Keith Alonzo Leavitt

Keith Alonzo Leavitt, age 91, passed away peacefully at home. He was a kind and gentle man who devoted his life to his family, his faith, and quiet service to others.

Keith was born on August 31,1934, in St. George, Utah, to Laurel Leavitt and Melvina Durrant. He was the third of seven children. He spent his early years in Bunkerville, Nevada, and at the age of nine moved with his family to Homedale, Idaho. Those formative years shaped his lifelong love of farming, the outdoors, and hard work. He especially treasured time spent farming and hunting alongside his father and brothers.

An accomplished and enthusiastic athlete, Keith lettered in four sports during high school. His strong work ethic and love of people later led him to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States from 1954 to 1956, where he also had the memorable opportunity to participate in the Hill Cumorah Pageant.

In 1957, Keith was drafted into the United States Army and served honorably until 1959, including two years stationed in Dachau, Germany.

Keith married Linda Swensen in 1960. They were blessed with eight children. Keith earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and taught school for several years in Idaho. In 1971, Keith and Linda moved from Idaho to Provo, Utah, where Keith worked for eight years at Jones’ Paint and Glass. However, Keith was a farmer at heart. They dreamed of having a farm, so in 1979, they moved to Missouri. After two years, they returned to Idaho to help run his father’s apple farm. In 1988, they moved to Mt. Pleasant, Utah, where Keith taught school again, this time as a Special Education teacher.

At their home in Mt. Pleasant, Keith planted a fruit tree orchard and tended a large garden. Growing, tilling, and tending the earth was the labor of his life. He loved sharing garden produce with family and friends. Many boxes of apples, squash, tomatoes, and garlic were personally delivered around the neighborhood each summer. Keith and Linda loved Mt. Pleasant and the friends they made there. It was where they spent some of the happiest and most fulfilling years of their lives.

Keith and Linda shared a deep commitment to service. For 20 years, they served together as Humanitarian Service Missionaries, giving generously of their time and talents. They also loved serving in the temple. Keith was a devoted and supportive husband, always encouraging Linda in her many projects and callings.

Above all else, Keith loved his family. He delighted in time spent with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Cousin parties and family reunions were among his most treasured memories and he took great joy in watching his family grow.

Keith will be remembered for his gentle spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. His legacy of faith, service, and family devotion will continue to bless generations.

He is survived by his brother, Leon Leavitt, his 8 children and their spouses, 29 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 450 N 200 W E, Ephraim, UT. Family and friends are invited to attend. Interment in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery with Military Honors.