Rebecca Ann Leishman

Rebecca Ann Peay Leishman, a beautiful daughter of God, was taken from her family and loved ones way too soon on August 16, 2025, as a result of a pedestrian/vehicle accident in Logan, Utah. She had just turned 57 years old. She was reluctant to turn 57 because her mother died at the same age. However she was so happy creating special memories with her family especially the weeks leading up to and through her last birthday.

Rebecca was born August 2, 1968 to Teddy S. Peay and Sandra G. Hatch in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was the first of six children. Rebecca grew up in Albuquerque and attended school at Alamdea Elementary, Taylor Middle School, and Cibola High where she was an active member of the school Gymnastics Team, and a member of the Gold Key Club (which is a national club recognized for its recurring service projects that make a positive impact on their communities). She attended BYU for two years with an emphasis on interior design. She loved coming home during semester breaks. After her marriage, she attended Utah State University where where she earned an Associates Degree.

Rebecca was always neat and well organized. When their mother was away from home it was Rebecca who kept the family in line, hair combed, well dressed and made sure that her younger siblings behaved appropriately. Her Father Ted, claims that when her mother, Sandra, died from cancer at the age of 57, Rebecca unquestionably became the surrogate matriarch of the family; assuming the role of a mother at special times such as births of babies, times of illness or other time a mother’s touch was needed. As a result she is revered by her nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Through acts such as these she well preserved the legacy her mother Sandra left when she passed on.

When they were teenagers, Rebecca and Rachael shared a room One side (Rebecca’s) was always clean, neat and everything in it’s proper place. Rachael’s side was a complete different story. Rebecca left for school earlier and returned home later than Rachael. Rachael often borrowed Rebecca’s clothes without permission. She soon learned that she needed to return the borrowed item to the same exact place in the closet. Rebecca color coordinated her clothes and knew immediately when something was out of place.

She met the love of her life while she was home on a break from school. David R. Leishman was serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ in New Mexico at the time and was often invited to the Peay home for dinner. She married David January 12, 1989 in the Logan LDS Temple. She must have loved him very much because she experienced a trial of fire right before they were married when she went with David’s entire family on a trip to Canada- ten people in a white suburban.

Rebecca’s compassionate nature was well known. A shining example was the hundreds of selfless hours she spent easing the burdens of her sister-in-law Christine. She served Christine right up until she passed away in her fortieth year of life.

Rebecca was very service oriented and served her Church and community tirelessly. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in many callings in the Church excelling in all whether it be in Primary, Young Women’s, Relief Society or as a ministering sister. She was devoted to her Savior. Her testimony was unshakable. She attended the Temple weekly, including the day she was taken from us. She loved attending with her children, especially with Mason, her youngest son who recently received his endowment. Her life was a perfect example of Christ-like living.

Rebecca was David’s right-hand-man when it came to supporting his outfitting business. She became a first rate scheduler, ranch cook, and clean-up guru. All the hunter’s (and everyone who met her) were amazed at her stamina and happy attitude. Rebecca and David experienced many trials throughout their lives and as a result they learned to rely on each other and especially on Christ. Through sickness and trials they always shared each other’s burdens and grew closer as a result. Their love is an example that will endure time and eternity.

Rebecca often exhibited her organized nature. When David or her boys would leave hats, glasses or boots out, within minutes Rebecca would helpfully put them away in their proper place. She always taught her children to take pride in keeping the home neat and clean. Her children often had to do the job again when cleaning checks were failed.

Rebecca was very talented. She was a beautiful seamstress. She and her mother, Sandra, made her wedding dress which was intricate and exquisite. Rebecca was also an outstanding quilt maker and made many beautiful quilts table runners, and baby blankets which she often gave as gifts to others. She loved to quilt with her daughter-in-law Jessee who has created a flourishing business designing unique dresses and quilts.

Rebecca loved gardening and always kept her yard filled with beautiful shrubs and flowers. She could often be seen walking her granddaughters through her gardens, sharing her love of all growing things. They especially loved picking and eating her home grown strawberries and raspberries. Her home was decorated charmingly for every holiday and season. At Christmas time and Easter her home was like a fairyland where Jesus was the always the main focus. Her daughter Brinley was her best protégé. She found great delight in teaching her all her decorating secrets and how to make every holiday special.

Birthday’s were always special for Rebecca. On each of her children’s and spouses birthday, she prepared a special dinner for that person. The menu was chosen by the person celebrating their birthday. She always prepared a special (best dress only) Valentine’s Day dinner. This special occasion was a tradition from the time the kids were young.

