Rodney Reed was reunited with his Heavenly Father on April 9th, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. Rodney was born on November 18th, 1955 in Provo, Utah. He was the firstborn son of Ronald E. and Betty Lou Reed.
At 18 months old, he moved with his parents to make Snowflake, Arizona their new home. He started in first grade at Snowflake Elementary, attended Snowflake Junior High and graduated from Snowflake High in 1974. Rodney served a faithful two-year mission in Texas San Antonio from 1975-1977. Upon his return, he attended Mesa Community College, majoring in history. He had various employers, including Kerby’s Furniture, supporting himself throughout college years, until settling into his lifelong career of 31 years with Mesa Public Schools as a Facilities Assistant at O’Connor Elementary School.
In November 1986, Rodney and Charlene Goulding met at church. They soon became best friends, and on February 20th, 1988 were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they raised a beautiful family of four children: Chad, Roxanne, Jacob, and Chyanne. His family was the most important thing to him. He loved his wife and children unconditionally and spoiled his grandchildren on a regular basis.
Rodney had many hobbies and things he loved about life. Some of these hobbies included reading, writing short stories and poems, fishing and gardening. He loved watching basketball, Diamondbacks baseball, and BYU football.
Rodney was preceded in death by his mother Betty Lou and is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Charlene; his father Ronald E. (Diana) Reed; and four siblings: Russell (Neena) Reed, Randal (Peggy) Reed, Michelle (Michael) Dontas, and Cassanda (Scott) Stevens. Rodney is additionally survived by his four children: Chad Kennedy and fiancé Duygu Buyrukçu, Roxanne (Jared) Harris, and their two children Enzo and Isla; Jacob (Katy) Reed and their two children Olivia and Maria; and Chyanne (Glenn) Johnson.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 17th at 9:00 am. Services will be located at the Alta Mesa LDS Stake Center on 5350 E McLellan Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205.
The public viewing for Rodney will be held the night before on Friday, April 16th from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Bunker Family Funeral Home located at 3529 E University Dr Mesa, AZ 85213.
Prayer for all of your family during this difficult time. My family will always have very fond, unforgettable memories of Rodney.
I am so sorry for your loss
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. We are cousins from his Mother and my father Don Hendricks. Just know the Lord has a purpose for him and he is with the family. Love you
Roxanne and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Reed played such an important role in my elementary school years. Not only did I get to see him everyday at O’Connor, but since I was good friends with Roxanne I got to know him on a more personal level. Mr. Reed was always joking around with us and just knew how to bring a smile to your face. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Reed family and I’m sending you all big hugs. Thank you for sharing your father with me so many years.
My heart is broken for you, Charlene! You both have been such amazing examples to me of always being willing to serve and using your talents to bless others’ lives. Love to you and your family.
Our love and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time Charlene.
My deepest sympathy goes out to this amazing family! I never got a chance to meet this wonderful man, but through his beautiful wife Charly I honestly felt I’ve known him my entire life! I was blessed to work with Charly and continue to stay friends with her years after and I can’t remember many conversations we had that did include her amazing husband! My heart aches for her, his children and their beautiful grandchildren! He was a rare human being! God Bless this family with understanding and Grace!
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your whole family.
I along with my immediate family are heartbroken and shocked at the sudden and tragic loss of Rodney and we send our deepest love, sympathy, and prayers for comfort and healing to Charlene and all of their children, grandchildren, family, and friends everywhere. Rodney is so loved by all, I have been lucky for all of these years to have him as a big brother and of course awesome husband to my sister Charlene. I have loved and respected Rodney all of these years and he has left such an amazing legacy for us all. His great sense of humor, his love for books and the outdoors, his sharp style with a western twist, always attending family events and being helpful and supportive to us all. His awesome solid work ethic, focus and love for his family and friends, and of course his testimony and love of and for our Savior Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father. I know that he has now gone on to continue the amazing work that he has done here on earth with all of us, to continue his example and helping others by serving our Heavenly Father, and also continuing to help watch over his family from above. So many great years and loving memories with Rodney and his family, and we always looked forward to family events, reunions, and opportunities to visit and spend time together. I am very thankful for his time and influence in our lives. He will be greatly missed.
Steven, Tara, Brandon, Brooke, Evy, Logan, Weston, and Madi Goulding
best person i have had the pleasure to meet. he is a great husband ,father , and grand father. i will miss him. had the of being his family H T for many years. Reed family my condolences. by his passing. love br. spier.
I remember when I was in Elementary School and Mr. Reed assisted in the cafeteria. He always had a smile to give you and you could feel his care and warmth for you. I remember he would make sure you didn’t dump your milk into the garbage, instead having you put it in buckets. I remember kids loved it and liked to help assist him in pouring the milk into the buckets. There were always kids helping him and talking to him. He was so friendly and welcoming.
Rodney Reed was my home teaching companion for several years. He always came well prepared with interesting lessons. More than that he is an upstanding and very moral man who loves the Lord as shown by his actions. Rod is kind and benevolent with a keen sense of humor and compassion. Although shocked at his passing I am sure that he has an ongoing relationship with our Savior. I would not doubt that he is busy teaching the gospel to those on the other side of the veil.
Charlene and family, we are just heartbroken for all of you. You and Rodney were such kind and loving neighbors. He will be truly missed. If there is anything we can do for you please dont heditate to ask. Rodney is celebrating with Our Savior .I pray for Gods peace for all of you.
First of all, my deepest condolences to the whole family. Our prayers are with you.
Working at O’connor with Rodney for many years was such fun. He loved our kids (children with special needs) he joked around with them, made them laughed, not only that, he looked out for them, making sure others kids were nice to them. I will never forget his smile and the faces he made, and the big smile he always had. He worked hard and gave his all. He was always there when he was needed. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Rodney, my friend! God Bless your Family.
I have been greatly blessed to have you as my big brother. You are a great friend and have such a big heart, you serve wherever you are needed and are loyal and loving to your precious family. I thank you for the laughter, love, life lessons, patience, amazing example, testimony of the gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ, your warmth, care, kindness, leadership, so many wonderful things that I can’t begin to list them all. I’ve heard that it isn’t always what we say but it’s our actions that mean the most. You definitely have shown by your actions your true character and I’m in awe at how extremely talented, loving, and good natured you truly are. You have a wonderful heart. I miss you deeply, but thankfully I can hear your laugh and see your infectious smile in my memories. I am indeed grateful for your life and hope to honor you as I strive to be more like you. I love you Rodney, until we meet again ❤️😎😇
I wish the best for your family.
Spent Jr High and High School with Ron
I drove tractor in Yuma one summer with the grape harvest. Ron slep in the bed next to me. He made a hot summer fun.
Sanforf Saline