Edwards, Leona E.

Leona E. Edwards, 88, of Iowa City, died Sunday, May 20, 2012, at the Briarwood Care Center in Iowa City. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 25, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2983 Northgate Dr., Iowa City. A private family graveside service will be held at the Oxford Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to Leona's family through the web at .

Leona Emily Zalesky was born June 19, 1923, daughter of Joseph and Hattie (Bys) Zalesky in Shueyville, Iowa. She graduated from Shueyville High School in 1942 and went onto attend Coe College in Cedar Rapids. On June 9, 1946, Leona married Howard Edwards. Together they ran their farm and raised their family. Leona was a person of faith, she had a strong relationship with God. Acting on her faith, she shared the word of God for over 60 years, her unfailing generosity with her time and talents will always serve as an inspiration for us all.

Leona's family includes her daughters and their husbands, JoAnn and Bob Guzman of Iowa City, and Jane and David Persinger of Washington, Iowa; six grandchildren, Gina Hayslett, Jonathan Guzman, Matthew Persinger, Anne Leyden, Amanda Runner and Ryan Persinger; two great-grandchildren, Owen and Diego; and a brother, Leonard Zalesky.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard in 2008; parents; and brother, Joseph Zalesky.

Leona's family would like to thank the staff at Briarwood Care Center for all their care and compassion with Leona's care.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City is caring for Leona's family and her services.

Published in The Gazette May 23, 2012.