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About Holly Ranee Wilkum
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter, sister, aunt, mother, and friend, Holly Ranee (Smith) Wilkum, age 46, on October 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Holly was born on January 3, 1979, to Ned and Lydia Smith. Raised in a home filled with faith, love, and service, Holly lived a life full of love, joy, service, and determination. Through her challenges in life, she completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling. She used her education to serve, help, and inspire those in need.
Known for her radiant smile and boundless compassion, Holly had a gift for making everyone feel valued. Holly’s life was a testament to her faith and love for others. Above all, she cherished her role as a mother to her daughter, Haley, whom she loved deeply. They enjoyed traveling, making memories, and spending quality time together.
Holly is survived by her daughter, Haley Wilkum; her parents, Ned and Lydia Smith; her siblings, Dawn (Craig) Thomas, Wayne (Kathy) Smith, Chris (CK) Smith, Stacey (Matt) Rhineer, and Kevin Smith; 11 nieces and nephews, 6 great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ronnie Smith, and her grandparents, Don and Helen Lockwood, and By and Della Smith.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the LDS McDowell Building at 3344 E McDowell Rd, Mesa. A viewing will be held from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.
For those unable to attend the service in person, a zoom link is available at: https://zoom.us/j/95050737242
Holly’s legacy of charity and compassion for others will live on in the hearts of her daughter, family, and all who knew her. Holly is now safe with Jesus; she is joyfully reunited with loved ones and continues her work of love beyond the veil.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
11 comments
Nichole Robertson
I did not know Holly personally but am grieving her loss through a friend that did. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know her and send my condolences to her family. May God bless her beautiful soul❤️ RIP Holly
Sam Groff
To the Smith family: I can’t begin to find the words to express how deeply saddened and sorry I am for the loss of your daughter. Know that you are all in my thoughts, prayers and heart.
Anne Law
Holly is one of a kind and I’m truly sorry that I’ll not see her again in this life to share laughter, food, and wisdom. She was so genuine and true and wise beyond her age. . I love her and will miss her.
Cheryl Puckett
So many beautiful memories with this most gracious, beautiful soul. Genuinely one of my best friends. We called each other “sister” because our bond was unbreakable. May the Lord hold her in His grip. My heartfelt condolences to the amazing Smith family. I love you all.
Meagan Langs (White)
Holly was a good friend all through high school. She was funny and made our lunch crew laugh whenever she was around. I remember driving around at at lunch at top speeds and listening to 90s music at top volume. It is because of her that my entire family is still obsessed with Cutco knives! Let’s be honest we were all impressed with her super strength and athletic abilities. I lost touch with her over the years but she will remain in my heart and I will not let her be forgotten. Sending my love to her friends and family.
Tara Robinson Kaczmarek
I have fond memories of Holly from my coaching days at Mountain View. She was such a sweet, beautiful soul. Praying for her family and friends.
David Burrell
Holly was one of the sweetest young ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She will be dearly missed. May she be at peace and in the arms of a loving savior.
Tava Udall
I’ve known Holly since she was just four years old, and from that very first moment, her smile could light up any room she entered. She had a heart of pure gold, one that radiated love, kindness, and compassion in everything she did.
Holly had a beautiful gift for seeing those who were struggling and finding gentle, thoughtful ways to lift them up.
She loved her family with all her heart and found so much joy in caring for others. Her light was steady and strong, a reflection of the goodness that filled her soul.
Losing Holly is a heartbreak beyond words, but may you all find peace in knowing she is now in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father, free from pain, surrounded by light, and embraced by everlasting love.
May Her spirit continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. ❤️
Joe Sullivan
Such great times coaching Holly in high school. Arizona’s very first State Champion in the women’s Pole Vault. (First year women did the event 1997) Scoring in four events to help us win a team state championship. She was fun to coach and fun to be around. Always with that big smile. She was great with my own daughters. Like a big sister talking to them like they were her own sisters.
I will miss her greatly. We will miss her greatly.
Grace and Lindsay Morgan
We send heartfelt condolences to the Wilkum and Smith families. We enjoyed many laughs and tender moments with Holly on camping and fishing trips. Her humor and adventurous nature left many good memories for us. Her compassion for people, animals, and nature leaves us inspired to strive to emulate those qualities. We will miss her very much.
Michael McCarey
She will be missed dearly by all who knew her!