- Date Of Birth: December 13, 1913
- Date Of Death: February 13, 2010
- State: Iowa
LEONA M THOMPSON
Leona M Thompson, lifetime resident of Russell, IA passed away Saturday, February 13, 2010 surrounded by her children at Westview Care Center in Indianola, IA, Warren County.
Leona Mabel Gilbert was born near Zero, IA, Cedar Township, Lucas County, IA on December 13, 1913.
She was the daughter of Bert Clarence Gilbert and Emma Mae(Williamson)Gilbert.
Leona was 1 year old when they moved to a farm in Benton Township.
She attended Ragtown Country School in her early years and then she attended and graduated from Russell High School in 1931.
After graduation she taught school for one year at Ragtown and lived with her father on the farm after her mother’s death.
Her childhood days were fondly remembered with parents and grandparents nearby.
Leona was very involved in 4-H activities and played the harmonica with the 4-H Band at the Iowa State Fair.
While attending Russell High School she met, Merwyn Lloyd Thompson.
To this union they were blessed with three children, Burdette Lee, Dwight Marvin, and Lois Ann.
Leona and Merwyn celebrated 69 years of marriage. He passed away August 31, 2003.
Leona and Merwyn enjoyed the rural farm life in Cedar Township.
They shared the duties of farming and taking care of the animals and in later years helping care for the many Shetland ponies.
Leona always had a big garden to share with family and neighbors.
She also shared her cooking talents with everyone.
She always enjoyed music.
They enjoyed many trips to the local music Jam Sessions and the Rathbun Country Music Theater.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, husband and brother, Lester H Gilbert of Denver, CO.
She is survived by her three children, Burdette L Thompson, Des Moines, IA; Dwight M (Helen) Thompson, Chariton, IA and Lois A (George) Reynolds, Centerville, IA.
Her five grandchildren, Michael (Laura) Thompson, Oak Park, ILL;
Brenda (Jeff) Nuckles of Wahiawa, Hawaii; Teresa (Edwin) Quick, Newton, IA;
Shirley (Don) Sloan of Merriam, KS; and Richard (Amanda) Reynolds of Centerville, IA.
Also surviving are nine great grandchildren, Chelsea, Courtney, Jordan, Cecilia, Emma, Mackenzie, Olivia, Emily and Jared.
Sister, Thelma Post Miller of Houston, TX, sister-n-law, Marjorie Gilbert of Denver, CO, many nieces and nephews and friends.
Leona will be missed very much in the lives of her family and friends, but the memories will never be forgotten.
Her love, concern and wisdom for all made her a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.
We love you Mom.
THE ROSE BEYOND THE WALL
A rose once grew where all could see,
Sheltered beside a garden wall,
And, as the days passed swiftly by,
It spread its branches, straight and tall —–
One day, a beam of light shone through
a crevice that had opened wide –
The rose bent gently toward its warmth
Then passed beyond to the other side –
Now, you who deeply feel its loss, be comforted –
the rose blooms there – Its beauty even greater now,
nurtured by God’s own loving care.
Thank you to everyone for your love and concern for the family of Leona M. Thompson.
