Claudia Elder Zaike Penrod was born on November 30, 1940, in Provo, Utah, where she grew up and attended Provo High School. She later attended Barbizon Hair Academy and went on to build a career as a hairstylist, working in the profession for over 30 years.

Claudia was a woman of many talents and interests. She had a wonderfully creative spirit and loved interior decorating, arts and crafts, crocheting, and quilting. She loved camping, target shooting with her husband, was an amazing bowler, and enjoyed spending time with her family. She lived near her sister Carolee for a time in Mesquite and loved spending time playing bingo with her.

Claudia also loved traveling and was recently able to enjoy a cruise with her son, daughter-in-law, and a good friend. These experiences and the time she spent with the people she loved brought her great joy.

She enjoyed helping others and served to help her fellow church members with their family history and temple work.

Claudia passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, after a battle with heart disease. Per her request, a simple graveside service is to be held at the Orem City Cemetery, on Wednesday, the 12th of August, at 2:30 pm. She wanted this to be informal, so don't dress up. The family will be sponsoring a celebration of her life on November 28th, 2026; further details will be forthcoming, so check back here for updates.

She was the loving mother of five children: Cindy Leftwich (Lisa), Craig (Velma Lisa) Leftwich, Steve (Brenda) Leftwich, Jody Leftwich (Sean), and Teri (Sean) Drew. She will also be remembered by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Barlow Elder and Iris Elder; her husband Ken Zaike, and by her sisters, Mary Jo Swenson and Carolee Anderson. She is survived by her brothers, Wendell Elder and Clay Elder, as well as her five children and their families.

Claudia leaves behind a legacy of creativity, independence, hard work, and love of family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.