Lela Gardner Steffey

Lela Gardner Steffey, 85, passed away peacefully at home in Mesa, AZ, on January 2, 2014. The youngest of eleven children, Lela was born August 8, 1928, in Idaho Falls, ID, to Orawell and Mary Ethel Owen Gardner. She is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Warren Steffey; loving children, Barry (Laura) Hendershott, Brad (Rhonda) Hendershott, and Bart (Cathi) Hendershott; step-children Dean Steffey, Wayne (Trisha) Steffey, Susan (Mike) Eggers, Lu Ann (Tony) Cicci, Scott Steffey; 23 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by son David Howard Hendershott. Lela served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many capacities throughout her life. She was also very politically active, including serving 7 terms in the Arizona State Legislature and as the president of National Order of Women Legislators. Lela loved family, travel, dolls, sports, the color purple, chocolate, and spending summers in San Diego. Visitation will be January 9, 2014 from 6-8 PM @ Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. Services will be January 10, 2014, 11 AM @ LDS Church, 1550 N Val Vista Drive Mesa, AZ 85213. Viewing prior @ 10 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Sun Valley Hospice, 7227 E Baseline Road #129, Mesa, AZ 85209 or The Alzheimer’s Association.