Shirley LaRue Reynolds Kartchner

Shirley LaRue Reynolds Kartchner, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at the age of 90 years old. She was born on Friday, September 13, 1935, in Springerville, AZ, to Emmett and Minnie Reynolds. Shirley led a full life, enriched by her unwavering dedication to family, friends, and deeply held religious convictions. Above all, she committed herself to cultivating a warm, nurturing home for her family.

Shirley graduated from Round Valley High School in 1953, as her further academic pursuits included Brigham Young University and Arizona State University, culminating in her graduation in Spring 1957.  She married Rey Burton Kartchner on July 19, 1958, in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. Together they have 4 Children (Randy, Kim, ShiRey, and RaShel).

Shirley was the cornerstone of her family in a home filled with laughter and unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, as she dedicated her life to caring for her family and was a pillar of strength to all who knew her. By extension, that same mindset was demonstrated through the years as an elementary school teacher, inspiring countless young minds with her patience and warmth. She was also a visionary in relation to writing and directing a community or a religious play/production, celebrated with multiple awards for capturing the humor in everyday situations with creativity and heart.

Shirley touched countless lives with her generosity, always ready with a listening ear or a comforting embrace. Throughout our childhood and beyond, our mother was a woman of strong faith who provided help with homework, a shoulder to cry on, and instilled the importance of family, hard work, and doing what is right. She always looked forward to visits from her grandchildren, which also included family gatherings at the family property in Nutrioso, AZ, as her central theme centered around concentrating firmly on the Savior Jesus Christ and His teachings. Even as her ability to speak faded, she consistently expressed her deep appreciation for having lived a long life, blessed with wonderful experiences, a loving family, good friends, and compassionate caregivers.

Her legacy is one of boundless generosity, kindness, and infectious humor that left an indelible mark on all that knew her.  Her absence is profoundly felt, yet we draw strength from the knowledge she’s joined our father and beloved family members, finding solace in their enduring presence.

Shirley is survived by her children Randel Emmett Kartchner, with (wife) Jeannette Kartchner, Kim Burton Kartchner, with (wife) Tracey Kartchner, ShiRey Kartchner Carroll, with (husband) Douglas Carroll and RaShel Kartchner Ferrin with (husband) Robert Ferrin, including 17 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24^th at 10:30 am: LDS Chapel located at 422 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203. Viewing will be held from 9:30-10:15 am before the service.

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.