LeOra Austin Bloxham

Franklin, Idaho - - - LeOra A. Bloxham

Franklin - With the loving support of her husband and children, LeOra Austin Bloxham, returned home to the arms of her Heavenly Father on August 24, 2010. LeOra was born in Cleveland, Idaho on December 10,1927 to Orvil Butler and Catherine Nielson Austin. She was the oldest daughter of six children. At the age of 3 her family moved to Downey, Idaho where she lived until moving to Franklin, Idaho in 1977. She married her sweetheart, Merl H. Bloxham on July 18, 1945. They were later sealed on May 4, 1964 in the Logan LDS Temple. They just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with their family and friends.

LeOra was active in the community throughout her lifetime with involvement in bowling leagues, The Red Cross, The Federated Women's Club of America, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Historical Society and the Idaho Library Association, and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary Pink Ladies. Throughout her life LeOra received her GED as well and took many college classes furthering her education in library science. With both these classes as well as many others she earned the equivalent of several college credits. LeOra spent many hours of service in both the old and new libraries in Downey. She felt that one of her greatest achievements was the cataloging and organizing of the Downey library system. This process took several years. After moving to Franklin she served many years at the Preston Carnegie Library before retiring. She received many awards for all her involvements in both community and church. LeOra taught as a guest teacher for one of her professors at Boise State College, as well as helped many people receive their GED's.

She was an active member in the LDS church, serving for many years in Primary, Relief Society, Mutual and as a Temple Matron in the Logan Temple. She was also a visiting teacher up to the time of her passing. She was loved by many children and friends as she served these callings with her whole heart. LeOra rightfully earned the title of "best baker" when the smell of her baking floated through the air to the children of Downey. They passed the code "LeOra's baking" very quickly thru town and many flocked to her home for these goodies.

Her hobbies were: gardening, quilting, genealogy, painting. She loved to travel, although her health limited some of these activities in the last few years of her life. She was still a very active lady! Between her and Merl they made and tied 27 quilts this spring.

LeOra and Merl raised six children,each of whom she loved and was very proud of.
LeOra is survived by her husband, Merl H. Bloxham, children Karen Hebdon, West Point, Ut.; Linda Anderson, Logan, Ut.; Lee and Peggy Bloxham, Gillete, Wyo.; Kevin and Debbie Bloxham, Pocatello, Id.; Paula and Don Knighton, Harrisville, Ut.; and Tim and Leslie Bloxham, Pocatello, Id.; 19 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Denny (Penny) Austin, Marysville, Wa.; and sisters Catherine (Ray) Hurst, Roy, Ut; Athel Chelsea (Loren) Mounteer, Logan, Ut; and Carol Anne (Brent) Conlin, Amarillo, Tx. LeOra was preceded in death by her parents and her brother and sister-in-law Glen Orvil and Gwen Austin.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2010 at the Franklin LDS Stake Center, Franklin, Idaho. Friends may call at Webb Funeral Home's new location, 1005 South 800 East in Preston on Friday, August 27, from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. or from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service on Saturday at the Stake Center. Interment will be in the Downey Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com

In lieu of flowers LeOra wanted people to make donations to either the Diabetes Foundation or The Perpetual Education Fund or to your local library.