Details
About Tanner Shell
In Loving Memory of Tanner Shell
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Todd Tanner Shell, age 44, on May 27, 2025.
Tanner was born on October 20, 1980, in Provo, Utah, and spent his early childhood there before moving to Foster City, California at the age of 3½. Five years later, his family settled in Arizona, where he would spend the rest of his life.
Tanner was a kind and gentle soul, blessed by our Heavenly Father with countless gifts. He was loyal, clever, witty, and incredibly intelligent—sharing his knowledge and talents with everyone around him in his own unique way. He was an amazing son, a great big brother, a loving uncle, and a friend to all.
A naturally gifted athlete, Tanner excelled in every sport he played—golf, soccer, and baseball—but basketball was his true passion. From the moment he could bounce a ball, he played competitively, earning spots on elite club teams and helping lead Mesa Mountain View High School to back-to-back state championships in 1997–98 and 1998–99. His dedication and talent earned him a basketball scholarship to Arizona State University, where he continued to shine.
Though he loved to compete, Tanner most valued the lifelong friendships forged through team sports. In his later years, he found joy in coaching and supporting his nieces and nephews, always proud to watch them compete and perform.
Tanner was a partner of two nationwide sanitation company’s; American Waste Services, Inc and Mesa Waste Services, LLC, where he served as director of website development and operations from 2006 to present.
While Tanner’s love for sports never faded, his true peace and passion were found outdoors—camping, hunting, and fishing with those he loved most. Nowhere was he happier than standing knee-deep in a Montana river, fly rod in hand, chasing rainbow, brown, or cutthroat trout.
Tanner is survived by his loving parents, Todd and Kelli Shell; his sister, Krystal Arnett, and brother-in-law, Jason Arnett; and his cherished nieces and nephews: Matix, Emeri, Talan, Monroe, and Phoebe Arnett. He is also survived by his grandmother, Kathleen Gardner, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends, including:
– Aunt Robin Juvan and family (Don, Lyndi, Cami, Brady)
– Aunt Beth Wann and son (Michael)
– The Jolley family (Shelley, Jamie, Jennifer)
– Uncle Jeff and Aletha Jolley and family (Brandon, Lexi, Zach)
– Connie Dees and family (Robin, Fara)
– The Rux family (Mike, Jenny, Rachel)
– Uncle Tyler and Che Shell family (Shane, Wren)
Tanner was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Mary Shell, Elbert (Al) Gardner, Uncle Joseph Jolley, Aunt Tina Rux, Uncle Mike Rux, Uncle Felix Dees, and many other treasured great-grandparents and relatives.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Services
Viewing
Friday, June 13, 2025 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Bunker Funeral Home
3529 E University Dr
Mesa, AZ 85213
Funeral Service
Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 11:00 AM
(Additional viewing at 10:00 AM)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2549 N. 32nd St.
Mesa, AZ 85213
Celebration of Life Luncheon
Following the service, please join us for a luncheon with a roaming microphone to share memories and stories of Tanner.
Interment will follow at Mesa Cemetery.
Zoom Link for the Funeral Service
https://zoom.us/j/92427394145?pwd=kjPQL9QJxMYZVhGR4Gg9JuhDS7Wa1n.1
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest Plant-a-tree in the Arizona Forrest in Tanner’s honor
https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-arizona
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.
31 comments
Jennifer Martin
Tanner was always the best at every sport and every game we played as cousins at Granny and Grumpy’s house. I remember being a freshman in high school and Tanner was a senior, the big man on campus and star of the state championship basketball team and of course I idolized him. It was always so fun to watch him play and be proud of my awesome cousin. I know how much my dad loved him and loved training him. Tanner was a phenomenal athlete and most of all so kind to everyone. Tanner will forever be in my heart and will always be remembered.
Matt Millett
Todd and Kelli,
I am saddened to hear of Tanner’s passing. I feel heartbroken to consider your grief at this difficult time. I pray you might feel that “peace of God which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) I was privileged to call Tanner both a teammate and friend when we played basketball together at Mtn View. What a season and what a team! Tanner had such talent, competitiveness and talent. We even had a special play just for him. He was always making the big highlight plays. What elation to win the championship together in 98! Tanner encouraged the best play in all of us even though most did not share his calibre of talent. I can remember the first time I played against Tanner. It left that kind of impression. We were always confident with him on the floor. It was a joy to unite together 2 years ago when our championship team was recognized. Until we meet again I will miss his strong embrace and infectious grin. God bless you and your family.
Chase & Sammie
Todd & Kelli, we are so sorry for the loss. We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. ❤️
Mark Baker
Kelli and Todd and family, I was so very sorry to hear about your son Tanner. You will be in my prayers.
Tony & Jeanne Monroe
Todd and Kelli, No words can ease the pain of the loss of Tanner, but if our caring thoughts can help, they are with you now. Our deepest sympathy.
Gary Stapley
Todd and Kelli, please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Darren and I have been reminiscing over the last couple of weeks about the fun times we had when they played junior golf. I know he was great at Bball but he was also really good and talented at golf. We have always loved and we will really miss him.
Todd and Kelli
We’ve been doing our own reminiscing with Darren and you can’t help but laugh every time we share another story about those two! We had so much fun… memories we’ll never forget! Thanks for being such a great friend Gary! The Shell’s love the Stapley’s ❤️
Jim Flake
Todd & Kelli,
I’m so very sorry. I can’t imagine how hard this must be. Know you’re in our prayers.
