Leah Ann Krueger (Tew, Pacheco)

Our beloved Leah Krueger has completed her beautiful, adventure filled time here with us. She was born in Salt Lake City, UT on October 9, 1954 and graduated Granger High School 1972.  Leah radiated magnetic energy and a generous spirit. She lived life to the fullest with profound gratitude. Her laugh, smile, and presence lit up every room she entered. Leah was a two time cancer survivor; however, on March 5th, 2026, she suffered a catastrophic stroke silencing her bright laugh and dimming the mischievous twinkle in her eye.

March 10th, 1991, Leah married the love of her life, Gary Krueger, in Hawaii. His sudden passing in 2016 broke her heart, yet she continued to seek new adventures, travel, and unconditionally love her family and friends. However, she yearned to be with him again. They had a rare and epic love. In the early hours of March 11th, surrounded by her family and a friend, wrapped in the love of so many who adored her, Leah peacefully took her last breath and completed her earthly journey. We had suspected she might choose to leave on her 35th wedding anniversary, yet in true Leah fashion, she silently “brokered” a solution that worked for everyone. Technically, it was still before midnight in Hawaii, allowing her to join her husband and create her own perfectly timed day. 

One of Leah’s greatest gifts was her ability to build and nurture relationships. She formed friendships with nearly everyone she met. Once you were her friend, you were a friend for life. Her girlfriends were among her most cherished treasures and her lunches with the ladies was just an example of that. 

Leah filled her life with adventures. She filled countless trips to Mexico, Lake Powell, St. George/Mesquite, San Juan Islands, Australia, Alaska, Spain (and more) with guaranteed belly laughs, card games, and shenanigans. Leah left us with iconic stories that will be told for years to come. She was so much fun that one of her granddaughters insisted her Senior Trip was to be a “Senior & Senior” road trip with her Nana. 

Her favorite get away spot was Little Red Creek. If you were lucky enough to be invited to this sacred retreat, you were in for an unforgettable experience. It held a magical respite from the noise of the world. She was closest to heaven sitting atop the Red Cliff Ledge. 

Real estate, leadership, and mentorship were her passions throughout a distinguished 47-year career. She was dedicated to helping others succeed and took great pride in her clients’ satisfaction, even after stepping back to focus on her family. She was a top producer at ERA Village, Wardley Better Homes & Gardens (later Coldwell Banker), and finished her career with Century 21 Everest. Leah was also a proud and active member of the Unified Police Department Honorary Colonels.

Leah was fiercely proud of her children and the daughter Gary brought into her life. She loved them all along with their children and grandchildren. She and Gary spent decades enjoying the peace and tranquility of their yard together. She tended to her yard much as she tended to those she cared for. Often, she expressed how grateful she was for the people and love Gary bought into her life. But mostly, in her later years, she focused on loving her Mother, siblings, and children. She poured all she had into them and healed her heartache as best as she could.

Leah is preceded in death by husband, Gary Krueger; parents Burton and Louise Tew; brother Barton Tew; and sister Cynthia Todd. She is survived by sister Patricia (Dan) Potts; brothers David and R. Burton Tew; and children: Toni (Patrick Troumbley) Polich Troumbley; Kevin (Tracey) Pacheco; Andrew Pacheco; Jona Pacheco Tate; and Kellie (Dale) Becraft; grandchildren: Alexandra Tate, Jovanika Leah Polich, Sierra Tate, Daxton Troumbley, Roxie Troumbley, Karlee (Jordan) Peterson, Adam (Alyssa) Becraft, Erin (Shawn) Gudmundson, Austin (Bailey) Becraft, and Cade Becraft; and six great-grandchildren.

Leah once picked a beautiful wildflower and showed it to Gary. With tears, she declared it was much like her: it grew in the wild, planted itself in the ground, established roots by soaking in the sunshine and rain. It grew strong and beautiful- thrived in harsh circumstances. Paralleling her life when she started in Real Estate 47 years ago. She was lost in the beauty and sentimentality of this flower. Gary chuckled and said “well it was doing just fine until you pulled it up by the roots, Blondie.” They did not see that flower through the same lens. However, they had a rare way of letting each be who they were and elevating one another in pure adoration and love. 

Leah left little undone or unexperienced. Most of all, she left us certain that she truly looked for—and found—the best in every person and every experience. We are eternally grateful for all of our memories with her. On a final note, in Leah’s Gratitude Journal- her final entry finished with the words of one of her favorite songs “What a Wonderful World!” 

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, April 11th, from 4:30 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are strongly encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building and plan time for the parking service..