Leah passed away in her home surrounded by her loved ones on May 13, 2021 at the age of 86. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah December 20, 1934 to Jesse and Zelpha Hardman. She was the 7th of 12 children, growing up with brothers and sisters that she loved so dearly. She graduated from West High School. She worked as a legal secretary, took a break to raise her children, and then worked many years in the Jordan School District before retiring. She enjoyed painting, gardening, being outdoors, and doing nails. You would rarely see her without her own nails done.
Leah married the love of her life, William “Bill” Nelson in the Salt Lake Temple, June 7, 1957. Bill affectionately called her “My Lady”, and for 64 years have been together, traveling, singing, and enjoying life. They raised 5 children; Nola (Fred) Arko, Shauna (Steven) Hill, Kip (Janalee) Nelson, Toni Myaer, and Holly (Mark) Bennett. Leah always put her children first. She was a personal dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker, and typist to all of her children through high school, college, and even into their careers. (Momma, forgive us if we have made any grammatical errors!) She was a wonderful grandma to 19 grandkids and 30 great-grandkids with 4 more on the way.
Leah was a woman of service. She was devoted to her husband and family, job, community, and church. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in many leadership positions in her wards and stakes, and also served a mission with her husband at the Utah State Prison.
Entertaining friends and family brought her much happiness. Once she made a friend, they were friends for life. She got together with girl friends, even from as far back as elementary school. She loved going to dinner and playing games with many “club” groups. Her sisters were some of her best friends. They had great times traveling together, playing Pinochle, and laughing until they peed their pants. She loved them all.
Leah was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers and 4 sisters.
She is survived by her husband, children, and sisters; Helen Stanger, Marilyn Shaw, Carla Vietti, and her brother, Alvin Hardman.
She was adored by her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends. Leah will be missed by all, but we know she is in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father and we will see her again.
A viewing will be held Saturday, May 22nd at the Sandy Hillcrest Ward Chapel 915 E. 9045 So. Sandy, Utah at 10 a.m. Funeral services will follow at noon. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 So.) Sandy, Utah.
www.larkinmortuary.com.
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To the Nelson Family, Sterling and I send our condolences, and Prayers that you will feel comfort at this time, she is no longer suffering and is with Many Family and Friends on the other side, she had brought so much Joy to our old neighborhood.
May God Bless You All and Keep Her Memories in Your Hearts.
Love
Marla (Smith) Lay & Sterling Smith
So sad to hear of Leah‘s passing. My mother Carroll White Fill and Leah we’re good friends since high school. My mom passed away just a year ago as well. I miss her so much and I’m sure you miss Leah as well. They were part of such an amazing generation and will be missed terribly. My sincere condolences to your family.
Leslie Thompson
Dear Bill,
What a beautiful service it was for Leah. You and her were (are) such good examples for your children and grandchildren to follow The love you share with each other is beautiful. I miss the times Kay and I got together with the dinner group once a month, and more recently, I miss how sweet you were when you dropped Leah off so we could have our lunches together--until Covid put a stop to that.
Best wishes to you, Bill. You are in my prayers during this time of sorrow, but isn't it wonderful to know that you and Leah will be together again?
Love,
Kathleen