Leanna L Lund

LeAnna Leslie Lund (86), our strong, beautiful, and beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away sweetly and peacefully on August 28, 2024, after a long illness. LeAnna was born to Harold Lowry Leslie and Anna Eleanor Webber Leslie on June 4, 1938. LeAnna spent all her growing up years in the place she loved best, Manti, Utah, except for the year of 1944. Due to LeAnna contracting Rheumatic Fever, her parents moved their family to Compton, California. Fearing permanent damage to her heart from this illness her parents hoped the milder climate would produce a better recovery. For the course of this year, she was forbidden to walk or run around and play like a normal kid could. Though she remembered this as a hard year, she had fond memories of her father, in his shirt, tie, and fedora, carrying her in his arms along the California coast so she could enjoy a day at the beach. LeAnna also never forgot the loving care her mother gave her at this time and all the extra things her mother did to make it more bearable. During this time LeAnna and her parents joyfully welcomed her adored little sister Claire to their family. LeAnna often spoke of how excited she was to have her and of her deep love for her little sister. Despite their 7-year age gap they soon became inseparable. LeAnna loved having her “little shadow”, who always called her Dede, follow her all around.

LeAnna attended Manti High School during which time she worked as a fountain girl at Elliot’s Pharmacy, twirled a baton for the marching band, was voted FFA queen by the entire town, and was a cheerleader. LeAnna always believed that one of the greatest blessings of her life was the wonderful group of friends she had. They remained lifelong friends and often liked to reminisce about the fun times they had participating in school and church activities, flirting with the boys, going on Sunday afternoon walks to the courthouse to visit the “jailies” through the windows and all the other things young girls could think up to do in a small town.

In 1958 she married Bryant Douglas Lund. They moved to Salt Lake City so he could complete his education at the University of Utah. In the following years, LeAnna became a mother to her son, Randall Douglas, and two daughters, Christine and Lisa. LeAnna cherished her role as a mother above anything else. She was a flawless mother and a powerful example, for good in all she did. She worked tirelessly to have a close and loving relationship with each of her children. Doug and LeAnna moved their family to the Millcreek area in 1968 where they raised all their children and LeAnna took meticulous care of her beloved home on Millcreek Circle. She was always painting, refinishing, wallpapering, sewing curtains, and working to improve it and through that improve the life of her family. LeAnna was a great cook, a fearless seamstress, and an optimistic gardener.

After her family was raised circumstances required her to work to support herself. She found work in downtown Salt Lake at the gift shop in the Little America Hotel. LeAnna loved working there and the people she worked with. She enjoyed telling stories of all of the rich and famous people she met there. She also discovered she had a talent for sales and repairing the delicate figurines that they sold. She developed many years-long relationships with different customers who would only buy from her. During these years her greatest joy was found in spending time with and doting on her grandchildren. She attended every school program, recital, and sports event that she possibly could. LeAnna planned out her gift-giving months in advance and always tried to find the perfect gift for each child. She loved her grandchildren unconditionally and was always their biggest fan.

LeAnna was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and throughout the many trials of her life, she leaned heavily on her faith in Jesus Christ. This faith gave her great strength, perspective, and hope. LeAnna served in several church callings and made many friends through this service. LeAnna is survived by her daughter Christine (Nathan) Marshall, her sister Claire Barclay, grandchildren Jason Lund, Madison Cooper, Rocky Lund, Lucas Lund, Emily (Adam) Staples, Keighty (Phoenix) Sainsbury, Rachel (Tristian) Bascom, Seth (McKenzie) Marshall, Alex Child, Sam Child, Sophie Child and Lily Child. Great grandchildren, Lizzy, George, Charity, Erik, Lincoln, Lukas and Waylen. While we will miss her terribly, we are hopeful that many happy reunions with loved ones are now taking place. She is preceded in death by her son Randy, her daughter Lisa, and her grandsons, Tommy Lund and Johnny Marshall.