Shye Lynn Petersen

With faith in Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and the promise of eternal families, we announce the passing of Shye Lynn Petersen, 54, of Mesa, Arizona, who peacefully returned home to our loving Father in Heaven on May 12, 2026. She was surrounded by friends and loved ones as she completed her earthly journey and entered into eternal rest. Shye was born on November 12, 1971, in Mesa, Arizona to Les and Storey Ellis. She was the oldest of four children, and she absolutely adored her siblings.

She attended Mesa High School where she spent her time in choir and as a Mesa High Bunny. A cheerleader in every sense of the word, she continued to carry that cheerleader spirit forward into all she did. She lived a life centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She found great joy in serving others and worshiping in the temple. She spent many years at the Mesa, Arizona temple serving as an ordinance worker and loved being a part of the yearly Christmas lights display team. Shye married Colby Allred in 1992 and in 1997 welcomed a daughter, Ashlynn Beth Allred. Later in life, Shye married Jay Petersen and gained four additional daughters.

Shye’s greatest dream was to be a mother, and she loved and nurtured not only her children, but everyone who had the opportunity to know her. She later embraced the title of “Gama Sparkles,” wearing it proudly and never missing a holiday without sending her grandbabies little packages filled with treats and trinkets. Shye spent many years in the catering industry making wedding cakes, cupcakes in a jar, and her famous sugar cookies. Everything she made was truly one of a kind. Shye was known for her kindness, boisterous personality, compassion, and devotion to family and friends. She enjoyed baking, scrapbooking, taking millions of pictures, and treasured time spent with children, grandchildren, friends, and loved ones. Shye’s favorite season was Christmas. Every year she would gather together with her amazing group of friends to do her annual ornament exchange. She was blessed to have friends that she considered family.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to bless future generations. Shye is survived by her dad, Les Ellis (Mary), siblings: Cabe Ellis, Brynn Niu (Maikeli), and Teale Ellis (Charles), Children: Ashlynn Allred, Ashley Smith (David), Aubri Arnold (Branden), Jaylen Ray (Tyler) and Carly Luker (Josh), as well as 9 beautiful grandchildren: Taysom, Krozby, Ellie, Cohen, Raimie, Baylor, JJ, Murphy, and a new grandbaby arriving this fall, who we know she is loving on in heaven. She was preceded in death by her mother, Storey Ellis, and her grandparents.

A viewing and visitation will be held on May 22, 2026, at Bunker Family Funerals and Cremation located at 33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201 from 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held on May 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the 5th Ward building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1781 North Date Mesa, AZ 85201. Interment will follow at The City of Mesa Cemetery.

The family expresses gratitude for the love, prayers, and support offered during this time. “Families can be together forever through Heavenly Father’s Plan”. Though Shye is deeply missed, we find peace in knowing that through Jesus Christ and His Resurrection, death is not the end, and we look forward with hope to a joyful reunion someday. To access the services virtually, please use this link: https://zoom.us/j/92645666391#success

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.