Nellie DeRyke Leishman, age 95, beautiful wife and our devoted mother, returned home to her Heavenly Father Saturday, January 6, 2007. Her loving family surrounded her bedside at the Beehive Homes of Logan. She was born to Marinus DeRyke and Pieternella Sandman of Ogden on March 11, 1911. Her Dutch parents, who immigrated to Utah after being baptized into the Mormon Church by the young LeGrand Richards, gave her the name of Neeltje Anna DeRyke . Nellie and her only brother, Harry, worked side by side in their parents’ Dutch bakery. She graduated from East High School and the LDS Business College in SLC.

At the early age of 18 she was called to serve her first mission for the LDS church in the Eastern States Mission, where she met the young handsome Elder Frank Leishman from Wellsville, Utah. After their mission the two met again and fell in love. They were married in the Logan, Utah Temple on November 15, 1933. Together they served two additional missions, one in Oakland, California and the other in Laia, Hawaii. They have loved and cherished each other these many years together, celebrating their 73rd wedding anniversary last November.

Nellie was a caring mother of six daughters and her favorite son. She taught her children to love life, to appreciate the world around them, to love God, to serve and be compassionate to others. Mother loved being at home, being a dairy farmer’s wife, and cooking and baking for family for friends. She was a gracious host and made everyone feel welcome in her home. She was an avid letter writer, and made sure she kept in touch with the many friends she and Frank had made over the years. They traveled extensively and always made a point to stop and see there friends in other parts of the country. Nellie kept her hands busy and enjoyed crocheting and embroidery … even on her trips.

She had a strong testimony of the Gospel and was a woman of great faith. She was an accomplished teacher of the Gospel; she enjoyed teaching both young and old. She received her honorary Golden Gleaner award; she served in many church callings including Relief Society President where she freely gave compassionate service to all in need.

Her greatest recognition has come from her beautiful contralto voice. She has entertained with song, readings and inspirational talks all over Utah and Southern Idaho. She is especially remembered for her singing at countless funerals and for performing programs at clubs, civic and church events all over the area. She has given a generous life of service to her large family and many friends and neighbors throughout her life. She was honored as Wellsville’s outstanding citizen in 1986.

She is survived by her sweetheart and husband Frank; her children Dorretta Probasco, serving a mission in London, England; Donnetta (Keith) Stuart, McKay (Sharon) Leishman and Geneil (Don) Smart, of Wellsville; Sanda Lee (Terry) Jorgensen - Gilbert, Arizona; Francine (Bob) Davis - River Heights; and Twila (Dee) Wood – Smithfield, Utah. She has 31 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren and 12 great- great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, January 11, 2007, in the Wellsville 7th Ward at 660 S. 100 West in Wellsville. A viewing will be Wednesday 6 to 8 PM at the Allen – Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street and at the church on Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM prior to the service. Interment will be in the Wellsville cemetery.

Condolences may be extended to the family online at Allen Mortuaries.

Our family gives sincere thanks to the Beehive Homes of Logan, the Home Health Care, and to Access Hospice for their loving care and support of our mother.