R, Burkholder

Ruth "Leona" Burkholder, age 99 of Marion, passed away Sunday morning April 29th, 2012 at her Partners of Marion. Leona was born October 2nd, 1912 in Caledonia as the daughter of the late David & Margaret (Koehler) Pace. On August 9th, 1944 she married Harry Burkholder. He preceded her in death on October 30th, 1990. Leona was a 1929 graduate of Caledonia High School, She began her working career at Turoff's Restaurant in Marion at the age of 15. Over the years she was also employed at North Electric and Vulcan Products in Galion, Tecumseh Products and the Scioto Ordnance Plant. Away from this area she worked as a florist in Dallas, TX, Cincinnati and Dayton. Leona lived in Texas from 1977 until 1996 when she moved to Florida where she resided until 2006. While in Texas she was treasurer of the Canyon Lake Homeowner's Association. She also served as a Lifeguard at Canyon Lake and taught swimming lessons. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Canyon Lake V.F.W. While in Ohio she had been a member of the Caledonia and Mt. Vernon Ave Churches of Christ and had been a member of the Hobe Sound Christian Fellowship in Florida. After returning to Ohio Leona worked as a volunteer with her daughters at the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. Leona is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry & Ellen Burkholder of Bettendorf, Iowa. Her daughters; Cheryl Huckaba of Marion and Margaret & William Burley of Prospect. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by her special friend Mary Gray of Marion. She was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister.
Funeral Services for Leona will be held at 2:00 on Wednesday May 2nd , 2012 in the Timson-Allen-Melroy Funeral Home in Caledonia with Paul Keeran officiating . Interment will follow in Caledonia Cemetery. Friends may call at the Funeral Home where the family will receive them one hour prior to the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio Coalition For The Education of Children with Disabilities 165 W. Center St. Marion, Ohio 43302