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Diana Lynn Peters of Mesa, Arizona passed away on March 2, 2026. She “walked on” with cherished family members by her side.

Diana was a proud member of the of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Indian Tribes and honored her Native American roots.

Diana was born in Vancouver, Washington, on November 6, 1949, to Paul and Elaine Neumann. She grew up in the Vancouver area the youngest sibling to her brother, Wes and sister, Cathy. A strong student, Diana excelled academically and developed an early interest in business. During those years she also formed lifelong friendships, including a special bond with her dear friend Paula.

Diana’s first marriage brought two of her greatest joys—her son, James, and her daughter, Stephanie. She was a devoted, loving mother who delighted in her children. As a single mother, she persevered with determination, continuing her business education while working tirelessly to support her family. Her drive and talent led her into the multi-housing industry, where she found her calling and truly thrived.

In the mid-1980s, Diana joined Berger Management and became an integral part of the company’s success. Among her proudest accomplishments was earning the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, a milestone she valued deeply.

While building her career, Diana met her second husband, Larry Peters. Eventually Diana and her family moved to Phoenix as Larry’s career grew, their time together ended far too soon when Larry died suddenly at age 51. They had shared 18 happy years of marriage. Eventually, Diana met Paul McConnell and that friendship grew into a life partnership. Diana and Paul went on to share 26 happy years together in Arizona—traveling, learning, and enjoying life as best friends and companions.

Through her daughter, Stephanie, Diana became “Nana” to the two greatest joys of her life, her grandson Jakob and her granddaughter Madison. She adored them beyond measure, and her love for them was steadfast and joyful.

Diana was preceded in death by her beloved son, James.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie; her grandchildren, Jakob and Madison; her partner, Paul; and extended family and many friends who will miss her dearly.

Services are pending.

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.

Lisa Compton passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, exactly where she wanted to be—at home. Creating a “home” was one of her life’s great accomplishments:  a place where all who entered felt seen, heard, and loved.

Born on October 29, 1960, to Dayton and Carol Crane, she was the first of her siblings born in Arizona after the family’s move from Utah. She attended Westwood High School and then became part of the inaugural class for the newly opened Mesa Mountain View. She participated in many activities including pom line, student government, choir, and school musicals.

Lisa was introduced to Ron Compton shortly after graduating high school and was immediately intrigued by his mysterious nature. Although they were raised in very different homes and had very different upbringings, they proved that opposites attract. They were married in November 1979 and built a beautiful life together for more than 46 years.

Lisa was an angel of a mother and grandmother—patient, kind, understanding, never raising her hand or voice in anger. She wrote thoughtful notes and letters, gave words of counsel and encouragement, and took care of her family in the best ways possible.

Lisa’s capacity to love and nurture reached well beyond the walls of her home. She inherited her father’s love for people and exhibited a preternatural ability to connect with people and understand them. In various church capacities—Primary President, Stake Relief Society President, and companion to a singles ward bishop—she relentlessly, unfailingly followed the Savior’s admonition to leave the ninety and nine and seek after the one.

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her faithful companion Ron; six loving siblings; four children: Alyson Peterson (Jon), Andrew Compton (Janie), Alex Compton (Sharla), Aaron Compton (Brenna); and 14 adoring grandchildren.

A visitation and funeral service will be held at the Mesa East Stake Center (2228 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, Arizona) on Saturday, March 21. The visitation starts at 9:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 am. All are invited to attend. A private graveside ceremony for family and invited friends will occur after the service at the 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.

Thomas Franklin Garner Jr., 94, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026.

Tom was born May 21, 1931, in McLoud, Oklahoma. As a young man, he answered the call to serve his country, becoming a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and completing two tours during the Korean War. The strength, discipline, and loyalty he carried from his time in the Marines stayed with him throughout his life.

Tom was a man defined by hard work and quiet generosity. He spent most of his life working with his hands and took deep pride in the work he did. Yet no matter how busy life became, he always found time for others. Neighbors knew they could count on him, and family knew they could depend on him. Among his greatest joys was his lifelong passion for training race horses, a pursuit that reflected both his patience and his deep love of the land and animals he worked with.

