Leona Gray

Leona Florence Kirkham Gray, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at her home in American Fork, Utah.

She was born to William Leon Kirkham and Violet Florence Robbins in Lehi, Utah on February 17, 1946. She was the seventh of eight children raised by loving parents on a little family farm in Lehi, Utah. She loved and honored her parents who taught her the value of hard work, the importance of self-reliance, and the eternal nature of the family and her relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Leona attended Lehi High School, where she proudly represented her school as a cheerleader and was an active member of the Pep Club. Her vibrant spirit and infectious energy made her a beloved figure amongst her peers. In 1965, Leona's undeniable beauty, grace, and intelligence led her to be crowned Miss Lehi, a title she carried with honor.

She met the love of her life, David, on a blind date and they later married on April 14, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in American Fork, Utah, and have spent their lives there since, raising a loving family of seven children, 29 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Leona is a beloved wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many; and a dedicated homemaker and cherished member of the community.

Leona shared her passion for music by teaching piano lessons. Her patience and gentle guidance touched the lives of countless students who would forever cherish the melodies she helped cultivate.

Leona's faith was the cornerstone of her life and she found solace and joy in serving others. Her commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints led her to actively participate in her local ward and she always made time to attend the temple. As the primary pianist, she delighted in teaching the gospel through the power of music.

Leona's love for her family knew no bounds. She shared a deep, enduring bond with her loving spouse, David, who stood proudly by her side through the joys and challenges of life. Their partnership was a testament to the power of love and devotion.

Leona will forever be remembered for her compassionate heart and selfless nature. Her genuine kindness and empathetic spirit left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know her. She had a special way of making everyone feel valued, loved, and heard.

Leona will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her legacy of compassion and love continue to inspire all those who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her husband, David, and children; Colette (Layne) Hone of Lehi, Jenette (Jared) Burr of Lehi, Chalyce (Kiel) Coomes of Lehi, Michael (Tiffany) Gray of Lehi, Adalie (Mark) Kitchen of Las Vegas, Jared (Melissa) Gray of Lehi, Stephen (Kelsi) Gray of American Fork, 29 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Richard, Robert, Norman, Linda, and Margie. She is preceded in death by her parents, William Leon and Violet Kirkham; sister, Connie Nielsen; brother, Melvin Kirkham; grandson, Keaton Smith; sisters-in-law, Glenda Kirkham and Mary Alice Kirkham; and brother-in-law, Ronald Stevens.

Services will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the Hillcrest First Ward chapel, 949 North 540 West American Fork, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend viewings on Wednesday evening, September 27, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Anderson & Sons Mortuary in American Fork and Thursday from 9:30-10:30 AM prior to the services at the chapel. Interment will be in the Lehi City Cemetery.

Please click on the link below to watch Leona's funeral service via live stream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87220641455?pwd=YWx2ekNEdi93V0pMcGVPaDNSeWdHQT09

To honor Leona's love of nature, the family would like to request donations in the form of flowers.