Lois Fern Sunderman

Lois Fern Sunderman (Holman), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt has passed away, at the age of 81, on June 17, 2023, in Yuma, Arizona. She was a valiant warrior against both multiple myeloma and ALS during her last years. Lois was born on October 11, 1941, in Hardin, Missouri to Fred H Holman and Lula Mae Holman (Pence). She spent her growing-up years in Hardin, Russellville, Braymer, and St. Joseph, Missouri.

Lois was a woman of deep faith and professed her life to Christ at an early age. Lois was a devoted member of Christ Lutheran Church in Yuma, Arizona, for 58 years and actively involved in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Her unwavering faith and devotion were evident in all aspects of her life, and she touched the lives of those around her with her kindness and compassion.

Lois married her cherished husband Lloyd Henry Sunderman in 1961, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage on June 3, 2023. Together they raised three children, including Lloyd Joseph Sunderman, married to Letty Armenta Sunderman; Lisa Marie Sunderman (McCauley), married to Daniel Joseph McCauley; and Michelle Cathleen Pope, married to Rex Allen Pope. Lois was a proud grandmother of five and great-grandmother of two. Grandchildren are Sarah Sunderman, Hannah Sunderman, Paige McCauley, Ryan Pope (Caitlyn Johnson Pope), and Bailey Beres (Bence Beres). Her two great grandchildren are Elijah Beres and Augustine Beres. She is also survived by her sister Shirley Holman Sels, and brother-in-law Wally O Sels, and many extended family.

Lois graduated with high grades from Central High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. She then went to Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri on a full scholarship, where she joined the Chi Omega Sorority. After her marriage to Lloyd and his graduation from Iowa State University, the couple moved to Tempe, Arizona, and started their family. She completed her education and graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, with a degree in Education. Lois taught for many years in the Yuma Public School system and at Yuma Lutheran School. After retiring from teaching, Lois changed careers and became a very successful Realtor, acquiring her Brokers license and opening her own real estate company located in Yuma.

Viewing will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 2555 S Engler Ave, Yuma, AZ. The funeral service will be held there at 10:30 a.m. A graveside burial will take place around 11:30 at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1415 S 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial funds be given to The Arizona ALS Chapter, who has provided amazing support to Lois and the family and/or to Christ Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) for an LCMS church worker scholarship, of which Lois and Lloyd have been passionate supporters.

To give to ALS, please visit https://www.als.org/arizona. Click donate in the top right-hand corner and then select the Arizona Chapter in the dropdown box. You can choose to put the donation in memory/honor of Lois by checking the appropriate box.

To support the LCMS church worker scholarship, please send funds via check to Michelle Pope, c/o Christ Lutheran Church, 2784 S. Chelsea Ave., Yuma, AZ 85365. Write in the memo line “Lois Sunderman (LCMS Scholarships)”.

Lois will be deeply missed by her family, many dear friends, and extended family. As we mourn her passing, we take comfort in the knowledge that she has been called to her eternal home where she is in heavenly peace.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsonmortuaryyuma.com for the Sunderman family.