Leona Marion Smith

Leona M. Smith, age 81, of Greenwood, WI passed away peacefully, with her children at her side on Tuesday April, 14 2015, at Stoney River Facility of Marshfield, WI. She was born October 29, 1933, in Dickey County, ND to Adolph and Elizabeth (Schruam) Middlestead. Leona was raised and graduated school in Monago, ND. During her teenage years she had worked as a Candy Striper, at the Ellendale Hospital/Nursing Home.Leona was united in marriage to Kenneth E. Smith on June 9, 1953, in North Dakota. She will be remembered by her three children, Mary Ellen Campbell, Neillsville, WI, Elizabeth A (Dave) Serchen, Marshfield, WI and Charles E. (Sue Carlisle) Smith, Merrillan, WI. Along with grandchildren, Michael J. Campbell, Cypress, TX, Jason E. (Jody) Jennerman, Pickett, WI, Clifford H. (Peggy Siedler) Jennerman, Marshfield, WI, Darrell (Kimberly) Chaltry, Marshfield, WI. Great grandchildren, Austin and Abby Jennerman, Lily and Riley Chaltry. Honorary daughter Kathy Weber, Houston, TX and honorary granddaughters Patty Hendrickson, Marathon, WI and Krissy Hendrickson, Houston, TX. Also, surviving is her sister Mabel (Art) Forgein of Jamestown, ND. Along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.Leona was preceded in death by Kenneth, Dave Serchen, Sue Carlisle and good friends Norm Gburek and Peter Marksstrum, along with her parents. Also, her sisters, Emily (Walter) Loutt, Matilda (Otto) Schlauch, Ida (Chris) Speidel, Esther (George) Dobber, Edna (John) Dobber, Evelyn (Maynard) Raul, brothers, Alfred (Murial) Middlestead, Adolph Middlestead, Walter (Edna) Middlestead, Oscar (Annette) Middlestead and Jacob Middlestead.Leona and Kenneth moved to the Neillsville, WI area in 1954. Then worked along side each other farming for many years. During 1966 through 1972 she also, really enjoyed being an Avon representative. Then in 1972 they relocated to Ladysmith, WI. Where they owned and managed Lamar's Fashion Shop, and she offered seamstress services. Then in 1974 they returned to farming in the Greenwood, WI area. Later, Leona was employed as a cook for Lamar Schmitt's caf in Neillsville, WI. In 1978 she started working as fryer/baker at Mallegni's Food's of Neillsville, WI. Leona continued working there, through various owners, United Foods, Steve Bell, Burnstads, and more than 25 years with Marty's Food's, retiring at the age of 78.Leona appreciated participating in the Christie area Ladies Sewing Circle. Crocheting, fabric painting and drawing were some of her other interests. She also took pleasure in horseback riding, and especially with one of her favorite shetland ponies, Prince. Later years, Leona found delight with her miniature horses. Dining out with family and friends was one of her chosen enjoyments.Funeral services will be Sat April 18, 2015 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI. Visitation at 10:00 am with service at 11:00 am.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Leona's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456