Obituary of Leona Walker

Leona Walker passed away at Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, February 25, 2021 at the age of 97 years.

Leona is survived by: her children, Lorna Schwartz, Larry (Joyce) Walker and Donald Walker; 9 grandchildren, Chad (Jenny) Schwartz, Corey (Victoria) Schwartz, Cheldon (Crystal) Schwartz, Ethan (Erin) Walker, Elton (Andrea) Walker, Estel (Jordy) Scott, Devon (Pam) Walker, Warren (Krista) Walker, and Mandy Walker; 26 great-grandchildren, Emerson Schwartz, Carter Schwartz, Harey Schwartz, Graham Schwartz, Owen Schwartz, Jacklyn (Michael) Burfoot, Cassandra (Kyle) Strydhorse, Blake Walker, Scott Walker, Chantal Walker, Laydin Walker, Haylie Walker, Katerina Walker, Neil Scott, Sierra Scott, Nicholas Scott, Tyson Scott, Ella Walker, Lucy Leona Walker, Lilly Walker, Avery Walker, Reana Walker, Leah Walker and Hayden Walker; one great-great grandchild, Noelle Stydhorse; sisters, Minnie (Paul) Betker and Lois (Hal) Banasch; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Leona was predeceased by: her husband of 62 years, Daniel (2005) whom she has now joined in heaven; her siblings who have gone on before Leona, Esther (William), Ruth, Frank (Olinda), David (Lillian), Elvena (Samuel), and Irene (Vernon) Rueban.

Thank-you to all who have touched Leona's life. In her words; "I have has a blessed life."

Due to current health regulations a private family service will be held, by invitation only, on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 1:00 PM in the Lashburn Community church.  The service will be live streamed and posted on Leona's obituary at the time of the service.

Donations in memory of Leona may be made to Pioneer Lodge or Pioneer House Resident Fund.

Leona was born in Lashburn on December 14, 1923 to Mathias and Christine Roth. She grew up on the family farm north of Lashburn. Cultivating her skills to raise her own children in the farm lifestyle. She was a wonderful big sister to all her siblings who adored her. She left home briefly for work, and then met the love of her life Dan Walker. Their first date was in Maidstone café, a lovely dinner for two of liver and onions. In June 1943 they were married in Waseca. In the tradition of shivaree, the stove pipe on their honeymoon cabin was plugged up and filled the cabin with smoke, in what would become Leona's signature move, the prankster's were invited in and fed a meal.

Most of their married life was spent on their farm south west of Lashburn. Leona loved her life on the farm with her animals; turkeys, chickens, ducks, and milk cows, fawn was her favorite. She also enjoyed berry picking, gardening, beautiful flowerbeds, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, puzzles and baking. Some of the unforgettable memories butchering 100 chickens in a day with Mrs Brier. Noodle making with the dough being spread around the house to dry, and every fall filling the big sauerkraut crock, Leona was the general manager of the process and Dan was quality control stirring, salting and tasting.

In 1974 Dan and Leona moved to Lloydminster were new friends and neighbors joined their lives. Fishing, camping and trips to BC were highlights. Their door was always open, whether you needed a couple of hours or a few months, lodging and food was Leona's gift of love. No matter the time of day you arrived, she knew you must be hungry. Yellow Rose's were her favorite flower if you wanted to return the gift.

One of the special friends and neighbors was Lydia Pittao and her family. The took a few road trips together and became a part of the family. Lydia was grandma's prayer partner and dear friend. 

Leona enjoyed being involved in the community and her church, Lorna fondly remembers singing in the choir with her mom. Leona liked to see the good in everyone.

Hymn singing, Prayer, and Bible reading were a practice woven deeply into Leona's life. The Bookmarks in her bible were last found in Hebrews 11 and Psalm 136. Lorna recalls " faith is the Victory" as her favorite.  In the hospital she sang in the garden with Joyce Walker.

Leona's family was her greatest love. Getting the family together for every anniversary and birthday, that was possible. She insisted on professional photos for milestone anniversary that she and Dan celebrated. Discussions had been started for her 100th birthday party.

Board games were a favorite entertainment at grandma's house the favorites were: Aggravation, Uno and Skip-Bo. Cassie remembers grandma removing the "mean cards" from Uno, and Jackie recalls that grandma would say that aggravation was truthfully named.
 
Watching children's shows was a quiet time at grandma's for the great-grandchildren. Sometimes she would turn down the volume and put on the caption to help with their reading.

Pioneer lodge was Leona's home for the last 15 years, shortly after Dan Passed away. Thank you to all the friends, family and staff who gave Leona's life such fulfillment there. Age did not keep grandma from doing things; she rode on Elton's Harley, rode in the calf sled behind the RTV, rode Larry's one horse open sleigh, and took a plane ride to BC for her 90th birthday party. Ella's first plane ride and Grandma's last.

We all love you Grandma Leona, and will cherish every memory until we meet again.

Leona's memorial card can be viewed or downloaded from the link below.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/08bdbe48-e8e6-4056-8896-94a2bbe112d9