Leonard R.E. Skaggs

Leonard Ray Edmond Skaggs, 75, of Morristown, AZ, went home to be with the Lord on the evening of November 5, 2017. Ray was born in Miami, Oklahoma on February 26, 1942 to Walter Edmond Skaggs and Melva Lucinda Hopkins Skaggs. The family moved to Arizona in 1954. In Arizona Ray met the forever love of his life, Etta Ruth Skaggs when they were just 15 years old. They married on Ray’s 18th birthday, February 26, 1960. Many people said they were too young, and their marriage would never last, but 57 years later, all agree that Ray and Etta’s love for each other, their family, and their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is true and enduring.

During his lifetime, Ray worked as a mechanical insulator for several companies, including his own. His favorite position, however, was his last, as estimator, manager and “janitor” at Quality Mechanical Insulation, Inc. with his two sons, their wives and grandchildren and many employees who all referred to him fondly as “Big Daddy Ray” He was indispensable in so many ways, and he is missed every day.

Ray’s other great love was law enforcement. He happily volunteered his time to the Phoenix Police Department as a Reserve Officer. He loved serving and protecting his community. One of his most cherished achievements was in 1968 when he was awarded Phoenix Police Department Reserve Officer of the Year when he was involved in a shooting incident.

Ray had an open and generous heart, and welcomed many friends and extended family into his heart and home. He will be remembered fondly by both his son’s friends whom he treated as family, and well as by numerous nieces and nephews who knew they could always count on Uncle Ray at any time.

Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Etta Ruth Skaggs. Son Mark Edmond Skaggs and wife Stephanie (Marchant) Skaggs; their three children, Brian Edmond Skaggs, Shelly Anne Skaggs Videen and husband Leif Videen and Mylan Lee Skaggs. Son Michael Ray Skaggs and wife Mary (Ruch) Skaggs and their two children Kyle Mark Skaggs and Elisabeth Anne Skaggs all of Morristown AZ. Sister Sue Meyer Evans of Iowa and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers who will deeply miss him. Many thanks to all for the prayers for Ray during his illness, and to Steve and Zella at VIP Assisted Living, who loved and cared for Ray like a member of their own family these last months.

Ray was loved by many, and he loved many more. The legacy he would like to leave is to love others and care for them without reserve. Ray planted many seeds of love, caring, and encouragement during his lifetime, and he reaped a harvest many times back. He would encourage each of us to do the same for your family and friends. One of the last things he said to Etta is, “The boys can’t take my place, but they will take care of you” No one can take his place, but each of us can follow Ray’s example and sow love and care in the life of our family and neighbors.

Arrangements under the direction of Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, Phoenix, AZ.