Cora Richardson Leavitt

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 29 th 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.