Lavona Leishman Watkins

LaVona was born December 20, 1927 in Wellsville, UT to Melvin W Leishman and Ruby S Archibald. And passed away November 15, 2018 at Sunshine Terrace. When LaVona was 2 ½ years old, Ruby passed away leaving 3 young children. Melvin remarried Anna Mary Fuhriman. LaVona felt fortunate that she had been blessed with another loving mother and 8 additional siblings.

She grew up on the family farm in Wellsville during the depression years where she learned to work hard. This trait followed her throughout her life. She could never sit still as there was always something that needed done.

After graduating from high school in 1946, she took a job in Logan as a secretary later that year, she met Keith Watkins on a blind date. They were married October 6, 1947. They loved each other dearly and worked side by side in all they did.

In 1966, they took a leap and began Keith W Watkins & Sons Printing, Keith was the talent and she was the heart. They made many friendships ranging from their clients to vendors and with all those they employed. She was the face of the business and worked every day until her retirement in 1991.

LaVona loved to cook, especially baked goods, she made wonderful rolls and desserts. The yard she and Keith created was heaven on earth to so many. She loved to plant beautiful flowers, a huge vegetable garden, she nurtured the apple trees, grapes and raspberries, which she generously shared. Many family parties, reunions, weddings and other events were held in the back yard. She loved to share the beauty with others and went the extra mile to make sure everything was lovely. She also crocheted 1000’s of afghans, which she freely gave away and made beautiful baby blankets for all the grandchildren and those she loved.

LaVona was actively involved with her community in her earlier years, helping with 4-H, building community floats, planning and helping to execute the huge Providence 1st Ward Sauerkraut dinners to name a few. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Serving in the Young Women and Relief Society, but her favorite was with the children in Primary. She loved children and had a knack for getting them to giggle.

After retirement, LaVona and Keith served a mission to the Grandin Building in Palmyra, New York. After returning home, they volunteered at the Festival of the American West and created an authentic turn-of-the-century Printing Shop. They enjoyed fishing and traveled between Lake Mead during the winter and Blackfoot Reservoir in the summer.

LaVona is survived by 5 children: Dennis (Patsy) Watkins, Kathryn Allred, Peggy (Dennis) Giles, David (Jill) Watkins and Patricia (Robert) Richardson, 25 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild expected soon. She was preceded in death by Keith; brothers Lloyd Leishman, Doyle Leishman and Arvin Leishman; sister, Carma Jensen and one grandson, Cody Richardson.

A special thank you to the staff at Terrace Grove, Sunshine Terrace and Sunshine Hospice for their loving care for her over the past year. They made each day brighter for her.

Funeral services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary, and will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at the Providence 1st Ward Building 420 W 100 N, Providence. A viewing will be held prior to the service at the church from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Internment will be in the Providence cemetery.