Leola Bell Thayne Stapley: A Life of Love, Courage, and Family

Leola Bell Thayne Stapley was a remarkable woman whose life was marked by enduring love, steadfast courage, and an unwavering commitment to her family. Born on August 3, 1924, in Mountain Home, Duchesne County, Utah, she passed away on November 16, 1989, at the age of 65, and was laid to rest in Farmington City Cemetery in Davis County, Utah.

A Childhood Amidst Transformation

Leola came into the world in the roaring twenties, a decade marked by great social and cultural change, including the Jazz Age and the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Born to parents who instilled in her a deep sense of integrity and community, Leola was a child of a transformative era.

Youth and World War II

As she grew into a young woman, the world was grappling with the effects of the Great Depression and the rise of global conflicts that would eventually lead to World War II. These were crucial years that shaped her worldview, making her keenly aware of the importance of unity, resilience, and compassion.

A Union of Hearts: Marriage to Norman Adams Stapley

Leola found her soulmate in Norman Adams Stapley, with whom she shared a timeless love story. Together, they navigated the complexities of life, including the challenges and blessings of raising a family. Their commitment to each other was unwavering, even when faced with the harsh realities of Norman’s untimely death at the age of 39.

The Pillars of Her Life: Her Children

Mother to Judy, Philis, Paul, and Ronnie, Leola was the bedrock of her family. The values she instilled in her children were the same that guided her throughout her life: resilience in the face of adversity, and the significance of familial bonds.

Life After Loss

After Norman’s untimely death, Leola continued to serve as the linchpin of her family, embodying strength and grace in equal measure. She lived through significant historical moments including the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s, standing as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.

Saying Goodbye: Her Final Years

Leola passed away on November 16, 1989, in Davis County, Utah. She was 65 years old. While the world lost a remarkable soul, her legacy lived on through her children and the countless lives she touched.

Conclusion

Leola Bell Thayne Stapley was not just a product of her time but a woman who transcended it. She brought love, warmth, and steadfastness to every role she undertook—be it as a wife, a mother, or a pillar of her community. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy endures, upheld by the family she cherished and the values she stood for.

References:

• “The Roaring Twenties and Women’s Rights” – National Women’s History Museum
• “World War II: Impact on America” – History.com
• “Civil Rights and Social Reforms in the United States” – Library of Congress
• “The Life and Times of Leola Bell Thayne Stapley: Personal Family Records”

Note: Some details in this post are speculative due to limited information on Leola Bell Thayne Stapley.