In loving memory of Judith Kayle Whiting Rundall who passed away on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Fred Afton Whiting and Katie Della Calhoun Whiting. She is survived by her husband Burnell Keith Rundall. They were married 59 years.
Judy was born September 20, 1942, in Safford, Arizona. The family only spent one year in that location and moved back to Phoenix where her father began a thirty-year career as an instrumental music teacher in the Phoenix School District. This was, no doubt, the reason for her musical talent. She had one older brother, Fred Whiting (Sandra), and two younger, Mike (Talma) and Larry (Connie). The family moved a few years later to the 19th Avenue and Thomas area and resided there for many years.
She met her future husband Burnell Rundall on a blind date in January 1963 and they were married one year later on January 25, 1964. They moved a few times but ended up living for over forty years in Mesa, AZ. Their family was blessed with four children, Eric (former spouse, Tammie), Brian (Julie), Christianne Norton (Doug) and Alicia Jones (Aaron), followed by fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Judy was determined to be a teacher and at a young age would stand in front of her seated neighborhood friends and conduct a class in something she thought was important, with a ruler and notebook in hand. She did achieve her goal after attending Phoenix College for two years and then graduated Arizona State University with a BA degree in Elementary Education. She held subsequent teaching positions in Fairbanks, Alaska during her husband’s tour of service in the U.S. Air Force. Followed by two years in Hawthorne, California during which she experienced a rare tornado that struck her classroom with a very minor injury to one of her students. Once her family began to grow, she took a break from teaching. She eventually returned to the classroom for fourteen years before retiring in Mesa, Arizona.
A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served in numerous callings. Beginning with President of the ward Relief Society, followed by Young Women’s and then Primary President. One of her favorites was to serve as pianist for Primary. She loved hearing the children sing. But she often said that being called Nana by her grandchildren was at the top of the list.
She was a talented if not gifted musician and participated in anything having to do with music, when possible. Her music teacher discovered that she had perfect pitch at a young age which helped throughout her life. Her talents included piano accompaniment, participation in college orchestras as a violinist and organ accompaniment. She had the privilege of playing the organ in the Mesa Temple for eighteen years, which brought her great joy.
After retiring Judy found great satisfaction quilting, scrapbooking, cooking, baking, watching the Arizona Diamondbacks, working puzzles and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.
Judy experienced numerous health issues over a long period of time. Even with the many challenges, she battled them to the best of her ability, always striving to keep a positive attitude. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.
More detailed service information:
Date: Aug. 12, 2023
Time: Visitation 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Funeral service 10:00 a.m.
Graveside dedication 12:30 p.m. Mesa City Cemetery
Location: 925 N. Harris Dr.
Mesa Central Stake building
Mesa, AZ
Service will be on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/YqEh1Pz5f5c?feature=share
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.
Sweet Bernie and family, please know how sad I am for your loss. Judy was the kindest person I have ever meet. She was always so thoughtful, gentle and soft spoken. She always included everyone in her circle of smiles. The world is a much emptier place with Judy gone. But I know we will see her again: Love ya, Marty
I have known Judy for 40 years. I was her counselor in the Young Women and absolutely loved working with Judy. She was devoted to the young women of the ward, not only during her time as President but for the rest of her life. She had a burning testimony of the Savior and lived her life accordingly. Burnie was my husband’s counselor in the High Priests. A better man you will not find. Keven could always count on Burnie to do whatever was needed. But where Brunie really showed his true colors was in loving and caring for his sweet wife. Burnie was an example to all of how to care for your mate. I will never forget Judy’s determination at the end of her life to endure to the end. I love you, dear friend. God be with you till we meet again.
Dear Rundall family, We all lost a treasure with the passing of Judy. Amidst all of her struggles, she still had a smile and a kindness in her nature. And Burnie, the way you so lovingly cared for her was truly noble. You can look forward to a wonderful eternity together. My prayers are with you.