In the arms of her loving husband, Lea Deloris Fiske Howard Monson completed her life of service and steadfast faith when she unexpectedly passed away October 3, 2009, at her home, in St. George, Utah. Born August 20, 1921, in Chester, Idaho, to Burgess Warner Howard and Edna Irene Blanchard who taught her the virtues of faith, love, and service, Lea eventually moved to Alhambra, California, where she graduated from high school. Lea joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. during World War II and later married Gaylord Julius Monson November 18, 1944. They have loved each other deeply for nearly seventy years. In her middle years, Lea studied and became a Registered Nurse in Southern California, an accomplishment of which she was very proud. She became a very good nurse, enjoying the pediatric ward the most. Lea's personality was always youthful. She was curious and learned much throughout her life. She loved the scriptures. She was wonderful at cooking, quilting, tatting, crocheting, and sewing. She loved writing stories and poems and enjoyed all her friends in the Heritage Writers Guild and the Dixie Chapter of the Utah State Poetry Society. Lea was also a member of and served in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Lea was kind and patient as wife, mother, and grandmother. Her selfless love radiated to all around her. In their last years together, Lea and Gayl enjoyed good physical and mental health, but as they experienced various health problems together, they depended on each other more and more, with their tenderness toward each other deepening. Lea was the model of a disciple of Jesus Christ. She was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. Her most recent calling was working in the temple, which was done with great reverence and thought. She truly loved the temple and always felt peace while there. In recent times, Lea was not able to give all the service she desired to give; nevertheless, she was a continuing example of faith, kindness, and purity of spirit. She was loved by everyone. We will miss her greatly, but we rejoice in her good life, express deep gratitude for knowing her, and look forward with hope to a joyful reunion. Lea is survived by her husband Gayl; their children Julia Monson of St. George, Byron Monson of Los Angeles, and Wendy (Girard Patrick) Phillips of St. George. She is also survived by four grandchildren Brooke, Jay, Paul, and Mark, her sister Alma-Lou Cannon of St. George, and her brothers Max "L" Howard of La Habra, California, and Quilden Don (Alora) Howard of Blackfoot, Idaho. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Dean Howard and Steven "L" Howard. A celebration of Lea's life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 9, 2009, at the LDS Bloomington Stake Center, 200 West Brigham Road. Family and friends may visit Thursday, October 8, 2009, from 6:00-7:30 P.M. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., and Friday, October 9, 2009, from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. prior to the service at the LDS Bloomington Stake Center. Internment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.