Leona Harms

Leona Harms

Leona Harms, 105, died Friday (Feb. 19, 2010) at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton. Leona was born on Nov. 10, 1904, in rural Whitewater, the daughter of John Z. and Mary (Schmidt) Harms.

She had two siblings, a brother, Clarence, and sister, Elva.

Leona was baptized on May 15, 1921, at Gnadenberg (Grace Hill) Mennonite Church, where she remained a faithful lifetime member. Leona and her siblings attended Star School in rural Whitewater, and Leona worked most of her life as a housekeeper in Wichita and Newton. Following her father's death, she cared for her mother and sister in her home in Newton. Leona also took a special interest in her two nieces, Rose Mary and Patricia.

She is survived by her nieces, Rose Mary (Harms) Means and Patricia (Harms) Janzen, along with several cousins.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Clarence Harms; and sister, Elva Harms.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Petersen Family Funeral Home in Newton.

A burial service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Grace Hill Mennonite Church Cemetery in rural Whitewater. Services will follow at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church with Pastor Peter Goerzen officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Hill Mennonite Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home.