May God bless you and your...
My Dad was the best father a son could have. I miss him terribly.
Jon Shumway
December 20, 2022 | Family
0
1
Ernest Widtsoe Shumway
Mesa, Arizona
About
LOCATION
Mesa, Arizona
Obituary
Send FlowersShumway, Ernest Widtsoe
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.
Guest Book
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...
Aldon Zellhuber
October 02, 2022 | Other
0
1
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...
ValRee Hakes
June 04, 2011 | Scottsdale, AZ
0
1
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...
Staci Green Skabelund
June 03, 2011 | Phoenix, AZ
0
1
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
Bob and Irene Green
June 02, 2011 | Phoenix, AZ
0
1
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
June 01, 2011
0
1
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
Shauri Campbell
June 01, 2011 | Sugar Land, TX
0
1
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.
Bill Romney
June 01, 2011 | Mesa, AZ
0
1
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.
Gary Shumway
June 01, 2011 | Kamas, UT
0
1