Leona Marie VandenAkker Telford

Leona Marie Telford 1922-2013 Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, Leona Marie VandenAkker Telford, passed away peacefully Monday, October 14, 2013 with family members at her side. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Leonard VandenAkker and Marie Unck VandenAkker, the seventh of eight children. She grew up in Taylorsville on her father's dairy farm. She learned to work hard sharing the responsibilities of milking the cows with her two brothers, Dick and Mel. She graduated from Granite High School. She met her lifelong sweetheart, Leonard, when she was working at the White Spot Caf. She and Leonard married in 1940 and were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Marilyn, who passed away at age 2. At the time Leonard was serving in the Navy in World War II. When he returned, they settled in Taylorsville, Utah where they raised four sons and one daughter. Leona was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. She and Leonard were lifelong supporters of the Church's missionary program. She had a great love and talent for raising flowers. Leonard built a greenhouse over their patio and she filled it with beautiful orchids and greenery. She was an excellent cook and loved trying new recipes. She enjoyed sewing for her grandchildren when they were young. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was well known in her family for her laugh. The April Fool's jokes between she and her niece, Anita Lund, were legendary in the neighborhood. Christmas Eve at Grandpa and Grandma Telford's house was unforgettable. Their greatest joys in life were each other and their children and grandchildren. Nonie is survived by her four sons and one daughter, Gary (Jill) currently serving a mission in Preston, England; Jim (Terrie), Bountiful; Randy (Betsy), Sandy; Dan (Karen), Draper; and Janean (Dan) Toone, Taylorsville; 25 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and her brothers Dick and Mel VandenAkker. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, daughter Marilyn, parents, brother John, and sisters, Trudy, Kay, Marietta, and Henrietta. The family wishes to express gratitude for the kind and loving care given by Rita, and all of the Caresource staff, and the staff at Alta Ridge Assisted Living. Gram, One of the Great Ones, Mom, and friend, we love you and miss you and will be forever grateful for the positive influence you have been in our lives. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 21, 2013, 12;00 noon at Taylorsville Stake Center, 1365 West 4800 South. Viewings will be held Sunday, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Monday at the church, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Place of Birth:Salt Lake City, UtahPlace of Death:West Jordan, UtahHobbies:Gardening, cooking, sewing, April Fool's jokes and being with family and friendsOccupation:Homemaker