Leona Mae (Gross) Kowalke

Leona Kowalke was born in Craig, Colorado on November 28, 1948 to Vern and Gertrude Gross and was united in marriage on February 6, 1971 to Everett Kowalke and they were blessed with three beautiful children, Paul Kowalke, Jennifer Kowalke and Kimberly Meier. On April 18, 2017 God called Leona home to Heaven. Leona is survived by her son, Paul Kowalke and his wife, Carrie and their son, Tyler. Her daughter, Jennifer Kowalke, her husband, Aaron Twiss and their three children, Luke, Ashley, and Dennis and her daughter, Kimberly Meier and her husband, Steve and their children, Ellen, Andrew, Tyler and Ashley and her beloved miniature dashound, Big Jake. She is also survived by her sister, Edith Shiller, brothers, Carl Gross and Butch Gross and sister, Tracy Hebel.

She is preceded in death by her father, Vern Gross and her mother, Gertrude Gross and brother, Sonny Gross.

Leona spent a majority of her life being an amazing mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She took pride and joy listening to her children, grandchildren and extended family’s successes. She loved ready and doing word puzzles and listening to Alan Jackson. She also enjoyed playing cards, family suppers and the occasional handful of black jelly beans, and acquired taste that she successfully passed on to her three children.

Leona left us all too soon but we take comfort in remembering her wonderful laugh, great hugs, and her ability to always make you feel at home.

A Memorial service was held Monday, April 24, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Wray, Colorado with Pastor Timothy Davis officiating. Memorials may be made to the Calvary Lutheran Church, 518 Dexter Street, Wray, Colorado 80758 or Giving Hands of Colorado, P.O. Box 466, Yuma, Colorado 80759.

Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Cremation was requested.