Leah Marie Tingey

Leah Marie Pettit Tingey

1922-2021 (98 years old)

Leah Marie Pettit Tingey, an elite daughter of God, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children on Sunday, May 2, 2021.  Leah was just a few weeks short of celebrating her 99th birthday. She lived a remarkably full life, blessed with very good health, and a sharp mind.

Leah was born at home to Arthur Pettit and Norma Worsley on June 10, 1922 in Centerville, Utah.

As a young girl and throughout her life, she was always obedient and provided an example for all to follow. She was the oldest of six children. She attended Centerville Elementary, Bountiful Jr. High, and graduated from Davis High School in 1940.

Her high school years were marked by the Great Depression.  Money was never a determining factor in her life. Leah was always grateful for small and simple things. She always felt that she was blessed and had enough.  “Waste not, want not” was a slogan she used her entire life. She never felt envious of others and the material possessions they had that she didn’t.  Throughout her life, she lived frugally and didn’t splurge on much of anything.

After high school, Leah worked at Pennzoil as a secretary in their office for about 5 years. She married a Centerville man whom she had known for years, Wesley P. Tingey, on May 9, 1946 in the Salt Lake City temple.

She was a homemaker and they welcomed 4 children into their family. They built their first and only home in Centerville soon after they married.  She remained there her entire life.

She was involved in many community activities throughout her life. Leah and a number of other women would meet twice a month for their “club” when the Centerville men were drafted to serve in WWII. They would visit, share stories, do handwork, and snack late into the night for more than 70 years. No other commitment was as important as “club.”

In her later years, after her children were grown, Leah worked for Davis School District ordering the produce for school lunches for about 10 years.

She volunteered at the Church Pioneer Museum in Salt Lake for 10 years. She gave tours about the Mormon Pioneers and the artifacts they displayed.

She was called as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake City Temple.  She faithfully served 19 years, retiring in 2008.  Leah formed many lifelong friendships with the people she served alongside with.

Being a farmer’s wife, she took care of all the book work and finances. Leah took pride in being able to account for every penny! She never complained when Wes was not around to help her much because of his farming and church responsibilities.

She served faithfully in many church callings, never turning down any calling she was asked to do, throughout her life: Primary, Mutual (Young Women’s), and Relief Society.

She was a faithful visiting teacher into her mid 90’s. She spent time extracting names for family history. She was always on the Lord’s side of the line, never questioning.

Leah read and did crossword puzzles up until the week before her death, even though her eyesight was failing.

She had a passion for learning her entire life.

She was blessed with exceptionally good mental and physical health throughout her life.  She always saw the best in others and the positive side of all circumstances. Her positive outlook was a bright light to all who knew her.  She had a love for life that was contagious.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, her eternal companion (Wes) and two brothers (Vern and Jack.) She leaves behind her four children: Paul (Vickie) Tingey, Kent Tingey, Rosanne (Dave) Uffens, and Clarke (Denise) Tingey; 8 grandchildren: Clint, Shanan, Amy, Cody, Cory, Camron, Heather and Kristin; 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild;  her two brothers, Bob and Richard and her sister, Carol Wood.

Leah was beloved by all who knew her. So many people were touched by her love and example throughout her long life. She was a faithful servant with unwavering faith. Her son, Kent, made it possible for her to stay in her home right to the end. As a family, we are deeply indebted to him for the loving care he provided Mom.

A “big thanks” to Jeri and Kylee from Elevation Hospice for their tender care of Mom.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 7th from 6-8 pm at Lindquist's Bountiful Mortuary 727 N. 400 E.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 8th at 2:00 pm at the Centerville Chapel located at 270 N. 300 E. Centerville, with a viewing prior from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. Interment will follow at Centerville City Cemetery.

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