Leona Higgins Lewis Obituary (1923

Leona Higgins Lewis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, of Provo, Utah, graduated from the limitations of this life and her body to be with her loved ones who have gone before on October 25, 2013. Leona was born April 9, 1923 to the late Louis Earl and Leona Gagon Shumway in Knightsville, Utah. She lived a life full of devotion to her family, church, and friends for 90 years. Leona was one of four children: William Shumway, deceased, Norman Shumway, deceased; Ardis Shumway Brady, and her darling little sister, JoAnne Shumway (deceased). Leona grew up in Price, Utah and graduated from Carbon High School where she loved studying and began her start in choir. She continued to sing in numerous vocal groups her entire life. Leona met her first husband, Floyd G. Higgins, when she was singing in a young woman’s trio for his missionary homecoming. They met, dated, and were married in the Manti LDS Temple on September 3, 1941. Leona and Floyd moved to Provo, UT shortly after their marriage where they established a home and raised six children: Anne Greeson of Syracuse, UT; Paul Higgins of Roy, UT; Lynn Higgins of Alpine, UT; Ted Higgins of Rock Springs, WY; Ross Higgins of Nampa, ID; and Jesse Higgins of American Fork, UT. Floyd regrettably passed away on January 22, 1986. Leona loved being a mother and house wife her entire life and excelled in the art of cooking; especially making pies. She was an energetic “quiltaholic” who made quilts of all kinds for anyone and everyone she thought was in need of one. Her quilts varied from simple to extravagant and they numbered well into the hundreds, each being cherished by its owner. In 1993, Leona married another incredible man, Russell B. Lewis of Provo, UT, for time. With this marriage came the additional blessing of Russell’s children and their families: Lanette Tate of West Jordan, UT; Craig R. Lewis of Salem, UT; Diane Ward of Springville, UT; Nadine Edgeworth of Columbia, MD; and Sherrie Bluth of Mapleton, UT. Leona and Russ enjoyed many happy years as they made a life together in Provo. Leona especially enjoyed helping Russ by greeting people that would come to him for Patriarchal Blessings. Leona was sadly widowed a second time on September 9, 2003 when Russ passed away. She continued to live in the home she had enjoyed with Russ until she moved to the Cove Point Retirement Center in January, 2009. Leona remained at Cove Point with loving friends, staff, and family until her passing. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services. Leona will be interred following the funeral at the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent at www.bergmortuary.com.