MARY ELLEN LEATHAM

Mary Ellen Jeppesen Leatham 1928 ~ 2010 Mary Ellen Jeppesen Leatham, daughter of Carl Lorin Jeppesen, Mary Estelle Nelson and step-mother Harriet Ann Dunn, died on Sunday, November 7, 2010.Born on April 13, 1928, Mary Ellen spent her early years in Mantua with her parents and her brother David. The family later moved to Brigham City. After the death of her mother and infant sister in 1943, she lived with her uncle and aunt, Don and Edna Nelson, and her cousin Ilah Rae. After graduating from Box Elder High School and attending Weber State College, Mary Ellen married Donald Lee Leatham on November 4, 1950. They had five children, and Mary Ellen then returned to college where she was an Honor Student, was named Outstanding Art Graduate of 1968, and graduated with a degree in English and Art. Mary Ellen began her teaching career at Kaysville Junior High School and later transferred to Central Davis Junior High where she taught Art, English, Reading, and Speech and Drama. She became active in the Davis Education Association, serving first as President and ultimately as a staff assistant. Throughout her life Mary Ellen indulged her great love of cats, enjoying the companionship of many spoiled felines. She loved to sing, and her wonderful voice was appreciated by many, even during her early childhood, when she wore a bonnet with fake curls to cover her mostly bald head. While raising her family, Mary Ellen was actively involved in numerous LDS church activities in the Sunset 5th Ward. Teaching different Sunday School classes. She loved working with the youth, especially writing and directing Road Show performances. She never lost her love of singing and was a founding member of the Sunset Harmonettes. After raising her children Mary Ellen became a social and political activist, lobbying on behalf of teachers, students, and the mentally ill. An activist in the Democratic Party, she ran for the state legislature, served as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1976, and worked tirelessly on behalf of many candidates. After her retirement she enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with her beloved grandchildren and cats. Mary Ellen is survived by her husband Don, Brigham City; brother David L. Jeppesen (Linda), Murray; sons Scott D. Leatham (Marie), Brigham City; Kerry D. Leatham, Murray; Roger Leatham, Murray; daughter Kathleen Leatham, North Salt Lake; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Brian S. Leatham and step-sister Maureen Piepgrass. Friends and family may visit from 12:30 to 1:00 prior to a celebration of Mary Ellen's life to be held Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 E. 200 S., Brigham City. Her Ashes will be interred next to her parents and sisters resting place in the Mantua cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff of Willow Glen Health and Rehab and Hospice services for their compassionate care. You may email condolences to the family at www.gilliesfuneralchapel.com.