1955 ~ 2025
Kelleen McGarry Leslie
August 23, 1955 – September 19, 2025
Kelleen McGarry Leslie, 70, of Sandy, Utah, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2025 due to heart related issues that came on suddenly and unexpectedly. She was born August 23, 1955, in Salt Lake City Utah to Dorothy June Evans McGarry and Dexter Hickman McGarry.
A proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kelleen served faithfully in many callings on the ward and stake level throughout her life.
She was sealed for time and all eternity to her beloved husband, Frederick Leslie, on February 8, 1979, in the Salt Lake Temple.
Her faith was her anchor, and her love for family was at the center of her life.
Kelleen loved her family deeply, especially her grandchildren, with whom she shared countless outings, meals, and special moments.
She enjoyed adventures big and small—from cheering on the Utah Utes with her sons to traveling with family and friends, horseback riding with her husband Fred, and always facing life with courage and joy.
She excelled and loved teaching her four children about life and the gospel up to the day she passed.
At age 52, Kelleen earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Utah receiving the honor of delivering the valedictory speech and taught 4th grade at Midas Creek from 2007 to 2014 and then at Blackridge Elementary from 2014 to present.
She inspired countless students, earning the Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Art Education and Teacher of the Year.
Through the BYU Arts Partnership, she attended the Arts Academy, hosted a BYU Arts Bridge Scholar, regularly participated in ARTS Express,
and completed a week-long seminar at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Her legacy is one of faith, family, and courage. Kelleen taught by example—showing resilience, creativity, and love in every part of her life.
She leaves behind not just memories but a pattern of living: to serve faithfully, love deeply, and embrace life’s adventures with joy.
She is survived by her husband Fred; children Garrett (Jen), Derrick, Trevor (Harvest), and Caitlin (Josh); nine grandchildren;
sister Erin (Rod); and brother Shawn.
Sending our condolences to Brother Trevor and family.
Oh Kelleen, You were gone so suddenly. We will miss you so at our monthly book club. You were a beacon of light for everyone.
Sending love your way!!! She has touched so many lives, mine as well. Loved teaching at Midas with her and becoming friends.
I’m very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to Derrick and the Leslie family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Trevor and family, We are sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to everyone. May Our Heavenly Father and The Lord Jesus Christ, watch over, bless and comfort you all, at this most difficult time. The Hardman Family.
Sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She’s definitely in a much peaceful place watching over you and your loved ones. Til You meet again. Take care brother. 🙏🏽
We are so sorry to hear of Kelleen's passing. She led an exemplary life and her family must be very proud. We send our love and condolences from Scotland.
My deepest condolences. May she rest in peace.
Two of our children had Mrs Leslie and both adored her. And I loved working with her through the PTA. She was a beautiful woman and excellent teacher and I feel very lucky to have had a chance to know her. Thank you for sharing her with her students.
I remember Kelleen as always smiling (from her core). She had the most pleasant demeanor and was a joy to be around. Just being around Kelleen made one a better human. Thank you for touching my life for good, dear friend. Love you! 😘
I send you my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear Kelleen. Her passing is a great loss for everyone who knew and loved her. She had such a kind, vibrant, sweet spirit about her. She was so caring and loving. She would brighten up a room wherever she went.
Much Love to you all for your loss, Kirra Oredson
With hugs and sympathy to Fred and family on Kelleen's passing. She was such a sparkly lady and I loved spending time with her during the Pony Express convention. Remember the love and wonderful memories made over the years .... she'd want you to smile when you think of her. In friendship and caring always.
Sweet Kelleen, you are going to be dearly missed by your students and colleagues. You touched so many lives and had such a positive influence on those who knew you. My condolences to your family and loved ones.
Dear Fred,
Bonnie and I are deeply saddened by Kelleen’s passing. She was an angel walking the Earth. She was so very kind to Bonnie at the XP meeting in Elko. I wrote her a thank you note and mailed it yesterday. I now regret it was not done sooner. Please accept our deepest sympathies for this great loss to you and your beautiful family. We take comfort in knowing it is only temporary in Heavenly Father’s plan. We love Kelleen.
