Leona Alice Padelford Kehret, 98

Published 9:36 am Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Leona Alice Padelford Kehret, of Snowflake, Ariz., formerly of Austin, Minn., peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2014, in Snowflake. She was 98. Leona was born in Austin to her parents, the late, Cecil and Viola (Dugaw) Padelford on Nov. 21, 1915.

Kehret

As a child, Leona was very active in the 4-H, having produced countless award winning beef and sheep. She continued to be involved until age 20. She loved the outdoors and loved to hunt. An avid baker she loved to cook and entertain.

Leona worked for Mildred’s Dress Shop in Austin for nearly 15 years. She belonged to the Pleasantview Birthday Club in Austin, which her mother, Viola was a founding member over a century ago. Following a brief illness in 2007, she moved to Pinetop, Ariz., to be closer to her son, Bernie. Following her short time in Pinetop she moved to Snowflake where she resided until her passing.

She is survived by her son, Edward “Bernie” (Nancy) Kehret, Jr. of Pinetop; grandchildren, Edward Bernard “Ted” Kehret of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Matthew Edward (Erica) Kehret of Tucson, Ariz.; Tamra Kay (Lance) Cullumber of Tucson; great-grandchildren, Makenna, Caleb, Kylie, Ethan, Emerson, Nicole, Josh, Jessica and Jake; one great-great-grandchild and many, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Kehret; parents, Cecil Padelford and Viola (Ed) Padelford Jessen; brother, Harold Padelford and sister, Vera Marie Padelford.

Leona was a fun-loving, kind, and a devoted mother.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Marilee Benson and Pastor Don Rypstra officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Interment will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. A luncheon will follow the committal service at the church.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.