LeOra Hafen Christensen

LeOra Hafen Christensen passed away February 12, 2024, at the Franklin County Medical Center. She was born on February 17, 1938, in Ivins, Utah to Walter and Martha Empey Hafen. She was the 6^th child of 10. She had seven brothers and two sisters: Jennie, Gerald, Alden, Ray, Eva, LeOra, Lloyd, Merlin Jack, Dale John, and Terry Wayne. She grew up and attended school in southern Utah and graduated from Dixie State College. She met Kay Don Christensen on a blind date in the fall of 1961. At that time, they dated a few times and Kay Don thought she was too good for him, but LeOra changed his mind. They continued to date and were married on August 3^rd, 1962, in the St George Temple. Early in their marriage they purchased the farm in Fairview (on Skunk Lane) where Kay was raised, and they raised their family there as well. Aside from raising their six children, they also opened their home to six exchange students, many nieces and nephews and family friends who have mentioned many fond memories of being on the farm and learning life-long lessons over the years. 

LeOra continued her education, receiving her nursing license. She worked as the charge nurse at the Franklin County Nursing Home for 22 years on the graveyard shift and still managed to take care of her family. LeOra enjoyed her garden and spent her time every fall canning. She enjoyed bowling and square dancing together with Kay Don for years. She also enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and making/repairing clothing. She loved to help on the farm and cooked meals for the hired help during hay season. She also loved the church and served dutifully. She always seemed to know if there was someone in need, she would fix and deliver a meal at a moment’s notice. 

After her children were raised and retirement came, Kay and LeOra served missions in McAllen, Texas; Christchurch, New Zealand; Tucson, Arizona; and a couple of mini missions in Palmyra, New York, where they were able to visit the sacred grove. While serving their missions they would travel as much as they could and collect thimbles and would attend as many temples as possible. LeOra was also a member of the DUP for many years, and she loved doing family history work. After their missions, they enjoyed quality time with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were also able to visit more temples. 

LeOra is survived by her husband, Kay Don, a brother Terry (Penny) Hafen, and the following posterity: son Calin (Rene’e) and family, Branda Lee (Chance) Williams, BrookeLynn and Cougar. Jonathon (Kathryn) Frost, and family Karolee, Tyrel, Dominik, and Kaitlyn. Son Rodney (Alice) and family Mandee and Ashley. Son, Benton (Shelley) and family Lindsay (Chad) Bassett, Lux and Flint. Amber (Shane) McCombs and family Kelbie and Mayzie. Daughter Cynthia (Doug) Aposhian and son Jake. Daughter, Miriam (Dave) Cain and family Shiloah and Lily, Marissa (Blake) Cole, Jeremy. Son Sheldon (Amanda) and family Britton, Braydon Shaw, Allie Shaw. “Adopted” grandson Jareth Christensen and family Zeke and Paisley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gerald, Alden, Ray, Lloyd, Merlin Jack, Dale John, and sisters Eva and Jennie. One grandson Joshua W. Frost. She lived a life of service, was loved, and will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know her. 

Funeral services will be Friday February 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Preston South Stake Center, 55 East 100 South in Preston. A viewing will be held Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home in Preston and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the stake center. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com. Services will be available to stream live at the following link:

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