Connor, Leota C.

Leota C. Connor, 98, died Sunday Oct. 9, 2011, at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty. Private family services will be held on Saturday. Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery, West Liberty. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Iowa City Hospice or the Simpson Memorial Home.

Leota was born May 10, 1913, near Wheatland, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Catherine Petersen Riedesel. She was a graduate of Tipton High School in 1930. In 1931, she was united in marriage to Herbert Richards, he died in 1938. She later married Patrick Raymond Connor on Aug. 18, 1947.

She had been employed with Ditmars, Kerr & Co., Brooke and Barclay Attorneys and in September 1957 she became partner in Jehle and Connor Insurance and Real Estate Agency. In 1972, she sold the business and continued to work for Sterk and Grouwinkel until she retired in 1976.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, American Legion Auxiliary and West Liberty Golf Club. She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge golf and crocheting afghans.

Survivors include four grandchildren, Linda Jehle and her special friend, Melina Louise of Green Valley, Ariz., Cathy Simon and her special friend, Jim Kiwala of West Liberty, Kent (Sue) Jehle of North Liberty, and Brent (Chrissy) Jehle of Kalona; nine great-grandchildren, Steph Simon and her special friend, Teri Avalos, Shane (Becky) Simon, Amber (P.J.) Baltisberger, Amy (Wes) Dorsam, Jennifer Jehle and her fiance, Duane Grimes, Ben Schuelke Jennifer Schuelke, Karsen Jehle and Brenna Jehle; and three great-great-grandchildren, Kobe Simon, Briley Simon and Nile Dorsam.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Herbert and Ray; daughter, Janice; and two brothers.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 12, 2011.