On January 15, 1955, Tom married the love of his life, Sylvia Gayle Nelson. Together they built not only a home, but a lasting legacy of faith, devotion, and family. Their life together became the foundation of a large and loving family that grew to include four children: Jeff (Sheree) Garner, Craig Garner, Todd (Jackie) Garner, and Shelley (Brent) Webb. Their posterity now includes 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, each carrying forward a piece of his strength, kindness, and steady example.

He is survived by his sister Norma (Cleve) and his brother David (Carol), along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To those who knew him as Jr., Dad, Grandpa, Poppa Tom, Uncle, Brother, Brother-in-law, Neighbor, and Sergeant Garner, he was an enduring example of Christlike love, service, and quiet strength.

Now, like his beloved eternal companion Gayle, his parents, his brothers Jim and Ralph, his sisters Dot and Patsy, and his grandson Carson, he is just away.

Graveside services with military honors will be held Friday, March 13 at 9:30 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 East Pinnacle Peak Road in Phoenix.  A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 21915 E. Cloud Road in Queen Creek.

If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the following link to livestream the service:  https://zoom.us/j/92759133248

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.

Maria Ernestina Lewis, passed away on, 02/28/2026 in Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel (480.964.8686).

Carol Alfaro Peraza, 51, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Chandler, Arizona. She was born to Maria Luisa Peraza Arce and Mario Jesus Alfaro Baqueiro in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. Carol was full of life and loved by all. She radiated positivity and happiness in all aspects of her life. She loved our Savior Jesus Christ and exemplified many Christlike attributes. She was a faithful daughter of God, who loved to share her testimony.

Carol loved spending time with family, especially her nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. She was known as the favorite Tía Millie. Family and church service were the most important aspects of Carol’s life. She devoted time to helping care for others and serving in many capacities. She especially cared for her older brother, Mario, who requires 24/7 care. He misses ‘Carito’ and knows she’s in heaven. Carol was also an exemplary daughter who loved and cared for her dear mother, Malú.

Funeral services are Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1111 E. Knox Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284.

All who wish to attend are welcome to join us as we remember and celebrate Carol’s life together.

Thank you for the love, prayers, and support so many of you have already shared with our family during this difficult time.

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.

Scarlett, (or as we call her Nunie, Nonny, Nonnie), passed at the age of 93 on Monday, February 23rd, 2026.

Youngest of five siblings, Scarlett was born and raised in Mississippi and was a true “Steel Magnolia”.  The Magnolia tree is the state tree of Mississippi, and the Magnolia flower is the state flower.  The flower represents beauty and perseverance: it adapts and is tough.

A magnolia flower is exactly what Scarlett embodied.  She faced life full on: with grace, poise, dignity, and most of all, love.  Even though broken-hearted after the death of her daughter, Cheri, in 1994; she and her husband Greg (who we called Spob, Bobby, or Poppie) pushed on to raise Cheri’s three children, Alexis, Cade, and Trest: because that is what a strong woman does.

Looking beyond her toughness, she was the most gentle and caring soul, full of wisdom and love.  She always put her family first.  She has been called “Everyone’s Grandma.”

Scarlett had a passion for painting, writing stories, nature, reading, playing the piano, and antiques.  She had a successful career at an airline where she met many lifelong friends.  She also owned a little country store at Tortilla Flat in Arizona and took great pride in making it flourish.

Scarlett is survived by: Son Greg and wife Michelle Grandchildren Alexis, Cade and wife Candice, Payton, and Pyper Great grandchildren Lizzie, Imogen, Luke, and Liam and beloved nieces and nephews in Mississippi.

Services for Scarlett will be held: Saturday, March 07, 2026, at 12:30pm at the Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to welcome anyone interested in donating to give to Hospice of the Valley in Scarlett’s name.

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.

