Leona E. Bardo

Leona  E. Bardo, age 95, formerly of Third St., Benton died at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2014 at the Orangeville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she had been a guest since February, 2012. She had been in ill health for the past 2 1/2 years.

      Born in Jackson Twp., on May 7, 1919 she was the daughter of the late Clark and Lilly May (Karns) Keeler. In her early life Leona lived in the Derrs area and  graduated from Benton High School in 1937.

     Leona and her late husband Eugene catered weddings and dinners and she also worked at Heritage House Restaurant, Orangeville for 25 years. She enjoyed gardening, crafts and sewing.

     She was a member of the Benton Christian Church where she taught in the Primary Department for many years. She was also a member of the Christian Womens Fellowship (C.W.F.) and a former member of the Eastern Star and Benton Fire Company Auxiliary.

     Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene E. “Gene” Bardo on June 30, 1993, two sisters; Irma Kelsey and Irene Karschner and by three brothers; Elmer, Lester and Roy Keeler.

     Surviving are three sons; Eugene E. Bardo, Jr., wife Sherry, Barto; David W. Bardo, wife Rose, Benton; Richard D. "Rick"  Bardo, wife MaryAnn, Benton; 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She was the last of her immediate family.

     Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Benton with Pastor Scott L. Lyons, Stillwater Christian Church, officiating. Interment in Elan Memorial Park, Lime Ridge. Friends may call Wednesday 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.