1906 ~ 2003
Phyllis Liljenquist Leishman passed away Thursday, October 2, 2003 in Provo, Utah of causes incident to age, surrounded by those who loved her, witnesses to her exemplary life.
"Phil" put her shoulder to the wheel May 21, 1906 in Hyrum, UT the daughter of Wallace and Melinda Petersen Liljenquist. Her father passed away, suddenly, when she was 11 years old. With his sad and unexpected passing she became more than a sister to three younger brothers, and more than a daughter to her grieving mother, all of whom adored her and preceded her in death.
Phyllis married Robert Bradshaw Leishman in the Salt Lake Temple Sept 3, 1931. They were devoted to each other and created a happy and nurturing home for their children, Norma (Jack) Cheney, Nina (Oliver B.) Johnston, Karen (Joel M.) Allred, Nancy (Arlen D.) Jenkins, and for multitudes of their daughters' high school and college friends. The Leishmans' hearth and hearts were always open.
Phyllis served three missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one as a young woman in the Pacific Northwest, and two with her husband, Bob, one at the Visitors' Center in Nauvoo, IL and another at the Visitors' Center near Lincoln Center, New York City. For 11 years she was the youngest member of the Primary General Board. She has personally known and very much loved many of the leaders of the Church.
Devoted to learning, in her 96th year she read, without glasses, 40 serious books, the Ensign every month, Time magazine every week, and scriptures every day. Her incredible and nearly photographic memory, with her to the end, astounded everyone who knew her. She had a passion for music and was an accomplished vocalist trained by master teachers. She was a soloist in many productions and shared her talent willingly.
Phyllis is survived by three of her daughters, 19 grandchildren, and 53 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; tiny never-forgotten son, Robert Lynn; son-in-law, Oliver B. Johnston; daughter, Norma; and two great-grandchildren.
Phil was Bob's loving companion during his long and productive life, and his Christ-like caretaker during his difficult last illness. She was a teacher, a peacemaker, a beloved wife and mother and a model of common sense.
". . . There are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue; They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space. Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth." Such an one was Phyllis Leishman. "We shall not look upon her like again."
Services will be at the Berg Mortuary, 185 Center St, Provo, UT Wed. Oct 8, 2003, 11 a.m. Friends may call at the mortuary 9:30-11 a.m. Interment, Wellsville City Cemetery.
The family pays special tribute to Phil's devoted physician and friend, Dr. Lynn L. Bateman.