Kay L. Dickner

On Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, Kathlyn (Kay) Lois Monson Dickner, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wife, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 with her son and daughter-in-law by her side. Over the past year, Kay had been under the care of many compassionate professionals from Hospice of the Valley and Valley of the Sun Home Care, which was a huge blessing to her and her family.    

Kay was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 29th, 1936. She was a true Arizona native, living in the Greater Phoenix area her entire life. In her early years, she and her brother Richard were raised by their parents, F. Richard Monson and Lois A. Monson. Kay was preceded in death by her husband, brother, and parents.

After the passing of her father when she was 9 years old, Kay helped raise her older brother, who lived with a rare musculoskeletal disorder that left him wheelchair bound until his passing at 28 years of age. She attended West High School, where her favorite memories included sneaking into the Arizona State Fair via a hole in the fence near her childhood home on West Palm Lane, school dances, and earning her High School Letter for playing Table Tennis.  

After meeting on a blind date, she and Roger A. Dickner eloped to Las Vegas in 1963. They were married for 59 years before his passing in December 2022. Before becoming a homemaker and working part-time jobs at the Metrocenter Ice Skating Rink and Hallmark, Kay worked as an Administrator at Phoenix College and was very proud of her 10-year career there.  

Kay cherished being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She valued top performance and was frequently found enjoying her kids’, grandkids’, and great grandkids’ sporting and performing arts events. She traveled frequently to Europe with her husband to visit her eldest daughter, Diane, and granddaughters, Emma and Alexa. They also enjoyed many trips to Disneyland with their son Mike, his wife Mary, and grandchildren Ryan and Morgan. Kay’s favorite place on earth was Kohl’s Ranch near Payson, Arizona. She spent several birthdays there in a cabin by the creek with family members, and after every trip, she could not wait to go back again.

For many years, Kay was blessed to have a close-knit group of friends. She enjoyed socializing while “walking the mall,” playing Bunko, playing cards every Wednesday and dominoes every Friday, and going to the Bingo parlor from time to time. She often reminisced about her cross-country train trips with friends, exploring as far as New Orleans and New York.  

Kay is survived by four children (and their partners): Diane, Richard (Deanna), Mike, and Susan (Michael), five grandchildren: Tawna (Jared), Emma, Alexa, Ryan, and Morgan, and two great-grandchildren: Rachel and Maverick. 

On September 29th, 2025, from 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm, a memorial service will be held at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024. The eulogy will be delivered by Kay’s cousin, Steve Kerns, with his wife Joy also in attendance. Immediately following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge at 14424 N 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032. All are welcome! In honor of Kay’s love for games and her wish for us to “throw a big party,” we will play BINGO after socializing and having refreshments. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Valley at: https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/