Lela May Zimmerman passed away June 9, 2023, in her home in Mesa Arizona. She was born to Thomas Elmer Donaldson and Hazel Reatha Carlin at Peru Township, Miami County, Indiana. Her death was the result of numerous old age medical issues with which she dealt. She was the second child of seven children; the other six were all boys; Norman Lee, Kenneth Leroy, Keith E., Elmer Leon, Larry Dean and Glen Edward. Sole-survivors are: Kenneth and Larry. Lela graduated from Chippewa High School in 1950.
Following graduation, Lela and a girlfriend of hers from Wabash, Indiana chose to take a trip to California. They eventually made it to El Paso Texas, where she eventually ended up as secretary to the chief nurse’s office at William Beaumont Army Hospital. It was during this time (1954), Lela and Walter Zimmerman met, eventually marrying in February of 1955. They eventually had six children: Kathryn, Daniel, Eric (Deceased), Lisa, Jan and Dennis, 17 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.
In addition to her great dedication as wife and mother for 68 years, she served for over 28 years in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints as a young woman’s teacher and advisor, occasionally interrupted by calls to serve such as relief Society president and an additional term as councilor to the Relief Society President. She was dearly loved by the young women she taught. Over the years Lela and her family lived in El Paso, Texas, Philadelphia, PA, Tempe, AZ, and finally, Mesa, AZ.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Conndolonces to all of you Zimmermans. Lela a Walt were two of the finest in the Maricopa Stake. Our admiration and appreciation for lives well lived. Dave & Louise Udall
Lela is The only primary or young women or even Sunday school teachers that I remember! And I remember that she was so loving and kind and enjoyable that she was totally a great example and uplifto all of us young women! And I feel that she helped to bring us together and help us to be friends with each other. She is the best of my memories of living in The gospel in 16th ward. I give thanks For her and also Walt being such a great example of a husband and father and a Bishop. I’m glad Walt is still kicking and doing well.
Great Bishop’s wife when we lived in our 1st home on Mountain View with NO furniture- that house had the best view in Mesa. I can remember she drove a stick shift car. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate a life well lived and we hope to be in the same neighborhood in the next life/
The Darien Family