Vesta Hammond Udall was called home by our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Vesta was born on December 8, 1942 in Jacksonville Florida to Gladys and Pete Hammond. She moved to Arizona in 1971 where she taught special education at the junior high and high school level for many years and eventually retired from Westwood High School in Mesa. Teaching and helping teenagers were her life’s passion and she will be remembered and loved by many. Vesta was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed teaching Sunday school for many years as well. She had a gift for making people, especially teenagers, feel accepted and loved unconditionally.
Vesta is survived by her daughter, Adrien Udall and granddaughters, Katie and Alisa Udall, whom she adored. She is also survived by her son, Peter Udall, and two devoted men whom she called her sons, Steven Cave and Kevin Smith.
A memorial service will be held Friday, November 19, 2021 at 11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa East Stake Center – 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa 85213.
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.
I was so sorry to hear this news.
Vesta and I were Jacksonville school friends and spent time in each other’s homes.
We were in touch through Facebook and some email.
I heard from her in sept and had no idea that she was ill. Such a special gal and a loss that will be felt. May your memories help and comfort you as you grieve. Prayers with you.
I am heart broken to hear this. Vesta was a great friend and we have been in constant contact over emails and messages. She never mentioned she was ill and I was so hoping to see her soon at our high school reunion. She was always a very dear sweet loving lady and I will miss her terribly.
Prayers are going out now to her family and I will keep them close in my heart. She was the best.
Love to her family,
Sandy Sammons Sutter
I am so saddened to learn of Vesta’s passing. We were classmates in high school and I am so pleased to have reconnected with her through Facebook. She was a loving and kind person and will be greatly missed. I had no idea she was ill. My condolences to her daughter, son and granddaughters.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Vesta’s family. Our 50th high school reunion rekindled ore friendship from high school. Thanks to e- mail and Facebook we had been able to keep our friendship going. We had a Gators/Bama rivalry going. When she did not respond to last week’s comments, I worried that something was wrong. She will be missed.
Vesta was the nicest person I have ever met. She took great care of my wellness all through our years at Robert E Lee High School. I had no idea she was ill. She never once have any clue that she was not in the best of health. I will miss her for a very long time. Rest in Peace Vesa.
Such a wonderful gracious person who cared about the people around her. She will always be missed. Rest in Peace Vesta.
I’m very sadden to hear about Ms. Udall. She was my high school teacher and helped me through many episode in my life. She was dedicated in making sure I graduated high school and get into college. I will forever be thankful for you Ms. Udall. You saved my life. Until we meet again. -Warriors for life