LeArta Griffiths Hammond

PRESTON, IDAHO LeArta HammondLeArta Griffiths Hammond, 93, died Thursday, September 18, 2008 at her home in Preston, Idaho. She was born May 21, 1915, in Logan, Utah, the daughter of John Heggie and Maybell Buttars Griffiths. LeArta received her education in Cache County schools and was a graduate of Utah State University, receiving a bachelor's degree in Home Economics and a Master's Degree in Textiles and Clothing. She married Mark Dunford Hammond January 10, 1939 in the Logan LDS Temple. She has been a resident of Preston, with her husband and family, for 66 years. She has received honors and awards in education and the training of youth. Most area residents would remember her as a teacher at West Side High School where she taught Home Economics for 22 years.Her life has been one of service to her family, her church, her students, and her community. She served in the LDS Church in various teaching positions within the Primary, the Sunday School, and the Relief Society. She enjoyed being the Junior Sunday School coordinator and a member of the Relief Society presidency—as well as a faithful visiting teacher. She was a lifetime member of Pickwick, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and Ladies Literary. She was also president of Preston Ladies Golf and Country Club and gave 20 years of service to Franklin County 4H. Her hobbies included Crocheting, Golfing, Reading, Cooking, Painting, Gardening, and Sewing. She is survived by her children, M. Dan (Karen) Hammond, American Falls, Idaho; Rhonda (David) Beesley, Rigby, Idaho; Alayne (Larry) Matthews, Evanston, Wyoming; Klissa (Pete) Johnson, Washougal, Washington; and Matthew (Summer) Beecher, Salt Lake City, Utah. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren, one brother, Dan Griffiths, (Clarkston, Utah), and one sister, Greta Ericksen (Mt. Green, Utah). She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark, a daughter, Julie Beecher, her parents, and her sister, Reba Jardine.Funeral Services will be at Noon, Monday, September 22, 2008 in the Preston 8th Ward Chapel, 213 South 200 East, Preston, Idaho, with Bishop Randy Wakley conducting. Friends may call from 6.00p - 8.00p on Sunday at Webb Funeral Home, 109 E. Oneida, in Preston and from 10.30am - 11.30amon Monday prior to services at the chapel. Burial will be in the Clarkston, Utah cemetery. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.webbmortuary.com