Zuida LaVay Porter

Zuida LaVay (Ness) Porter 1934 ~ 2024 passed away at the age of 89. She was surrounded by her family. She was born August 21, 1934 in Salt Lake City to Ellen (Smith) Ness and William Henry Ness. She married Billy Nelson on June 25, 1954. She later married David Porter on August 19, 1981 in the Salt Lake Temple. 

Zuida loved music, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Neil Diamond, she never missed Music and the Spoken word on Sunday mornings and if Neil Diamond was in town she was attending his concerts. She directed many choirs through her lifetime and she sang with the singing group the Treble Clefs for many years. She was blessed with the voice of an angel. She lead the choir like she drove her car, fast and didn’t miss a beat. If she wasn’t leading the choir, she was doing her best leading her family.  Her greatest accomplishment was being a mom, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, especially the little ones. She planned many outings, family camping trips, road trips and celebrated the holidays with her family. She was always giving sound advice to her loved ones and she lived by what she taught. She said, “Put God first in your life and he will bless it.” 

She was the most organized person that we knew and very proud of that fact. Her greatest desire was for all her children to love the Lord, be self sufficient, learn to take care of the things you have and be prepared for a rainy day. She loved working in the garden, it brought her such satisfaction and joy to know that she was growing fresh vegetables to feed her family and that she was able share it with others. She’s loved feeding her family. Even to the very end she was worried about others and making sure her offerings to the Lord were taken care of.

 Zuida had a very strong testimony of Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many positions and blessed many lives. Our mother was as unique as her name and she brought honor, truth, and light to it. She was beautiful example to her family. Also a special gratitude of thanks to her son-in-law Leon Martinez, he was instrumental in helping her children take care of our mother. 

Zuida is proceeded in death by her husband David Porter, Parents William Henry and Ellen Ness, sisters: Melba Speakman, Vivian Arleen Bird, Lily Metteauer, brothers: William James Ness, Chester Ness, and Granddaughter Anne Elizabeth Leavitt. 

She is survived by her children: Kevin Nelson (Brenda), Kim Leavitt (Floyd), Kory Limb, Kellie Piper (Kirby), Kaylene Martinez (Leon), grandchildren: Shanell Rich, Rachel Leavitt, Amanda Martinez, Jared Nelson, Leland Leavitt, Erica Limb, Terra Heimuli, Joshua Limb, (grafted in) David Carr, 19 Great Grandchildren, step children: David Porter Jr., Brian Porter, Susie Peters, Brent Porter and Julie Vick. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road with a viewing held from 12:30-1:30 prior to the service. Interment Memorial Redwood Cemetery.