SMITH, Leona May

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 11/01/2011 Leona May Smith, 90, died Oct. 15, 2011, at her home in Show Low with her beloved friends, family and pets nearby to see her off. Congestive heart failure finally broke her body, but never her spirit. She was born Aug. 6, 1921 in Waukegan Ill. She and her husband, Perry, moved to Show Low from San Diego, Calif in 1969. Of her many years of service to the community of Show Low, among her favorite were the over 21 years spent with her friends and colleagues in the Medical Records Department at Navapache Regional Medical Center (now Summit Health Care). She worked in medical records as a volunteer from 1987 until health issues finally forced her "retirement" in 2008. There may have been some with longer records of volunteerism at the hospital but it is doubtful that anyone can top or even come close to her over 24,000 hours. Upon her departure, staff honored her with a retirement luncheon, and various tokens of appreciation. Leona was most often described by those who knew her as brave, compassionate, strong, direct, and with a mind of her own - but respectful of others whose views might differ from hers. And she was a good friend. She loved and respected the natural world and did what she could to be a good steward. In addition to the above Leona also assisted with Friends of the Library in Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside Senior Center and the Humane Society. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy and husband, Rex. She was preceded in death by her son Larry, and her husband Perry who passed in 1986. She will be buried next to her husband in the Show Low Cemetery. She requested there be no formal service, but to be remembered with love - as she surely loved you.