LaVeda Burk Kelepolo

LaVeda Burk Kelepolo, a beloved mother, grandmother and a proud former Marine, passed away, Thursday, October 26, 2023 in Greer, Arizona. She was born to Fredrick Hamblin Burk and Erma MacDonald Burk in a family full of love and warmth. She was the cherished wife of the late Edward Kelepolo and a dedicated mother of 11 children; as well as many adopted children. LaVeda's legacy will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

LaVeda served her country with honor, dedicating two years of her life to the United States Marines and being a devoted wife of a retired Marine. She loved her country.

She is survived by her loving children, Alfred (Celia) Kelepolo, Ramona Harp, Tamara (Mike) Dunlap, Shawn (Mel) Messer, Jeff (Carrie) Kelepolo, Everett (Nikki) Kelepolo, Liane Hernandez, Colette (Cass) Pond, Colleen Kelepolo and  sister-in-law, Francis Burk. LaVeda was also a grandmother to 29 grandchildren, a great-grandmother to 53 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandmother to 4 great-great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world and her love for them was boundless.

LaVeda had a passion for quilting. She was an avid reader; finding solace and joy in the pages of books and she had a soft spot for old country music, which always brought a smile to her face. She had a love for Pepsi and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, like sharing stories and laughter with her children and friends.

In her spare time LaVeda would often be found sewing, working on crossword puzzles and playing solitaire. Her creativity and intellect shone through in these activities and they were a testament to her sharp mind and skilled hands.

A viewing to pay respects to LaVeda will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the Amity building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., where we will gather to celebrate her life and bid her a heartfelt farewell.

LaVeda Burk Kelepolo will be dearly missed, but her memory will live on through her family and friends who were fortunate enough to have known and loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and service that will continue to inspire generations to come. 

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