Our “Amazing Grace” graduated on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. True to her name, she led a life full of grace and service which she accomplished through her gifts of music and love. She was born to Vernon Jeppesen and Lucy Hawkes in Reno, Nevada on December 6, 1930. Later in life, Grace expressed gratitude for her parents being faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Grace was born with congenital hip dysplasia, but she was determined to enjoy a full life. She spent the winters ice skating on frozen-over ponds; springs and summers included roller-skating on the sidewalks, practicing tennis against the garage door, and going to dances as a teen. Grace began piano at an early age and participated in the school band helping other students keep the beat. Music became an integral part of Grace’s life.
Grace felt it was her life’s calling to teach children and music. She attended University of Nevada (Reno) and Ricks College in Idaho where she studied voice, piano and organ, was an editor for the school newspaper, and gained an elementary education degree. She taught elementary school in Twin Falls, ID and Salt Lake City, UT where she gave encouragement and uplifting words to all the children. She spent her life building people up and kept an eye out for those who needed extra love and support. In 1961, in Salt Lake City, Grace met and fell in love with the dashing D Henry Leavitt.
Grace married D Henry on June 22, 1962 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona and raised their four children in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In their home, she taught piano, organ, and voice lessons to her own children and to hundreds of others. Shortly after moving to Arizona, she began her life-long participation in Handel’s Messiah singing soprano arias with various groups. She soon organized a large choir and orchestra to learn and perform Handel’s Messiah in the Phoenix North Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ. Under her direction, this tradition continued every other year for the next three decades in the Phoenix North Stake.
Grace loved to read and loved to learn. She practiced Spanish to converse with and serve the members of the Royal Palm (20th) Ward in Arizona. Grace and D Henry served her mother, Lucy, in Lucy’s last 10 years of life giving loving care in their home. After Lucy’s passing, D Henry and Grace went together on many business adventures for the next 10 years. During this time, Grace continued to maintain a small teaching studio. When D Henry passed suddenly from a stroke, Grace lived in Phoenix for another two years. She taught her last piano lesson there at the age of 80, and then moved to Utah to be closer to her family. Grace split her time between her new Spanish Fork, Utah home and spending time with her best friend and sister, Dawna Nelson in LaVerkin, Utah.
Grace began her service mission in October 2021 in the Legacy House, an assisted living facility. Her fellow residents in the memory care unit needed her kindness and love. Although she could not remember her family much of the time, she remembered how to serve others through kind words and music. She had a special way of talking to the other residents and helping them to feel loved.
In the final weeks of her life, her children and nurses made sure that music was always playing in her room to give her comfort. Her immediate and extended family, which includes generations of musicians and music-lovers, are ever grateful for this Christian woman who served and gave Amazing Grace just as our Savior, Jesus Christ, would give.
Grace was preceded in death by her husband, D Henry Leavitt, her parents Vernon Jeppesen & Lucy Hawkes Jeppesen, and her sisters Dawna Marie Nelson and baby Rita Jeppesen.
She is survived by her four children: LaMont (Kristine) Leavitt, Wyn (Paul) Staheli, Lynette (David) Lewis, and LaReita (David) Berky; 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
There will be a viewing Monday, November 21, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, November, 22, 2022 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Her life celebration will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2022, 11:00 a.m. All events will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 870 East Canyon Road in Spanish Fork, Utah. A video link for the broadcast will be available on Grace’s obituary page at walkermemorials.com on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.
A graveside devotional will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 12:00 noon at the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.
TO VIEW SERVICES VIA LIVESTREAM, PLEASE CHECK BACK HERE A FEW MINUTES PRIOR TO SERVICES BEGINNING AT 11:00 A.M. ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022 AND CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
https://usuo.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Hallelujah-chorus-Schirmer.pdf
5 Condolences for Grace Lucille Jeppesen Leavitt
Condolences(5)
Lesley Squire says
November 19, 2022 at 1:42 amI knew of the famous Grace Leavitt from being in Phoenix North Stake, but didn’t get to know her personally until I married Darrin and we moved back to the Sunnyslope area after college. First I got to know her through our vocal group Harmony, then later in Royal Palm Ward I was called to serve as Primary music leader while she was the pianist. In both cases I was throughly intimidated! How could I ever work as an equal partner with the greatness that was Grace Leavitt? Quite easily, it turns out. Her sense of humor was out of this world, and made me feel so at ease. Although she was by far the better musician, she always sought my opinion and made me feel like I stood a chance against her. She happily followed my lead and my direction in Primary, even though I knew our roles should have been reversed. She even agreed to do a piano duet with me for a ward activity, which was an unforgettable experience! Grace was not only an exemplary musician, but a good sport and a true friend. I know she will spend these holidays together with D Henry and rejoicing with the heavenly choirs.
Matthew Davis says
November 19, 2022 at 8:42 amI never met her in person nor speak to her on phone but her daughter LaReita has been such a wonderful lady and a personal friend over many years. Her love for children and women is just unimaginable. I believe she inherited this from her mom. Mother Grace, you played your part while on earth. You are gone but you remain with us and in our hearts. LaReita is doing exactly what you taught her to do as a child growing up. Go in peace and rest in peace. My deepest condolences to you LaReita .
Jamie Kellogg says
November 20, 2022 at 2:18 amI’m remembering your sweet mother with much love. She was always cheerful, smiling, kind, helpful, gracious and encouraging! We shared a love for music and a love for her daughter LaReita! I was LaReita’s first cello teacher and Grace often accompanied her on the piano. I cherish the warm memories of our musical collaborations in my living room, with my own mother sitting nearby and enjoying the music! May God bless your family as you remember your dear mother and celebrate her life!
Evan Gwilliam says
November 22, 2022 at 4:03 pmI have benefitted greatly from my association with the Leavitts. I had the good fortune to attend family gatherings and spend time around Grace. She raised some amazing children who have left a deep impact on my life. She will be remembered as her family carries on the things she taught them.
Raquel Shumway says
November 22, 2022 at 7:30 pmI got to meet Grace a few times. She was a gracious and gentle lady. I have had the good fortune to work with her children and Wyn has been a great friend for many years. It’s always hard to lose a loved one, but the memories are so fun and keep you grounded as does the gospel of Jesus Christ and our knowledge of heaven. May you all find peace and comfort in the days to come.
What great talent you have in your family. All of the music will keep her close to you all.
Love you all
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