Leanne Peck Ward

Leanne Peck Ward, 86, passed away on August 25, 2025, of causes incidental to age.

She will be remembered as a hardworking, dedicated, and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Leanne was born August 1, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the daughter of Twila Gagon Peck and Donald Melvin Peck. She grew up in Pioche, Nevada, but the family later returned to Salt Lake City.

She left high school at age 17 to marry John Philip Chesley in the Salt Lake Temple. They divorced and Leanne was left with four young sons to rear on her own. She later married Lyle Talbot, who brought two daughters to the family and she and Lyle had another daughter together. She and Lyle later also divorced, and in September 2003, Leanne married the true love of her life, Rodney Cyrus Ward. They were later sealed in the Logan temple.

While she still had small children at home, Leanne fulfilled a lifelong desire to complete her education. As she began her university studies, she was able to test out of a year’s worth of credit through her dedication to reading and learning on her own. She finished her college degree at Utah State University in only two years and became a teacher. She taught in elementary schools in northern Utah for more than 20 years and very much enjoyed sharing her love of reading and writing with young people. She often said that her greatest joy as a teacher was to give her students the love of learning. Countless children really loved her. Fourth graders, returning to school the next year, were excited to greet her and see if they had grown taller than she was (4’9”) since they had been in her 2nd or 3rd grade class.

Leanne was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Leanne enjoyed serving in the Primary organization. She and Rod served faithfully for many years in the temple. They lived happily in Riverdale, Idaho, enjoying and sharing produce from Rod’s Garden until his health failed and he passed away.

A renowned knitter, Leanne introduced many people, including her grandchildren, to fiber arts. She gifted countless handmade creations to her loved ones. Her creativity and talent were greatly admired and appreciated.

After she retired from teaching, Leanne enjoyed traveling, including several trips to the Caribbean, many European countries, as well as many locations closer to home. Most of her trips were with her sister, Twila Jean. She was a “super shopper” at home and abroad. She also spent time square dancing when she wasn't busy visiting family events.

Leanne is survived by siblings Twila Jean Van Leer, Joseph D. Peck, and David A. Peck; her first husband John Philip Chesley; children Darrell Chesley (Diane), Lon Chesley (Deb), Jeffrey Chesley (Christy), Kurt Chesley (MaryAnn), Lisa Wuthrich (Deneen), Lori Olson (Bryce), and RosaLee Bowcut (DeVon), and their families; and stepchildren Kent Rodney Ward, Shelley Miller (Quinten), Deon Nelson, Andrea Jeppson (Edward), and their families.

She is preceded in death by parents Twila Gagon Peck and Donald Melvin Peck, brothers Donald M. Peck and Ralph Lynn Peck, former spouse Lyle Talbot, granddaughter Hannah Chesley, her beloved Rodney Cyrus Ward and his children Jeffrey Arnold Ward and Kris Grant Ward.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11 am at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 W. Preston, Idaho. Viewings will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:30 am. Interment will be in the Riverdale Idaho Hill Crest Cemetery

Many thanks to Leanne's dear family, especially Diane and Darrell Chesley, who cared for her in their home for many months after she became a widow, her friend Jan Boer, and Enhabit Home Health & Hospice for all their compassionate service. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

Services will be streamed live and can be viewed Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11 am MDST by clicking on the following link: