Find An Obituary

The live stream of the service can be found here:

Todd Farnsworth Live Stream

Ross Nash Farnsworth III August 19, 1980 – February 13, 2022

Lovingly known his entire life by family and friends as Todd. He was a dedicated father, an attentive son and a caring brother. Todd is preceded in death by his father Ross N Farnsworth Jr. and leaves behind his children Berkeley and Beckham, mother Lori Farnsworth, sisters Brooke Martin, Heidi Ainge, Haylie Farnsworth, Aubrey Bonds and brother Daniel Ashton Farnsworth.

Todd competed on his high school golf team, earned his Eagle Scout award and graduated from Mountain View High School in 1999. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Todd attended Arizona State University earning his JD/MBA. His charitable interests were centered around Mentors International (One Life At A Time) and Executive Council 70. When not working in his varied business ventures, Todd could be found on the golf course, scuba diving or playing at the beach with his children whom he adored.

Todd’s Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, February 18 at the Mesa Mt. View Stake Center, 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, the Farnsworth family suggests contributions be made to Todd’s favorite service organizations.

Live Stream Link To View Service:

https://zoom.us/j/91799057893

Our Angel Mother, Margaret Ruth Creson, passed away on February 10, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. She was 86 years old. Ruth was the 3rd child of 3 children, born to Vincent and Margaret Cooper. She was born on May 8, 1935, in Tooele, Utah and was raised and lived there throughout her childhood and early married life. When Mom was a young girl, her mother passed away and her father remarried Vergie Saxton, bringing 2 young sons and then later 2 more sons into the family. She graduated from Tooele High School in 1953.

She married our father, Harold Louis Creson, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 3, 1953. Their marriage brought 5 children into the world. In 1959, Harold and Ruth moved to Mesa, Arizona with their 2 oldest children. In the following years, 3 more children would join their family. They lived the remainder of their lives in Mesa, as it was a wonderful place to raise their children. Our father later passed away on November 5, 1996 in Mesa, Arizona.

Ruth was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings throughout her life. These included Primary Teacher, Nursery Coordinator, Primary President, Counselor in the Relief Society and the Young Women Program, Laurel Advisor and YW Camp and Sports Director. Mom’s favorite calling was serving in the Mesa Temple as an ordinance worker where she served for 14 years. This was a very spiritual assignment for her and one she looked forward to every week.

Throughout her life, Ruth was loved by all who met and associated with her. She had a kind and tender heart that allowed her to feel love for everyone. The greatest joy of her life was serving others but especially her family. Her posterity presently includes 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way, plus many more who have married into the family that she claimed as her own.

Our mother had many special gifts and one of those was the ability to recognize the needs of others and to love and serve them however she could. Mom was a happy, positive person that people were drawn to because they felt her love for them. Her desire her entire life was to live the teachings of our Savior and always follow His example. As her children, we feel very blessed to have someone so Christ-like as our Mother.

Ruth is preceded in death by our dad and her eternal companion, Harold, her parents, and 4 siblings: Nick, Belva, VerDell and Thale. She is survived by her 5 children – Paul Creson (Janet), Tammy Mortensen (Kerry), Lori Creson, Shirley Mortensen (Ron), Mark Creson (April), all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her 2 younger brothers, Alan Cooper (Jane), Roger Cooper (Diane).

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 745 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ, 85205. There will be a visitation from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. prior to the service. We want to thank family and friends for their love and prayers for us on behalf of our Mother.

Funeral arranged by Bunker’s Garden Chapel. Interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery following the 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

Roger J Larson passed away on February 11, 2022 in Mesa, AZ. Roger was born on September 16, 1934 in Madera, CA.  He met Nione while visiting relatives in Mesa and they married in 1954 and immediately went into the Air Force where he served in Guam.

