Leora Hanson Wilson

Leora H. Wilson of Logan, Utah passed away peacefully on January 23, 2023, shortly before midnight.

Leora was born on July 23, 1929 in Fillmore, Utah to Lorenza Christian Hanson and Ora Rose Black Hanson. She was the youngest of five sisters and graduated with honors from Millard High where she was the valedictorian and spoke at commencement. She was always proud of her Fillmore roots and whenever they passed Fillmore on trips to California, her children would place their hands over their hearts to honor her time there.

She valued education and attended Utah State University where she graduated with a degree in Business Education. While at USU, Leora was active in student government and was a member of the Sponsor Corp and the Kappa Delta Sorority. It was at USU where she met Clair Evans Wilson while attending a Sigma Chi and Kappa Delta exchange. They were married in the Logan Temple on November 20, 1951.

Life with Clair turned into more of an adventure than Leora had bargained for. Among other things, she became a reluctant participant on an African Safari with Clair and their two boys. Leora often recounted the night when a lion attacked their camp only to find herself the next day as part of a group effort to track down the offending animal. She found herself at the end of a single file line of men carrying sticks and guns. Looking at her own empty hands she remarked. “What on earth am I doing here? I should be at a shopping mall.”

Clair and Leora had a wonderful social circle with very dear friends that often gathered together for “no host” nights. She was an avid Bridge player, something she started in college and continued throughout her adult life. Leora was also a proud member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and loved regularly attending the CLIO literary club

Leora was always kind to everyone, grateful for the things around her and had empathy for all. Clair used to tease her because she always carried some type of food in her purse so she could offer something to anyone who might be hungry or need a snack. Her big heart and kind personality allowed her to make friends wherever she was.

As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints she willingly served in many callings and organizations but her greatest calling in life was caring for her youngest daughter Jan affectionately known as “Butterfly Queen” who was born with special needs. Leora selflessly devoted the better part of her life to the care and wellbeing of Jan. In her later years many would ask Leora about the secret to her longevity. Her answer was always, “I’ve got to be here for my buddy.”

She is survived by her children Debra Wilson Hale (Eric) of Salt Lake City, Utah, sons Dirk Wilson and Chris Wilson (Kiersten), daughter Jan Wilson all of Logan, Utah and 22 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her late husband Clair, her parents and 4 sisters.

The family wishes to thank and is deeply grateful for all those who provided in home care and service to Leora and Jan over the past number of years. A special thanks goes to Dr. Michael Stones, Danielle, Shay, Leticia, Marissa and Julie who went above and beyond to provide loving care during our mother’s final months.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 3rd, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary located at 34 E Center St. Logan, Utah 84321. There will also be a viewing from 10:30 - 11:30 am on Saturday, February 4th followed by a funeral service at 12:00 noon. Both the viewing and funeral service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 1260 North 1600 East in Logan. Interment will be at the Logan City Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

The funeral service will be livestreamed and can be viewed online at www.allenmortuaries.com or via the following link (password: Wilson):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87283675742?pwd=cXJpdy9QMG82Y285bXkreS8xWCtzZz09