Veda LeBaron

Our beautiful, virtuous, and beloved mother, Veda Pilling LeBaron, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2022 in her San Jose home of 56 years.  She was surrounded by her loving children as they kissed her cheeks and held her tender hands.  She blessed the world on January 7,1932, born in Cardston, Alberta, Canada to Elias Charles Wells Pilling and Annie Doris Hunt, and was the second of four children: Grant, Garda (predeceased) and Moyle.

Veda's incredible life of 90 years was full of unconditional love and kindness to all. Her patience, compassion, generosity, gratitude, and gentle nature were the essence of an exemplary woman.  Her greatest happiness was her large family.  She is survived by her eight close-knit children: Debbie (Dave) Crane, Brian (Michelle) LeBaron, Karen (John) Lawler, Mark (Debi) LeBaron, Linda (Carl) Horton, Brenda (Randy) Garner, Judy (Kerry) Burnham, and Gary (Patti) LeBaron. What began with 8 adoring children, soon became 42 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren, totaling 111 descendants!  At birth, each child was given a red rosebud number with a personal poem, beginning with Debbie, Rosebud #1.   Special occasions were her specialty as she sent lovely handwritten, heartfelt cards to all. She relished every visit and phone call with her time and attention to each loved one, even to taking notes.

In 1953, Veda met the love of her life, Francis C. LeBaron, when he warmly took her hand in church and said, "It's so nice to meet you." They were married 5 months later in the Cardston, Alberta temple and excitedly began their new life together in Utah. In 1966 they moved to San Jose, California and opened a self-preparedness & health food store in 1970. With great passion and dedication, they ran The Beehive Country Store side by side until 2003. Veda was the reigned supreme ""Queen Bee." Ten years later Francis passed away, and now she is joyfully reunited with her sweetheart of 60 years for eternity. It was delightful to discover that she wrote beautiful poetry to him often.

Veda was a farmer's daughter who loved to ride her horse to school. She learned at a young age the value of hard work and pure selflessness. She was an ideal student and avid reader of every good book. She loved the scriptures and read, pondered, and lived by them each day. She honored her Canadian heritage and looked forward to every glorious family reunion.

Veda's sweet smile and cute giggle, amazing memory of special people and places, and her appreciation for each endearing gift will be forever cherished and remembered.   Her fresh baked bread and pies, canned seasonal fruit and bottled homegrown tomatoes, and fried chicken for birthday parties at the beach, was an expression of her love.  With her dearest Francis by her side, Veda traveled this wonderful world visiting treasured family and friends.  She loved to serve, whether with her countless friends in Relief Society or her darling primary class, she was loyal in all her church callings. She enjoyed singing in the choir and thoughtfully visited the sick. She volunteered tirelessly at the Bishops Storehouse and attended the Oakland temple faithfully each week. She was president of the San Jose chapter of Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Veda's goodness, integrity, and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ remained steadfast, strong, and true her entire life. She is an example and inspiration to all and will be remembered fondly forever and a day.

Please join with us to celebrate Veda's Christ-centered life of timeless love and service. To honor her rosebud legacy, you are invited to wear red, pink, or white clothing to her funeral service on Friday, July 15th at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the American Fork LDS Church, 850 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah.  Interment will take place at the American Fork Cemetery under the direction of Anderson & Sons Mortuary.  Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.andersonmortuary.com.  Her Memorial is to be held on July 23rd at 10:30 a. m. in the LDS Church, 1655 Noreen Drive, San Jose, CA.

If you're unable to attend the service in person, please select the following Zoom link to attend the services virtually https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84943694058