Rey Palmer Nelson, 104, was born July 7, 1921, in Tucson, Arizona, and passed away peacefully on February 24, in his home in Mesa, with his family. Rey honorably served in the United States Army during World War II. While stationed in Italy, he was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart.

He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Aurelia Nelson of 72 years; his son, Rey Nelson Jr.; his parents, Hyrum Vance Nelson and Chloe Amelia Palmer Nelson; 11 brothers and sisters; a son-in-law; 2 grandsons Jared and J.J; great-grandson Shane; and great-great grandson Tate.

Rey is survived by his sons, Jim (Carolynne) and Jeff (Liesa); and his daughters Nadine Crandall (Clifford) and Judith Michael (Gary, deceased); and one brother Donovan Nelson. At last count there were 220 family members, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Rey loved any outdoor activities including sports, hunting, and fishing. He loved spending time at their family cabin in Greer in the summer with his sweetheart sitting on the porch feeding the hummingbirds, watching the squirrels and other wild game such as deer, rabbits, and birds of all kinds including blue jays, robins, finches, ravens, crows, and more that would visit their property. At night there was the occasional bear and raccoon rummaging for scraps on the porch. He loved driving his Rhino on every road, small path, or one he would create through and across the forest in Greer.

Mostly, he loved his family and family reunions. He loved his Heavenly Father and the Savior and was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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.

Dennis Monroe Ellsworth passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, in Mesa, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Yvonne Ellsworth; his brother, Duane Obershaw; and his baby sister, Ilene Louise.

Dennis is survived by his loving sisters, Iris Shumway, Jolene Williams, and Ronda Richardson, along with many nieces and nephews who cherished their Uncle Dennis and will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

Dennis had a deep love for music and especially enjoyed singing. He honorably served a mission in Australia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a reflection of his strong faith and lifelong devotion to serving others.

He will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and steadfast love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him

Memorial Services

Services will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , 613 N. Stewart, Mesa, Arizona

8:00 a.m. – Viewing

8:45 a.m. – Family Prayer

9:00 a.m. – Funeral Service

Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at:

Show Low Cemetery

1143 N. 4th Street

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.

Edward Earl Johnson, 75, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026 surrounded by his family.
He was born on March 27, 1950 in Mesa, Arizona to Earl and Emma Udall Johnson.
He spent the majority of his life helping build the legacy that his father started- Phoenix Sand and Rock (PSR) and Johnson Stewart Johnson Mining (JSJM). He was a helicopter pilot and loved aviation, he also owned JSJ Aviation with his partners in Mesa.
He loved everything about the West and Arizona. He found his real life love and passion in horses, mules, and cattle ranching.
He loved the people of the Lehi area and served as a Bishop of Lehi 1st ward in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the mid 90s.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joyce.
He is survived by his eternal companion Jinx Winkelmann Johnson, his three siblings Janice, Phyllis and Clifford. His children Juli, Edward Jr, Tiffany and Wesley. Also, his 10 grandchildren.

An Open House/Life Celebration to be held at Johnson-Stewart Co.
March 20, 2026 6-8pm
1564 N. Alma School Rd Mesa, AZ 85201

Funeral service at The Lehi Ward Building March 21, 2026 at 11am
830 E. Lehi Rd Mesa, AZ 85203

**In lieu of flowers please consider donating instead to LDS Missionary Fund or LDS Humanitarian Services
**Western attire encouraged

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

Judith Ann Wycherly was born to Daniel Oscar Wycherly and Phyllis Holman Wycherly in Salt Lake City, UT on October 6th, 1941.

She lived in many places in the West and Midwest while growing up. She was a Benson Bunny in Omaha, Nebraska, during her high school years and went on to attend Brigham Young University and graduated with a teaching degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

She met John Emil Gustafson, Jr. in Omaha, and they were married in 1966. They were later sealed to each other and their four daughters on February 12th, 2005.  Judy loved Diet Coke, gardening, humanitarian work, going out to lunch, cooking for her family, working in the temple, the beach, rollercoasters, game nights with the grandkids, and cheating at cards.

