Arvilla Lucille Lefever

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, aunt, in-law, and friend peacefully passed on July 26, 2020, in Fontana, California, at the age of 93.

She was born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Chandler. Though she was never fond of the nickname, she was widely known as "Archie." Her childhood was not remembered as pleasant. Archie and her older sister Adelia ("Dickie") were taken by their father out of their mothers care when they were just toddlers. In their fathers care, they began a journey westward as their father pursued employments in New Orleans, LA; Moab, UT; San Francisco, CA; Medford, OR; and, eventually they settled in Seattle, Washington. Along the way, Archie and Dickie acquired a stepmother and a half-brother, Phillip, whom Archie said she loved and cared for as her own. The family abruptly disbanded in 1942 when her father re-enlisted in the Army. At that point, at just 15 years of age, Archie was put out into the world to fend for herself. She found her way to San Bernardino and employment at Norton Air Force Base where she met Louise LeFever, a friend who then introduced her brother Luther to Archie. Luther was known as "Tutor," and he was just returning from combat overseas. He and Archie instantly adored each other and were married in 1946 in Las Vegas, a frequent destination for the couple for the next 57 years. He loved Keno. She loved nickel poker. Archie often said Tutor saved her and that her life really only began when she met him. Together they enjoyed a loving marriage that produced three children and many grand-, great-, and great-great grandchildren.

This energetic, petite lady was always busy. She kept a spotless home and always had something on the stove or in the wash. Even while watching a favorite crime drama on TV, she would be busy racking up points on a handheld video poker game. She was open-minded, open-hearted, and sincerely kind, and welcoming to all. She was a longtime member of the Colton Womens Club, a talented competition bowler, a 4am summer jam maker and pickler, a doting mom to feral cats, an excellent cook (she made an amazing chicken tamale casserole and a perfect pumpkin pie that Tutor enjoyed for every post-holiday breakfast). She was a Bunko player, a devoted friend quick to write a thank-you card, a tender wife who would carefully de-tick her deer hunting husband, and she was the fun Funky-Chicken-dancin grandma with a great giggle and a hearty laugh. Above all, she lived in contrast to her own childhood. She ensured her family was always well fed, safe, nurtured, and well loved. She lived with a twinkle in her eye, pep in her step, and gratitude for everyday joys. Her legacy lives on in the surviving four generations who knew and loved her.

Archie is preceded in death by her husband, Tutor, and her sister, Dickie, and nephew Lee. She is survived by her children: Carolyn, Diana, and Jim. Her grandchildren: Debbie, Rachelle, Sandi, Heather, and Emma. Her great-grandchildren: Jaden, Felicia, Natasha, Brandon, Ashton, Marissa, and Jordan. And her great-great grandchildren: Taryn, Jacob, Oxley, Dayton, Gwen, Liberty, Malin, and Dacen. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephew: Darlene, Kathie, Bob, and Kim, Tammy, and especially by the spouses of her children: Greg, Paul, and Karen. All remember her with great love and affection.

Archie will be interred with Tutor at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA on Monday, August 24th, 2020 at 9:31am

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Colton Woman's Club: PO Box 247 Colton, CA 92324 or to Redlands Humane Society: PO Box 7946, Redlands, CA 92375 (Network for Good).