Yvonne Ward Leishman

Yvonne Ward Leishman, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Meridian, Idaho. She was born August 31, 1935, in Boise, Idaho, to Orville Milton and Mildred Tyler Ward, the second of four children. During her early childhood, her family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they settled in the Salt Lake 25th Ward of the Pioneer Stake. She cherished many wonderful memories from her time growing up there. Yvonne attended and graduated from West High School.

Yvonne married Gary Dean Leishman, also of the 25th Ward, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 14, 1956. After moving around the country during his military service, they settled in Salt Lake City, eventually spending several years in the Rose Park neighborhood. In 1968, they moved to Farmington, Utah, where they raised their nine children. Yvonne lived in their Farmington home for 50 years before spending her final seven years in Meridian, Idaho, with her daughter.

Yvonne was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a studious learner of the gospel, which she lovingly taught her children through word and example. She gave her time and talents in various Church callings, including service in the Primary and Relief Society organizations. She was also a dedicated temple and family history consultant.

Her chosen career—and her greatest joy—was being a devoted wife to her husband and a loving mother to her beloved children. She was the heart of the family and the calm in every storm. By her very nature, she brought peace and tranquility to a home filled with many active and creative children.

Yvonne’s favorite pastimes included studying the gospel through the scriptures and reading the best of books. She also devoted considerable time and love researching her ancestors’ genealogies and family histories. She provided the information needed for many souls to receive their temple ordinances. Yvonne joyfully assisted her husband in building a family cabin in Weber Canyon, east of Oakley, Utah. In her later years, she enjoyed completing countless jigsaw and word puzzles.

As time permitted, Yvonne loved playing the piano. One of her fondest memories was having her children gather around her at the piano to sing Primary and Christmas songs together. She was also a talented seamstress and possessed the gifts of caring for a home and skillfully preparing delicious meals for a family of eleven on a budget.

Although she was quiet and reserved, Yvonne had a deep love for people and found joy in the company of others. We are beyond grateful for her exemplary life, her tender care for our family, and the love she so generously shared as a devoted mother. Her wonderful legacy of gentle kindness and quiet devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Surviving Yvonne are her children and their families: David Leishman of Marston, Cheshire, England; Penny (Kelly) McKinlay of Meridian, Idaho; Tyler (Michelle) Leishman of Cornelius, Oregon; Timothy (Joye) Leishman of Spanish Fork, Utah; Todd (Cindy) Leishman of Alpine, Utah; Blair (Rebecca) Leishman of Lehi, Utah; Aaron (Naoko) Leishman of Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Matthew (Amy) Leishman of Kaysville, Utah; and Adam (Lara) Leishman of Farmington, Utah; 34 grandchildren; and 49 great-grandchildren, giving her a posterity of 92 individuals. Her sister, Carolyn Ward of Carlsbad, California, and her brother, Lane Ward (Julie) of Lehi, Utah, also survive her.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Dean Leishman; her parents, Orville Milton and Mildred Tyler Ward; her brother, Milton Wayne Ward; her parents-in-law, Mark Brenchley and Florence Cragun Leishman; and her daughter-in-law, Shauna Smith Leishman.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Russon Mortuary in Farmington, Utah.

We sincerely thank the members of the Farmington, Utah 11th Ward, for their kindness and support of our mother following the passing of our father and their participation in her funeral services. We are grateful to the staff of Edgewood Spring Creek Assisted Living in Meridian, Idaho, for their kind and professional care of our mother. Finally, we express our appreciation to Russon Mortuary in Farmington, Utah, for their thoughtful attention to the needs of the Gary and Yvonne Leishman family.