She was a master teacher, a perfect mother and grandmother, and is loved by everyone whose lives she touched.  But most of all, she dedicated her life to her Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything she did was because of her love for Him.  We know she is resting in her Savior’s embrace and that we will be together forever. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, and her brother. Her legacy lives on in her son Trevor Gettelman (Jenny), four daughters: Jennifer Bergeson, Heather Hill (Tim), Julie Gustafson, April Corey, and her ten beautiful grandchildren.

There will be a visitation at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building (3920 E Brown Rd. Mesa 85205) from 6-8 PM on Friday, March 13th. All are invited to attend the visitation. A private graveside service will be held for the family. Our family wishes to express gratitude for all the love, support, and prayers offered on our behalf.

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

George Earl Peterson, 75, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away on February 28, 2026.

George was born on October 8, 1950 in Mesa, Arizona to Marie Felshaw and Grant Eugene Peterson. He spent part of his youth in Coolidge, Arizona and graduated from Westwood High School in Mesa. He later earned a degree in Economics from Brigham Young University.

George spent the majority of his professional life as a farmer. He was owner and operator and took deep pride in his work. Farming reflected his steady character, his patience, and his belief in hard work and long-term commitment.

He was known most for his service to others and his devotion to his faith. Throughout his life, George served in many capacities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Boy Scout leader and youth advisor, as Bishop of the Mission Bay Ward in Gilbert, Arizona, and as a member of the Val Vista Stake Presidency. Alongside his beloved wife, Kathryn Marjorie Allen, he served as Mission President of the Philippines San Pablo Mission and later as director of the Independence Missouri and Liberty Jail Visitor Center. Together they gave years of devoted service and touched countless lives.

George was a man of deep faith with a strong testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. He shared that testimony openly and lived it daily. He put his family first in everything he did.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Grant Peterson, and his brother, Grant Joseph Peterson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn Marjorie Peterson; his children Grant, Joseph, Layne, Brett, and Clinton; his sisters Paula Dahl, Nancy Barton, Kristen Goebel, and Maryann Carpenter; his cherished grandchildren Conner, Abigail, Noah, Samuel, Ammon, Caleb, Carter, Brody, Brinkley, Natalie, Peyton, Braydon, Beau, and Mckenna; and his great grandson Hudson Ward.

George loved his grandchildren deeply and made it a priority to spend time with them, creating adventures and memories that will last generations. He had a kind and loving heart and touched many lives with quiet strength, generosity, and steady example.

A viewing will be held on March 5, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 3775 S Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297.

Funeral services will be held on March 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at 3301 S Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297

Burial will take place on March 7, 2026 at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

We will miss our incredible “Papa George,” but the legacy of joy that he has left for us on this earth fills our hearts with gratitude.

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 Torres passed away on 02/26/2026 in Mesa, Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel (480.964.8686).

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.

Lyla Adelaide Delano Lawler, 98, passed peacefully at home in Mesa, Arizona, on February 19, 2026. She was born January 24, 1928, in Eva, Oklahoma, and grew up in the Panhandle. The family lived in the Farmington, NM area from 1957 to 2013.

Preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack H. Lawler (1921–2012); her parents, Pop Chance and Mom Eula Lee Sledge Delano; and her siblings: Clyde (Peggy), Merle (Mickey), Cecil (Doris), Fred (Imogene), Thelma (Jack), Dale (Ruth), RB (Margie), and Darlene (Mark).

Survived by her children: Nancy Austin (Jimmie Bales), (Irvin); Max Lawler (Teresa); Joe Lawler (Deloris).

Grandchildren: Reese (Laci); Shane (Misty D.); Julie; Jeremy; Misty A. (Jon); Sonja (Tim), (Jason); Nichole (Shad); Preston; Michael (Jenifer); Brandt (Christina); Ryan (Kaitlin); Timothy (Ashley); Jennelle (Ray); Emma.

