1907 ~ 2003
Elizabeth Steadman Bills passed away quietly in her home on May 28, 2003 at the conclusion of a long and happy life. She was preceded in death by her husband Leo DeMont Bills who died on April 2, 1980.
Beth, as she was called, was born on June 2, 1907 in Riverton, UT to James and Mary Ann Winder Steadman, the fourth child in a family of five children. She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister and is survived by a younger sister, Aileen (Jack) Speights of Yuma, AZ. Beth grew up on a farm in Riverton, attending local schools and graduating as valedictorian from Jordan High School. She then attended Brigham Young University for two years, earned a teaching certificate, and taught school for three years in Green River and Riverton.
Elizabeth and Leo were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on her birthday, June 2, 1930. They moved to Salt Lake City where they raised six children: three boys and three girls. In 1964 Beth received her bachelor's degree in Library Science and Education from BYU. She then worked as the librarian at Hawthorne Elementary School for the next eight years, retiring in 1972.
Beth had many lifelong hobbies and interests. She loved to read and always had books on hand on many different subjects. She recited poetry to the delight of her family and also wrote poetry and children's stories. Beth was very creative, and she enjoyed painting and sewing and handwork. She was generous with her time and talents and made over 32 quilts which are treasured by family members. She loved to travel and was fortunate to visit many different countries. Beth was an avid sports fan and enthusiastically participated in all kinds of games and activities. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and offered untold hours of dedicated service in various teaching and administrative callings. She knew and exemplified the values of hard work, thrift and resourcefulness. Elizabeth lived her rich, full life with industry, vitality, compassion and humor.
She is survived by three sons and three daughters, Virginia (Reed) Christensen Izatt, Provo, UT, L. Kent (Carolyn) Bills, Murray, UT, James L. (Marjorie) Bills, Provo, UT, Patricia (Steele) Lunt, Omaha, NE, Richard D. (Mary Ann) Bills, Palo Alto, CA, Ramona (Brian) Wente, Fruit Heights, UT; 19 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandson.
Services will be Mon. June 2, 11 a.m. at the Draper First Ward Chapel, 13112 S. 700 E., with Bishop Steve Glad officiating. Friends and family may call at the church one hour prior to services. Interment, Riverton Cemetery.