Ricky Lane Shumway

Ricky Lane Shumway, age 73, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025 in Gilbert, Arizona from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

He was born in Mesa, Arizona and lived a life filled with humor, music, dance and friendships.

Rick, as he preferred to be called, cherished memories of playing trombone in the Tempe High School band and jazz band, touring with the Brigham Young University Folk Dancers, both dancing and backing them up on the 12-string guitar, and playing in the Elkwater Flea and Tick Jug Band in Provo, Utah.

He served a mission in Hamburg, Germany for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and graduated from BYU in April 1978, with a B.A. in Broadcast Communications. He worked for the US Postal Service in Phoenix, Arizona for over 30 years while enjoying his family life in Mesa and Gilbert and serving in the Church.

He had an eclectic taste in music and an offbeat sense of humor and all who knew him say that he knew how to make them laugh.

Rick is survived by Barbara Bates Shumway, his devoted wife of 41 years, daughter Caitlin Shumway, son Connor Shumway and daughter-in-law Michaella Mecham Shumway and their baby Derek Jennings Shumway, Rick’s first grandchild, and brothers Bill Shumway and Donn Shumway.

A Memorial Service will be held at The Bridges ward building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 5190 South Recker Road, Gilbert, AZ on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Parkinson's Foundation Southwest Chapter, https://www.parkinson.org/southwest.