Leona (Terry) Pechina

History of: LEONA TERRY
13th May 1928 to 16th June 2014

Daughter of:
Franklin Amos Terry
Ellen Anna Goodliffe

Written by Patricia Ellen Lee (Tricia), her daughter

1 Leona

In 1928, Leona was born then raised in Enterprise, Utah. Her parents were mother Ellen Anna Goodliffe Terry and father Franklin Amos Terry. She was one of ten children. They were hardworking farmer/ranchers and didn’t have much. During the summertime, various family members lived at the ‘Terry Ranch’ twelve miles west of Enterprise. Leona didn’t like it—too rustic for her. The family weathered both The Depression and World War II. Her clothes and other items were mostly second hand, only to be handed down again. She found ways to earn money, but her father would take what the children earned. Later, she worked in Cedar City, Utah during summer time, and with her mother’s help was able to save money for herself.

A few childhood memories

At one time she and another sibling opened an old cupboard or stove outside and encountered a curled up rattlesnake. Luckily no one was hurt.
Another time, she and her sisters, LaVerna and Jewel were playing by a canal. Younger, smaller Jewel fell in. The water was fast flowing and Jewel was approaching an area that would force her under water. They were terrified, yelling for help, running alongside the canal. Fortunately, help did arrive and she was saved.
Leona was afraid of snakes and cautious around water for the rest of her life!
After high school graduation, LaVerna and her friend moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. While still a teenager in High School, Leona visited them at Christmas time. She rode the train there and back all by herself. She was aware, intelligent, capable, strong and independent. When she graduated, she joined them until she could make it on her own.

THUS BEGAN LIFE IN THE BIG CITY!

It was World War II and it was hard, but they shared rent, worked, went to dances, etc. and started dating. Leona went on a trip to San Francisco with friends. This was a major event! She was a lively and attractive young woman.

She married in 1948. They were poor; her husband worked and went to the University of Utah. She also worked. Leona had two children in her lifetime, a son and a daughter, in the early 1950’s.

Eventually her husband established a good career, starting in the Orem/Provo, Utah area. During that time, Leona studied to be a teacher at BYU and they both upgraded two homes. Leona had a gift for creating beautiful home space. These early family years were a ‘GOLDEN TIME’. There was a lot of happy togetherness. They were both loving, devoted parents. There were many family activities, outings, journeys, playtime, educational opportunities, birthday and holiday celebrations, extended family gatherings and church activities. They had both succeeded in giving their children what Leona didn’t have as a child.

In the early 1960’s, the family moved back to Salt Lake City when her husband advanced his career. In the late 1960’s, Leona and her husband divorced. Although she had tried to keep the family together, she did not succeed. They were married twenty years. The destructive impact had an effect on everyone that lasted a lifetime. During this difficulty, Leona would often drive up the canyon to a quiet spot next to a stream to comfort and nurture herself and to find clarity. She loved the beauty of nature.

She had begun teaching school, so she had a lucrative career. Around 1970, she moved to South Salt Lake where she lived for 27 years. She remarried about the same time. They were married for 30-35 years. He was hardworking and helpful to her.

A story regarding family

In the 1980’s her brother, Arnold suffered an extended life crisis. Leona stood by him steadfastly and helped any way she could. Different family members have said that she was helpful and supportive of them in various ways and circumstances. They were also helpful and supportive in her times of need. She was compassionate, caring and kind, intuitive, patient and a very good listener, like her mother.

Now retired, in 1997, she and her husband relocated to St. George, Utah. She wanted to live in a warmer climate, smaller home, and to be by her son. She always stood by him, was protective and supportive, and a good friend to him. After a lifetime of hard work and challenge, Leona took it easy, enjoying the security and stability of well-planned retirement. She had decorated her lovely home, which they both enjoyed and valued.

After her husband’s death in 2004, her daughter took care of her at home for the last 10 years of her life. Leona’s health and capabilities had declined. During that time she lived a sheltered and cushioned existence. There were many long drives thru scenic areas and long talks, various outings and family time. She enjoyed the privacy, peace and comfort of home.

A Special Family Event

In 2012, Leona and her daughter traveled from their home in Sedona, Arizona to Jewel’s home in Cedar City, Utah. Her sisters, LaVerna and Jean (and Jean’s cute little dog) were there too. It was a HEAVEN SENT, BLESSED REUNION. Everyone retoured Enterprise, the ‘Terry Ranch’, and enjoyed a picnic at the reservoir. They visited Kolob Canyon, enjoyed good meals, prayers, each other’s company, played games and laughed a lot!

People in her community were fond of and kind to Leona. She died in St. George, Utah. All of her then living siblings were able to visit her before her death. Leona’s daughter, Jewel and Heidi (Jewel’s granddaughter) and Leona’s close friend were there.

IN SUMMARY

Leona was a good person, daughter, sister, wife, mother and teacher. Her life centered around marriage and establishing security and stability of finance and home—providing for herself and family. Her life also revolved around children, both her own and the 1^st graders that she taught. Thru her career, she was able to influence many people for the better. She was committed and dedicated to being a good teacher. She created a colorful and artistic school room within which to learn. She enjoyed their cute and often funny ways and helping them to grow. Her niece, Dorothy said that both Leona and her first husband inspired and supported her toward becoming better educated.

Leona was hardworking, practical, persevering and tenacious, and could be lethal when crossed. She had the ‘Terry Women Grit’. She had weaknesses and faults as well as many strengths and virtues. There were failures as well as successes. As her daughter, I have learned and grown thru it all. I cherish many special memories and now share this quote: “ALL THAT I AM OR HOPE TO BE I OWE TO MY ANGEL MOTHER”. I love her very much.