Leola B. Halford Obituary (1926 - 2012)

“Gammy”Leola Beckstead Halford, beloved Sweetheart, Mother, Gammy, Sister, and Aunt, passed away due to natural causes in the peace of her home on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the age of 22 (for the past 63 years).Leola was born to George W. Beckstead and Leona M. Lunnen-Beckstead on August 13, 1926 in Crescent, Utah. She lived in the Salt Lake area near family and friends, where she created her happiest memories. During her life Leola loved traveling the world, enjoyed history, genealogy and antiques. After graduating from Jordan High School, she volunteered for the Red Cross, worked for the National Forest Service, worked in the Human Resource Dept. for the County Hospital, and sold real estate. Leola married her sweetheart, Leroy E. Halford, in 1961 and became a mother and homemaker in 1965. Leola volunteered her time and talents to the Crescent Community and LDS church. Most importantly, Leola was a devoted mother, grandmother (gammy), daughter, sister and aunt. She loved her family dearly, enjoyed lunches with her cousins, family gatherings and outings with her nieces.Leola Beckstead Halford is survived by her sweetheart of 51 years, Leroy Elmer Halford; her son, Roy Lee “Chip” and Lesa Halford; and her grandchildren, Shanel, Jessica, Collin, Brady, and Hailey Halford. Also, survived by the children and grandchildren of her sister, Beth and Mel Lancaster, who have been more like loving and supportive children than nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Peggy Lee Hill and Kim Leroy Halford and their families.The memories of Leola will fondly be cherished forever in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing this exceptional, glamorous, kind, gracious and thoughtful woman. Leola was preceded in death by her cherished Father and Mother; her brother, George Beckstead; sister, Beth Lancaster; and her niece, Laurie Dumas.Funeral Services, in honor of Leola, will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at the Bennion Heights 6th Ward, 5775 So. 2700 W., with a viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interment: Sandy City Cemetery.In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Primary Children’s Hospital. To donate online, please click here.