your grandchildren bowling, plan a special getaway with your sweetheart, attend a play or concert, or act on a prompting to serve someone.

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.

Joyce Ellen Anderson, 72, of Mesa, died February 25, 2022 after a brief hospitalization for heart disease.

She was born in Colon, Nebraska, and moved to Mesa when she was in elementary school.  Joyce’s early years on the farm in Nebraska lead her to develop a life-long love of animals, particularly Boston Terriers.

Joyce graduated from Mesa High School and Arizona State University.  She was a beloved English teacher and department head for thirty years at Mesa Public Schools.  She taught at Carson and Shepherd Junior Highs, and Red Mountain and Skyline High Schools.  Teaching was her calling, and she will be remembered fondly by students and colleagues alike.

Joyce had aptitude for home decorating and took great pleasure in finding the perfect pieces.  She loved to read, and kept up with the latest best-selling books.  Her organizational skills were apparent both in her work and home lives.

At her request, there will be no memorial service. She was predeceased by her parents Rolland and Merle Anderson and her brother Larry.  Her ashes will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery where her parents and brother are buried.

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.

Steven Paul Mitchell   July 4, 1971—February 25, 2022

It is with peace in our hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Steven Paul Mitchell from this life into the loving arms of his Savior. Steve will long be remembered for many reasons.

Steve was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on the Fourth of July, 1971, to Robert and Doris Mitchell. He surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and lived an exemplary life. He lived with his parents and his sister until college days. In high school he was involved for several years as a dramatic actor on the Back to the Bible Youth Radio Program, then heard around the world.

Steve was a member of Indian Hills Community Church in Lincoln and was active in the high school and college groups, excelling in leadership and in technical matters. He was part of the team that refurbished an older fraternity building for the Indian Hills Alpha Omega ministry outreach on the University campus, and he lived for a time in the updated building. He was a 1994 graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with a BA in English—British Literature.

At Indian Hills Church Steven met Melanie Bode, a daughter of Mike and Penny Bode, and they were married there March 14, 1999. They honeymooned here in the Valley of the Sun, thanks to a gracious employer and friend. In 2000 Steve and Mel started a new chapter in their lives by moving to Phoenix and later to Mesa and then to Queen Creek. Both have held responsible positions, Steve for more than 20 years, with Insight Enterprises, headquartered in Tempe.

Their love for Jesus was very evident, and wanting to raise up another generation for God, they welcomed McKenna into their family almost 15 years ago.

Here in the Valley, they have been involved with church activities, including audio engineering and small groups at Redemption Church Gateway.

Steve wanted his life to be about Jesus and about introducing others to the Good News that Jesus Christ died on a cross to pay the penalty for their sins, that if by faith they would trust in Him, their sins could be forgiven and they could spend eternity in heaven with God. If Steve were here right now, he would want you to know that God loved the world—that is each one of us—so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for us so whoever believes in Him would have everlasting life. This is the message of the Bible’s Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16. This was the truth that guided Steve’s life, and he wants it to guide your life as well.

On Friday, February 25, 2022, at Banner Heart Hospital, Steve succumbed to his illnesses—Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a stem cell transplant with complications, blood clots, and ultimately, diseased lungs that could no longer support his life. That afternoon his weeping family tenderly released him into the loving arms of his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. “Absent from the body, present with the Lord” (see 2 Corinthians 5:8).

Steve is survived by his wife Melanie (Bode) Mitchell and their daughter, McKenna Mitchell; by his parents, Bob and Doris Mitchell; by his sister, Karen Mitchell; by his father and mother-in-law, Mike and Penny Bode; by his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Michelle (Bode) May, and their daughters Sadie and Kaeli Hoffer; and by many friends and more distant family members.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on March 4, 2022 at 2:00pm at Redemption Gateway Church at 8635 E Pecos Rd in Mesa AZ The service will be streaming on the link below.

It will go live at 1:40pm.

https://youtu.be/xrTAtjfWZqs

In lieu of flowers, please visit https://gofund.me/b8fbba5d

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.

To attend the service virtually visit:https://youtu.be/f-Titc99BlE

Patricia Elaine Lee passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 23, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 69.  She was born on September 4, 1952 to Walter Bell and Iris Gardner  in Smith county, Tyler, Texas. On September 15, 1972, she married her high school sweetheart, Ernest Lee, and became a military wife.  Together they were blessed to celebrate almost 50 years of marriage exploring life from Texas to Germany. They permanently  settled in Arizona in 1986, and together they raised two daughters and were blessed to see three grandsons and two granddaughters.

Patricia attended Tyler public schools where she attended Emmett J. Scott High School and graduated from John Tyler. She loved singing and being surrounded by music.  She was a natural artist who could draw, paint, and also enjoyed etching.  Pat also loved books and was an avid reader who enjoyed all genres, especially mystery, horror, and suspense.  In her spare time she also loved completing puzzles.  Pat loved to travel but was happiest spending time with her family and seeing everyone healthy and happy.

Those that will be waiting for her in her eternal home will be her mother and step father, Ray and Iris Simmons; father, Walter Bell; brother, Derrick Simmons; maternal grandparents, Robert and Rebecca Gardner; paternal grandmother, Florence Bell; aunts, Carol Gardner Bartlett and Audrey Gardner; and uncles, Richard Gardner, Carl Gardner, and her niece Anitrice Simmons.

Those left to cherish Patricia’s memories are her husband of 50 years, Ernest Lee; two daughters, Andrea Lee and Shalana Taylor; three grandsons, Jermaine McGowan Jr, Darrius Lee, and as yet, unborn, Rayne Taylor. Two granddaughters Nya McCullough and Aaliya Taylor;  Three sisters: Cherry Gardner and Diann Simmons, Tyler, TX and Gloria Simmons, Denton, TX; aunts, LaDessa Gardner, Frisco, Texas; Angelina Smith, Whitehouse, TX, and Veta Gardner, Port St. Lucie, FL; and her uncle, Howard Gardner, Lynnwood, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, cousins and friends.

Patricia Lee will be dearly missed and the home coming ceremony will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 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.