LaVerda Pohlman

LaVerda “Lala” Pohlman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family just two days after her 86th birthday, following a courageous battle in recent years with a brain tumor.

Born on May 6, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Burton and Thera Fenton, Lala lived a life full of energy, laughter, friendship, and deep love for her family. At just 16 years old, she eloped with her high school sweetheart, Ronald “Ron” Pohlman, beginning a love story that would span decades. Together they built a beautiful life, raising their family and creating countless memories with the many friends they cherished along the way.

Lala attended beauty school early in life, where her creativity and sense of style naturally stood out. Over the years, she worked alongside family and friends at Village Bakery and Amsco Windows before retiring from Questar Gas Company. She also spent time at Litton’s and was always happy to pick up seasonal “Christmas jobs” to make the holidays extra special for her children and grandchildren.

Lala had a gift for making life fun. She loved boating at Lake Powell, golfing, cruising, tennis, card games, and spending time with the people she loved most. While cooking was never her favorite thing, she was always willing to clean up or make dinner reservations. Holidays, vacations, and family gatherings were made brighter because of her thoughtfulness, humor, and ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved.

More than anything, Lala adored her family. She is survived by her children, Pam Pace and Gregory (Beth) Pohlman; daughter-in-law Joyce Pohlman; grandchildren Brian Pohlman (Jessica Luhr), Casi Pohlman, Daniele Torino, Justin (Amanda) Pace, Alisha Pace (Chris Seeley), Samantha (Krey) Wilde, and Jackson (Natalie) Pohlman; 14 great-grandchildren; her sister, Jo Ann Syndergaard; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Ron; and her twin brother, Louis Fenton.

There is comfort in knowing that Lala spent her final days in the same bed she and Ron shared for decades — the same place where he peacefully passed years earlier. Their love story remained close to her heart throughout her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 14, 2026, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Mortuary, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City, Utah.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons: Brian Pohlman, Justin Pace, Jackson Pohlman, Chris Seeley, and Krey Wilde. Honorary pallbearers will be her great grandsons: Kayden Seeley, Kai Pohlman, Jordan Pace, Jaymie Pace, and Gage Meyers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.

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