Elesa Ray Willhard

1955 ~ 2022


Friday Evening Visitation

Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Jun 10, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday Visitation

Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Jun 11, 2022 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Funeral Services

Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Jun 11, 2022 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Elesa Ray Willhard was born on April 16, 1955 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lesa (as she was known to her friends and family) passed away from Lung Cancer on May 24th, 2022, with her family at her side.

Lesa is survived by her three children and two step-children, who made up the entirety of her world: Jenny Kehr (husband Randy), Jaime Boulter (partner Phil), Jeff Boulter, John Willhard (wife Ginger), and Chris Willhard (wife Ashley).
She also leaves behind four precious grandchildren: Adam, Daisy, Genevieve, and Jude; and two cherished siblings: Sharon Gelb (husband David) and Jim Ray (wife Linda)

Lesa enjoyed doing anything outdoors, especially camping and fishing with her husband and children. She also worked for the state of Utah in recovery services for 33 years, which she loved.

Lesa was predeceased by her loving husband JJ Willhard in April 2022, to whom she was happily married for 30 years.

Viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary (260 E S. Temple) in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 10th from 6 to 8p.m. The funeral will be held the following day, on Saturday, June 11th, with a short viewing from 1-1:45pm and funeral services from 2-3. Burial services will follow the funeral. You may watch the recording of the services online through the following Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/xBXdesWb0XKuBK6ildhCLTIP8mTwzrKXQu8DrUVTRaz9UntkUm5uu-h1KDKwZ81z.ucOu7H2UJMqHY0Q0?startTime=1654975477000

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations toward a family shelter in Salt Lake City www.familypromisesaltlake.org.


Guestbook/Condolences

We are so sorry you passed away in lung cancer. Here is our condolances. God bless your family.


- Kathleen Ballard & Jim Ballard

She will be surely missed as much as she was loved. A void has been placed in our hearts. May peace be swift for her family and children.


- Michael Coston

U will b missed allot. Rest In Peace.


- Donna Boots

Remembering your beautiful Mom.
May her light shine bright.
Thinking of you all today.
This too shall pass.


- Caren Pluot

You were the best cousin anyone could wish for. I will truly miss your smile and laughter. We had the greatest times when the whole family would get together, camping or playing in the snow at grandma’s house at Christmas time. I just wish we could have spent more time together. I will cherish the memories we made. Rest In Peace.


- LeeAnn Hess

Beautiful picture you used to honor Elesa. I am sad that it was her time to go to Heavenly Father but think about all of the special relatives of her that were there to greet her. Knowing that the grave is not the end brings great peace to all who know that. She gave of herself to marriage, motherhood and to friends and
did her best to be of help to all. May you be comforted to know you will be able to hug her again in the future. Love, LaWynn Potter Murphy (I am Elesa's cousin on the Potter side.)


- LaWynn Murphy

To all of Lesa's family and friends, my heart is saddened with Lesa's passing but I will always always remember her beautiful smile and bubbly personality. She was the light of our day at work. At ORS, She shared news of near and far. We all loved her. Prayers for comfort and healing. With great affection, Patty Llewelyn


- Patricia Llewelyn

Mom,
You were my light and shining glimmer of a mother. You knew what to say in a time of conversation. I was glad to be with you until the end. I was sad to see you go, however glad to see you no longer suffering. Tell dad that I had a burrito on him and enjoyed it. I know there is always more to say but to tell you how much I loved being your daughter and glad you were my mom. I love you always and forever.


- JENNY LYN KEHR

Worked with Lesa for many years with the State of Utah. Always found Lesa to be fun, friendly and kind to everyone. Kept in contact over the years and followed her on Facebook as well. Heartfelt prayers to your family during their time of loss. Your bright spirit and love of life will be so missed. Be happy and joyful as you join JJ to continue your afterlife on the other side. Look after Jenny, Jaime and Jeff from your new heavenly placement. We will all miss you a great deal and will keep you in our hearts forever.


- Donna Riley

Mom, these holidays have been tough without you! Missing you a lot right now. My bday is now in a couple days, and I am absolutely going to miss waking up to seeing a missed call from you and a voicemail of you singing me happy birthday!


- Jeff Boulter