Every Sunday Rebecca cooked a big Sunday dinner. Everyone was invited and her table was overflowing with a delicious meal. Her home was always warm and welcoming to whoever entered through her door. She was generous in sharing her recipes with others. We will always cherish the taste and smell of her taco soup, peanut butter bars, semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies, enchiladas, butter chicken, homemade rolls, etc. She was often seen making dinners for a family in need as well as sweet treats to lighten the burdens of others. A neighborhood gift of her family favorite recipes was a looked-forward to gift for friends, family, and ward members. She often made specialty meals three or even four different ways for the special dietary needs of her husband and daughter-in-law AnJeanette and her grandbabies. She always went the extra mile to make everyone feel loved and included.

Rebecca diligently worked at Providence Elementary as a Kitchen Cook for eleven years. She was loved by fellow workers and children alike. Her nieces and nephews who attended the school always made time to rush into the kitchen to give her a hug and a hello before class started. She made all the students and school employees feel special.

Rebecca made friends easily. From the ladies at work to neighbors and ward members, she included everyone in her family of friends. Making lifetime memories was her specialty. We are reluctant to give specific names because the list would be very long. She loved and served her friends without measure.

Rebecca could easily be noted as Mother of the Century. From the time she held her first child to the present day, she loved her children unconditionally. She was a tribute to motherhood as she taught her rowdy boys and little daughter with patience and meekness. She supported her children through success and trials. From scouting, to sports to showing pigs she was their greatest supporter.

Her main focus in life was her husband and children. She always said she was rich because she had a family. She dedicated her whole life in serving them and meeting their needs. David often remarked that Rebecca was his heart and soul. Her first thought every morning was, “How can I help David and my Children today?” Her kids would often wake up to texts from her checking in on them. Her devotion to her husband and children was without end. Her daughter-in-law Madi experienced especially difficult pregnancies. Rebecca was by her side, easing her burdens though the entire pregnancies. This resulted in two beautiful granddaughters, Claire and Lucy. Lucy is named Lucy Rebecca in honor of her grandmother.

Some of Rebecca’s traits have passed on to her children- just like the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. For example, Austin often resembles his mother in his caring for others. He is very family oriented and loves to share time with his family. Loren, as well, cares deeply about those he loves and will do anything he can to help them. Landon, who is the oldest, has been a stalwart leader in his devotion to his family. He always eats last after everyone is taken care of, the way his mom did. Rebecca worried constantly and prayed for the safety of her son, Dylan who serves in the U.S. Navy. She was very proud of his accomplishments while serving his country as he is as hard-working as his mother. Her only daughter Brinley was her best friend. They loved sharing in Costa Vida, Disney, and girls nights. Mason was Rebecca’s right-hand sitter for the grandbabies and he shows the same love and patience for them that she did.

Her crowning joy in life was her three beautiful granddaughters. She looked forward to their arrival, saving all of her own kids’ toys and books for decades. She loved bathing them, feeding them, buying clothes, and cuddling them. Her love for these little girls was pure and deep. She never tired of being with her babies and delighted in teaching them and seeing them smile. She taught them where their nose was, how to say please, and how to bake. She loved to play with them. She would run through the sprinkler, jump on the trampoline, rock on the porch swing, and sit on the floor for hours with them. She was always eager to tend them when their parents had obligations. Claire, Kate and Lucy adored their grandma right back and she was their favorite person.

Her life was the perfect example of Christlike love. She taught all of us to love and serve. The void she is leaving behind is massive and she will be greatly missed, but she is needed in an important work on the other side of the veil. Her greatest desire was for her family to be united in love and Christ and her passing is ushering that work. They know with assurance that they will see her again and joyfully long for that blessed reunion.

Rebecca is reunited in heaven with her mother, Sandra, her sister-in-law Christine, and her brother-in-law Kenny.

She is survived by her husband David, her six children Landon (AnJeanette), Loren (Madison), Dylan, Austin (Jessee), Brinley, and Mason; her three beautiful granddaughters Claire, Kate, and Lucy; her father Ted (JoNell); her siblings Russell (Heather), Rachael (Kevin), Randall (Laurie), Rhonda (Erik), and Rion; her in-laws Roland and Ruth, Kathy (Derek), Sharon (Kenny), Jay, Joani, Robert (Heather) and her 32 nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 12:00 noon in the Paradise North LDS chapel, 9060 South 200 West in Paradise. Viewings will be Sunday evening, August 24th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the same church, 9060 South 200 West in Paradise; and again from 10:30 - 11:30 AM prior to the funeral services. Interment will be in the Paradise City Cemetery, Paradise, Utah.

We would like to thank White Pine Funeral Home for hosting the services. We would also love to express our gratitude for all of the people who assisted our mother in the accident and the hours following. Thank you to the talented staff at Logan Regional and McKay-Dee hospitals, life flight, and EMS responders. We owe our hearts to the angel ladies who sat by her side, comforted, and supported her until help arrived- Lisa McBride, Kayla Elgan, Judy Brown, and Marissa Vierra.

“I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.” Doctrine and Covenants 64:10