Leigh Taylor Gardner

Our beloved mother Leigh Taylor Simonson Gardner passed away peacefully on June 2, 2016, at the age of 91, surrounded by family members in Payson, Utah. Leigh was born October 16, 1924 in St. Petersburg, Florida to Glenn Russell Taylor and Addie Blanchard Taylor.
Leigh was raised and educated in Florida. She came to Utah to attend Brigham Young University. In 1949 Leigh earned her B.S. degree from B.Y.U. studying home making and textiles. She was a masterful seamstress and tailor. Leigh had a passion for tailoring clothing for family and others seeking her services. She was particularly proud of the wedding gowns she created for her daughters.
While attending school Leigh met John Dennis Simonson. They were married June 19, 1949 in Nevada. In 1959 Leigh and Jack purchased a home in Springville where they raised their family. Five children were born to Leigh and Jack: Carol, Elene, Paul Dennis, David John, and Joy. On August 7, 1961 Jack passed away leaving Leigh with five young children to raise alone.
Leigh displayed a resilient and resolute ability to care for her family. She was supported by neighbors, friends, and church associates. Leigh was guided by her faith in her life’s mission as a mother. Leigh joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a teenage girl. She was devout in her service and testimony of the Savior.
Leigh met and fell in love with Earl Leroy Gardner. It was a blind date to a dance that led to their marriage on June 25, 1971 in the Logan LDS Temple. Earl became a father to Leigh’s five children.
Leigh and Earl forged a close knit life together moving to Green River, Utah where they bought and operated a campground. Many memories were made at Grandpa and Grandma’s campground. Grandchildren and consolidated family enjoyed reunions having Grandma’s special touch. They sold the campground and moved to Nibley, Utah in 1990.
Earl left his sweetheart and earth life on April 24, 2006. Leigh continued her vigilant, honest and charitable life until she was called home.
Leigh was preceded in death by her husband John Dennis Simonson, sister Francis Taylor, husband Earl Leroy Gardner, and granddaughters Salem Gourley and Mariah Carol Jensen.
Leigh is survived by her sister Betty Viola of Claremont, Fla., five children Carol (Karl) Jensen of Springville, Utah, Elene
Gourley of Pleasant Grove, Ut., Paul (Ava) Simonson of Payson, Ut., David (Susan) Simonson of Henderson, Nev., and Joy (Matt) Francks of Spring City, Ut. Children: Joyce (Joe) Teague of Moreno Valley, Ca., John (Louise) Gardner and Sandra (the late Eric) Campbell both of North Logan, Utah, twenty eight grand- children along with numerous great grand- children, nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in Logan. A viewing will be held at the mortuary on Thursday, June 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net .