Joyce Leola Ober

            Joyce Ober, 88, of Overgaard, Arizona passed away Feb. 26, 2018.  She was born April 23, 1929 to Lloyd Ennis Reed and Helen Mabel Stark in Cordosa, Minnesota being the oldest of 6 children.              Being raised during the depression she had many responsibilities that came to her early in life. She lived on the Southern Minnesota Prairie not far from Walnut Grove that Laura Ingalls told us about in “Little House on the Prairie.”  On a bright summer day her grandmother asked to go over to a neighbor’s home to borrow a catalog.  That is where she met a young strong strapping young man, Robert Ober, and were married the following summer just prior to his going off to war.  They celebrated their 73 anniversary in June this last year.             After her fifth child was born she was severely affected with rheumatoid arthritis.  Upon the advice of her doctor the entire family moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1956 seeking a warmer climate.  Upon arriving in Mesa she stated it was the most beautiful city I had ever seen with wide orange tree-lined streets.  This was now home for many years.  After Robert retired they moved to Overgaard, Arizona where they spent many years enjoying their community.             As a young child she learned the hymn “Jesus Loves Me This I Know”.  Her heart swelled with the knowledge that Jesus and Heavenly Father loved her. Joyce was introduced to the missionaries and immediately knew what they taught her was true.  Joyce and Robert were sealed in the Mesa Temple.  She served in many capacities and especially loved serving with Mable Despain in the Relief Society as Compassionate Service Leaders.  Family was of the utmost importance to Joyce.  The minute a family member walked in the door her countenance would brighten to the extent the whole room became alive with her excitement.  Bob was and will continue to be the center of her life.             Joyce is survived by her husband Bob; children, wife of Darrel Ober, Marie; Michael Ober; Barbara (Jerry) Betournay; Patrick Ober; Sisters, Donna (Royce) Sullinger and Bonnie Jones; 14 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 20 great great grandchildren.  Preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Helen Reed; two brothers, Roland and Alvin Reed; and one sister, Carol Pfisthner; and two sons, James and Darrel Ober.              Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Heber Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1858 Hwy 260, Heber, AZ.  There will be a visitation prior to the service from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  Burial will be Monday, March 12th at 11:30 a.m. at the Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E Main St, Mesa, AZ.