About Donell Gay Heywood
Donell Gay Heywood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in Gilbert, Arizona, on May 24, 2026, after a courageous 15-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born on March 6, 1954, in Lynwood, California, to Eldon and Donna Magnusson.
Donell devoted her life to her family, her faith, and acts of Christlike service. She married her high school sweetheart, Alan Heywood, and together they built a home centered on love, faith, kindness, and compassion for 53 years. She was the proud mother of seven children: Stacey Fairrington (Brian), Scott Heywood (Julianne), Steven Heywood (Elizabeth), Sheri Huber (Michael), Spencer Heywood (Annie), Seth Heywood (Brandi), and Samuel Heywood (Michelle). Her family was the joy of her life, and she especially treasured her 27 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
She is survived by her siblings Pennie Scadlock, Kevin Magnusson, Keith Magnusson, and Maureen Magnusson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon and Donna Magnusson, and her brothers Carl and Wayne Magnusson.
Donell had a rare gift for making others feel loved, safe, and cared for. She was soft-spoken, patient, endlessly charitable, and deeply compassionate. She did not wait for an assignment or recognition to serve others; her example of kindness and charity touched everyone around her. Whether through a thoughtful act, a listening ear, or support during difficult times, she reflected the love of Christ in her daily life.
A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Donell served faithfully throughout her life. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the bedrock of her life and guided the way she loved, served, and cared for others.
She found joy in simple and beautiful things: sewing, quilting, crafts, spending time at the beach, Disney, and creating friendships wherever she went. More than anything, she loved being surrounded by family.
Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she influenced through her kindness, patience, charity, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Services for Donell will be held as follows: Friday Viewing from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201; Saturday Funeral Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1010 S Recker Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296 with an 11:00 a.m. viewing at the Church, an 11:45 a.m. Family Prayer, a 12:00 p.m. Funeral Service, and a 2:00 p.m. Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery. A livestream of the services will be available here: https://zoom.us/j/95258129321.
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.