When we think of Leah, we remember how she had a way of giving so freely, always offering time, care, and love to the people around her. As we say goodbye to a generous wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, mentor and dog-mom, we’re reminded that there was always room in her heart and at her table for the people she loved.

Leah was born on December 12, 1946, in Grants Pass, Oregon, to Ardith and Gordon Stephens. She attended Del Norte High School in Crescent City, California, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco. She built a long career with Pacific Bell, where she worked for more than 30 years before retiring.

Leah and Rod shared 32 years of marriage filled with love. They enjoyed camping, exploring Idaho trails, and roasting marshmallows by the fire, always with their dogs at their feet.

Leah was a talented painter who found joy in both creating and teaching art. She was an active member of several painting groups and built lasting friendships over a shared love of painting, crafting, card-making and Bunco games Known for her good humor and generosity, she often welcomed friends into her home and loved sharing her passion with her family, always arriving with bags overflowing with craft supplies for the kids.

When she wasn’t painting, Leah filled her days with things she loved, like tending her garden, hunting for a good deal, playing blackjack, and spoiling her dogs.

Leah raised three children and found some of her greatest joy in being a grandmother and great-grandmother to her seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ardith and Gordon Stephens, and her sisters Connie, Janice, and Barb. She is survived by her husband, Rod; her sisters Ginny, Lola, and Joyce; her children Tavia, Terri, and David; her grandchildren Jarrod, Matt, Alyssa, Stacie, Scott, Molly, and Benjamin; and her great-grandchildren Gillian, Liam, Zoey, Dean, Ryker, Emersyn, and Claire.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Leah’s life at a memorial service on June 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Bowman Funeral Home, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Drive, Garden City. A burial will follow at Meridian Cemetery, 895 E. Franklin Road, Meridian. To honor Leah’s love of Christmas, guests are encouraged to wear a favorite Christmas pin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Leah’s name to the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, an organization she supported for many years.