Anna Leeper

ANNA LEEPER

Cedar Rapids

Anna Leeper, 105 1/2, passed into the Lord's presence Thursday afternoon, Oct, 25, 2018, at Higley Mansion in Cedar Rapids with her daughter, Joyce, at her side. A Cedar Rapids resident for 87 years, she lived in her own home until moving to Higley just before Christmas 2017.

Anna's homegoing celebration will be officiated by longtime friend Pastor James Luders. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1900 F Ave. NW, with an hour visitation at

9:30 a.m. Burial: Shiloh Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Anna was born March 1, 1913, a daughter of Herman and Anna (Bellema) Ronnenberg, on a farm near Sparta, Ill. She attended school and worked in Sparta. Just before her 18th birthday, she moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and met Ray Leeper. They married on June 24, 1931, celebrating nearly 66 years together until his death in 1997.

For several years, Anna worked at the meal site at Jane Boyd Community House. She was a member of the Over 60 Club and Immanuel Baptist Church. She loved nature, especially the birds, poetry, crossword puzzles and the happy times spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed reading her Bible and listening to Bible study preachers on TV.

She is survived by two daughters, Doris Carrillo of Lancaster, Calif., and Joyce Nebel (friend John Willmsen) of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren, David (Robyn) Nebel of Cherokee Village, Ark., Kathy (Billy) Roberts of Moberly, Mo., Janet (Steve) Howe of Cherokee Village, Ark., Wendy (Amy) Rainbolt, Marlin Rainbolt and Marie Carrillo, all of Lancaster, Calif., and Anna (Spencer) Smith of Canyon Country, Calif.; 20 great-grandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant son, David; four brothers; three sisters; three sons-in-law, Richard Nebel, Wendell Rainbolt and Manual Carrillo; and a grandson, Leonard Agoado.

Memorial donations may be given to Immanuel Baptist Church, The Salvation Army or donor's choice.

The family is thankful for the kindnesses and concern shown and meals provided over the years by neighbors and friends, with a special thank-you to Nikki and Jeff, Lisa, Cathy Luders and Carlos Mendoza. The family also is grateful for the exceptional care provided by the staff of Higley Mansion and Hospice Compassus.

Papich-Kuba Funeral Service, Cedar Rapids, is serving the family.