Leona Row Conrad died Jan. 25, 2021. She was born on July 28, 1938, in Alvada, Ohio, to Arvel Row and Lou Anna Carpenter. 

She graduated from Vanlue High School. She married Donavon Jan Conrad on Dec. 2, 1961.  She worked at Marathon Oil in accounts payable and later at Cooper Tire in payroll.

She is survived by three children, Jon (Lorie) of Mountain View Wyoming; Canda (John) Rooney of Sedona, Arizona, and Michael of Davison, Michigan, 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. 

Other survivors include her brothers, Edward (Judy) Row of Tiffin, and Lester Row of Fostoria. 

A private graveside service takes place Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton. No visitation is planned.  A celebration of life will be held later.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions or donations to The Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org), Sunrise of Findlay or Heartland Hospice.

Chiles-Laman Funeral Home – Bluffton, is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.

The family provided the following additional information about Leona:

Leona the first child of Arvel Row and Lou Anna Carpenter. When she was  8 her mother died tuberculosis leaving herself, her brother, Edward Paul Row, 6, and Lester Row, 2, without a mother. 

She did her best in helping raise her brothers during a critical time in all of their lives. 

From this early experience she gained a great deal of education in providing safety, love and affection, all the way up to supporting emotional and spiritual growth for her brothers.

The challenges of the time and employment difficulties placed her father in a difficult position and he considered placing the children in an orphanage. 

Arvel’s parents, Raleigh and Maudie Row insisted that the three children live with them and kept the children together.  The sacrifice and love that her grandparents performed forever instilled an everlasting bond to her and her brothers.

After graduating from Vanlue, Mom started employment at Marathon Oil in Findlay in the Accounts Payable Department. At the suggestion of a co-worker (Sue Montgomery) she went on a date with our Donavon Jan Conrad. The couple  married on Dec. 2, 1961. 

Leona’s father died while the couple was on their honeymoon. 

“Mom was a dedicated and devoted mother and grandmother who always put her children and grandchildren first.  Mom would never eat nor rest until everyone had eaten.  It is difficult to put into words her love for her family which makes this time extremely difficult.”

Her granddaughter commented, “Whoever came into her presence was blessed with her overwhelming beauty and gentle soul. She was as witty as they come, cracking up jokes in whatever situation she was in.

“On top of her beauty, gentle spirit, and wittiness, this woman could cook. She could make a simple dippin’ egg taste as if Gordon Ramsey made it himself. She was a special lady in so many unique ways.”

Mom passed away after a challenging fight with dementia that while took her memory but not her smile and wit.  Mom never lost her perspective based on her humble upbringing, Kentucky lineage and love of the Gospel.

We are indebted to the staff at Sunrise of Findlay and Heartland Hospice. The dedicated staff who cared for Mom truly were extended family. Mom loved the staff and we are grateful for their love, service and time which they provided in our lives.