SIRRINE, Mary Ellen

Bunker Family Funeral & Cremation, Mesa, Arizona Mary Ellen Sirrine October 23, 1925 ~ September 5, 2013 Mary Ellen Ikenberry Sirrine, a remarkable woman, passed away on September 5, 2013 at the age of 87. She was born October 23, 1925 in LaVerne, California to Benjamin Ikenberry and Verna Verbeck. Mary Ellen enjoyed her journey through life. Blessed with the ability to find happiness in any circumstance, she was an inspiration to many. Compassionate and thoughtful, she developed many cherished and lasting friendships. She was an exceptional leader and master teacher, and served for over 60 years in organizations in her community and church. Mary Ellen especially loved young people and organized and directed many youth camps, programs and activities. She graduated from the University of Redlands with a degree in Physical Education and became a well liked teacher. On October 6, 1950, Mary Ellen married her eternal sweetheart, Clarence (Bud) Leon Sirrine and together they raised five children while living in California and Kentucky. In 1988 they retired to Bud’s hometown of Mesa, Arizona. Later, she and her husband served an LDS mission to the Czech Republic, where they were instrumental in organizing the church Seminary and Institute educational programs. Mary Ellen considered her greatest blessings to be her sweetheart Bud, her five children, Sue (Steve) Laneri, Stephen Sirrine, Carol (Bert) Sainsbury, Dale (Christine) Sirrine, Diane (Kevin) Marler, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends, Friday, September 13, from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 14 at 10 am at the LDS Chapel, 3344 E. McDowell in Mesa. The family will also be available one hour prior to the service.