Great-grandchildren: Chelsea-Sean; Dyllon-Clayton; Adley; Kaylee; Malachi; Alicia; Haley; Sophia; Logan; Wyatt; Amelia; Abigail Lyla Jett; Paisley; Lexi; Justin; Lauren; Taylor; Jordan; Mason; Ryder; Rylee Lyla Grace; Jonah; Dawson Billy; Jesse; Ethan; Garrett; Cheyenne; Kelli.

Great-great-grandchildren: Agent, Sailor, and Reagan.

Lyla loved Jesus and lived her faith through quiet mercy, full of grace and unconditional love. Her family was her greatest joy. She loved crafting, puzzles, Farkle, painting, crocheting, quilting, and more.

She served as a Sunday school teacher, worked as a secretary in a Title Company and Law Firm taking shorthand, was a licensed real estate broker, and a K–3rd grade teacher.

She was loved beyond words, and her legacy lives on through the generations she cherished.

Special thanks to caregivers over the past three years: Danielle, Deborah and Dee; her nurse Kimberly; her aide Annabelle; and all the nurses & aides who treated her as if she was their grandmother.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Address: Daily Church 805 Saguaro Trail, Farmington, NM 87401 Pastor Jeral Dickenson.

Graveside will be Monday at Address: Memory Gardens of Farmington 6917 E Main St, Farmington, NM 87402 at 11:00 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.

Leenita Janeice Sego McClendon Chandler passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, Arizona, on February 26, 2026.

Born on November 28, 1940, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Marvin Albert Sego and Jessie Lee Lakey Sego, Leenita was the third of six children. Leenita’s childhood included many adventurous stories, two of which were stitches after a fall on rocks in Flagstaff and an unforgettable encounter with a bed of red ants. She learned at a young age the motherly influence. She also learned the value of hard work while helping her family as a teenager: babysitting, cleaning, ironing, and later working long hours at the Chatterbox Café in Cottonwood, Arizona, where she learned to cook, bake, and serve her community.

Faith became Leenita’s anchor early in life.  Although she visited many churches as a young girl, she consistently felt peace and a sense of belonging at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was baptized a member at age 11. She grew into a determined young woman who wanted a faithful life and a strong family, even when she felt she didn’t “measure up.”

Leenita met Eugene Alan McClendon, and they were married in 1958 in Cottonwood, Arizona. Together, they ran a chicken ranch. During their marriage, they were blessed with two daughters, Valorie and Becky. Eugene’s childhood rheumatic fever returned, and after months of illness and Leenita’s devoted care, he passed away in 1961. In the midst of grief, Leenita held to her faith and her purpose as a mother, trusting the Lord to guide her forward.

After Eugene’s death, Leenita moved to Mesa, Arizona, with her two little girls and two younger sisters. There, she was determined to build a stable life and keep her family close to the church. She enrolled at the newly opened Rose Mar Beauty College and attended the Mesa 6^th Ward, where friendships led her to meet Jimmy Keith Chandler, a kind and steady man who also knew grief, having lost his wife and baby daughter to illness. Leenita and Jimmy began dating and were married in December 1961, in Nogales, Arizona, and were later sealed in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple. Leenita and Jimmy made their home in Mesa (Lehi), Arizona, where they were embraced by a loving community. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, work, and family, being blessed with nine more children over the years.

Leenita and Jimmy worked side by side for decades in the family’s janitorial businesses. One in particular is the Nuss Building in Scottsdale, where all the children have many memories of working alongside their parents while they taught them unity, responsibility, and pride in honest work.

Leenita served in many callings in the church, but her favorite was teaching the children in Primary. She later cherished the years she and Jimmy served as missionaries at the Mesa Family History Center beginning in February 1997, where she loved helping patrons discover their roots and felt guided in her work.

Leenita’s greatest pride and joy in life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They brought her so much joy. She served them tirelessly and effortlessly. She had a love for all babies, and whenever one was around, you could guarantee she was holding it, and would do so for hours. She was small in stature, but could hold her own, taking down and wrestling any one of her sons, grandsons, and granddaughters. She will always be remembered for her Sunday pot roast dinners (for anyone who showed up), Chevron runs, love of root beer and chocolate, disposable cameras, Scratchers, always knowing the count of her grandkids, the walls of her home covered in family pictures, and being the staple at baby blessings, baptisms, and weddings.

