Leona E. Sheets, age 99, died peacefully in her Greenville home December 6, 2013. She was born in Sharpsburg, Ohio on October 20, 1914 a daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Overman) Gehle.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur E. Sheets, whom she married March 16, 1937; two children, John E. and Barbara J Sheets; 12 brothers, sisters and their spouses as well as Arthur’s five brothers, sisters and their spouses.
Leona was a hard working wife of a farmer. She raised four children, she cooked, cleaned, gardened, canned food, cared for chickens and milked cows. During tomato season she worked at a local canning factory for several years. She did volunteer work for Head Start for many years making and repairing clothing for dolls. When her daughter, Barbara, had a tragic accident, Leona cared for her for 15 years until her death in 2007. Leona liked to cook, travel, read and to help others. She was known for her ready smile and positive attitude.
Leona was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church since 1930 and had also been a member of St. Mary’s Church in Greenville since she moved to Greenville 25 years ago. They were so kind to her.
She is survived by her children, Bernadine A. (Victor) Niekamp of North Star, Ohio, Daniel J. (Nancy) Sheets on Benton, TN and Kenansville, FL; grandchildren, Kelly Singletary of Beauford, SC, Jeff (Julie) Niekamp of Sidney, OH, Holly (Jamie) McPherson of Lawrenceville, GA, Stan (Diane) Niekamp of Versailles, OH, Sharon Neikamp of Tucson, AZ, Jim Niekamp of North Star, OH; great-grandchildren, Zach Niekamp, Kyle Niekamp, Daniel Kobe Singletary, Brandon McPherson, Jared Niekamp, Cole Niekamp, Matthew Niekamp and Mary Margaret McPherson. Leona is also survived by a sister, Annie King of Dayton, OH
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM, Thursday, December 12, 2013, at St. Louis Catholic Church in North Star with Father David Zink officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Louis Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home, 1000 N. Broadway St., Greenville, Wednesday, from 5 - 7 PM, and again, Thursday, from 9 - 10 AM at the Church.
Memorial contribution may be made to State of the Heart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway St., Greenville, OH, 45331 or to any charity of your choice.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.oliverfloyd.com
