LaDonna Hardy Paxman Obituary (1946

LaDonna Hardy Paxman, age 70, passed away peacefully in her daughter's home and was reunited with the love of her life, Garth Paxman, on Sunday March 6, 2016. LaDonna was an admired and inspiring woman whose life was defined by her wonderful service and loving heart. LaDonna will truly be missed by those who knew her, but a reflection of her past serves as a wonderful tribute to the legacy she left behind. LaDonna was born in Hurricane, Utah on January 9, 1946. She was the fourth of five beautiful children to the George Hardy and Vilate Young family. LaDonna continued to live in southern Utah during her early years, where she attended Hurricane High School. After proposing to LaDonna at Weeping Rock in Zions National Park, Garth and LaDonna were married for time and all eternity on August 14, 1964, in the St. George Utah Temple. LaDonna’s husband and family were her greatest joys, and she gave birth to four wonderful children in her lifetime. LaDonna’s children - Lincoln, Debra, Eva, and Amanda - feel blessed to have had such a wonderful and fun-loving mother. LaDonna was a dedicated mother to her children, but she was also a wonderful parent to 37 foster children during her lifetime, all of which had the privilege to call her “Mom”. LaDonna continued to bless the young people in her life as she welcomed 13 lovely grandchildren into the world. Each of LaDonna’s grandchildren have fond memories of spending time with Grandma, and LaDonna’s grandchildren will always remember her fun stories and gentle love. LaDonna’s second passion in life was watching over the police officers she served with at the Midvale Police Department. LaDonna served as a dispatcher and executive secretary for the Midvale Police for over 25 years. During that time, she was definitely considered as a “second mom” to many police officers who blessed her life immeasurably. In such a stressful work atmosphere she was always known for her humor and an occasional prank (ok....maybe more than just occasional). LaDonna’s admiration for her officers transcends the separation between this life and the next, and she will always be watching over those officers with care. LaDonna is the perfect example of a kind and caring mother; not only to those she raised, but also to every friend, coworker, and family member she came into contact with. The people she influenced are innumerable, and her loving kindness continues to resonate with the many people who love her still today. LaDonna’s legacy is survived by: her four children and their spouses: Lincoln (Nichole) Paxman, Debra (Troy) Gubler, Eva (Courtney) Shoell, and Amanda Paxman. She is also survived by her siblings Colleen Hepworth, Rosetta Gurule, and Wendell Hardy. LaDonna is preceded in death by her husband Garth Paxman, as well as her siblings Lawrence Hardy and Vonda Hirschi (Garland). A graveside service honoring LaDonna Paxman will be held at the Washington City Cemetery located at 300 N. 300 E. on Monday, March 14, 2016, starting at 10:00 a.m. The service will be followed by a Celebration of Life Gathering at the LDS Chapel at 274 S 100 W, Hurricane Utah.