Leona Ward

Leona May Hixson Ward, 93, of Idaho Falls, returned to her heavenly home on August 21, 2026. She was born on March 29, 1933, in Provo, Utah, to Velma Holindrake and Joseph William Hixson. She was the ninth of ten children.

She grew up and attended elementary school in Provo, Utah. At the age of 13, she moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, to spend the summer with her sister, Marjorie Sorenson, and her family. One day Leona walked outside to find a 13-year-old lanky, very fine-looking young man lounging against his father’s car across the street hoping to catch her eye. Mom became very fond of Harvey, so she stayed and finished all of her middle school and high school in Idaho Falls. During her high school years she competed in ballroom dance, tumbling club, choir, and dating Dad exclusively. Leona and Harvey were married August 21, 1953, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

Mom worked for some time at the Atomic Energy Commission, then she transitioned to being a full-time, stay-at-home mom, caring for all ten of their children and teaching them to love God, love one another, love hard work, and homemade cinnamon rolls.

She was a full-time cook and baker, making homemade bread, rolls, cinnamon rolls, fudge, cookies, and all things yummy. We had three full meals each day and lots of snacks in between. She didn’t only feed her own children, she often fed many more including nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. No one ever went hungry. Her greatest passion in life was her family, children, and grandchildren.

After all her children were in school, Leona started working as the librarian at Fairview Elementary School where she won the hearts of all the students. She worked there until she retired. During this time, she brought her sister to live with her to care for her until she passed. She also cared for her aging parents well into their nineties, as well as caring for her sweetheart until he passed.

Leona and Harvey served a full-time proselyting mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They served happily in the Oklahoma City Mission. Soon after dad passed away in 2010, mom was called to serve at the Idaho Falls Temple and that became her new mission.

Mom put her heart into baking, sewing, gardening, dancing, quilting, feeding the hungry, and traveling the world; all for her family and with her family. She and dad definitely passed on their love of traveling to all their children!

Words alone cannot express the hole in our hearts at her passing, but it is tempered by our faith and belief that we will be reunited again and see her soon, and knowing she is with her sweetheart.

Leona was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harvey B. Ward; her son, Harvey Ward, Jr.; sons-in-law, Jeff Moore and Tony Roisum; her parents; and all of her siblings.

Leona is survived by her children, Shannon (Richard) Dickinson, Jan Ward, Renae (Lynn) Guymon, Ron (Michelle) Ward, Lorie (Rory) Olson, Garth (Kathy) Ward, Shellie Roisum, Crystal Moore, Reed (Lori) Ward, Aaron (Beverly) Ward; 40 grandchildren; 112 great grandchildren; 11 great great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Darrell (Nona) Ward and Dean (Toni) Ward; and many more who count themselves as family. Such a wonderful legacy!

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Coltman LDS Church, 12448 N 5th E, Idaho Falls, with Bishop Justin Dahlke officiating. The family will visit with friends and extended family from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank Nani, Kelsie, and their team at Alliance Home Health and Hospice for their outstanding care, compassion, knowledge, and respect. We will forever be grateful for all they have done for our mother.

Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.