Cora Richardson Leavitt passed away on March 12th, 2025 at the age of 96. She was born November 23, 1928 to Joseph and Etta Gale Richardson as the 5th of 6 children. She grew up in a loving and close-knit LDS family with her brother and sisters. At age 20 she married Lawrence (Larry) Leavitt in the Mesa Temple and together they raised a family of six, Laurie (Guffey), Gaylene (Weight), Kerry, Steven, Wendy (Worsley) and Lisa (Chauntelle). In addition to raising her family she worked in the Mesa Public Schools in administration.
Cora lived a life of devotion and service, active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and serving in Primary, Sunday School, Relief Society, Choir, and then serving at the Mesa Temple. She and Larry served a mission to Raleigh, NC and she considered that time to be one of the highlights of her life.
Cora had a life-long love of music and learning. She played violin, cello, piano, and the organ and sang daily. Cora could find a song to sing for every occasion, from show tunes to hymns, and loved classical music. She also stayed active in SIMADA (studying different topics) and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
Cora was a wonderful and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, great, grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was devoted to her family and loved to feed everyone around her. If you were lucky enough to have her homemade tamales and enchiladas, or the delicious home baked bread or cookies she always kept around, you were fortunate indeed.
Cora is survived by her husband Larry, and her 6 children and 114 grandchildren who will miss her bountiful love and wisdom.
Funeral services will be held at the Pioneer Ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints at 2700 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert Arizona on March 29th at 10 a.m. The viewing will be in the same location at 9 a.m.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Dear Larry and Family (all of you!)
Aunt Cora influenced me for good every time I was with her. Her love of life, music and especially family were all examples to me. Uncle Larry your kind and gentle ways are woven in my heart and I strive to reflect them in my own life. I will miss Aunt Cora. Our world has lost much with her passing but she will take her service heart and many, many spiritual gifts and amazing talents with her. May The Lord Bless you each and all in this time as you learn to live life without her presence. All my love, Susan
As Canadian snowbirds we moved in next door to Larry and Cora in 2011. Their visits and Cora’s baking treats were a high light to our time spent. We will forever cherish the friendship we made and send love and prayers to Larry and their family at this time of Cora’s passing. She lived a full life. May she rest in peace
Love Maryrose and Keith
Aunt Cora was our mother’s younger sister. We Johnson kids thought she could do ANYTHING, and do it better than anybody! She was a great seamstress, great cook (I still use the cookbook she made many years ago) and she was a great conversationalist. Growing up, we knew we could talk with Aunt Cora about anything. She kept up with current events and could talk with us about them and give her opinions. Through the years, she always showed up to our family’s funerals, lending her support. We will all miss this dear, sweet aunt. Because of physical limitations, I will not be able to attend the funeral. I send my love to Uncle Larry and all the Leavitt children. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jeanene