Edna Leora Topham Belliston completed her mortal journey on Thursday, May 5, 2022, surrounded by members of her loving family, just 32 days before her 100th birthday.  Her life was characterized by love, service, warmth, faith and steadfastness. Throughout her life she continually thought first of the comfort and well-being of others before herself.  Her husband and their posterity were her greatest joy and they always knew by her words and actions that they were loved and cherished.

She was born June 6, 1922, in Santaquin, Utah, to Mretta Jameson and John Wesley Topham.  She was raised on a farm where she learned to work hard.  She graduated from Payson High School in 1940.  As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she faithfully served as a stake young women president, ward Relief Society president, and in many other callings which enabled her to use her talents to help, love and serve others.  She was a long-time member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers.

Leora had many talents and abilities which she continually developed and added upon, which enriched her life and the lives of many.  One of those talents was developed by taking an art class in her early 60s which resulted in many beautiful paintings.  Also in her 60s she went to aerobics 3 times per week until age 92.  She frequently said, “You have to keep moving!”

It was in Nephi, Utah, that she met Vernon Milton Belliston, who became her eternal sweetheart when they married on July 31, 1940, in the Manti Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They lived in Salt Lake City, where their first child was born while Vern worked for Remington Arms, until 1943 when Vern was recruited to work on the Manhattan Project at Hanford, Washington.  They settled in Richland, Washington, where they were blessed with five more children.  Their children were raised with love, affection and memorable traditions which fostered close family ties.  After their children were grown, she and Vern served a mission in the Alabama Birmingham Mission.  They were married for 73 years before he passed away the day after their anniversary in 2013.

Leora is survived by her devoted children:  Erlynn Lofthouse (Merrill), West Jordan, UT; Linda Boehning (Dick), Richland, WA; Joan Eyre, West Richland, WA; David Belliston (Keiko), West Richland, WA; Debra Hatch (Clay), West Valley City, UT; and Brian Belliston, Richland, WA.  Also survived by 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren/great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by parents; all 10 siblings; an infant granddaughter, Lacey Belliston; and a son-in-law, Larry Eyre.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 14, 2:00 pm, Paradise Chapel, 4500 Maple Lane, West Richland, WA.  A viewing will be held Friday, May 13, 6-8 pm at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home, 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland WA, and again at the church prior to the funeral service, at 12:45 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund or Missionary Fund.