Leone was born may 23, 1919 in a very small home in Thatcher Idaho. She passed away surrounded by loving family on March 8, 2019 in American fork, Utah, just 2 months prior to her 100th birthday party. Leone was born to Letho T and Elva White Pond.
She had one older loving sister, Allene Pond (Hogan). Mom lived her first year in a sheep camp near Grace, Idaho. The family faced many hard times, which meant changes for a better life.
They moved to Logan Canyon for a time and then to Huntsville, Utah. The family then moved back to Thatcher, Idaho in 1926 where many years of her life were lived and loved. Mom competed her education in Thatcher and Grace, Idaho.
Everyone that she met was her friend. She saved her money, and with help from her father purchased a very coveted Wellington piano. This was at age 10!
She took some piano lessons but was self taught and also played by ear. This gave her a lifetime of joy and blessed all those people in her life. In Leone’s early teens she met the love of her life, Howard Roper.
They dated through high school and were married in 1939. Mom and Dad were blessed with three beautiful children, Spencer, Colleen and Sheldon. Family was first and foremost in Mom’s life.
She was blessed to be surrounded by her husband and children as well as so many extended family and friends. What a wonderful life they had with cousins, uncles and aunts and reunions! Mom worked hard on the ranch but was an amazing cook, candy maker and card player.
She was also deeply tied to her ancestors. Her own words were, “They were people of faith and endurance. I have never met them, but love them”.
Her literal volumes of books of written genealogy took up closets and were a testament to her passion. Tragedy struck more than once in her life, leaving her to dry her tears and move on. She stated that this were stumbling blocks and we were meant to accept the challenge”.
She loved the Gospel and served diligently in all capacities. This included being in the Relief Society Presidency in her 80’s. Mom and dad sold the ranch in 1970 and moved to Salt Lake City.
They bought and managed a Self Service laundry for 9 years. Retirement brought fun and time to do some traveling. They spent winters in Yuma until Howard’s health failed.
He passed away in 1988. Mom learned to live alone with dignity, giving service and helping friends and family. She always maintained a sense of humor and had an opinion about everything, including politics and the JAZZ.
In 2007 she moved to Lehi, Utah to live with her daughter, Colleen, and her husband Jim. Leone is survived by her son, Sheldon Roper (West Valley City, Utah), her daughter-in Law, Sheryl Roper (Logan, Utah), and her son-in law, James Herron (Lehi, Utah). She is survived by five grandchildren, Gregory Roper, Lori Francom, Lisa Tueller, Jami Smith, and Ryan Herron.
She is the proud great grandmother to 19 children. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Howard, sister, Allene Hogan, son, Spencer Roper, daughter, Colleen Herron, and granddaughter Michelle Herron Purcell, as well as all her great in-laws. A very special thank you to those at Stonehenge who made her last years comfortable and also to her wonderful friend, Nikki Brady.
A memorial service will be held at Wing Mortuary 118 E Main Street, Lehi, Utah. This will be Thursday, March 14 at 11 AM with a viewing at 10:15 AM. Interment will be at Wasatch lawn, 2471-2499 S Highland Dr., Salt Lake City.
BE KIND.
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