Francis Ronald Mullen

Francis Ronald (Ron) Mullen
March 24, 1937-April 13, 2023
We are saddened to say goodbye to Ron, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, but we are happy for him that his suffering and frustration at loss of independence is over. He died knowing he was loved.
Ron was born March 24, 1937 in Urbana, Illinois to Myrtle M. Giblin and E. Raymond Mullen. Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 49½ years Mary Deming Mullen, granddaughter Krystal Marie Mullen, sisters Alice A. Chitwood and Patricia Bulicek and nephew Kenneth Bulicek.
Ron spent the first 14 years of his life in Illinois. In 1951, his father moved the family to Chandler, Arizona. He attended Chandler High School and graduated in 1955. During his high school years, Ron spent many evenings and weekends setting pins at the local bowling alley owned by his father. After graduation, Ron joined the Army National Guard and went to work for the Bell Telephone Company. As a telephone lineman, Ron traveled around the state and was part of the crew that strung the line from Flagstaff to Page. While working in Payson, Ron met his future wife, Mary Deming. They were married July 7, 1962, two days after her 18th birthday. They made their home in Tempe where they raised their two children, James Earl and Shauna Marie. Weekends would often find the family camping or visiting folks up in Payson. Ron and Mary were very supportive of the children's many activities and pursuits. They were active members at our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and were involved with Marriage Encounter for many years. They thoroughly loved being grandparents and enjoyed many activities and adventures with their grandchildren.
Ron saw many changes as "Ma Bell" diversified. He retired at age 55. Not quite ready for full retirement, Ron joined a GMC Truck Tour that traveled throughout the northeast. The team transported the trucks, set up the display tents and after the show moved on to the next city. He never tired of sharing stories about this adventure. It was one of the highlights of his life. Ron and Mary enjoyed traveling around in their motor home and participated in many activities with their RV group, the "Phone Pholks". Mary and he were very involved in the club's rallies and were active in planning the entertainment. Ron used his woodcraft skills and always made a special table decoration for the annual Christmas party. He was a gifted wood craftsman and made and gave away many of his creations. Mid-May to the end of September would find Ron and Mary in an RV park away from the heat in the Valley of the Sun.
Family was important to Ron and he maintained connections with the extended family in Illinois along with others scattered around the U.S. He and Mary were able to make it to many of the special family celebrations.
After the death of his wife Mary, Ron became a homebody. He and his dog Chelsea could be seen walking the neighborhood several times a day, often stopping to visit with the neighbors. Although he was sometimes seen as a curmudgeon and not known for his patience and was incredibly stubborn, the reality was that he was a soft-hearted and giving man who would often write what he could not say.
Ron is survived by son James Earl Mullen of Sandpoint, Idaho and daughter Shauna Marie Silverman of Scottsdale, grandchildren Davey Mullen, Jacob Silverman, Sydney Silverman and Dana Mitchell (Molly), sister Ramonda Mullen Huff (Tony) of Tacoma, WA and many nieces, nephews, Godsons and Goddaughters, cousins and dear friends.
The family is grateful to Ron's neighbors and friends who were of great assistance these last few years. And a special thank you to Matt Silverman for all of his caring and help to Ron. We also thank all the healthcare workers and the staff at Simply Together Group Home and Sunset Hospice.
Although we will miss Ron so very much, the family is comforted that he is now at peace and reunited with his soul-mate, the love of his life, Mary.
Services will be held at our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church on Thursday, April 27th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Humane Society of the White Mountains, P.O. 909, Lakeside AZ 85929 or online at HSWM.org