Deborah Ann Leonard

Florence – Deborah Ann Leonard, 61, passed away January 29, 2017, at home in Florence, after a short fought battle with cancer.
Debbie was born February 15, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa, to mother, Patty Sutter-Dunn, Polk City, Iowa. Her life growing up was difficult, and when she was a teenager she lost her mother. This led to her and her two brothers spending time between several relatives’ homes.
As her family, we feel that those experiences helped shape why Debbie chose to become the loving and affectionate wife, mother and friend that we all knew.
She graduated from Polk City High School, Iowa, which is also where she had met Sheldon, her sweetheart and husband of 44 years. They married on September 8th, 1973. Soon after they were married they moved their young family to the Bitterroot Valley, Montana, the place they always considered home. After living in the Bitterroot she was able to extend her family even more when she became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Debbie loved and flourished being a mother, and especially a grandmother to her 12 grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her family when they were young, especially to the Grand Canyon and Mt. Rushmore and after the children had left them “empty-nested,” she and Sheldon continued to travel, visiting their now grown children and their growing families all over the States.
She had a full heart and an open home where you could always find an afternoon snack, and was like a mother to many of her own children’s friends. She enjoyed hosting theme dinner parties, hunting and fishing, Krispy Kreme donuts, and serving in various callings in the LDS church.
Her positive outlook, ability to forgive, kind smile and that remarkably wonderful laugh are just a few of the things that we will cherish, but mostly, her love. Her devotion to her family was evident, but shone through when most needed — in the hard times. When Sheldon was sick and needed a liver transplant, the roles reversed, and while Debbie continued her role as wife and mother she then became a caregiver and the “breadwinner.” Her hard work at holding their family together during a tremendous storm gave light to what love really means. Through it all, their love and bond grew stronger.
When roles once again reversed, the devotion never changed. She still worried. Sheldon would tend to her this time, though, hands locked in love until the end. Theirs is a story of true love, faith and abundance – always knowing that tomorrow has the possibility of something more beautiful.
The following link is to one of her favorite stories, we ask that everyone take the time to read it. Debbie will have a fork with her. http://www.frtommylane.com/stories/next_life/keep_the_fork.htm
She was the proud mother of Patricia (Chris) Valdez, Ogden, Utah; Daniel (Julie) Leonard, Marionville, PA; Brian (Holly) Leonard, Helena, MT; Elva (Radley) Clark, Helena, MT; Albert (Sheni) Leonard, Florence, MT.
Grandkids: (Daniel): Myles, Dylann, Ellee, Mattrick, Glenn (Brian): Clayton, Tegan, (Elva): Kyle, Peytan, (Albert): Hazel, Kale and Jewelletta.
She is survived by her husband Sheldon, her five children, her 12 grandchildren, her brother Jesse Dunn and several aunts and uncles throughout the Midwest.
Please join the family for a viewing at Whitesitt Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 1st from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Stevensville LDS Stake Center on Thursday, February 2nd at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.
Burial at Graveside at Victor Cemetery – family event. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.