Margie Lea Cleverley

POCATELLO - Margie Lea Cleverley passed away at the age of 83 in her home of Pocatello, Idaho on the morning of February 7, 2009. She was surrounded by her loved ones, who find peace in knowing she has joined her beloved companion, Owen Cleverley, who passed away in April 2008.

Margie was born on December 20, 1925 in Small, Idaho to Esther Lent and Charles Wayne Leonardson. She attended Ucon High School where she met her future husband, Owen. After high school, Margie pursued her studies in history at Rick's College and The University of Idaho. Her studies were interrupted by the opportunity to teach school. From 1944 to 1945 she taught 7th and 8th grades in Dubois, Idaho and from 1945 " 1946 she taught at Rigby Elementary.

During this time she became engaged to Owen, who had served in the Navy Air Corps in the Pacific through the end of World War II. They were engaged on January 14, 1946 and the devoted sweethearts were married on March 27, 1946. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on August 22, 1956. They were happily married for 62 years, until Owen's passing last year. They were the proud parents of seven children. During their years together they lived in Idaho Falls, Ammon, and American Falls. They then spent a few years Wenatchee, Richland, and Vancouver Washington before settling in Pocatello in 1976.

Margie dedicated her life to her family, who will be forever grateful to her for her love and service. She described her family as “the jewels in her crown”. In addition to her family, her other priorities and interests included: church service, genealogy, music, history, sewing, gardening and canning. She was a talented, resourceful and intelligent woman, who had great integrity, tenacity, devotion and faith. She inspired those around her.

She is survived by her seven children and their families, whom she loved dearly: Michael Cleverley (Seija) of Frederisckburg, Virginia; Lorilee Cleverley Emery of Salt Lake City, Utah; Jeannine Cleverley Emery of Seattle, Washington; Larry Cleverley (Brigette) of Portland, Oregon; Paul Cleverley (Linda) of St. George, Utah; Marianne Costello (John) of Mukilteo, Washington; and John Cleverley of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She leaves behind 23 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and two sisters, Geneva Gianchetta of Twin Falls, and Joanne Gotch of Shelley and a brother, Arliss Leonardson of Great Falls, Montana. She also leaves behind many dear friends, many of whom are here in Pocatello, a place she was happy to call home for so many years.

Those from her immediate family who preceded her in death are her parents, husband and a brother Gail Leonardson,

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 AM, Monday, February 9, 2009 at El Rancho LDS Ward, 300 E. Chapel Road, with Bishop Matthew Schiffman conducting. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 PM this evening, Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road. The burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in section 53 East.