Deloris J. McClelland

Deloris J. McClelland, known affectionately as “Dee,” journeyed to eternal rest on March 14, 2025, in the tender embrace of her home in Tolleson, Arizona, surrounded by friends who cherished her vibrant spirit. Born on February 18, 1936, in Youngstown, Ohio, Dee was a soul shaped by the resilience and confidence that only the most formidable paths can carve. Her indelible mark on the world unfurled like the brilliant yellow that danced through her life — bright and warm, inviting others to bask in the joy of her presence.

A proud veteran, Dee enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she served from July 15, 1954, to May 1, 1957. Her military service was adorned with commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal and the United States Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, first award—testaments to her unwavering dedication and disciplined nature. A Marine in every sense, she was steadfast, confident, and not one to be easily fooled; qualities that endeared her to friends and family alike.

Dee’s love for family radiated powerfully throughout her life. In her years since marrying David McClelland on September 6, 1958, she devoted herself to building a legacy of warmth and laughter that transcended her earthly presence. Her grandchildren - Shannon, Emma, Kaylee, Gabriella, Sylvia, Shelly, Eric, Roy, Sammy, Victor, Ana, Sophia, Kyle, Thalia, Sarina, Antonio, Gabriel, Ashley and Abigail — were the stars in her sky, each one beloved and cherished. She often reveled in the simple pleasures, like walking through sunlit paths or engaging in the soothing craft of quilting, echoing the patterns of love she wove into the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

Her culinary skills were legendary, with recipes that highlighted her fondness for homemade meatballs, hearty Meat Loaf, fluffy mashed potatoes, and the delightful crunch of rice crispies with apples. These meals became more than just food; they were gatherings of laughter and love, moments frozen in time where family and friends could share stories and create memories that would linger long after the plates were cleared.

Despite the mark of loss - of her parents, Wallace Hill and Adella Mitravich, and her spouse Dave McClelland and her children, Scott and Staci McClelland - and her granddaughter Trishan — Dee embodied the spirit of perseverance. Her lite, much like her favorite color, was a mosaic of warmth and compassion even in the face of sorrow.

In her final years, Dee brought her life experiences and graceful strength to the joyful tapestry of Tolleson. Here, she cultivated deep connections, demonstrating a heart that was ever so understanding and nurturing. The echoes of her laughter and the strength of her convictions will linger in the lives she touched, as her family carries forward the lessons of confidence, compassion, and fierce loyalty that she instilled in each of them.

As we gather to celebrate the life of Deloris J. McClelland, we remember the sparkle in her eye, the zest for every moment, and the profound impact she made on our lives. In her absence, let us hold fiercely to the memories she gifted us — memories evergreen, like the enduring love of a devoted matriarch whose strength inspired all she encountered. Dee McClelland leaves behind a legacy that is as vibrant as the yellow she adored, an everlasting testament to a life well-lived.