Theodora Y. Lavender-Borland

Theodora Borland, age 61, beloved wife, was called to her eternal resting place on Sunday, October 18, 2020. She entered this world on October 19, 1958, in Whiteriver, AZ (Fort Apache Indian Reservation), born to Asa and Ronda Lavender.

Theodora was a strong White Mountain Apache Christian woman who was raised in the Lutheran Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Arthur Guenther in Whiteriver, AZ. Theodora and her sister's often sang with the Ladies Aide Apache choir in Whiteriver and also singing Christian hymns in the Apache language in other locations within the United States. Theodora graduated from Alchesay High School and attended some college at Fort Lewis, Durango, CO.

Theodora was crowned Miss White Mountain Apache in 1977, and Miss Indian Arizona 1978. Theodora worked as a Medical Records Technician at the Whiteriver Indian Health Service and in the same position in Santa Fe, NM. She was certified as a professional medical coder. Theodora followed with her husband from Lakeside, AZ to Santa Fe, NM and then to Tallahassee, FL and spent time with one of her son’s and grandchildren. She and her husband then transferred to Albuquerque, NM. Theodora loved to go horseback riding and do beadwork which her mom taught her as well as collecting and eating native pinyon seeds. Most of all Theodora loved being with her grandchildren, and they took trips with her family to Carlsbad Caverns, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Montana, California, Canada, and Mexico.

She is survived by her husband, David Borland; three sons, Jon Leonard, Nickolas Leonard, and Alexander Leonard; grandchildren, Leitisha, Emily, Asa, Emmett, Mickel and Mason Leonard; siblings, Linda Gutierrez, Bonnie Lewis, Rachael Antonio, Asa Lavender Jr., and Joseph Lavender.

Theodora will always be cherished by her quick wit and humor on many occasions and the ability to make people laugh. She was extremely loving, caring, and respectful of people and the land.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2020, 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Westside.

The family would like you to view the service which will be live streamed and available for viewing by clicking on the link below.

In memory of Theodora, please donate to the Whiteriver Lutheran Church of the Open Bible at PO Box 519, Whiteriver, AZ 85941. Or go online at: https://community.wels.net/pages/z-general-donation-form---apache .