Roger and Nione raised a family in Las Cruces, New Mexico where he worked designing radar as a civil engineer for White Sands Missile Range.  After retirement, they moved to Mesa, AZ to be closer to family.  Roger and Nione served an LDS mission in New York, New York. He lost the love of his life, Nione in 2012 and has anxiously been waiting to meet with her again.  Roger is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

He left behind a sister, Kay (Rick), brother David (Marlene) and five children; Linda (Rod), Jay (Patricia), Eileen (Jay), Myrl, Mark (Heidi), 13 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service on Thursday, February 17 at the Mesa Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.  Luncheon will be served at the LDS Chapel on 1249 South 48th Street following the 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

Gary Francis Stark, 70, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 11, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona.  Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Forrest  and Dolores Stark, and his sister-in-law Jan Stark.  He is survived by his brother Greg Stark and his sister Terri Brown.  He is the father of Nicole (Greg) Gamm, Shannon Groll, and Christopher (Ashley) Stark.  He is the grandfather of Grant, Kerrigan, Liberty and Jaxsen Gamm, Jaysen and Nathan Groll, and Leland and Lylah Stark.  Gary served his country in the Air Force Reserves during the 1970’s.  Although retired, he enjoyed working in the Millworks department of the Gilbert Home Depot.  He loved his time in the retirement community where he lived serving on the board and introducing all his neighbors to the world of technology.  His little dog Sushi was a great source of companionship in his last few years.  Funeral services begin Friday, February 18, 2022 with visitation at Bunker Family Funeral Home – University Chapel at 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.  Mass is at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N Recker Road in Mesa at 10:00 a.m.  Burial service is at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E Apache Trail, Mesa at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gary Sinese Foundation.

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.

James was called home by his Heavenly Father on Saturday February 12, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie and is survived by his sister Dorothy, brother Bobby and his children, Timothy (Cheryl), Wendy (Shaun), and Kevin (Lisa), Grandchildren, Meredith, Emily, Jacob and Brian.

James served his country in the Army’s Hell On Wheels 2nd Armored Division, and spent time deployed in Germany before meeting the love of his life, Bonnie, and settling in Wisconsin. Their love took them to Arizona, where they continued raising their kids and welcomed their grandchildren. A very strong, kind and gentle man who loved his family and immersed himself in their lives.

A lover of travel, he enjoyed visiting with friends and family near and far, spreading his cheer with a smile. James will be forever missed by all who love him. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Valley in the name of James Irick. Memorial service to be held at a later date.

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.

Curtis
10/23/1958 – 01/20/2022
Joyce
07/11/1960 – 02/03/2022

After 42 years of marriage, Joyce and Curtis were called home within two weeks of each other. You would rarely see one without the other, and it was that way right to the end.

Joyce was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family with all she had. Curtis was a doting husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. Joyce and Curtis cherished their times with family from backyard bar-b-ques to going on family camping trips. When they were not with family, they shared a love for exploring the outdoors and camping. In their spare time, Joyce enjoyed putting puzzles together and relaxing on the patio with a good cup of coffee, and Curtis could be found working on his treasured 1950 Chevy truck, building models and windchimes, or fishing.

Left to carry on their traditions are their children Nick (Laura), Casey (Caitie), and Jessica (Ryan), 5 grandkids, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a date and time yet to be determined in or around Salt Lake City.

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 funeral service online may do so at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/96830094234

Joseph “Joe” Larry Porter was born in Mesa, Arizona on July 11, 1942, to his parents William S. and Hilda Webb Porter. He passed away with his wife by his side on February 9, 2022, just a few months shy of his 80th birthday.

Joe spent his childhood creating many memories with his family including the treasured annual “round-up” at the family ranch near Flagstaff, Arizona. In high school, Joe loved playing basketball and had the opportunity to meet his wife, Sharon during his senior year though he soon after left to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Minnesota and Canada. Upon Joe’s return to Arizona, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University. With this degree, Joe became a successful businessman and developed many residential communities throughout Mesa in addition to owning and operating Joe Porter Realty.

On January 30, 1964, Joe married Sharon Kay Richey in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they raised 6 wonderful children who were the light of his life. Even throughout his busy career and demanding church callings, Joe was devoted to his family and loved to spend time with them traveling the country and the world.

Joe’s life was characterized by a love for and dedication to God. He had the opportunity to serve as a Bishop, Stake President, and regional representative along with many other callings. In 2007, Joe and Sharon served in the Nauvoo Temple in Illinois. That experience was a highlight of their life and an exclamation point on their years of service.

Anyone who knew Joe knew him as a fun-loving man. Many of his family’s favorite memories of him contain countless jokes that Joe would tell. Joe was also incredibly selfless and loving and dedicated his life to his God and his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon, 6 children, Dan (Tiffany), Dave (Mimi), Julie (Kent Baldwin), Rich (Lindsey), Shellee (Rob Kjar), Jenny (Andrew Knudsen). He also leaves 34 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His
family will miss him dearly but know that he is at rest and surrounded by loved ones on the other side.

