Leora Lee Hellyer Mercer, of Jordan, Montana graduated from this life to the next in the early morning of October 14, 2025 from multiple health issues. After valiantly fighting chronic illnesses for almost twenty years, her body just couldn’t continue the battle.
Mom was born in Jordan September 9, 1939 to Lawrence Leo Hellyer and Sarah Belle Tubbs Hellyer of Sand Springs, Montana She joined her sisters Rhoda, Betty, and Flossie and would later be joined by sister Lois and brothers Larry and Virgil.
Mom had a wanderlust spirit from the time the family moved to Billings, Montana, as a child. In her wandering spirit, she found her way to Noxon, Montana in 1957, working as a waitress, she met Frank (Shorty) Mercer. After a three month whirlwind romance, they were married August 21, 1957, in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Mom and Dad made their home in Noxon, where they increased their family from two to five. Dawn Rene was born in 1960, Franklin Scott in 1963, and Lois LeeAnn in 1965.
Mom had a love for the old classic country western music. She would participate and place in local talent shows. A country girl through and through. She was an excellent songwriter. Mom could be found singing her latest creation, out in the barn while milking the cows.. She passed on her love for music to the younger generations. With her love of music, she loved Elvis Presley. She would get an Elvis ornament for Christmas yearly from her granddaughter, Deidre.
Mom loved to play games. She taught us kids how to play pinochle, cribbage and a Farkle like dice game. She didn’t care whether she won the games or not, as long as someone would play with her.
We lost Dad in March of 1977. This brought a whole new direction to our lives. We moved back to the Jordan area to be close to Mom’s family. Mom worked as a cook and waitress to provide for her family. She continued working as a cook in some capacity until her health became an issue.
Mom was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and Dad (posthumously) were sealed for eternity April 12, 1996 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Mom held various callings within the Relief Society and Primary programs.
Mom was extremely proud of her family. She is survived by her children: Dawn and Bryan FitzGerald of Jordan, Scott and Tami Mercer of Noxon, LeeAnn Mercer of Jordan. Grandchildren: BG and Mary FitzGerald, their children Brooklyn and Ember of Jordan; Deidre FitzGerald, her son Liam from Dickinson, ND; Michael and Heather Mercer, their children Laylana, Brendan, and Damian of Noxon; Rob and Kjirsten Mercer and their children, Kaylie, Miles, Parker and Emma of Noxon. Her siblings, Rhoda Phillips of Jordan, Flossie and Curtis Phipps of Brusett, MT, Larry and Jackie Hellyer of Tacoma, WA, and Virgil and Carol Hellyer of Jordan, MT. Mom is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and two special nieces who helped in caring for Mom in her last week, Jill Clark and Raean Lien. Mom is preceded in death by her husband, Shorty, her parents, Lawrence and Sarah, sisters Betty and Lois.
As a family we would like to thank all the providers who provided care with so much tenderness and dignity in Mom’s long fought health battles.
Leora L. Mercer, age 86, of Jordan
September 9, 1939 – October 14, 2025

Garth Sleight says
I was astounded–and incredibly grateful–that Leora lived as long as she did. She put up a tough, tough fight to stay alive, and she kept her scintillating sense of humor in the process. Leora was a joy to know. I loved to tease her, but I loved even more to be teased by her. My love and condolences to all of Leora’s family.
Leora, you can breathe now without coughing, me dear friend.
Love and miss you!
Sara L Ludwig says
You will be greatly missed Aunt Lee!! Will forever remember your laughter and “cackling” with your sisters when we were all together, back in the good old days. Love you!! Sara Lou
Linda Wolff says
Leora was such a special person. I loved visiting with her. Her and Harvey can swap jokes now, they had a great time giving each other a bad time. I loved meeting her at Arby’s on one of her trips to MC, it was so fun and so much laughter. I will miss her. Prayers are with the entire family.