Leah McLaws Briggs

Leah Briggs, 95, of Syracuse, Utah, returned to her Heavenly Father on May 23, 2023, in Ogden, Utah. She was born on December 29, 1927, in Joseph City, Arizona to Archie Leo and Victoria McLaws. Leah was raised in Joe City. She married Melvin DeSpain in 1946; they were later divorced.

Leah was a very hard-working woman. During her career she wore many hats: casher, secretary, waitress, bank teller, but her most favorite was Real Estate Broker in California, Arizona, and Utah.

In 1989, Leah married Lewis Briggs from Syracuse, Utah. She is survived by their children, Vicki (Dennis) Eldridge, Pam (Val) Youngberg, daughter-in-law, Charity DeSpain, John (Donna) Briggs, and Dean (Robyn) Briggs. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Leah was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Briggs; and two sons, Barry Todd DeSpain and Kevin Briggs. Leah was an unconditionally loving and generous mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Syracuse City Cemetery, 1250 South 1000 West, Syracuse, Utah 84075. Immediately after, join us for a “Celebration of Life” at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building on 550 North 2300 West, West Point, Utah 84015.

Appreciation is given to Aimee Poe and her staff at Beehive House in Syracuse for the loving support and care given to Leah the last year-and-a-half of her life.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary, 869 South 2000 West, Syracuse, Utah.

ORDER VIDEOS