Leone Winegar Duerden

Leone Winegar Duerden, a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father on March 27, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering testimony, Christlike service, and enduring love.

 Leone was born on December 2, 1925, in Roseworth, Idaho, to William Wesley Winegar and Irene Matilda Hansen Winegar. She was raised on the family farm, where she learned the principles of hard work, humility, and reliance on the Lord that would guide her throughout her life.

 Leone was baptized July 14, 1946, by her father. She graduated from Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah), Class of 1948, where she was Women’s President her senior year and homecoming princess.

 On August 24, 1948, she was sealed for time and all eternity to her beloved eternal companion, Jay Verle Duerden, in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple. Together, they built a home centered on faith in Jesus Christ, devotion to the gospel, and love for one another, sharing 71 years of marriage.

 Verle and Leone were blessed with eight children, whom they lovingly raised in the gospel. Their posterity has grown to include 41 grandchildren and 74 great-grandchildren, and her first great-great-grandchild coming in July. Leone found her greatest joy in her family and took sacred responsibility in nurturing their testimonies and strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ.

 Throughout her life, Leone served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She magnified each responsibility with diligence and love, offering quiet, Christlike service to those around her. Whether serving in her home, her ward, or her community, she exemplified charity, the pure love of Christ.

 She stood faithfully by her husband during his military service, managing JC Penney department stores, and running their own Coast to Coast hardware store in Kaysville, Utah. In their later years they continued serving and together served a mission at the LDS Layton Employment Center. They enjoyed traveling the world with their family and cherished time spent creating lasting memories, especially at their quonset hut in Glendo, Wyoming.

She is survived by her brother Dee Winegar (Torma), and her children Verle Duerden (Regan), Parma Routson (Leonard), Maxine Christensen (Kris), Diana Johnson (Scott), Douglas Duerden (Julie), and Donna Ames (Jon). She was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Jay Verle Duerden, and her sons, William Richard Duerden and David Charles Duerden. We find comfort in knowing of the joyful reunion that has taken place beyond the veil.

Leone had a firm testimony of the plan of salvation and found peace in the knowledge of eternal families. Her life reflected her deep faith in Jesus Christ and her trust in Heavenly Father’s plan. She will be remembered for her beauty, classy sense of humor, gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy of testimony and devotion will continue to bless her family for generations to come, until they are reunited again.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Oak Hills Ward, 1410 E. Gentile Rd. Layton, Utah. Leone’s viewing will be held Thursday April 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Interment will be held at the Kaysville City Cemetery.