Leda J Farley

Obituary Leda Julene Hawker Farley
A precious gem now shines on in Heaven. Our dear mom and grandma left this life on October 29th, 2024. Leda, daughter of Robert Samuel Hawker and Lois Edna Goodwin, was born July 7th, 1933, at home, being delivered by her sister Ethel, a nurse. Leda was the last of twelve children to join the family and was called the "littlest gem" by her father. She passed away peacefully, reaching for her mother's hand on the other side of the veil.
Leda was born in Springfield, Idaho, spending her younger years helping on the family farm. She attended schools in Springfield and Aberdeen, ID. While in high school, Leda participated in band–playing the trombone, singing in the glee club, being involved in the pep club, and performing as a majorette wielding a baton–often performing routines while wearing roller skates. After high school graduation, she headed to California to live with her sister, Verda. Leda attended Riverside City College for a year. After the sudden death of her father, she returned to Idaho to be with her mom. Leda worked in Arco at the Atomic Energy Commission. A few years later, she was back in California, where she enrolled at the Cosmetology school in Riverside. Upon graduating, she worked as a beautician for a while, and it was during this time that she became acquainted with John Dewey Farley Jr., whom she married on September 19th, 1956, solemnizing their union on February 6th, 1962, in the Los Angeles Temple.
John and Leda made their first home together in Riverside, California. Along with John's two sons from a previous marriage, they had six more children. Throughout her life, Leda lived in Cherry Valley, CA; Nephi, Salem, Provo, and Orem, UT, spending the past six years in Spring Lake, UT. Leda was a very faithful and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. As a baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in several callings, fulfilling assignments that took her out of her comfort zone. With little musical training, Leda often conducted ward choirs and audiences in church meetings. She taught in several organizations, helping children, young women, and older women to feel the spirit and Heavenly Father's love for them. After retirement, she had the opportunity to serve two missions. The first, in Australia, assisting in the mission office, and then in Arizona, loving and serving many young single adults. She also enjoyed serving several years in the Provo Temple.
Along with her hairdressing skills, Leda spent many years as a department secretary or an administrative assistant, helping others behind the scenes. She worked at UCR, Sam-Andy Foods, and BYU, where she retired after spending nearly 25 combined years working in the Clothing and Textiles department, and then at the campus Library's Archives and Manuscripts, and Special Collections departments. She had a gift for making others look good!
Throughout her life, she sacrificed her time and money honoring her beliefs in building up the kingdom of God. Leda and John sent six children on missions, and now they can finally serve one together. John passed away in 1992. She was physically without her sweetheart for over 32 years. Leda was a big fan of BYU sports, especially the football team, and belonged to the Cougar Club for many years. Up until two years ago, she attended most of their home games. Leda can now cheer on some of her favorite people and teams from the other side–including the MLB '24 champions, the LA Dodgers, and another team clad in blue and white. GO COUGS!
Along with being reunited with her husband, John, others who have been waiting for Leda include sons John Eugene, Jeffrey Allen, Mark David, and Robert Nelson, and a daughter-in-law Michelle Garfield Farley; Parents: Robert and Lois Hawker; her siblings and their spouses: Lois (Les) Bradley, Elva (Ray) McMillan, Ethel [(Reese Crockett) and (Clyde)] Park, Shirley [(Walter Phillips) and (Perry)] Bingham, Verda (Clyde) Bowles, Samuel (LaVerne) Hawker, Eva, Chloe, Gladys (Hyrum) Robbins, Robert (Donna) Hawker, and Preston (Joanne) Hawker.
Those of us waiting for our graduation from this life will miss her beautiful smile. Leda's living posterity includes Terri Birch Farley (Flowery Branch, GA); Kellie Henning (Lamar) Roberts (Salem, UT); William Farley; Keith & (Juli Hall) Farley (Spring Lake, UT), Mariam (Kyle) Erickson (Orem, UT), and Glen Farley (Las Vegas, NV).
She loved each of her 21 grandchildren, their spouses, and her 25 great-grandchildren. She cherished spending time with them. For those great-grandchildren still waiting to come, we know they will come to this earth with a kiss and a hug from Grandma.
As a family, we send our love and gratitude to one of Mom's earthly angels–Kathy Marsden. She was instrumental in helping our mom feel better and more comfortable during the past several months of her earthly journey. Thanks also to the Payson Beehive Home staff for keeping her safe and well-fed for the last four months.
A viewing and tribute will be held at the Spring Lake 1st Ward LDS Meetinghouse, 12625 South Spring Lake Road, Payson, UT.
Viewing: Saturday, November 9th, 2024 10:00 AM-11:30 AM Spring Lake 1st Ward 12625 S. Springlake Rd. Payson, UT 84651
A family Celebration of Life tribute and luncheon: Noon-1:30 PM Interment: East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery, 4800 E Lawn Dr. Provo, UT
Special thanks to Perry Hawker, our cousin, and his caring staff at the Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot, ID, for lovingly preparing our mom for her final resting place.
Till we meet again, Mom, we love you