Leah Zollinger Spraktes

Leah Zollinger Spraktes, age 85, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2014 in Preston, Idaho from congestive heart failure. She was born in Logan, Utah on December 24, 1928 to David Leland Zollinger and Wilma Wells Whitney Zollinger, the oldest of two daughters. Growing up, Leah spent the winters in Providence, Utah and the summers on the ranch in Mackay, Idaho. Leah graduated from Utah Agricultural College and received her Master’s Degree from Columbia University in New York. She married Floyd W. Spraktes on Sept. 6, 1955 and they raised their 3 children in Arco, Idaho. In 2006 they moved to Preston, Idaho where they loved their new neighbors and Leah enjoyed participating in the quilting guild. Throughout her life, Leah was involved in numerous community and church organizations. She traveled around the world, was interested in and loved many things, and blessed the lives of countless family members and friends. She truly enjoyed people. Leah taught high school, worked for the extension office and ran a Dry Goods store. Leah (AKA Gramma Sal and Aunt Sal) was always involved with her children and grandchildren. She traveled with them, crafted with them, sewed for them, cooked for them, made them fudge, caramels, cherry chocolates and "Virginity", played cards, dominoes and board games with them, wore them out shopping and attended their concerts, competitions and parties. She loved them and laughed with them. Leah was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter-in-law, Kerri Lynn Burroughs Spraktes. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, and children: Terri (Klark) Gailey, of Cove, UT; Lee (Suzan) Spraktes, of Riverton, UT; Mark Spraktes of Arco, ID; her sister Beverlee Zollinger Murray of Bountiful, UT; nine grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A viewing will be from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Richmond Stake Center at 135 W. Main St. Richmond, Utah. Funeral Services will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Providence City Cemetery, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. Friends and family are invited to gather that afternoon at the Gailey home, 11867 N 1600 E, Cove, Utah at 2 p.m. for an informal open house in celebration of Leah's life. Cache Valley Mortuary is in charge of the arrangement.Condolences may be shared online on this website.