Norma Raylean Munson’s grand entrance into the world began on February 19, 1943. She graced the lives of her parents Albert and Dorothy Hydeman as she grew into a beautiful young woman who wanted to join the FBI. Sadly, this performance would never come to pass, and she decided to take on a more fulfilling role as a mother to her four children – Jim, Kim, Tiffany, and Parker. This determined heroine also became a dedicated schoolteacher who would touch the lives of many students, especially those who took her drama classes.
As the family matriarch, parties, talent shows, and bug parades were just a few of the performances arranged by this gifted director. As a Sunday school teacher, temple worker, and Relief Society teacher, she endeared the people around her with her caring disposition. Alas – this true performer shall be missed. Encore Raylean Munson!
Raylean’s last act in this mortal existence ended on November 4, 2022 in Gilbert, Arizona. As a mother, sister, wife, drama teacher, and friend, Raylean lived a life full of adventure.
Raylean is survived by her siblings – Nancy, Albert, and Susan; her 4 children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Molly.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Lindsay Ward chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1150 N Lindsay Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234.
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.
Raylean truly will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss. I am grateful for our many years of friendship.
We spent many fun hours as friends, especially as teenagers and young adults, coming up with creative activities for our group of friends, whether it was time at the lake or playing baseball in the dessert with a picnic to follow. Always fun and active, Raylean has been a lifelong friend who was very loved.
My sincere condolences for your families loss. I worked with Raylean at MJHS. She was a dedicated and amazing drama teacher and a friend. She was respected by all her students and the staff. Her drama performances were outstanding and memorable. She will be missed.
I am one of the fortunate ones to have been blessed to have Raylean as a dear friend for the last thirty plus years.
She was such a character and so fun to be around! I always felt loved in her presence and that meant so much to me. And NOBODY makes toffee as delicious as she did!! She will be so missed – and heaven just became a whole lot livelier! Sending love and hugs to Kim, Tiffany and Parker and April and families💜
I’ve loved Raylean since the day I met her as a teenager. She was straightforward, tough, had a tender heart, and gave excellent advice- and wouldn’t let you forget it.
Her family Christmas party will be one to remember. I loved hearing updates from Kim on how her mom was doing and what she was up to. She will be missed here on earth and Heaven gained a serious asset. I hope they’re ready for her.
Mrs. Munson was an inspiration to all the students who were lucky enough to be taught by her.
She introduced acting, musical theatre and a love of all things drama into our lives. It was an honor to be chosen with others to attend the NYC trip, and experience all the amazing activities the city has to offer.
I will love her forever and always. Thank you for trusting me with so much, on and off the stage. The fond memories will always live on.
~Nicole
I met Raylean when I lived in Gilbert and had 6 kids. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for her kind and great friendship. We had many adventures and some misadventures along the way. I could always confide in her and knew that my confidence would not be broken. I cannot express in words how much her friendship meant to me over 20 years I have known her. She was so much fun, a little crazy like me and we laughed so much about our lives and the experiences we had had over the years! I will truly miss her. I loved her like a sister and I always will.
James, Kim, Tiffany and Parker, I sincerely send my love to you for the lose of your mother. She was more than a friend. Her spirit was strong even as a young woman. She knew who she was, and through her choices and actions she blessed others.
I am so happy we renewed our friendship this past year. As we talked and visited she shared her present life and circumstances. Her family (you) were her crowning happiness and love. The joy of a life time giving and sharing and celebrating who each of you are and will become was her delight. You are a tribute to her. I gave her a card many years ago. It said ” I love you always”. I still do. Raylean touched so many with her life. Her influence will last forever. Sincerely, Darlene Belew