Wilma (Willie) Lund, Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Aledo, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Desert Willow Sagewood, Phoenix. The memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, September 13, at Paradise Valley Methodist Church, 4455 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to UMOM, Phoenix, or Doctors Without Borders. Online condolences can be left here.
She was the wife of Keith Lund and they shared over 55 years of marriage. Born in Greenfield, Illinois, she was the daughter of Fred and Illah Overbey. She graduated from Western Illinois University and later achieved her masters degree in education there. She was employed as a teacher with the Aledo school district for over 25 years and later served as the Director of the Department of Gifted Education for the State of Illinois. She was an active member of the Illinois state and national historical societies. Over the years she was a devoted member of the Aledo Methodist, Springfield Methodist, and Paradise Valley Methodist Churches. During her years teaching school in Aledo, she directed the Junior Historian organization which challenged junior high students to research and complete projects based on significant historical landmarks in Illinois. She loved golf, collecting antiques, bridge, art, theater, and travel, though her family was always her most important priority.
Willie was a remarkable woman whose legacy will live in the hearts of everyone who knew her. She embodied strength and resilience, facing life’s challenges with unwavering, and sometimes “stubborn” determination. Her wisdom and intelligence shone brightly, guiding others through difficult times and inspiring them to be their best selves. As a teacher, she shared her knowledge generously, igniting a passion for learning in all who crossed her path. Though she may no longer be with us, her memory will live in the countless lives she enriched.
She is survived by her children, Greg and Pam (Ray), and cat, George. She was predeceased by husband, Keith; brother, Lloyd (Sonny); and parents, Fred and Illah Overbey.