1980 ~ 2013
Leslie Higbee, born Leslie Jo Clinger, 33, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013 at the University of Utah Medical Center following an extended illness. Surrounded by many who loved her, she embarked on the next steps of her journey into eternity.
She was born Jan. 25, 1980 in Pocatello, ID, to Douglas and Jolene Munsee Clinger, the first of four children. Leslie did everything early, walking by the age of 9 ½ months, talking like a tiny adult by 1 ½ years old, and absorbing everything she could learn as quickly as possible. Music, card making, knitting, reading, and theatre were all passions for her, but her abilities didn’t stop there. She created a lovely home, crafted, played games with a vengeance, float tube fished, snowboarded, went gem hunting with her husband, and most of all loved her nieces and nephews.
Leslie attended school in American Falls, graduating in 1998. She loved school and had a great many friends who helped her through her battle with Hodgkin’s Disease three different times. She was a fighter and never complained and was an inspiration to all that knew her. She attended college at ISU for a time, but soon decided she would prefer to focus on her job at Don Aslett’s Cleaning Center where she worked 13 years, starting in customer service and worked her way to management.
Leslie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in the Primary, Young Women’s, Cub Scouts, and Nursery. She loved children deeply and had a magical way with them.
She loved all animals including her precious dog Jakie. She was a passionate performer, performing in several plays including Juanito Bandito, Dracula, and Something’s Afoot.
On July 5, 2002 she married her knight in shining armor Lewis Justin Higbee in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Theirs is a deep and abiding love that will carry on throughout all eternity. They had such love and fun being together.
Leslie’s final health battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis did not tame her will to fight for a chance to be with those she loved so deeply, especially her husband Justin who never left her side through it all. She appreciated all those who cared for her and supported them with their actions, thoughts, and prayers. She gave her all, and her name is branded on all our hearts.
Leslie is survived by her husband, Justin Higbee, Chubbuck, ID; parents, Douglas and Jolene Clinger, American Falls, ID; father and mother-in-law, Larry and LeeAnn Higbee, Pocatello; sisters, Jacqueline (Jason) Muhlestein, Boise, ID, and Jill Clinger, American Falls; brother, Dusty (Lacee) Clinger, Twin Falls, ID; brother-in-law, Lance (Cierra) Higbee, Pocatello; sister-in-law, Lana (Dean) Borgholthaus, Chubbuck, ID; brother-in-law, Logan (Kyerra) Higbee, Caldwell, ID; maternal grandparents, Gary and Marion Munsee, Pocatello; paternal grandparents, Leland and Ila Clinger, Casa Grande, AZ; grandparents-in-law, Wilma and Earl Jones, Pocatello; and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her baby, Baby Bean; great-grandparents, Leslie and Bessie Coleby; and a nephew, Nicholas Muhlestein.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Colonial Funeral Home and will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, at the Chubbuck LDS Stake Center located on the corner of Stuart and James. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, at the Colonial Funeral Home and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church on Saturday morning. Burial will follow at Falls View Cemetery in American Falls.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.ColonialFuneralHome.com.
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