Lana Gale Holt Esplin, age 85, passed away peacefully in St. George, Utah July 10, 2025. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, she was the third of six children of Howard and Verna Burnham Holt. 

In 1959, she married her dear husband, Jerry Esplin, in the St. George LDS Temple. They moved to Malad, Idaho in 1966, as Jerry began his 31-year career as principal of Malad High School. Lana remained his steady partner and confidant throughout his service to the school and community. Together, they raised five children with a strong foundation of faith, learning, and service. 

Lana was academically gifted – graduating early and attending LDS Business College at just 17. She worked as a junior CPA and later supported her growing family by typing student papers and carefully managing their finances. A skilled homemaker and seamstress, she cooked, canned homegrown produce, sewed her own wedding dress, and even tailored suits for her husband. Her musical talent brought joy to many – her beautiful alto voice often filled their home and resonated in community choirs and church events. 

Lana believed she could learn anything and proved it time and again. She and Jerry built their dream cabin in Island Park, even doing the wiring and plumbing herself. In Malad, she served faithfully in the LDS Church and became one of the Stake’s first computer-based family history consultants – helping digitize records and contributing to a global genealogy effort. 

She supported her children’s education with unwavering dedication, and it was a joy to see each of them serve missions for the LDS Church. After retiring to St. George, she continued to live fully – competing in the Huntsman Senior Games, founding the SunRiver Singers, teaching computer skills, and making jewelry. She was always willing to help seniors in her community, freely sharing her expertise. 

Lana’s life was defined by devotion – to her family, faith, and community. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, music, and service. 

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jerry Esplin; her five children, Jayson, Tim, Todd, Tamber, and Tara, 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; siblings Deon Holt and Jan Larson; and many beloved extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and several siblings. In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association of America.