Leona Mae Dunkin, age 89, of Marion, went to be with her husband and Lord Monday morning, January 28, 2013, at the Heartland of Marion Care Center following an extended illness.
On March 2, 1923, Leona was born in Caledonia, one of four children of the late Clyde and Freda (Bickle) Smith. She graduated from Claridon High School in the Class of 1941.
One evening in November of 1946, Leona attended a Claridon High School basketball game, where a young veteran of World War II, Glen Dunkin, gave her his seat. They made an instant connection to one another and the rest would be history, as they were married after an eight month courtship on August 24, 1947, at the Trinity Baptist Church. They shared 62 wonderful years of marriage and lovingly raised two children, Susan and Philip. He preceded her in death on August 20, 2009, and she has longed to be with him ever since that day.
For over 30 years, Leona was dedicated to JCPenney, where she worked as a store cashier until her retirement.
A woman of faith, Leona was an active member of the Prospect Street United Methodist Church, where she had served on various committees. She also was a former member of the Wesley United Methodist Church.
Selflessly giving of her time, Leona had volunteered for the Marion General Hospital for over 14,000 hours, and had knitted many hats for newborns. She also was a member of the Claridon Homemaker’s Club, and the Prospect and Marion Area Senior Centers.
A lifelong resident of Marion County, Leona had a strong group of hometown friends, most of whom graduated together at Claridon, and they loved getting together “monthly” to play card games for years. Their favorite game to play was pinochle.
An excellent cook and baker, Leona made countless meals with love both for her family and her church family. Everything that came from her kitchen was outstanding, especially her homemade noodles and desserts.
With a love for traveling, Leona and Glen enjoyed several cruises together, and many family trips to northern Michigan and California to see their relatives.
Having a fun-loving and ornery personality, Leona truly had a great sense of humor, always keeping you on your toes with her quick wit.
Most important of all to Leona was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
She will be dearly missed by her two children: Susan (Ron) Edwards of Gahanna, and Philip (Kathy) Dunkin of Columbus; four grandchildren: Amy (Michael) Coutinho of Gahanna, and Anne (Darrell) Day of Arlington, Texas, Kate (Russ) Kerscher of Hilliard, and Matthew Dunkin of Columbus; four great-grandchildren: Grace, Carrie and Lily Coutinho, and Daniel Kerscher; two sisters: Alice Russell of Dublin, and Joan Yazel of Delaware; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Leona was preceded in death by her infant son, Stephen Dunkin; and a brother, Charles Smith.
The Dunkin family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 31st, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her homecoming will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Prospect Street United Methodist Church, with Pastor Nancy Goulet officiating. Burial will follow in LaRue Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Prospect Street United Methodist Church, c/o either their Scholarship Fund or the Missions Fund, 185 S. Prospect St., Marion, OH 43302.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Leona’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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