Leona Dalbey

Leona Helen Dalbey (76) died on Friday October 31st, 2014 after a lengthy battle with Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Leona was born on her parent's farm near Truman, Minnesota, on November 23, 1937. She was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie Gaard and Erwin Baarts and brothers Robert Baarts and James Gaard. She is survived by her husband Donovan (Doc) of 60 years and sons Stuart and Steven Dalbey and daughter-in-law Bonnie Dalbey. She has two sisters, Lorraine Thomas and VerDena Wilk, granddaughter Lindsay Dalbey, great granddaughters Larissa Dalbey and Tatum Dalbey-Gossner, many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Leona's passion was her love for her church. Her favorite ministry was singing The Happy Birthday song to all church members over age 60. This ritual lasted for 20 years and touched the hearts of the congregation at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The final item on her "bucket list" was to celebrate her 60th wedding anniversary, which she was able to fulfill last May. A viewing for Leona will be held on Wednesday November 5, 2014, from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Regency Mortuary at 9850 West Thunderbird Blvd. Sun City, Az. (The Cross Roads are 99 Avenue and Thunderbird.) Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday November 8, 2014, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6301 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ. 85033 beginning at 11:00 AM. The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of the Valley who took such wonderful care of Leona during the last three months of her life. A special thank you is extended to Faye, her Home Health Care Aid for making the last days of her life so comfortable. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, in her name, be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church at 6301 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, Az. 85033. or to Hospice of the Valley, West Clinical Office , 9435. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, Az. 85345-6479. Visitation Details Wednesday, November 5th, 2014 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Regency Mortuary Service Information Saturday, November 8th, 2014 11:00am, St. Paul Lutheran Church