Verna Leavitt Cottam passed away Friday, May 16, 2008, at her home in St. George, Utah. She was born January 8, 1910, in Gunlock, Utah, to Susan Isabell Burgess and Lemuel S. Leavitt. She married Arthur Ronald Cottam on May 30,1933, in the St. George LDS Temple.

Verna spent some childhood years in Bunkerville, Nevada, but lived most of her life in Veyo and St. George. She loved yellow roses, lilies, music, and story telling. She was an avid reader and an excellent writer. She excelled academically graduating as class Valedictorian from both Dixie High School and Dixie College. She was a faithful member of the LDS church, holding many callings including years of service as Primary President.

Verna was a pioneer through more than 98 years of provident living. She grew up doing field labor, cultivating a strong work ethic. Whether nurturing crops or people, Verna always demonstrated commitment and devotion. She dedicated a life time of caring and unfeigned love to her friends and family, including 27 grandchildren and 66 great-grandchildren. Verna mentored her children through school lessons, giving support and encouragement for piano lessons, vocal lessons and sports. She was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Verna made beautiful afghans and crocheted lovely doilies. Favorite memories will always include her homemade bread, rolls, dried fruit, and wild black berries.

She is survived by six children, Ronald Kenton Cottam of New York, Dean Leavitt (Sharon) Cottam of Veyo, Karen Cottam of

St. George, Lynda (Art) Paxman of Washington, UT, Margaret Erickson of St. George, and Arthur Leavitt (Jillyn) Cottam of

St. George; one daughter-in-law, Beth A. Cottam; Four sisters-in-law, Rena Leavitt, Afton Leavitt, Mary (L.K) Abbott, Dixie Cottam, Clara Cottam; and one brother-in-law, Alma Evans. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; infant son and daughter, Thomas P. and Connie Cottam; son, Gery Sidney Cottam; son-in-law, Donn Erickson; ten siblings, Belle Jones, Vilate Webb, Glen Leavitt, Lila Seitz, James Leavitt, Dorothy Bledsoe, Hazel Bracken Farnworth, Emily Lytle Barnum, Leo Leavitt and Ken Leavitt.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 23, 2008, at 12:00 p.m. in the St. George 6th Ward Chapel, 100 S. 400 E. Friends may call at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., Thursday, May 22, 2008, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and again Friday, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. prior to services, at the Chapel. Interment will take place in the St. George City Cemetery