Oct. 9, 1955-Sept. 3, 2022
Leta Barlow Hammon was born Oct. 9, 1955, and passed away Sept. 3, 2022. Leta, a twin, was the sixth child of 18 born to Clea Black and Joseph I Barlow Sr. in Hildale, Utah. Twin girls were a delight; however, Leona died six weeks later. Leta considered it a privilege to be a great-granddaughter to Aunt Lizzie Johnson Carling Colvin.
Leta began her primary grades at the old Short Creek School House on Pioneer Street. She moved to the Hildale School for grades 3-7, then returned to Colorado City School for eighth grade and graduated from the Colorado City Academy in 1973.
She started her working career at the local Barco Sewing Plant and continued there a short time after her marriage to L. Daunt Hammon on Oct. 18, 1974.
She worked as a paraprofessional in the school system for several years. For enrichment, Leta attended the Evans Beauty School in 1983 with her lifelong friend Susan Hammon. She returned to the paraprofessional position in special education in 1984 and worked on her college education concurrently.
Leta earned an associate’s degree through MCC, bachelor’s degree from Prescott College and master’s degree from NAU. During her 36 years as a special needs teacher, she worked in harmony with Fawnetta Carroll, Elaine Hammon, Ilene Timpson and others. The dedicated efforts and energies she invested in serving these special needs children endeared her to them and parents alike, to the point that many claimed her as “Mama Leta.”
During this busy career, Leta, along with sister wives Mary and Michelle, raised seven children and three grandchildren.
Leta lived on the sunny side and her ever-ready sense of humor dispelled many tense situations and dull moments, eased frictions and delighted family and friends.
In 1990, under the direction of community leaders, Daunt and family began another service, providing community funeral luncheons. Leta’s ability in leadership, organization and people skills proved vital in this assignment of 32 years and 70 luncheons.
Upon discovery of breast cancer in July 2020, Leta retired from her teaching career that December. In August 2021, she was diagnosed with lung cancer as well. She passed away surrounded by family and friends.
The family wishes to acknowledge the special care of the doctors and staff in the ICU of the St. George Regional Hospital.
There will be a viewing on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 7-9 p.m. at the Centennial Park Chapel, 255 W. Cannon Avenue, Centennial Park, Arizona.
A second viewing will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m.-noon, also at the Centennial Park Chapel followed by the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m.
Interment will take place in the Hammon Family Cemetery, 355 N. Hammon Street, Colorado City, Arizona.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Leta’s online guest book.