Leah Catherine McClellan

2011 ~ 2022

Obituary Photo for Leah Catherine McClellan < >

Friday Viewing

Larkin Mortuary Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South
Mar 11, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday Graveside

Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South
Mar 12, 2022 11:00 AM

Saturday Open House Life Celebration

The McClellan Residence, 6532 West Davin View Drive, Herriman 84096
Mar 12, 2022 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Leah Catherine McClellan was born on August 08, 2011. Leah passed away on March 4, 2022.

Leah came into the world with a special twinkle in her eye. She had an incredibly sweet spirit from the moment she was born. She was so adorable and loving. She had the cutest smile that we will cherish forever. Her spirit was so strong, pure and beautiful. Too pure for this world. God wanted to keep her pure, so he protected her spirit from the world, locking her in her body, like a princess in a tower. At 5 months, Leah developed a mysterious disease that took her away overnight. She was no longer able to interact and share her sweet spirit as easily as before. She learned to express herself through her beautiful big brown eyes. She was so lucky to have a mother with the best mother’s-intuition. She could interpret all her needs. We were told that she would have a short life. We adopted the cherry blossom as her symbol. It represents a brief and beautiful life. Leah fought so hard. She reminded us of the value of having an indomitable spirit. She never gave up. We searched diligently for years to find the best help for her.
Our family was determined to find the cause of Leah’s disease and to make sure that her life would impact the world. Leah became one of the poster children for the legalization of CBD in Utah and in the United States. She was featured in the “Faces of Cannabis” campaign nationwide. She was able to attend congressional debates and silently represent other children with rare diseases. Leah smiled a beautiful smile on the day that the bill was passed. Because of her beautiful face and spirit, thousands of people can use CBD for many different ailments. She did change the world!
Soon after, Leah was so lucky to have been given the gift of whole genome sequencing. What an incredible gift for her! They discovered that she had a rare gene variant affecting the SCN8A gene, causing a rare epilepsy disease. The gift of a diagnosis was both thrilling and devastating. We learned that she really would have a brief, beautiful and difficult life. Yet, we would be able to find targeted medicines and therapies that could make her life more comfortable.
Leah’s indomitable spirit helped so many people get through their tough times. Like ripples in a pond, her legacy will be felt forever. Her example gave people the courage to never give up.
Leah’s sweet, fighting spirit affected everyone around her. Anyone who had the chance to meet her was forever changed. She can now run and play with the butterflies and wildflowers and the other angels in heaven. She was an angel on this earth. She will continue to help people from above.
We are so thankful to have had Leah with us on earth. She taught us so many lessons to make us better parents, brothers & sisters. She had the most wonderful caregivers. Our family will be forever thankful for everyone who helped her on her amazing journey.
Survived by- April McClellan – Mother, Chad McClellan- Father, Lauryn McClellan – Sister, Trent McClellan-Brother, Tyler McClellan- brother. Grandparents, David and Nancy McClellan & Orin and Cathy Bagley.
Special thanks: Leah’s wonderful and devoted brothers and sister for their unwavering love and support. She was blessed to have you.
Special thanks: Leah’s loving grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and close friends. Always willing to help her and our family at a moments notice.

Special thanks: Dr Shane Dangerfield, Dr Francis Filloux, Dr Ried Robinson, Dr Galina Hornyik, Natalie Brown her beloved hospice nurse. Jenn E, Jenn O, Danielle & Brooke, her loving and devoted homecare nurses. Primary Children’s hospice doctors, - These are the professionals that changed Leah’s life.
Special thanks: Jeff and Christy. Real angels on earth. Thank you for giving her the most special love and care that we could have ever dreamed of.
Special thanks: Kauri Sue school therapists, nurses and staff.

Service Details:

Viewing:
Friday, March 11, 2022, 6:00-8:00PM
Larkin Mortuary
3688 W 12600 S
Riverton, UT 84065

Graveside Service:
Saturday, March 12, 2022, 11:00 AM
Larkin Sunset Gardens
1950 E 10600 S
Sandy, UT 84092

Open House Life Celebration:
Saturday, March 12, 2022, 1:00-4:00PM
The McClellan Residence
6532 W Davin View Dr
Herriman, UT 84096


Guestbook/Condolences

Sending your whole family my sincere condolence’s and prayers for continued peace and comfort. May Gods Grace be with you.


- Susan C Laney Hubley

Sending my deepest condolences to such an incredible family who raised such a beautiful young girl.
Rests in paradise Leah.

Much love,
Madeline


- Madeline Contee

We are so sorry for your loss. What a hard thing to endure. Sounds like she touched many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!!


- Stephen and Patsy Daniels

I am so sorry for your loss. Leah truly was an angel. I only interacted with her briefly on few occasions when she visited her Grandma Nancy. Leah brought so much love with her wherever she went. We pray for your hearts to be comforted at this most difficult time.


- Maylynn Steiner

So sorry for the loss of this beautiful little angel! Your family have been so loving and caring for such a special little girl 😇 Love to you and your family.❤️


- Mary Grover

Leah was a angel on earth and was loved by so many. We were among those lucky enough to know her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those that morn her loss here. We are happy to know she is running free with those that have passed. Chad, April and family we are sorry for your loss. Sending love, hugs and prayers to your family at this time. Love you all.
Mike and Kim


- Mike and Kim Allen

April our hearts are full of love, tears and joy for your family. You have taken such great care of Leah. We have heard and noticed, so awesome. We believe she is indeed a righteous and beautiful angel!! You will miss her, but she is now free and will be your special Angel watching over you and your family. You are in our prayers 😢♥️


- Marge and Bob Deeds

Brent and Nancy we are so sorry for the loss of your sweet Grand Daughter. U are in our hearts and thoughts. Prayers to your Sweet Family. Lynn and Susan


- susan mcClellan

Chad, April and Family,

My Heart hurts for all of you. I didn’t get the opportunity to know her personally but I loved hearing about the amazing impact she had in this world. She was and will always be a Beautiful Gift! She was loved deeply and touched many lives. You’re in my Prayers.

Richelle


- Richelle Reid