Mary Ann Mason

It is with love, appreciation, and sadness, that we announce the passing of Mary Ann Mason, age 73 on March 9, 2024.

Mary Ann was born to Thomas Ward Rule and Erma Fay Brown Rule on November 14, 1950 in Los Angeles, California.  Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Vienna, Virginia where Mary Ann excelled in school, thanks in large part to instruction she received early on from her brother, Bob. As she grew, she also developed skills in many sports, and was recognized multiple times in the local papers for her performance in bowling, track, softball, swimming, basketball, and volleyball.

In 1965 the family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Mary Ann made new friends while attending Cheyenne Central High School. She won a national competition in creative writing and traveled to Washington D.C. to receive her award at the White House. In Wyoming, she was also an accomplished athlete. She shared her talents with others, teaching swimming and diving at local pools, and tutoring those needing additional help. She first met her future husband, Marc, at a Cheyenne pool. After graduating from high school, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received an academic scholarship to Brigham Young University, dated H. Marc Mason, and started her freshman year in Provo, Utah.  She represented BYU at a national swimming competition, the only BYU women swimmer to qualify for the meet. After her 2^nd year at BYU, Mary Ann attended BYU-Hawaii. There she became involved with student government, served as a tour guide on the campus, learned and performed cultural dances, and enjoyed surfing and college life. She returned to BYU-Provo for her senior year and student teaching. She was sealed to Marc in the Salt Lake Temple on May 25, 1972, the day before graduating with her degree in elementary education. Upon marrying, they moved to Arizona. Five children were born to their union: Clint, Thad, Jeff, Rachel, and David.

During that busy time, Mary Ann served faithfully in many church assignments. She was a ward missionary, a relief society president, a primary president, a stake primary president, cub scout leader, girls camp leader for 17 summers at Camp Lo Mia with the young women, and served in other positions.

She entered the workforce and served as a charter school principal, a teacher for the Mesa Public Schools Franklin program, and assisted her husband in his work. Over the years she developed skills in filming, editing, producing, and broadcasting. She produced various children activities and educational programs for all to enjoy on public access television, and was a strong advocate for year-round public swimming in Mesa Pools. Mary Ann was an accomplished artist, and provided the Mason home with special paintings. She loved teaching art. She loved music of all types, played the piano for her own enjoyment, and sang in ward choirs. In later years she found great comfort in the hymns of the church. During her last two years, a great source of strength and peace came from her listening to Music and the Spoken Word and singing along with that program. Even up to the very end of her life, Mary Ann strived to show her true love to her husband and to her children.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her husband of nearly 52 years, Marc, children Clint (Shauna), Thad (Amber), Jeff (Jennifer), Rachel Mack (Clifton), David (Myra), 14 grandchildren, her brother Bob (Karen), nephew David Rule, and her special extended family, in particular the Romans and Brown families who played a significant role in shaping Mary Ann’s understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ for more than 50 years.

Her legacy is a legacy of love, creativity, the importance of education, and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, she might best be remembered for her frequent reminder to her children, hundreds of students, and others …..  “We always say the kindest things in just the kindest way!”       Rest in peace, Mary Ann!

A public viewing will be held at the Monument Ward Building (830 E. Lehi Road) in Mesa from 6-8pm on Friday, March 15, 2024. A family-only viewing will be held at the same location from 9-10am on Saturday, March 16, 2024, with the funeral beginning immediately after at 10:00 am. Bunker Family Funeral Homes is handling the funeral arrangements. A livestream of the funeral will be broadcast at: https://zoom.us/s/92206763549

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.