Vida L Leonard

Vida L. Leonard, age 101, of Blythe, California; passed away on September 4, 2018 at her residence Blythe, California. Vida was born January 29, 1917 in Barnes City, Iowa and is the daughter of Edward A. and Anna McClure. She was raised in Barnes City where she attended school and graduated from the Barnes City High School. She was married to Charles Alfred Leonard Sr. on August 1, 1936 in Barnes City, Iowa. After they were married they lived with his mother in Thornburg, Iowa, where her first three children were born, and he worked in the Whatcheer, IA area. From there they moved to West Burlington area while he worked at the Iowa Army Ammunitions Plant in Middletown, Iowa. From there they went to Monmouth, IL, and then moved to Biggsville, on March 8th, 1951. She then moved to Blythe, California in 1974 where she spent the remainder of her life. While in Monmouth she kept books for Selby's Poultry Farm Products, and while they lived in Biggsville she managed Leonard's Appliance Store. During the time spent in Biggville she helped the neighbors in many ways, teaching them to crochet and knit. Among other things, she was also a teachers aid in Biggsville, as well as in Blythe. After moving to California, she continued to help other in many ways. She helped organize a soup kitchen, and a senior center. She taught Bible study classes, and was an active member of her Church. She lived a life of love and faith by example without boasting or seeking recognition for anything she had done. As the scriptures tell, do not hide your light, but let it shine. This is the way she lived her life. Survining are five sons, Charles Leonard, Jr. (Shirley) of Blythe, California, Clifford Leonard of Blythe, California, William Leonard (Jean) of Biggsville, Illinois, Lee Leonard of Saybrook, Illinois, Kendall Leonard of Saybrook, Illinois. There are 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 8 great great grandchildren surviving. Vida is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three grandchildren. Cremation in California has been accorded and a memorial service is planned on October 20, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church in Biggsville, Illinois. Her family plans a visitation and will receive friends at Biggsville United Presbyterian Church from 10:00 to 11:00 am, prior to the funeral service. A fellowship lunch is planned following the service at the Biggsville Community Buillding. A memorial fund is being established.