Leenita’s life testified of prayer, perseverance, and the sustaining power of the gospel. She is remembered with love for her devotion to family, her steady faith, and her deep gratitude for the life she was blessed to build.

She is survived by her eleven children: Valorie (Scott) Hansen, Becky Wyatt, Brian (Tami) Chandler, Douglas (Amy) Chandler, Jon (Jenny) Chandler, Jeffrey (Melanie) Chandler, Nancy (Dustin) Hineman, James (Melissa) Chandler, Bradley (Dawnett) Chandler, Craig (Heather) Chandler, and Kevin (Linda) Chandler;  48 grandchildren, 82 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and her sister Eda Harville.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, four siblings, and five grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 9:00am to 10:00am on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Lehi Stake Center, Address: 1430 N Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Funeral services will follow immediately after the viewing.

The interment will be held at the Mesa City 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.

Born in Kyger, Ohio at home and lived in Ohio till he was 11 years old.  His family moved to Mesa, Arizona, and he lived here until his passing.  He lived his life enjoying his family and friends.

He married Sheila Reynolds on June 12, 1964, after they had met when he was 11 years old and she was 9 years old.  They went to the same church.  They raised three precious kids, Lori Gail (husband, Wesley Rouse), Gary Elias Darst, Jr. (wife, Kari Ann), and Tara Frazier.

They have eight grandkids, and 18 great-grandkids.  He is preceded in death by his father, Walter Elias Darst and his mother, Chloetta Darst; sister, Jennifer Pierce; brothers, Michael Darst, and Terry Darst; and his baby daughter, Danessa Carol.

Mr. Darst was a bricklayer in Local #3 Bricklayers Union for 40 years.  He loved hunting and camping with family and friends.  He was dearly loved and will be missed so much.

We would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful nurses, Laura and Anna of Hospice of the Valley-East, who took great care of Gary.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am in the Chapel.  A graveside service will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

“We Love You, Daddy”

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 H Hicken (Bob or Bobby) was born on November 26, 1946, to Cyril and Mazie Hicken in Heber City, Utah. Nine days after his birth, Mazie slipped from this life but has been his angel mother throughout his life. When he was 5 his dad married Vay Huffaker. She was a mom to all the children and added one more brother to the family. She raised them all as her own. He was raised on the dairy farm with his sister and 5 brothers. From an early age he learned to work hard and that a job well done brings satisfaction. Being raised on the farm formed his penchant for hard work, love for family, and uncanny ability to problem-solve.

After serving a mission in the West Mexican Mission, he married his childhood sweetheart, Patricia Ryan, in the Salt Lake Temple on March 14, 1968 – there sealed for eternity. During this time, he determined a construction career was for him and, after some formative years in Utah, moved his family to Arizona, where eventually he became part of Arizona West Contracting Corporation, serving as Vice President and General Superintendent. It was a career that allowed him to bless his family and many, many others through constant acts of unabated service.

His family was the center of his life, and he and Pat were blessed with 6 children— Shantell (Jay) Carroll, Tara (Kurt) Deem, Marissa (Bret) Hunt, Kamara (Gregg) Murset, Ryan, and Caskie (Chad) Brimhall. Subsequently, 37 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren (and growing) have joined the family and love to call him Papa.

He and Pat were able to serve as mission leaders in the Mexico City East mission.

Throughout his life, he has strived to live the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he has served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He passed away peacefully in his home in Gilbert, Arizona surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer on February 25, 2026.

The viewing will be held Friday, March 6^th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Greenfield Stake Center, 2740 S. Lindsay Rd. Gilbert, AZ.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7^th at 11:00 am, at the Greenfield Stake Center, with a viewing held prior to the services from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.  The burial will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Charleston Cemetery in Heber City, Utah.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Humanitarian or General Missionary Fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

https://youtube.com/live/15UJ9AzbAG0

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.