Kelleen was both smart and wise. I listened to her and took her advice. With her feet firmly on the ground, she lifted others with her fun-loving charm and her love for the arts. As a teacher leader, Kelleen was the facilitator for 3 cohorts of teachers who earned the arts integration endorsement through BYU. She helped teachers engage students in artful ways and gave teachers meaningful support, building our capacity and making us all better. She lived and taught with an open heart. I will miss my friend very much.
Mrs. Leslie was my fourth grade teacher 17 years ago. She was always someone I admired. I will never forget her beautiful smile and the kindness she showed to everyone. I had the privilege to also know her as a friend and confidant after high school and will always remember her advice and encouragement. She will be greatly missed!
So sorry to hear about the passing of Kelleen. She was the sweetest lady. I remember her always her smile. May our Lord comfort your family at this difficult time. 🙏 ❤️
Trevor, Harvest, Bridger and River,
We were so very sorry to learn of the passing of your mother and grandmother. She sounds like a very elect lady. Our deepest condolences to you
all at this very tender time. Praying for your comfort and strength. We love and appreciate you all.
We are sending you and your family so much love and prayers at this difficult time.
May you're reunion be filled with just as much love as they're was grief here on earth.
Mrs. Leslie taught 2 of my children, both of whom loved her, especially my son, who was in her class 9 years ago. She was one of those teachers who changed his life. She trusted him to help keep all her computers up and running and by doing so, she instilled in him a great deal of self confidence and a sense of capability, both of which he has carried with him. In addition, he credits her with inspiring him with a desire to be involved in the arts and he was involved in many areas of the performing arts throughout all his subsequent years in school. I was in her classroom often that year, and I never saw her without a smile. It was obvious that she loved what she was doing and she especially loved the kids. She was a great lady and my family feels so blessed to have been a touched by her. Deepest regrets for your loss. She will be greatly missed.
Will miss Kelleen dearly.what a wounder lady..love being around her riding horses. Going to cowboy concerts with her and Fred. She wearing her red cowgirl hat.love the time I got spend with her. See you in heaven <**>
Kelleen was so kind, loving, and generous. She was such a force of nature! It is not surprising what an accomplished and creative teacher she was. There was no one like her.
I loved her very much.
My heart aches for all of you. But I feel that she is still watching over you and protecting you.
My love to you,
Lisa
Kelleen was always so sweet to me when I was growing up in the ward. I was so sorry to hear about her passing.
We were on our way back from an activity at some point and we got a flat tire and I remember how calm and collected she was about it all as we all stood on the side of the freeway and worked on changing it out to the spare.
She will be missed!
Sending love and prayers to her family 💜
We have lost a jewel, sweet humble kind servant of Heavenly Father
You will be missed
Hello Fred, Kids, and Grandkids.. Becky and Doug Later here from France. 🇫🇷 We just wanted to give you our love, friendship and support at this extremely difficult time. We love you.. And we love Kellen like a sister. Our families have had so many cherished experiences together over the years. It was heartbreaking for us to hear that she passed earlier this week. Please know that we will be there in spirit as you celebrate her life today.
All of our love!💕
Doug +Becky
My heart hurts for your family at the loss of such a wonderful wife, mom, and Grandma. I will hold you all close in my heart.
It has been years since I’ve seen Kelleen, I used to work with her husband Fred at American States Insurance and WML Insurance. I knew Dexter, Erin and her children. While at WML Insurance she was the kindest sweetest person I had ever met. Her beauty, resilience and kindness awed me in so many ways.
I am so sorry for the families loss, it breaks my heart. I will never forget her, she was a small part of me.
Heaven has welcomed another angel.
Having lived in her Ward for 40 years, I only got to know Kelleen the past few years after we became active again. My regrets are that she wasn't in my life sooner. She always greeted me with such kindness and compassion. Her smile and wit brought sunshine everywhere she went. We will miss you but know your have now gone to greener pastures. Sending prayers to her sweet family.
So sad to learn of Kelleen’s passing. She was a great lady. My condolences to the entire family.