Lela Overson

Lela Mae White Overson, 80, of Mesa Arizona passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Thursday October 13, 2016. She was just 9 days away from having her 81st birthday.

Lela was born October 22, 1935 in Mesa to the late Ezra G. and Lola White. Lela was raised in Mesa, enjoying life as a big sister to 3 brothers Phil, Randy and Bob White. She met Leiland Pratt Overson when she was 17 and after a short courtship they were married in the Mesa LDS Temple in May of 1953 at the end of her junior year. She didn’t finish high school at that time but went back after her 2nd child and graduated from Mesa high. Together they raised 9 children which literally became her hobby. She was a caring wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend and as most people would say that met her (She is as sweet as they come). Lela loved music and had a beautiful voice that she shared often. Lela was a faithful member of the LDS church and through the years she held many callings, but her favorites were being a primary teacher, and visiting teacher.

Lela was preceded in death by her husband Leiland; her sons: Vaughn, Don, and Richard Overson. She is survived by her children: L. David (Kristy) Overson; LeAnn (Craig) Merkley; Debra (Duane) Lindell; Donna (Jeff) Oaklief; Tina (Brian) Higbee; Terilyn Overson, along with 30 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

We would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Senior Visions and Hospice of the Valley for the love and care they gave our Mom especially the last several weeks. She truly loved you and knew that you loved her.

Funeral services will be held in her honor Wednesday October 19, 2016 at the LDS chapel located at 633 S. Higley Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206 at 10:00am with a viewing at 9:00am. Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery located at 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85207.