Details
About Lana Kay Kerbs Orme
Lana Kay Kerbs Orme left this world on her own terms – July 17, 2025.
She was born to John and Joyce Kerbs on March 27, 1961 in Burley, Idaho. She is the oldest of 6 children raised primarily in Draper, Utah around horses and cowboys.
She was quiet and shy by nature, but managed the courage to be a mat-maid (wrestling cheerleader), and went on to become Homecoming Queen. She had plenty a suitors.
Her parents unexpectedly passed away in a private plane accident when she was 19 years old. The youngest sibling was 7. So, their normal, simple life became anything but normal and much more complicated.
Lana served a mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in Ecuador when she was 21. Though the living conditions were more difficult than she was used to, she fell in love with the land and its people. She has been back a few times and, because she considers that her happy place, had recently planned an extended stay to test the waters of life as an expatriate. But for health reasons she couldn’t make the trip.
She met Rob Orme at Brigham Young University in 1985, and they married the following year. After graduation, they moved to Arizona – first Gilbert, then Mesa. They were blessed with three children: Trevor, Weston and Bridget.
Lana was, by occupation, a school teacher – mostly elementary age, but would occasionally dare to enter the Jr high arena. She was a conscientious teacher, and always had an opinion on the politics of the education system. As her children came along, Lana would take a break from teaching, but always went back – eventually slowing down to substitute, and ultimately retire last year.
She was a great mom! Loving, comforting, teaching, supporting and encouraging her kids. And she rather enjoyed defending her cubs in ferocious mama-bear fashion from time to time. She was little-league mom, dance mom, band mom, and much to her kids chagrin – occasionally karaoke mom.
Lana grew up listening to country music, but in later years loved listening to Josh Groben, Celine Dione, Celtic Women, and Freddie Mercury to name a few from her eclectic playlist.
Lana’s taste in entertainment changed over the years – most recently she loved watching SNL skits, certain scenes from certain movies like Lord of the Rings, and of all things – Turkish Soap Operas.
Lana loved fashion. She always dreamed of being a purchasing agent in the fashion industry — traveling the world to find exotic treasures. She loved clothes, shoes, hats, scarves, jewelry, and anything else that helped her express herself. She said she didn’t like being the center of attention, but she actually did.
Lana loved massages, manicures, pedicures, and trying new hair styles.
Lana was very generous. She loved giving gifts and donating to anyone in need.
Most of all, Lana loved Jesus Christ and embodied His gospel by giving attention to those who were least attended to. She gravitated toward, and befriended those who felt different, out of place, or misunderstood. She had astounding empathy — able to tap into the feelings of those who were struggling and provide relief, comfort and encouragement. This was both her superpower and her kryptonite. She lifted the spirits of those with whom she spoke, but it was as if she absorbed their sorrows to the detriment of her own health. She felt this was somehow her calling, her purpose.
Lana was preceded to the other side of the veil by her parents, Jack and Joyce, and her sister, Leesa.
She is survived by her husband, Rob; her children – Trevor (Brianna), Weston (Ericka) and Bridget (Jay Jorgensen); grandchildren – Evelee, Lila, Hudson, Darcie, Sophia, Blair, Tanner, Jillian, Jack and Henry; and her dear siblings – Lynette (Willis Clyde), Alan, Eric (Tiffany), and Lori (Edwin Clements) – all of whom she is so very proud.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 02, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – 2228 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85213. The service will be live streamed via Zoom. If unable to attend, please contact a family member for the link.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
11 comments
Vince Watson
I knew Lana during our time at BYU Provo. So kind and generous. I was in Jack and Joyce’s home in Draper many times and even went flying once with Jack to Burley ID. Lynette, I remember when your horse got into the outdoor pool area and ripped up the pool cover. Your folks are wonderful. Of course, Lana, too. I am sorry for your loss. Wes, enjoyed taking you to lunch or dinner several times when you were here as an LDS Missionary. Vince Watson Lacey WA
Tracy Andrus Swensen
I grew up with Lana she was so beatiful and kind. Soft spoken with a beautiful gentle spirit.
Rest In Peace Lana~
Cami Hall
I absolutely love Lana. I thought of checking in on her a week before; she had been on my mind a lot over the past few weeks.
Wish I had.
Lana always replied promptly with so much love and admiration. Even though she might have been caught in a storm, she wanted people to be seen / heard.
What a sweetheart.
My dad went on his own accord (I like this phrasing) … he was absolutely full of love, enormously empathetic, and sought for peace and light: like Jesus. I have absolutely no ill-will towards him and miss him tenderly. I know I will see him again, and I also know he did his absolute best. He held on as long as he could – and lived a beautiful life full of intent / purpose in this beautiful world.
One of his quotes (that we had placed on his grave): ‘Looking out into space, I can see beyond my mind and into my universe within.’
This is Lana … they will be friends 🙂
So grateful for her presence in my life and will miss her enduring strength to push through and give another hug.
Love you, Lana.
Miss you.
Rhea Overson
Lana & Rob were friends to me & my (late) husband Gary at a critical time of our lives. As we were young married & starting our family. Lana was such a kind supportive friend that made those days a lot of fun! I am sure Gary has warmly greeted her on the other side. I am thankful for Lana’s example of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Lily Denton
once when i was at deseret industries lana saw me carrying a small coffee table out to the parking lot and offered to give me a ride across the street home. i hadn’t seen her in maybe 5-7 years but she didn’t hesitate and chased me down to help me. i got one of the best hugs ever that day.
Cami Hall
♥️
Wendy Weston
I never had the privilege to meet Lana but she sounds amazing! I’m sorry Rob, and luckily we know this isn’t it! Hugs and prayers coming your way.
Cami Hall
Love this!
Debbie Haining
Thinking of you especially at this time.
Julie Jorgensen
I am so sorry for the loss if your wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go forward. May the Lord’s Atoning sacrifice bring you peace and comfort.
Heidi Wolfe Burns
We Only met Lana once and by the the beautiful words writen about her, she will be truly missed here on earth, but Jesus will have a special sweet lady at His side, just like Lana would want. We will be praying for Rob and family during this time.