Usually heard singing a song or listening to KBACH (her favorite classical music public radio station), Leeta Boyer Gilbert was known for her beautiful soprano voice and love of music and her family. Leeta,
beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on July 9, 2024 at the age of 78 from fatal injuries
sustained in a car accident near her residence in Rockwall, Texas. Born on November 20, 1945 in
Spanish Fork, Utah, Leeta was the daughter of Edward H. Boyer and Vesta J. Boyer. Leeta was
affectionately called “Princess Aleta” by her father. As one of Twelve children, she enjoyed an idyllic,
happy, and adventure-filled childhood on the Boyer family farm in Springville, Utah. As an adult, Leeta
decided to change the spelling of her name from “Leta” to “Leeta.”
Leeta had a love of music and an active lifestyle from a young age. She excelled in playing the
piano and cello and she participated in various sports and outdoor activities. Her passion for music
led her to Brigham Young University, where she majored in music education and minored in
German and applied cello.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Leeta was known for her strong
spiritual commitment and service to her church community. She married Robert Daniel “R. Dan”
Gilbert in March 1971, and together they raised four children: Atelli, Severin, Nad, and Torben. Their
family adventures took them across the globe, including stints in Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia,
Germany, and various states within the U.S., before settling in Mesa, Arizona in 1991.
In addition to her family, Leeta also had a career teaching string orchestra, making significant
contributions in schools in Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. She later transitioned into a career as a
successful real estate agent in the Phoenix metropolitan area, helping countless families find their
perfect home.
Leeta’s life was filled with music, laughter, and love. She enjoyed playing the cello and singing
with church members, family, and friends. Her hobbies included attending and playing in classical
music concerts, swimming, and spending quality time with her ten grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Troy Reich of Rockwall, Texas; her daughter Atelli Gilbert of Phoenix,
Arizona; her three sons Severin Gilbert (Michelle) of Rock Island, Illinois, Nad Gilbert (Donna) of Rio
Rancho, New Mexico, Torben Gilbert (Melissa) of Gilbert, Arizona; her ten grandchildren Zhamae,
Gabriella, Hunter, Nadia, Aiden, Dayten, Ella, Xanen, Izzy, Holten; and many of her siblings. Leeta will
be remembered for her warm heart, vibrant personality, and unwavering faith.
A celebration of Leeta’s life will be held at 2700 East Galveston Street, Gilbert, AZ 85295 at 8:30 a.m. on
Saturday, July 27th. She will be buried with R. Dan in the City of Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the
family requests that donations be made to www.kbaq.org in her memory. In the section about what
KBACH classical music means to you, please share a memory about Leeta Gilbert so that her musical
legacy can continue on for generations to come.
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