Maria Arnold

Maria Michelle Arnold

1985 – 2025

Maria Michelle Arnold, age 40, of Payson, Arizona, passed away on July 8, 2025. Born in 1985 at Balboa Hospital in San Diego, California, Maria was a beloved daughter, wife, sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. She was the radiant soul of her family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dylan Lewallen; her parents, Michael and Maria Arnold; her parents-in-law, Tony and Karen Lewallen; and her siblings, Michael James Arnold, Jacqueline Scott, and Dorina Sandborgh.

Maria pursued her passion for helping others by becoming a Registered Nurse. She was the embodiment of a true caregiver, with compassion, wisdom, and endless empathy. Her gift for comforting others was extraordinary. She listened without judgment, offered understanding, and brought patience and kindness to every moment. Her wisdom was always shared with warmth, sincerity, and a knack for knowing just what to say.

Creative at heart, Maria loved painting unique, colorful abstract pieces and capturing family memories through photography. A devoted reader of literature, she especially loved Jane Austen, Chuck Palahniuk, and Charles Bukowski. She was a bit of a tomboy who loved gardening and spending time with her chickens, Cupcake and Cheesecake. And yet she adored all things sparkly, never without her beautifully blinged nails and a purse full of Hello Kitty stationery and cute trinkets. She had a magnetic sense of humor and a laugh that could brighten anyone’s day.

A private funeral service for family and close friends will be held at Messinger Funeral Home in Payson, Arizona, on Saturday, July 19th at 11:00 a.m.

Though her passing was untimely and far too soon, Maria’s light and love will live on in all who were lucky enough to know her.