Dora Darthella Leavitt

Darthella Leavitt peacefully passed away May 25, 2011 at the age of 80 surrounded by family at her home at The Gables Assisted Living Center of Shelley.

She was born June 13, 1930 to Jesse Stephen and Mary Alta Collings Downs in Deer Lodge, Montana.  She grew up in Lewisville Idaho where she attended Midway High School.

She married Leonard Jack Leavitt on January 15, 1949.  They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on March 28 1956.  Six children were blessed to be part of this Eternal Family, Randa Leavitt Lay, Byron Leavitt, Kim Leavitt, Verl Leavitt, Darren Leavitt and Jared Leavitt.

Darthella enjoyed gardening, canning, crocheting, traveling with friends, camping and fishing with her family.  She enjoyed cooking for her family and especially eating  fresh trout.  She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren telling them stories and reciting poetry.  Her granddaughters have fond memories of trying on her jewelry.

After Jacks death in 1989, Darthella served an LDS Mission in the Oregon Eugene Mission.  She loved Missionary work along with her companions and Mission President.  She served in various church callings in Firth and Riverview Wards, Pine Bluffs, Wyoming and Hanna, Wyoming.

Survivors include:  brothers, Gale Downs of Shelley and Kyle Downs of Terreton, sisters, Sheila Butler of Meridian and Clella Steinke of Idaho Falls; daughter, Randa (Leeland) Lay of Memphis, Missouri; Sons, Byron (Bridget) Leavitt of Clifton Virginia; Kim (Gwen) Leavitt of Firth; Verl (Brenda) Leavitt of Charles Town, West Virginia; Darren (Carrie) Leavitt of Eagle; and Jared (Michelle) Leavitt of Hansen; 25 Grandchildren and 37 Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a grandson, Wyatt.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the Firth LDS Ward Chapel, 744 North 600 East, with President David E Clayson officiating.  Family will meet with friends from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Nalder Funeral home, 110 West Oak in Shelley, and Thursday morning from 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM prior to the services at the church.  Interment will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

The family expresses thanks to the staff at the Gables and Hands of Hope Hospice for their kind and loving care for our Mom and Grams.