His visitation will be held at Bunker Funeral Home on Friday, February 18th from 6 to 8 pm, and a funeral service will be held at the Mesa Stake Center (1050 S. Hobson, Mesa, Arizona) on Saturday, February 19th at 10 am.

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.

Zoom Live Stream ID To View Service:

https://zoom.us/j/91462353031
(meeting ID: 914 6235 3031)

Irene Rose Denison Harmon of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 27, three weeks before her 83rd birthday. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Sherril Allan Harmon and a daughter, Xana. Irene is survived by three siblings: Annette (Ted) Fitzgerald, Joyce (Bob) Gardner, Richard Amel (SuEllen) Denison and six children: Trudy (John) Fjeldsted, Laurel (Tim) Cronin, Pamela (Jon) Nielson, Lanett (Francis) Ho Ching, Corwin Sherril (Jeana) Harmon, Sherlene Harmon, 23 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.

Irene was born on February 21, 1939, to Amel J Denison and Rose Huntington Denison in Castle Dale, Utah at the home of her maternal grandparents. She recalled having a “happy childhood,” growing up in Price, Utah. As a youth, Irene enjoyed singing and dancing for church, school, and community events. She often performed in a quartet, “Harmony Four.” In 10th grade, Irene was selected to represent her school in the Western States Music Conference Choir in California. On this trip, she met her eternal sweetheart, Sherril Harmon, who was in the 12th grade. Irene and Sherril began a four-year courtship, mostly long-distance. In 1958, Irene attended LDS Business College in Salt Lake City. She completed the one-year coursework in nine months. Fulfilling a dream to become a secretary, she took a job as receptionist for Skyline Oil Company.

On June 12, 1959, Irene and Sherril were married and sealed for eternity in Manti, Utah LDS Temple. For the next 25 years, their lives would span the United States from New York to California, adding to their family along the way. Irene used to say that her children’s birthplaces read like a road map.

While raising her own children, Irene spent ten years (1972-82) devotedly caring for 24 foster babies, naming them after letters from the alphabet, A to Z. One very special foster baby with severe disabilities, Xana, was adopted and sealed to the family in Provo, Utah LDS Temple.

After her children were grown, Irene returned to work as a receptionist for Cardinal Health for 18 years. She retired in October 2008 to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her husband. Together, they directed the Mesa Regional Family History Center for nine years.

Irene will be remembered for her faith in God, her love of family, and her hope to live eternally with her beloved husband, Sherril, who passed away last year. Throughout their 61 years of marriage, Irene and Sherril could be heard singing love songs to each other. One favorite duet contained these words: “The circle of our love extends beyond the reach of time. In God’s eternal plan it goes forever.”

Irene left a beautiful legacy of family traditions and a testimony of Jesus Christ. Her large family will miss gathering in her home for parties, holiday celebrations, fun, laughter, and music. She will be missed for her listening ear, her bright smile, her sense of humor, her beautiful heart-felt prayers and her stalwart spirit.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85213.

The memorial service will also be broadcast on Zoom (meeting ID: 914 6235 3031).

Interment: City of Mesa Cemetery

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.

Link to view services Thursday 2/17 at 10 AM: Anna Jacqueline Zufelt Celebration of Life Live Stream

Anna Jacqueline Zufelt (Jacque) (92) passed away peacefully on February 3, 2022. She was born to James Lawson Waddell and Hannah Jane Waddell in Timmonsville, Florence County, South Carolina on August 23rd 1929, and was the second of 3 children.

Jacque met Charles Lawrence Zufelt (Larry) while he was serving a Church mission. After returning home from his mission, Jacque sent Larry a picture of her in a swimsuit, and in short order Larry wrote to her saying, “If you want to get married, come on out!”

That enticing invitation was all it took. Jacque made her way to Durango, Colorado, where Larry was living and the two of them traveled to Mesa, Arizona to be sealed for time and eternity in the Arizona Temple on April 2, 1948. The couple lived in Gallup, New Mexico for a short time, then moved to Mesa.

Jacque worked for a time as a secretary at Motorola, a waitress at Lulu Belle and Valley Ho Restaurants in Scottsdale, and helped her husband with his masonry business. Together, Larry and Jacque faithfully served as ordinance workers in the Arizona Temple for more than 30 years, and served a church mission to Ft Lauderdale, Florida in 1985.

