On Monday, October 26, 2020, Tamara Lee Skumlien, loving wife, and mother of two children and two grandchildren, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at the age of 50.
Tamara (Tami) was born on January 14, 1970 in Coon Rapids, Minnesota to Victor and Mary Lou Okerstrom. She enjoyed her work in the medical field and held a degree in Criminology. Tami had two daughters, Ashlee and Shayna. In March of 2003 she married Mark Skumlien.
Tami enjoyed crafting with her friends. She also enjoyed watching tv and movies while cuddling her dogs. She was always willing to serve and would look for ways to make others feel special and loved. She was a proud military wife and was passionate about supporting our troops and worked hard to send care packages to our soldiers overseas. She made many friends with other military families and loved serving them in any way she could. Her greatest love, however, was being an Oma, and she loved spoiling her two young granddaughters, Henley and Paislee. She was known for her feisty personality, but she loved her family and friends fiercely and loyally.
Tami was preceded in death by her father, Vic, and mother, Mary Lou. She is survived by her husband Mark, her daughters Ashlee (Brian), Shayna (Preston), and her granddaughters Henley and Paislee. She is also survived by her brothers Larry and Lee, and sisters Lora, Jeannie, and Darcie, five nieces, five nephews, and ten great nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on November 7, 2020 at the LDS Church at 618 South Signal Butte in Mesa at 9:30 a.m. Flowers can be sent to Bunker Funeral Home, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Tami was such a beautiful and caring woman. She made a everlasting impression on this earth and to each person that had crossed her path. Tami will be missed dearly but never forgotten.
Much love and respect
Sheila
Ashlee, Brian and Henley,
My heart hurts for you with the loss of your Mother and Oma.I am praying for comfort and Peace for all of your family. I love you so much. I am so proud of you.
Aunt Karen
Thinking of the countless conversations that Tami/I had in my Military Family Assistance Center; then when I changed jobs, she would come visit me in my Career Center at Mesa CAN. Tami was never list for words and would always bring a surprise coffee when it seemed like I needed it the most.
I will always treasure the crafts that she made for me and guarantee when I bring out my red/white/blue cloth spin wreath, it will bring out a smile as I fondling think about all the chats that we shared over the many years.
Tami, you may be gone, but never forgotten 💕
I just wanted to send my deepest sympathies and hugs to your family at this time. Your mom was such a wonderful person with a heart of gold. She will be deeply missed. I will be praying for you all.
Sending my deepest sympathies and hugs to your family at this time. Your mom touch so many lives in her short time on this earth. She will be greatly missed. Another Angel walks among us and I am so blessed to say she was my friend.
I am so sorry for your and my loss, I Love you Mother and you guys so much!!! she was was best friend I have ever had and loved you guys with her whole heart. I am so grateful for her friendship and love she gave without ever asking for anything in return. I maybe back in Michigan but I am here for you guys if you need me. I think of you guys as my nieces and Henley and Paislee as my Grand nieces. I am so sorry I can’t be there. I love you guys. Starr
Tami was like my sister. I’ve known her for over 11 years & met at church, from day 1 we clicked perhaps it was our Steeler bags that caught our eyes but we became extremely close. When I married Nico, she was probably our #1 fan & even was 1 of the witnesses. My kids called her Aunt Tami & when Mark was overseas we were with each practically every day. We encouraged each other, kicked each other’s butt, talked about sports & life, we laughed& cried together. She was a person I could trust with my secrets & vice versa. We weren’t just friends, I was her little sister. I love her so much & she will definitely be missed. XOXO
She will be sorely missed by all the people she interacted with