Amy Suzanne (Fink) Begay, age 62, passed away on January 11, 2026, at 3:55 a.m., in Gilbert, Arizona. She resided in Mesa, Arizona, and passed peacefully in hospice care. Her death was due to natural causes.

 

Amy was born in Sidney, Ohio, to Walter Leroy Fink and Sharlene Suzanne “Susie” (Dalhamer) Jutte. She attended Sidney High School (Class of 1982) in Sidney, Ohio. Throughout her life, Amy lived in several states, including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Arizona.

 

Amy was most proud of being a mother. Her children were deeply important to her and remained in her heart throughout her life, and she lived vicariously through them, finding joy and pride in their stories and experiences.

 

She was a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan and carried her Ohio roots with pride. While she was able-bodied, Amy loved driving with the windows down, jamming to music, and enjoying the freedom of the open road.

 

Known for her spunk and humor, Amy often joked that she wasn’t a cat with nine lives, but a cougar with more than nine, having defied the odds many times throughout her life. She faced challenges with grit and determination and was proud of her ability to keep going.

 

Amy was known for her strong will and complexity, qualities that made her uniquely herself. Her stubborn streak often came with humor and heart, and those who loved her will miss that part of her dearly. She had an ornery but endearing laugh — a hearty, deep, from-the-chest laugh she inherited from her mother — that those close to her will never forget.

 

Amy was witty and highly intelligent, with a particular passion for the English language and proper grammar — something she lovingly enforced, often correcting those around her. Her influence even inspired her eldest daughter to pursue a degree in communications. Amy enjoyed researching a wide range of topics and sharing what she learned with anyone who would listen. She was also a highly sentimental soul, deeply attached to memories, keepsakes, and the people she loved.

 

Amy kept her circle of friends small and intimate and believed that being a good friend meant comforting others in times of crisis, helping them smile and forget their troubles, nourishing them with good food, and encouraging them to feel better about themselves — even when she didn’t feel her greatest.

 

Amy spent much of her working life in food service and hospitality and most recently worked as a customer service representative with Best Western International prior to becoming disabled.

 

She enjoyed baseball, cooking, true crime television, and spending time with her grand-dog, Cash.

Though generally reserved and quiet, those close to her knew she could talk your ear off once she felt comfortable. She was also a night owl, often staying up late reading, researching, or enjoying her favorite shows.

 

She loved cooking and comfort foods, had a well-known sweet tooth, enjoyed coffee, music that ranged from country and classic rock to faith-based and inspirational songs, had a passion for politics and was a proud American, and took great pride in being a bargain shopper who loved finding a good deal.

Thanks to her years in food service, Amy had exceptionally high standards for food and never hesitated to send a meal back if it fell short. More often than not, it worked in her favor — a trait those who loved her now laugh and smile about.

 

She especially treasured being “Gigi” to her granddaughter, Oaklee May — a name lovingly chosen to honor her late son, Dustin Lee, and her niece, Katy May, whose passing also inspired the name, and with whom she shared close and meaningful relationships. Amy valued family above all else — including the fur babies she proudly claimed as her own.

 

Amy was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dustin Lee Greenwood; her daughter, Christine Angel Lavigne, who was stillborn; and her parents, Walter Leroy Fink and Sharlene Suzanne “Susie” (Dalhamer) Jutte.

 

She is survived by her husband, Gilbert Begay; her children, Tiffany Deal; Sunni Suzanne “Susie” (Greenwood) Hyman (Seth Hyman); and Abby Lavigne (fiancé Dillon Racicot); her siblings, Peggy (Glenn) Rabatin, Ginny (Sam) Wolfe, and Dan (Beverly) Fink; her grandchildren, Oaklee (of Arizona), Aubrey, and Ellie (of Florida); along with numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and loved ones.

 

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the funeral home entrusted with Amy’s care, to Hospice of the Valley for their compassion and support, and to Lund Family Hospice for the exceptional care, comfort, and dignity they provided.

 

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.