Todd and Kelli
Thanks so much Jim! Kelli and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Julie Frost
Sending much love to your entire family during this most heartbreaking time. There are no words to express how much we love you all! We will remember Tanner’s love of fishing and the great outdoors and his love for his family. His witty sense of humor and his culinary skills! His stories of his adventures in sports and his love of sushi dinners and dining with his dad. Sending love and prayers to you all..
Todd and Kelli
Thanks so much for sharing your love and thoughtful memories of Tanner! We love you and Lorin and our longtime friendship ❤️
Richard Gooch
My sincere condolences go out to Todd and Kelli. May the Lord bless you and comfort you during this sad time. Tanner was a great son. He will be missed.God bless your family.
Todd and Kelli
Thanks do much my dear friend! We love you brother! ❤️
Che
Tanner will always be the light in your hearts, always loved, always with you and will always be missed by many~ much love, Che
Todd and Kelli
Che, you such an amazing aunt! Tanner had so much fun coming to visit you and Tyler! We love you both so much ❤️
Gary and Susie Ernst
I was the lucky one who got to coach this wonderful young man for three years at Mountain View HS. I loved his competitiveness and his ability was off the charts. Tanner was a great teammate and respected by all. I will always remember our conversations over the last several years and that last hug in the MVHS parking lot last basketball season. Love you Tanner and the Shell family❤️
Todd and Kelli
Coach, Kelli and I are the lucky ones! You took such good care of our son for so many years. Tanner has such love and respect for you. If he said it once he said it one hundred times… playing for you at Mountain View was the most fun he ever had playing basketball. And according to Tanner “if you’re not having fun playing basketball what’s the point”! The Shell family loves the Ernst family! ❤️
James Christensen
Todd and kelli we are so sorry for your family. May the Prince of Peace be your close companion throughout this challenging time. We wishes to walk with you and your family at this special time. Jim and Susan
Todd and Kelli
Coach you’re my longtime friend and we love you , Susan and the rest of your family so much! ❤️
Lori Acierto
Todd & Kelli, I am so sorry for your loss of your son Tanner ..
Todd and Kelli
Thanks so much Lori! ❤️
Jamie Jolley
Tanner was always the more quiet but witty one. Remembering back to all of out slumber parties with all the cousins snd playing thre Farmington game, Tanner always had his little “smirk”. May uncle Todd, aunt Kelli Krystal, Jadon snd sll those special nieces and nephew try to find peace during this time. There were so many loved ones with open arms waiting as Tanner arrived, that lived him as much as we all did!! We love you Tanner and will be greatly missed!!
Rachael Cota
I can remember many summers spent visiting all the cousins together playing board games at Granny and Grummpy’s. Tanner playing basketball in the driveway. Him and Brandon telling me scary stories about the big bush in the neighbors yard. The day of my moms memorial he stayed over after eveyone left and we talked around the fire. Tanner had a sweet soul a kind smile and a quiet humor that was comforting. Uncle Todd, Aunt Kelly and Krystal my heart is with you may the peace of God that surpass all understanding hold your hearts in his love “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”
Rachael Cota
I can remember many summers spent visiting all the cousins together playing board games at Granny and Grummpy’s. Tanner playing basketball in the driveway. Him and Brandon telling me scary stories about the big bush in the neighbors yard. The day of my moms memorial he stayed over after eveyone left and we talked around the fire. Tanner had a sweet soul a kind smile and a quiet humor that was comforting. Uncle Todd, Aunt Kelly and Krystal my heart if with you may the peace of God that surpass all understanding hold your hearts in his love “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”
Todd and Kelli
Racheal, thanks so much for sharing your heartfelt story. We love you and your family so much! ❤️
Jamie Jolley
Tanner was always quiet but witty! All the slumber parties with all the cousins at granny and grumpy wilth Tanner had a lot of great memories! Many prayers for Todd, Kelli, Krystal and Jason along with all the neices snd nephews! We know you were welcomed by many family members with open arms! We love you Tanner and will miss your little smirk you always had!! You are with many that loved you there as you did here!!! Many prayers and thoughts for Uncle Todd and Aunt Kelli!!!
Todd and Kelli
Jamie, thanks so much for sharing and for the prayers offered on our behalf. Tanner loved hanging out with you and the rest of the cousins at Granny and Grumpy’s. We can only imagine how happy Tanner was when he saw his Granny, Grumpy, uncle Joe and grandpa “Al”. It must have been quite the reunion! ❤️
Debbie Arnett
My favorite memory of Tanner is sitting by him in the stands during his nephew’s (my grandsons) high school basketball and football games, explaining to me what the ref’s ‘call ‘ was. He knew it all and was patient, sharing his amazing sports knowledge with me. Tanner will be missed by all who knew him. We love the Todd and Kelli Shell family! ♥️
Todd and Kelli
Debbie, thanks so much for sharing your memory of Tanner. Tanner loved the Arnett’s and so do Kelli and I. ❤️
Dolores and Brian Eichler
My heartfelt condolences and sympathy
( Sister and sister in law/ of Tyler and Che)
Todd and Kelli
Dolores and Brian, thank you for your thoughtful post ❤️