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Anita LeAnn Gibson Clukey, 80

Dec. 7, 1938 — 1 Sept., 2019

Anita LeAnn Clukey, 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning, Sept. 1, 2019, at the home of her son, Darryl Clukey, in Park City, Utah. LeAnn was born on Dec. 7, 1938, to Helen and Russ Gibson, in Burley, Idaho.

She was the second born of seven children. She was the only girl and the first one to pass away. She is survived by her brothers, Ed (Marlene) Gibson of Salmon, Idaho; Howard (Judy) Gibson of Payson, Utah; Rick (Sharon) Gibson of Coeur d’Alene; Phil (Julie) Gibson of Samamish, Wash.; Tim (Ann) of Dallas, Ore.; and Tom (Linda) of Shelton, Wash.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Neil Roger Clukey (1936-2012); her parents, John Russell Gibson (1916-2003) and Helen Elizabeth Hanson Gibson (1920-2002); her paternal grandparents, Francis Russell Gibson (1895-1982) and Ora Josephine Brower Gibson (1897- 1987); and her maternal grandparents, Carl Edwin Hanson (1889-1968) and Velma Ann Marrott Hanson (1895-1976).

LeAnn went to elementary school in the Seattle area; her favorite subject was music because it made her happy. Her middle school years were spent in Washington as well. In the 8th grade, she met Neil Clukey, who dared her to take candy from his mouth with hers — a challenge she met! A first kiss! They quickly became an item. High school was full of good times as she enjoyed a continued relationship with Neil. She loved the sock-hops and her friends.

Neil joined the Navy, and the two were married Dec. 10, 1957. They moved to Hawaii where Neil was to be stationed. There they had three children: Scott, Lizabeth and Darryl.

In 1963, Neil was in a military accident, leaving him a paraplegic and changing their lives forever. They moved back to the Seattle area. Here, another child, Cameron, was born in 1964. Due to Neil’s injuries, it was difficult for him to function in the community. Then in 1965, LeAnn’s cousin, Stan, convinced the family to move to Garden Grove, Calif., which they did. This was better for Neil to acquire the skills he needed to function, and their lives began to settle into the routine of caring for each other and their children.

In 1976, the family was sealed together for all time and eternity in the LDS Los Angeles Temple. What a cherished day! That next year, the family moved back to the Northwest, to Spokane, Wash. It was a good move for the family. Scott had graduated, Liz was a senior, Darryl was a sophomore and Cam was in middle school. Family life was busy with two boys in sports.

LeAnn was a very involved parent. During this time she also worked a job she enjoyed at the video store. She watched as each of her children went on missions, married and moved out of the family home.

Later they gifted her with 13 grandchildren: Sheri, Kyle, Mellissa, David, Derek, Brian, Alexis, Connor, Hunter, Brandon, Courtney, Nicholas and Ethan. And then 10 great-grandchildren: Thea, Ben, kai(Ki), Lili, Mannix, Colby, Amia(omia), Rosie, Violet and Chauntel. All of whom have survived her passing.

LeAnn spent many years volunteering in the school system as a teacher’s aide and as P.T.A. president. Later, for several years, she was president of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP), organizing and keeping it going. She was devoted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as Relief Society President, Compassionate Service Leader and Teacher, serving actively. She and her daughter-in-law, Pricilla (Miller), spent many hours taking meals and attending to members’ needs at their homes. On Sundays after church, she would play the piano for hours. She had a strong faith in the Lord and filled her home with the love and peace that the Savior would have her emulate.

LeAnn and Neil taught their children not only God’s Love, but also to enjoy and respect the great outdoors — to enjoy all that God created. It was important to them. They enjoyed tent camping, fishing, going through Indian relics and visiting extended family, staying active. LeAnn was Liz’s Brownie and Girl Scout leader; she also taught the young girls of the church camping and life skills. Liz recalls when a group of girls from church went camping at the beach; it poured rain their first night out. There were many tents including the leaders tents all drenched. The co-leader was pregnant and went into labor. LeAnn gathered all the girls in the rain, she said a prayer and started singing as camp was quickly taken down. She kept calm amongst it all. She was a trooper!

LeAnn loved sewing and crafting. Many of the family have some of her handiwork, like fun quilts and beautiful stitchery. She loved to cook and add new recipes to the family meals. Gardening was a delight to her and she was also very patient teaching others her skills. She loved her many puppy dogs, and they became part of her family too.

Family get-togethers were everything to LeAnn. If she wasn’t hosting a family gathering, she was hosting a church group dinner. She and Neil loved the friendship. Birthdays and holidays were special occasions. Her granddaughter’s wedding was held in their beautiful backyard.

Their yard was a special garden with a gazebo, decks, a wide stone walkway and an elaborate exotic fish pond — water fountain and all. Roses were her pride and joy. The flowers and beautiful plants and trees were a delight, and she loved their uniqueness, like the round lemon cucumbers, Japanese palm tree, colorful and fragrant irises, daylilies, and a special long- blooming crocus. And she often shared plant starts with those who came. Whenever you visited LeAnn and Neil the fun, the hugs and smiles brought a joy you would never forget.

Neil and LeAnn bought an RV to travel and visit family, even going to Arizona for several winters. They lived in Post Fall for almost 20 years. Neil designed their home where they lived before he passed in October of 2012. Selling this home was very difficult for LeAnn. She then moved into assisted living at Affinity, in Coeur d’Alene. Here she fell and broke a hip, precipitating another move, this time to Montana to be near daughter, Liz, at Grizzly Peaks Senior Retirement Center in Missoula. Here she was the librarian, called Bingo, led the book club, played Wii bowling and attended church. She enjoyed her days and she was happy again.

Just last summer, the family gave her a surprise ‘almost 80’ birthday party. And what a surprise it was! With more than 50 guests from all over paying tribute to her on her special day! She was so happy to see all the family and friends who came. Heaven smiled on us all that day.

Again she suffered a break, this time her other hip, which brought new challenges. She lost her ability to live independently. Her son, Darryl, and wife, Jana, graciously took her to live with them in the mountains of Park City, Utah. Here she could get to know her other grandchildren better. She would enjoy watching the wildlife out her bedroom window. However, sadly, it wasn’t long — just six months — before she was called home to the God who loves her, to be reunited with Neil, her dear companion, and with her parents and ancestors who were waiting to greet her in the eternal heavens. Families are forever!

It is too simple to say LeAnn’s biggest accomplishment was being a loving friend, dedicated wife, mother and grandmother to four kids, 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She will be greatly missed! But, all are at peace knowing she once again resides with our Father in Heaven. LeAnn left us such beautiful memories. Her love is still our guide, although we cannot see her, we feel her always near our side. Unconditional love IS the legacy of her life.

Having chosen cremation, a memorial and celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. today, Sept. 14, 2019, in Post Falls at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1824 E. 16th Ave. Interment will take place at the Veterans Wall of Evergreen Cemetery, 2834 N. Spokane St., Post Falls.