One of the most kind, gentle, and loving people, Jacque will be remembered by all as an exemplar of class and grace and her beautiful singing voice. She had an infectious personality and a keen sense of humor. She loved her Savior and lived and served as He surely would have approved.

Jacque enjoyed traveling with her husband, serving in the Church, celebrating her family and their accomplishments, and always looked forward to the family get-togethers.

Jacque was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. She is survived by her 4 children, Larry W. Zufelt, Pamela (Mark) Rowley, Cheryl (Martin) Howey, and Debbie Clark-Zufelt, 28 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren, and 9 great, great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 17th at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297 with a viewing that same morning at 9:00. There will also be a viewing on Wednesday, February 16^th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the same location.

Interment will take place at the Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207.

David Kenneth Tibbetts, a beloved father, husband, son and friend passed away February 1, 2022 at the age of 35 after a courageous battle with  Brain Cancer(GBM grade 4)

David is survived by his parents,  Craig and Gail Tibbetts,  wife Kimberly Tibbetts, 4 children, 5 siblings, 13 nieces and nephews, as well as many in-laws and friends.

David’s strength and courage in the face of such a cruel disease will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

A memorial service will be held at the LDS church located at 1483 N Driftwood Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85234 on February 12, 2022 at 10am. Lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you please make a donation to the Barrow Neurological Foundation.

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.

Michelle Farganus, 52 passed away January 25^th, 2022 in her home in Mesa, Az. She was born to Gary and Judy Kagel in Elgin, Il. She married Jeff Farganus May 28^th, 1988 and had two sons, Tyler and Tanner, whom are both married and blessed her with 5 grandchildren.  She lived a very happy life as a wife and mother, and worked as a caregiver and school aide. Michelle loved the weekend camping trips and going to the Cardinals games. She brightened up every room that she walked into and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Bunker

Funeral home on Saturday February 12^th at 1:00 PM to celebrate her life.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76646064803?pwd=ssnAJZTyyMABYVlR20gZtJHSHgXwgJ.1

Meeting ID: 766 4606 4803
Passcode: love

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.

Born on 2/1/1951 in Boliden, Sweden deceased on 1/16/2022 at the age of 70 in Mesa, Arizona. Britta was born to Bjorn and Ingrid Tornqvist in Sweden where she was raised with her two siblings her brother Hans, and sister Maria. Britta’s father Bjorn was a geophysicist which took the whole family to the country of Colombia where they lived for a few years during her early teens. She learned English and Spanish at an early age and took a knack for languages. She spent over a year in France after her high school years and added French to her list of languages. Britta lost her first husband Larry Knight to a tragic accident.

Britta spent most of her life teaching. As she was teaching in Sweden, Britta met her husband Phil through mutual friends they had while Phil spent time between Sweden and California. Timing was finally right for Britta and Phil as they found out they were pregnant. They both decided that Britta moving to the United States was the best for their family. Britta moved to the states to Arizona in 1988 where they got married and had their son Jonas in 1989. Jonas joined Phil’s eldest son Keith and the two Pollard boys. Britta continued her teaching as she taught English as a second language in Mesa where she was given the infamous nickname  ‘Teacher Britta’. Britta along with her colleagues changes the lives of countless families as they took part in the ‘Family Tree’  program.

Britta was an amazing woman who always saw the good in every situation and who truly loved to do good for others. She lived for making people’s lives better even if that was as simple as making a stranger smile. Britta was confident, goofy, elegant, and one of a kind. Britta is gone way too soon but Britta’s light shines bright through all her family, friends, students, and everyone else she crossed paths with. Surrounded by loved ones, Britta unexpectedly passed on 1/16/2022 at Banner Gateway hospital in Gilbert, Az. In honor of Britta, let’s celebrate her life, let’s rejoice in our memories of her and let’s continue to see the good while helping one another.

Britta is survived by her husband Phil, son’s Jonas and Keith, brother Hans, sister Maria. Her Grand kids Josh, Jojo, Jazlyn, Cooper, and Caden.

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.

Glenn E Nichols passed away peacefully February 1, 2022 at his home in Gilbert, Arizona. He was 61 years old. He was born to Nicky and Kaye Nichols on June 27, 1960.

