September 5, 1941 - June 13, 2023
On June 13th, 2023, at her home in Loveland, Colorado, heaven accepted another angel with the passing of our beautiful and loving mother and wife. Born in Sulligent, Alabama on September 5, 1941, LeaVelle was raised in Alabama as an only child before moving to Ohio in her teen years. Settling in Colorado in
her high school years, she graduated from Arvada High School in 1959 and received her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Pueblo Community College in 1969.
LeaVelle was an accomplished educator, helping to foster and create the G.E.D. program at the Women’s Correctional facility in Canon City, Colorado. LeaVelle would go on to achieve recognition as the Correctional Teacher of the Year at both the state and national level. It was with great pride that she shared stories of her time spent in conversations with former Colorado governor Roy Romer and First Lady Barbara Bush about the importance of education for all. In her later years she worked as a Pera educator for the Thompson School district, assisting special needs children. She loved reading to the children and playing games with them on their bus trips to and from school.
LeaVelle married Raymond A. Sumner on New Year’s Eve 1990. They would always joke that the entire world was celebrating them on their anniversary.
LeaVelle and Ray enjoyed many memorable cruises together and numerous trips to Mexico. LeaVelle is survived by her husband Ray Sumner, and her two daughters. Vicki (Plummer) and Larry Gardner of Spokane, WA. and Karen (Plummer) and Greg East of Loveland, Colorado. In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren: Heather (Josh) Warren, John (Hailey) Gardner, Jesse (Lexy) East, Katy (Trevor) Wynn and Cole Gardner. She will be truly missed by her 5 great-grandchildren as well: Liam, Karah, Madalyn, Hattie, and Calliope. She was predeceased by her mother, Azelle Vodehnal. LeaVelle loved passionately and cared deeply for her family and friends. Her love for her daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren could not be matched; the depth of her love and commitment simply had no boundaries. She was an active cheerleader and supporter at her daughters’ important events.
She was present at each grandchild’s birth, graduation, and wedding. LeaVelle is now at peace, finding comfort on some warm and sandy beach, making footprints in the sand.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Loveland, Colorado. (815 East 16th Street) A reception will be held immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Rowes Flowers in the memory of LeaVelle, so that those less fortunate may also be provided with floral arrangements in their time of sorrow. Alternatively, you might also consider a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in LeaVelle's name.
