Our most beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend has joined her family in Heaven on March 1, 2021, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Mary Alice Perkins was born Mary Alice Pavelich in Mesa, Az, to parents Vivian (Phillips) and Milan Pavelich on March 26, 1942. She was the second born of eight children and was raised on the Pavelich family farm on South Stapley Drive where they grew cotton, maize and alfalfa and had lots of fun with the neighbor kids in their large yard playing baseball and Red Rover, Red Rover. Mary lived in Mesa all her life. A graduate of Mesa High School, she and her husband Kenneth owned and operated the Perkins Diesel Shop in Mesa, where she worked until approximately 2019.
Those who knew Mary loved her deeply. She was the most kind, giving and selfless person and always thought of others before herself. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Kenneth, her parents, her brother Michael and her sister RoseMary. She is survived by her three sons, Andrew (Mirka), Jay (Laura) and Ron (Faith), grandchildren; Andrew (Nona), Hannah, Ryan (Britney), Trey Wilson and great-grandchildren Paisley and Kenny and her brothers Nick and George and her sisters Katie Meyer, Joann (Jack) Wendell and May Porter, and many nieces and nephews.
Favorite pastimes included going to lunch or dinner and seeing the latest movies, taking trips to see family in other states and avidly working the crossword puzzles. She loved family and her Alma School Road home was always the center of celebrations and family gatherings where she made the most wonderful dishes for all to enjoy. She also enjoyed the Perkins’ second home in Snowflake, Az, where she and Ken spent many wonderful weekends at their country mountain getaway. One of her great delights was attending a Mesa High class reunion, which was held on a cruise to Alaska several years ago.
Our sorrow is great in the loss of our wonderful, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend Mary, yet our hearts rejoice that we will one day meet again in a glorious reunion in Heaven.
A graveside service is planned for Saturday, March 13, at the Mesa Cemetery at 9:30 am. Arrangements are being made through Bunker Family Mortuary.
A most humble and wonderful family friend for what seems like forever but sadly not forever. I have some difficulty just trying to compose these few comments. Knowing how I feel I can imagine how the rest of the Perkins family is feeling. My thoughts and prayers with all at this difficult time.
Missing my beautiful sister Mary!! She was all the things that were said about her (AND MORE). She was so good, so kind, to all her family and friends. She is greatly missed. Love, prayers and blessings to the many family and friends!!! I love you.
As stranger’s in the early 70’s they, opend there home to our family one day as we visit the disel shop to fix my father’s tractor trailer but, the job would take an extra day. My parent asked them to recommend a hotel for the night, they would not have it. They brought us to there wonderful home that night. That friendship has last till today and forever. Hutting trips, trips to Mexico, Vegas and most important granchildren in common. She is joining our mother to chat again in heaven
Mary exemplified that ideal model of a wife and mom, which many admire but few achieve. Patient, loving, kind-that was Mary.
Mary has been a dear friend since we were in fifth grade at the old Franklin School. She and I spent many hours together growing up in Mesa We both enjoyed growing up here. We have remained friends for all these years and I will miss our talks, lunches and her sweet smile. We had a great time on the class reunion cruise to Alaska in 2005. We spoke last month and planned to get together and go to lunch when this pandemic was over
Fly with the Angles dear friend and I will see you on the other side. Rest In Peace 💗
Deepest sympathy to all her family and friends
It was heartbreaking news to hear my sister-in-law tell me her sister Mary had passed on. Mary was a special person who I enjoyed knowing when the opportunity took place while visiting Katie in her Placerville home or even when I was in Arizona. Mary had a real quality to make others feel she enjoyed being with you and the conversation and laughter would fulfill the minutes we shared with each other. In my heart is a corner filled with gratitude to have known Mary Alice Perkins. She is at peace now and may the Lord keep her in his loving hands until all the family and many friends join together in heaven. What a glorious day it will be.
I knew Mary through her sister Katie. She was fun to be with. Had a great sense of humor. Loved the Lord. I pray for all her family.
To my dear nephews, Andy and Mirka, Jay and Laura, Ron and Faith and to Andrew, Hannah, Ryan and all the family, my heart breaks for you in the loss of your dear mother and my sweet, sweet sister Mary. She was so very dear to me, as she was to you and I will miss her terribly. She was not only my sister, but my most wonderful friend. I am so thankful and blessed to have had her in my life and to have been able to share so many things together: trips we did by ourselves and also with our two Ken’s, and also with our other brothers and sisters will always be remembered with joy and happiness. Our daily talks on the phone will be missed.
May the Lord bless you all and comfort you and give you peace and strength during this difficult time. Chris and Philip join me in sending their love and prayers for strength during this time.
Mary truly was one of the kindest, sweetest persons I know and there is hole in our hearts that will be hard to fill.
All my love, Aunt Katie
FOREVER IN MY HEART.
I was able to be a phone friend and Mary was able to visit me or some occasions with her sisters and my friend Katie. The bond between all the family was exceptionally strong and beautiful to watch grow over these years. I was glad she had such wonderful sons and their families to be there for her so much of the time. Mary I will miss your presence in this world and wish you “your wings” in your heavenly reward!
I will truly miss my Aunt Mary. She was a wonderful person. She was very patient with me when I was a young little rascal getting into all kinds of foolish shenanigans. My nickname was Dennis the Menace. But her and Uncle Ken put up with me and I value the time I spent with her. Thoughts and prayers with all my cousins and other family in their time of great loss.
To our dearest cousins,
Our prayers and love. Wishing we could be with you as you celebrate Mary’s life
Rosalie (Massingill-Pavelich) and Ernest
I am the daughter of cousin Eva, who passed away in December last year. I wish I had been able to meet Mary, and my prayers and love go out to each of her siblings and children and grandchildren. My aunt Rosalie sent me this information today for which I am most thankful. Hugs to each of you, I understand how difficult this is for each of you and wish you peace and love.
Barbara Rogers
I am saddened by the news of your loss. My heart goes out to the family. She was always kind and welcoming to me.