Letha Arlene Gunter was called to Heaven by her Lord and Savior on Oct 4, 2024. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her husband and daughters at the Hansen House in Yuma, AZ after a sudden and short illness.

She was born in Stafford, Kansas on May 27th, 1952, and grew up in St John, Kansas. Letha married her high school sweetheart, Clinton Wayne Gunter, and lived a life full of adventure while traveling the world as a military spouse.

Letha earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education, and a Master of Science in Community Counseling. Letha devoted herself to children's early education, teaching hundreds of children to read over her 30 years as a teacher. She taught pre-school, kindergarten, 2nd grade and was involved in her district's career development program. Letha was recognized as Crane Elementary School District's Teacher of the Year in 2012.

As a breast cancer survivor, Letha was an advocate for the American Cancer Society and participated in annual fundraising and cancer walks for over twenty years with her team N2HOPE and fellow friends and survivors. She wore pink daily and outwardly shared her story of hope and survivorship.

Letha was an avid quilter, crafter, and seamstress. She was a member of the Desert Lily Quilters, and her award-winning quilts are a result of an exceptional eye for detail. She loved making exquisite quilts for everyone she knew and their furry friends too. She was a prolific quilter for Project Linus, making comforting quilts for children. She volunteered at the Assistance League and made beds and blankets for animals at the Yuma Humane Society.

When Letha wasn't in her sewing room, she enjoyed being outdoors enjoying God's creation, climbing mountains, hiking the Grand Canyon, hunting, and camping. Letha and Wayne shared their love of camping with their grandchildren, who will forever remember spending nights under the stars eating s'mores with Nana and Pop.

Letha was a woman of strong convictions and many passions, but none as important to her as her family and friends. She lived for her grandchildren. She was a caregiver, a friend, an advocate, and a confidant. Letha greeted everyone with happy smiles and was always eager to help and make meals or run errands for friends and neighbors. Her generous spirit and strong faith drew people to her. Walking in the park with her dog Cooper or her new puppy Kimber, she has met and befriended the entire neighborhood. She will be missed by many.

Letha is survived by her Husband, Clinton Wayne Gunter (Yuma); Daughters Jessica Beckett (New Mexico) and Sarah Doyle (New Hampshire); Sons-in-law Daniel Beckett and Mike Doyle; Grandchildren Grayson Beckett, Audrey Beckett, Hazel Doyle, and Ivy Doyle; Brother Dennis Beitler (Kansas); Sisters Martha Aaron (Kansas) and Laurel Keeley (Kansas); and her beloved puppy Kimber.

She is preceded in death by Frances Beitler and Thelbert Beitler (parents) and baby Vaughnita (sister).

Letha will be cremated and interred at Fairview Park Cemetery in St. John, Kansas, per her wishes (service date to be determined). In lieu of flowers please honor her by donating to the Hansen House, 1750 W Camino Kino, Yuma AZ 85364 or to the American Cancer Society.

A Walk and Remember Celebration of Life will be held in Yuma on Oct 26th, 2024 at 10 AM.  Join us at Ponderosa Park at 2900 W 26th Street to honor Letha's memory.  Wear your pink and come ready to walk the circle path that Letha walked so many times with friends, family, and neighbors.