Leona Louise (Brooks) Reed, Quinter, passed away on July 17, 2019 at the age of 92 years, 10 months and 13 days. On September 4, 1926, Leona was born to Frank H. and Minnie L. (Kesler) Brooks in Quinter. She was joined later by a sister, who died in infancy, and two brothers. She grew up southwest of Quinter on the family farm and attended Sunshine School. Early in life, Leona joined the Dunkard Brethren Church and was a faithful member to the end.
Leona’s attention was drawn by aunts in Iowa and she moved there to work for a while. While there, she met William “Bill” Reed and they were married in Quinter on December 8, 1946. To this union, three daughters and two sons were born.
Leona was mostly a stay-at-home wife and mother but spent some years selling Fuller Brush products. She enjoyed her many customers along the way. While her children were home, Leona sewed their clothes. After they moved away, she began making beautiful quilts, wall hangings and many other crafts as well as creative picture albums. Later in life, one of her real joys was making beautiful greeting cards that she sent to family and friends. She would make around 150 cards per year.
In passing, Leona leaves William, her husband of 72 ½ years; daughters, Kathy Barker, Gayla (Wayne) Berens, Nancy (Tom) Stoltzfus; sons, Ross (Bridget) Reed, Lee (Connie) Reed; a brother, Marion (Joyce) Brooks; sister-in-law, Janis Millwee; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Eunice, and brother, Merlin.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at the Dunkard Brethren Church, Quinter. Burial will be in the Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter.
Family hosted visitation will be Tuesday evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church. There will be no public viewing.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Services, Inc. or Gideons International. Donations to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.