Glenn had a son Augustus Troy (A.T.), granddaughters Alex Weir and Acacia Nichols, and brother Kenny. Glenn will be deeply missed by all his family.

Glenn was an accomplished welder. There was nothing Glenn couldn’t figure out and build. Glenn enjoyed team roping and loved his dogs. He was a great cook and always eager to grill, BBQ or fry something up for his family and friends. When he wasn’t working or roping you knew he had gone fishing.

Glenn had the biggest caring and giving heart. If you needed a helping hand to do something he was always there for you.

Glenn had been fighting complications from his diabetes. He is healed and with The Lord Above. He is smiling at all his family and friends, for one day we will all meet up again.

Visitation will be held Monday February 7, at 5 – 7 at Bunkers Family & Funeral Home 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ.

Graveside Service and Glenn’s Celebration of life will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday February 8 at Mesa Cemetery 1212 N Center St, Mesa 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.

Live Stream Link To View Service:

https://youtu.be/Yc-tkk-RjBw

Thom Curleyhair, age 65, of Fountain Hills, AZ, passed away February 2, 2022 surrounded by his family in Scottsdale, AZ due to complications of COVID.

Thom was born October 10, 1956 in Ganado, AZ to Kitseelie Curleyhair and Mary Ann Etsitty. He was the 4th of 7 children. He attended grades K through 6 at the Indian Boarding School in Kayenta, AZ. From 1969 to 1971, he participated in the LDS Indian Student Placement Program where he lived with the Newel K and Pauline Palmer family of Mesa, AZ. It was within this home that his testimony of Jesus Christ was fortified and grew. There he attended 8th & 9th grade at Carson Jr High School. He spent his senior year back in Kayenta attending Monument Valley High School where he met the love of his life and future bride, Sheila Bostwick.

After high school Thom joined the Marine Corps where he served for four years as an Amphibious Vehicle Crewman. After being honorably discharged he returned home to Kayenta where he married Sheila and began working for Peabody Coal Company. It was at the coal mine where Thom began running heavy equipment and building roads. His passion for machinery and moving dirt grew and developed into a desire to one day have his own construction company.

In 1986 Thom and Sheila moved from Kayenta to Mesa, AZ where they would raise their six children. In 1992 they incorporated their small construction company, Arrow Indian Contractors, Inc (Arrow). Success did not come overnight, and the company experienced many ups and downs but eventually it grew and has become a robust general contracting company with many wonderful employees. Many of the roads built and much of the work performed by Arrow has been on the Navajo Nation, the homeland where Thom felt a strong connection to the land. In 2019 he accepted a position with the Dine’ Chamber of Commerce as vice chair where he hoped to help his fellow native Navajo people with their desires to prosper in their own businesses.

Thom had a generous heart and was often helping others. He also touched many lives as he shared his testimony and love for his Savior Jesus Christ. His strong faith is what saw him through his battle with nasopharyngeal cancer and sepsis in 2021 and what gave him courage as he faced his battle with COVID.

Thom is survived by his wife; children Tawnya (Kolby) Collard of Mesa, Kristin (Ryan) McPhie of Mesa, Tara (Andrew) Taylor of Mesa, Ethan (Lauren) of Fort Defiance, Elijah (Lexie) of Gilbert, and Shane of Fort Defiance; 14 grandchildren; sisters Anna Gray, Grace Curleyhair, and brothers Anthony, and Robert (Monica).

Thom is preceded in death by his parents Kitseelie and Mary Ann, an older sister Gesi’ and younger sister Lucy.

Services will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the LDS chapel in Fountain Hills, 15507 E Bainbridge Ave. Viewing at 9:00 a.m. and funeral at 10:00 a.m. Internment at the City of Mesa Cemetery following the funeral.

Funeral Service will be Live Streamed at: https://youtu.be/Yc-tkk-RjBw

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:

Click Here For Video Stream

Elizabeth “Beth” Haws Schroeder was born in Lehi Arizona on December 31, 1922 to her parents George Gilbert and Mary Adeline Johnson Haws. She was born on her Father’s 40th birthday. She passed away peacefully in Lehi on January 25, 2022 at age 99 and just into her 100th year. She always went by Beth and bristled whenever anyone called her Elizabeth.

