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Ernest Shumway Obituary
Ernest Widtsoe Shumway, passed away on May 28, 2011 at the age of 84. He was born in Thatcher, Arizona on May 22, 1927 to the late Ernest and Lola Shumway. Widtsoe moved to Phoenix and graduated from North Phoenix High School, Brigham Young University (B.A., M.A.), California Western University (PhD.) He was a sports enthusiast and was an All-State Basketball and Baseball player in high school, played semi-pro baseball, and played ball at BYU. Widtsoe served in the Navy during WW11 and served an honorable mission for the LDS church in the Northwestern States Mission. After his mission service he married Mary Diane Blackham to whom he has been happily married for 61 years. Widtsoe taught high school in Phoenix and then took over his father's cemetery and funeral business, Memory Lawn Memorial Park. He grew the business and became involved in many civic organizations, including the Boy Scouts (Silver Beaver) and Rotary Club District Governor. In addition to his civic service, he was very active in the LDS Church, serving in many capacities including, Bishop, Stake President, Mission President, and Mesa Arizona Temple President. Widtsoe is survived by his wife, Diane, 4 children Mary Lynn (Jerry) Garns, David (Loreen), Jon (Karen), Sterling (Valerie), 24 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren and his dear sister, Marilyn (Lloyd) Conder. Visitation will be held Wednesday June 1, 2011 at Crystal Shores LDS ward at 1005 N. Voyager Dr. Gilbert, AZ from 7-8:30 pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the Crystal Shores LDS ward, with visitation from 9:30-10:30 am and services at 11:00 am. Entombment will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery at 27th Ave. and Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker's Garden Chapel, 480-964-8686.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Shumway
Jon Shumway
December 20, 2022
My Dad was the best father a son could have. I miss him terribly.
Aldon Zellhuber
October 2, 2022
As a missionary in the Arizona Phoenix Mission, Where President Shumway served as a councilor to President McDougal, I had the pleasure to serve in his area and get to know him a bit.
I remember having dinner in the Shumway home and when he learned I was from Sitka Alaska branch (Juneau Alaska district), He told me of his searving in Juneau Alaska when he was a young man in the Northwest States Mission at the time when the Church first organized a branch in Juneau. He served as councilor to branch president and his companion as branch president.
He told of as he was leaving to serve his mission - this was in the days when missionaries went to Salt Lake City - prior to the MTC. He met Elder John A Witdsoe, who asked "Elder What are you doing with my name?" He related how when his mother was pregnant with him, Elder Witdsoe stayed at their home while in the area to speak at a Stake Conference and said if it was a boy to name it after him - which they did. At hearing this Elder Witdsoe responded "That's not what I meant son, What are you DOING with my name?" Young Elder Shumway was glad to be able to say that he was following the Lord's direction in serving a mission.
The following Sunday I sat in church listening to the sacrament prayer where we are to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. I heard the voice of the Lord in my mind asking me "Elder Zellhuber, What are you doing with my name?" This was an important moment for me and I like Brother Shumway was glad to be able to say in my mind - I am following the Lord's call and am serving a mission.
--Aldon Zellhuber
ValRee Hakes
June 4, 2011
Dear Shumways,
I was at Camp Lo-MIA with the girls of the Scottsdale (Camelback) Stake when I heard of President Shumway's passing and thought, "How appropriate". I was so blessed as a youth to grow up under his soft- spoken, loving and dedicated service. He and Sister Shumway always made me, and everyone else, feel so loved. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to learn from his example and his testimony that he lived each day! I look forward to the day of reunion when these relationships will continue. With love to the family of such a great and loved man!
Staci Green Skabelund
June 3, 2011
Widtsoe always made me feel special, and I knew he cared about me. I have such wonderful memories of growing up close to the Shumways. Two trips to Hawaii - one with the family, and one with just Widtsoe, Diane and my parents before my mission. Thank you for blessing my life. Widtsoe and Diane both gave so much of themselves to all who were blessed to know them. What a wonderful day it will be when we are all reunited. Much love to Diane and family. You are all in my prayers. Staci Green Skabelund
Bob and Irene Green
June 2, 2011
We miss dear Widtsoe already! We are grateful for all the memories of glorious times together, from fishing trips in the wilderness of Idaho as boys, to the misty mores of Scotland,and the sunny shores of Maui as couples, and even sharing our wedding anniversaries together, we will forever cherish our friendship! We love you, Diane, and look forward to the time we are all together again! Much love, Bob and Irene Green
June 1, 2011
I will always remember Widtsoe as someone floating in the air due to his love for his bride Diane. He will be greatly missed. Teresa Guinn
Shauri Campbell
June 1, 2011
As one of my father's best lifelong friends, Widtsoe was beloved of our family. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Diane and their children. We know their family will be together again. With all our love, Shauri Green Campbell and family
Bill Romney
June 1, 2011
One of the greatest men I have ever known. His kindness towards everyone he met was his most outstanding trait. I remember him discussing how he was truly "a happy man" during his testimony. He will be missed for the rest of my life.
Gary Shumway
June 1, 2011
Uncle Widtsoe's prose and musings will be sorely missed. He is a man who lived his beliefs. Always kind and understanding but dedicated. Family and friends can be comforted in a life well lived and the belief of everlasting life.
Bern Porter
June 1, 2011
Widtsoe was a great man and was loved by all who knew him. May the many wonderful memories he helped create in your lives find root in your hearts and bring sweet recollection to your minds as you both mourn and celebrate his life.
Shawna Pusey Andrus
June 1, 2011
I have wonderful memories of President Shumway from my youth in what was known at the time as Scottsdale Stake (I lived in Scottsdale First Ward). May you find comfort in your gospel knowledge and memories of him at this time.
From the Staff of Bunker Family Funeral Homes
May 31, 2011
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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