Leona M. Wood

WOOD, Leona M.
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away Sunday, September 16, 2012. She was born on February 28, 1909 in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Adelbert and Marie Gersch Root. Leona graduated from Paw Paw High School. Following graduation, she married Harold J. Wood. From this union a son, Thomas I., and daughter, Marcia J., were born. After a short period of time, Leona became the secretary to the office manager of the Van Buren County Soil Conservation Program. After 7 years there and the passing away of her husband, Leona and children moved to Kalamazoo and was employed by the Kalamazoo Stove Company. With WWII in progress, she became an arc welder for Ingersol Steel. Following the war, Leona worked for short time for Lacy Webber Co. and Peerless Water Co. After leaving there she became a certified dental assistant to Dr. Don Sargent for 12 years. Leona then studied to become an L.P.N. and, following training, worked for Borgess Hospital until retirement. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo and also a member of Circle of Hope. Leona did volunteer work for Senior Services and enjoyed playing bridge, bowling, reading, sewing, and activities at her apartment complex. Leona also worked part time for Charles Zeman Hotel Group for 30 years after retirement. Preceded in death by daughter, Marcia J. Wood, and son, Thomas I. Wood. Surviving are her daughter-in-law, Julie Davis Wood; grandsons, Christopher and Jeffrey April Wood; great-grandchildren, Garrett, Hunter, Wyatt, Thomas, and Brooke Wood all of Indianapolis. A memorial service will be at 12:00 PM on Saturday, Sept. 22, at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street. Private inurnment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park, Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Loaves and Fishes or First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund. Arrangments by Langeland Family Funeral Homes.