Kandi Lynn Pyle

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Kandi Lynn Pyle who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Kandi was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Kandi knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Her parents were Buck Franklin James and Wanda Pauline Greenwood. Kandi was raised in Needles, California and Mohave Valley, Arizona. Even as a youngster, Kandi learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Kandi was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Kandi was raised with three siblings; Diane Doss Carson, Cathy Doss Weaver and Jennie Wayne Doss. Kandi had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Kandi, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Kandi's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Kandi enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Kandi took part in basketball. She was a member of 4-h. In her spare time she liked music and played ten instruments with piano and clarinet being her favorites. Kandi's memorable achievements included earning a full music scholarship to college.

In school, Kandi was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Kandi was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Kandi’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Mohave Valley High School in 1981. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite classes in high school were Band and Music. She was in the National Honor Society, Key Club and the All State Band.

Kandi’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Kandi’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Kandi saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned her Associates and Bachelor's Degree in Business and maintained a perfect 4.0 grade average. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Master’s Degree in Organizational Management with a 3.98 grade average. Both educational pursuits while being legally blind. Her favorite courses were Macro and Micro Economics.

Kandi was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Kandi was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Kandi came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Candy Crandall and her family. Later in life, she became friends with Cheryl Younessian and Dorene Wood.

An objective and conscientious individual, Kandi reveled in the security of her family. On January 31, 1997 Kandi exchanged wedding vows with David Pyle at the Centennial Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Mesa, Arizona. One of Kandi’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Kandi was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Kandi would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Kandi was blessed with five step-children and one child by birth, Jessica, Joshua, Alethea, Daniel, Amanda and David.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Kandi was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Kandi was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Kandi upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was an Office Manager for KDRA. Kandi was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Kandi approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were music. Kandi was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Being generous with her time and energy, Kandi liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In high school, Kandi was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Band. In college, Kandi joined the Phi Delta Kappa.

A civic-minded person, Kandi was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Kandi was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the LDS Church. Politically, Kandi was a supporter of the Republican Party. During these years, Kandi applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Kandi. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of the LDS Church for 35 years.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Kandi used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Kandi had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Paris, France and swimming with the dolphins at Sea World.

Kandi was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Kandi’s favorites was Cashew her dog. They were best friends for 17 years. Her family was rounded out by her other three dogs; Tinkerbell, Sunshine and Scooby.

Kandi passed away on July 21, 2015 at Banner Hospice in Sun City, Arizona. Kandi fought a brave battle with liver disease. She is survived by her children David Pyle, Jessica Pyle, Joshua Pyle, Alethea Elder, Daniel Pyle, Amanda Prichard and 19 grandchildren. Services were held at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary and Gateway Park Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kandi was laid to rest in Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona.

All who knew her would agree that Kandi was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Kandi Lynn Pyle did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched were given the chance to become a better person.