Elizabeth L. Price

April 13, 1920-December 24, 2014

The Price family lost its rock and loving matriarch as she passed gently into another world in the early hours of December 24 in Salt Lake City to be greeted sweetly by her partner in life, her parents, and brothers and sister. Mom (or Gram as most of the family referred to her) was a very classy lady. She was a lover of shoes and fine clothing, and her home was the sanctuary for everyone, especially the grandchildren, whom she often helped raise. They held her in their hearts as someone who kept them safe and always had a cookie or some other sweet to offer them. In the home she lived in for over 88 years, she kept a warm place for all of us. We will miss greatly her joyous personality and constant love and guidance. She made sure her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren remained on a path of life that embraced kindness above all else.

Beth was born April 20, 1920 in Salt Lake City to Joseph and Elizabeth Price Leggett, coming from early Utah Settlers. She lost her father tragically in a construction accident at age 3 and was raised by her siblings and by her strong and loving mother. Her mother kept the family going during the Great Depression by selling land that adjoined the house her father had built for them in Sugarhouse. Mom said she barely knew real hardship during the depression. She had two wonderful sisters in Madge and Vera, and a brother Wayne, to who she remained very close throughout their lives. She attended Forest Elementary, Irving Junior High, and South High, graduating with the class of 1937. School was enjoyable and her memories of her many friends in high school colored her life.

As Mom was running down the street to meet a boyfriend at a trolley station, she was blocked at the sidewalk by a dashing young man in a cute Model T, who introduced himself and asked her where she was going. After learning that she worked in the downtown Kress five and dime, he wondered if he could pick her up from work some time. She agrees and he was there every day from that point forward. He was the love of her life: Lloyd W. Price. They struck up a fantastic romance that included dancing several times a week. Their song became ‘Deep Purple’, a big band song by Artie Shaw. They were soon married on October 18, 1939, starting a union that would produce 3 sons, 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Her family was her life. She was always there for us, ready to read to us, to comfort us, to make sure we did well in school. Her 3 sons all became college graduates. She taught us all to be caring, kind and giving individuals. Her grandchildren had a special place in her heart.

Beth loved to read, carrying a book with her everywhere. She worked for many years at Auerbach’s department store in millenary and bridal departments. When that store closed she went over to ZCMI, where she was the bridal consultant for many years. Her customers became her friends. She enjoyed the work very much and constantly added to her huge collection of clothes. She was a great cook and kept an immaculate house.

Mom was a member of the LDS Church and held many Primary teaching positions throughout her life. She was forgiving and completely selfless, and love always trumped everything else. She had a very giving spirit. Mom: Go find Dad and dance! Go find your sisters and tell stories. Go find your friends and go shopping.

She is survived by her sons Ron, Kent, and Steve, her 8 grandchildren, her 9 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives. Beth was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, her parents, her 2 sisters Madge and Vera, and her brother Wayne.

Services will be held on Wednesday January 31, 2014 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 3401 S Highland Drive in Salt Lake City at 11:00am. Viewings will be on Tuesday January 30 at Wasatch Lawn from 6:00-8:00pm and one hour prior to services on Wednesday January 31. Interment is at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park immediately following funeral service.