Beth’s Father was a chicken farmer so she grew up learning the poultry business from a very early age. One of her earliest duties as a child was to determine the sex of the baby chicks so that they could decide which would be raised for egg production and which would be raised as “fryers”. This took great patience and care which served her well throughout her life, especially when raising her family.

Beth attended Lehi schools until her freshman year when she attended Mesa High School until she graduated in 1940. She played saxophone in the marching band during her entire high school career, but she would probably have preferred playing football inasmuch as her first love was sports and because she was kind of a rough and tumble gal from having grown up on a farm. She was a great athlete and played softball and volleyball well into her later years.

She also LOVED to dance and it was at a Mezona dance where she met her future husband, John Fred Schroeder, who was serving in the U S Army Air Corp at Williams Airforce Base. They were married on May 2, 1944. John was a jet engine mechanic by day and played for square dances at night with his own band, “Schroeder’s Playboys”. This allowed her to dance on a regular basis while John was playing most nights during the week. Together they raised 7 children. Peggy Schroeder, Donna Slider (Tim), John L. Schroeder (Kellie), Fred Schroeder (Teddi), Teri Schultz (Joe), Becky Vaughn (Forrest) and Wendy Fenn (Robin).

Beth’s children will all attest that Beth was the hardest working woman they ever knew. Aside from being a homemaker, she worked nights at Motorola for many years which allowed her to be at home when her children were awake. On top of that she spent many hours during the day upholstering headboards for beds in a homebased business and slip in a nap when she could. Beth was “Pioneer Tough” until the day of her passing.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Helen Haws, Grace Jones, Beulah Haws, brother Kenneth Haws and her husband John. Beth is survived by each of her 7 children. At the time of her death her posterity numbered 178. The funeral services will be held at the Pioneer Ward Chapel located at 1050 South Hobson, Mesa, Arizona at 11am with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00am.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to Catherine and Peter of Brooksby Assisted Living, for which we credit their kind and loving care for helping her reach her 100th year.

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.

Cheryl June Nix Long, a remarkable pillar of the community, passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2022. Lovingly and respectfully, she carried the titles of Mother, Grandma-ma, Grandma Ice Cream, Friend, Teacher, and Mentor throughout her life. With 35 years of teaching, consisting mostly of third-grade students in Washington Elementary School in Phoenix, Cheryl influenced hundreds of children in positive ways through her loving and tender heart. Her kindness continued to bless the lives of others through her service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all organizations. Her callings included leadership positions in both ward and stake Young Women and Relief Society.  In addition, she served on the Young Women leadership board for the regional conference “Horizons 84.” In the community, she worked on the Arizona State Junior Miss Committee and helped with the “Make it With Wool” program. Phoenix was her home for most of her life, but she spent the last twenty years in Mesa, Arizona to be closer to family. She is survived by her life-long friend and love, Ed Long, who cherishes her memory and the life they built and shared together for nearly 75 years of marriage. Cheryl considers her greatest contribution to the world to be her two daughters: Cheryl Partridge (Scott) and Carolyn Guptill (Gene). The real stars in her eyes were her seven grandchildren: Amy Grover (Scott), Lindsay Ruezga (Antonio), Ryan Partridge (Jennifer), Holly Baumbach (Adam), Chris Partridge (Cassi), Brett Partridge (Stephanie), and Kaley Farnsworth (Chase), not to mention her 26 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Garnett Nix and Norma Guthrie Nix, along with her three brothers, John Carl, David Garnett, and Norman Wylie Nix, and three sisters, Margaret Jeanne Wright, Mary Louise Elliott, and Lura Emmaline Nix who now welcome her home.

While her body is laid to rest, her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who had the privilege to be her student, which were all who knew her. A teacher by nature, she was able to inspire with her calm, reassuring, tender care. To reiterate the words of poet, Kevin William Huff:

For our future brightens

With each lesson you teach

Each smile you lengthen

Each goal you help reach

For the dawn of each poet

Each philosopher and king

Begins with a Teacher

And the wisdom they bring.

She gave us the world; she truly made our futures brighter. Loved ones will be sharing stories of remembrance and honoring her in a Celebration of Life, February 11, 2022, at 10 am, preceded by a viewing from 9-10am and the previous evening (Feb.10) from 6-8pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mountain View Stake Center 1550 N. Val Vista Mesa, Arizona 85213. To join remotely: http://zoom.us/j/99757140641. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Humanitarian Philanthropies.

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.