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.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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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.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Always enjoyed visiting with Leora. So happy and full of laughter. Will miss seeing her. Our deepest sympathy to all the family on your loss. God Bless!
Rhonda Daniel says
Some favorite memories are working the carnival with you and at the end of the night, you’d have cotton candy all over you! You hated it in your hair and getting sticky, nut you were so much fun! You helped raise my kids, which brings the memories of shelly and a marshmallow up her nose and cutting the pretty flowers off her clothes. You swore you’d never sit with them again. And yet you did. And so many more memories. You were Aunt Lee to everyone. I’m so grateful for the time I had with you and I’m equally grateful that you’re finally at ease. No more pain. No more health issues. Until we meet again. I love you.
Carol Williams says
Leora always brightened the day wherever she was. I always enjoyed visiting with her at Ryan’s . My sympathy to her whole family for her loss.
Leslie Artz Willis says
I have so many great memories of Leora. She will be missed. My heart goes out to all of her friends and family.
Bill/Madonna Ryan says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family she was a wonderful person and will be missed by all God bless
Cynthia Gregg says
Leeann and family, sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you.
BERNADETTE MILLER says
I enjoyed seeing her in Miles City – she always had a smile and usually a story or two to tell! You have my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time – but you have many, many wonderful memories!
Patsy Fitch says
I worked with & for Leora at the Flying L Cafe & gas station (Sumit now)
I loved going to work just to see what would happen next lol
When work was done we’d go next door to her trailer (or the bar) n play music most of or all night, people comin n goin n kids sleepin, then early mornin everybody’d clear out n we’d start over the next day n do the same thing..I don’t think any of us ever got more’n a couple hrs sleep
..I’ll always miss those days & her, she was as special & good hearted person as they come…
My condolences to all of her family, God Bless you!