Areta Mitchell Liddiard Obituary (1929

Areta Liddiard, 70-year resident of Orem and Utah Jazz and BYU Cougar fan extraordinaire, died on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at her home following a battle with pancreatic cancer during which she exhibited her ability to remain both funny and feisty. She passed in the same spot in her bedroom as her spouse Bruce did 11 years ago. Areta is survived by her two sons, Robert (Steven Young) and Ryan (Lisa Anderson), three grandchildren, four great grandchildren (with two more due in February), and nine nieces and nephews, including Areta Peterson, Leslie Mitchell, and Sue Rumsey whom she considered daughters. Areta was born in Provo, Utah on October 3, 1929 to Ephriam Arthur Mitchell and Aretta Velzora Durrant. She had an older brother (Art) and a younger sister (JoAnn) and brother (David), all of whom have preceded her into heaven. She married Bruce Leon Liddiard in the Salt Lake Temple on Nov. 30, 1950. When they were first married, before her kids were born, Areta worked at First Security Bank in Provo, and later, after they’d grown, at Provo Pharmacy. A devout member of The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints, Areta served as Primary president and locator at the Church Office Building among numerous other positions in her wards over the years. Her current ward (Timpview 5th) has been a joy in her life the past 25 years, especially since the passing of her husband. Many members of this ward have made the last grueling month of her life a little bit easier for her and her family to struggle though. Their visits, support, and friendship will forever be remembered and cherished. Areta was the cheerleading captain in high school and as an adult played in leagues of golf, bowling, and tennis. If asked, Areta would probably reply that two of her favorite things were cheering on the Jazz and the Cougars (while texting her son Ryan during the games to praise and complain about the results) and her long talks with son Rob every weekend for the last 35 years. This tiny in stature but big in personality lady will be missed for her fun-loving, laugh-filled, family-oriented nature (as well as her stubborn streak). Certainly, her eclectic, charming fashion sense that has followed her from beginning to end cannot go unmentioned. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Timpanogos Memorial Gardens, 1000 North 400 East, Orem, Utah. The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 1, from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street and Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. prior to services. All are welcome to attend the graveside service. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.