Lila Kleinman Ford Booth, 92, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. Lila was a beloved friend, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a woman of grace, beauty and humor. She loved her family very much and loved showing interest in her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed, but welcomed to her heavenly home by those who preceded her in death, her parents Earl Kleinman and Velda Bond, her older brother Dwayne Kleinman, her stepson Tim Booth and her spouses Donald Jay Trimble, Lester Ray Ford, and Burl Frank Booth. She leaves behind her children Larry Ford and Kathy Overall (Bob), and stepdaughter Barbara Tieman, along with 9 grandchildren, Amy Johnson (Dustin), TJ Booth (LaChae), Tamra Mauzy (Jordan), Kelly Booth, Jillene Guzman (David), Collin Overall (Lindsay), Robin Tieman, Nathan Overall and Brianna Smith and 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Lila was born on January 15, 1932, in Mesa, Arizona to Earl and Velda Kleinman, being the second child following Dwayne, then siblings John Kleinman (Karen), Gary Kleinman (Linda) and Marieva Munson (Dennis). She grew up in Mesa, Arizona and graduated from Mesa High in 1950. She excelled in dance, playing softball and was on the Rabbettes marching squad. She chose to be a secretary in the 8th grade and took many classes in high school to build her career. Following high school, she worked for many insurance offices, Honeywell and Motorola. She opened the doors to Mesa Community College working as secretary to Dr Theo J. Heap, Sports Director. She brought us to see many games there!
She married Lester Ray Ford in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1959. They lived in Tucson and Mesa and were blessed with 2 children, Larry and Kathy. Lester passed away in 1967, leaving Lila with two children. Through family and friends, Lila would meet Burl Frank Booth from Prescott Arizona. Burl would travel to Mesa and Lila would travel to Prescott during their courtship. Burl and Lila married in1970 joining the two families together with Barbara and Timothy Booth. Lila and kids moved to Prescott Arizona and began work as a secretary for the Institute of Religion for her church. She loved getting to know all of the students and listening to them. She also worked for the Bunker Sawmill, and for the Yavapai County Health Department until her retirement in 1997. She worked for a total of 47 years! Lila also did tax preparation on the side for many years which she enjoyed. She loved that she was able to support her family.
Lila was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a secretary for all of the auxiliaries. She also served as Young Women and Relief Society President for the Prescott Wards, but her most favorite calling was that as a Stake missionary along with Burl! She was a good friend to all, especially the singles. She lent a helping hand for those in need. She continued to maintain her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was a shining light to those she met. Later on when living in Mesa, she served a Service Mission working at the Red Mountain Institute of Religion. She continued to be a missionary up until her passing.
We love you mom! We will continue to honor your memory in our lives!
Funeral services will occur on Friday July 19, 2024. Viewing will be at 9:00am and services at 10:00am at The Church Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 3920 E Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona 85205.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Condolences