Leona M. Seeley
Centenarian served community
Leona M. Seeley (nee Ensign), 104, of Spencer died Tuesday at Center Ridge Nursing Home in North Ridgeville, where she had been a resident since August 1994.
She was born in rural Spencer on Oct. 14, 1893, during the presidency of Benjamin Harrison.
During World War I, she participated in the war effort by donating scarce items and eliminating the use of vital foods and other products necessary for U.S. troops.
During World War II, she was one of the many women who went to work for the war effort. She worked at the Western Automatic Screw Machine Co. in Elyria, where she inspected parts manufactured for the military.
She was a longtime treasurer at the First Baptist Church in Elyria and also was a sustaining member of the Open Circle Group, which was a support staff for a domestic and international missionary organization.
Mrs. Seeley later joined the Church of the Open Door when it was newly formed and eventually became the oldest member.
During her membership, she assisted in the development and financing of the Rev. Ralph Neighbor’s “Morning Sunrise Radio Program.”
Her civic duties also included several years as a volunteer at the Elyria Memorial Hospital, for which she received a Commendation Medal.
On her 100th birthday, she received messages and resolutions from President Clinton; Gov. George Voinovich; U.S. Sen. John Glenn, D-Ohio; and Elyria Mayor Michael Keys.
Her photo also appeared on the national television show “Today,” together with the comment that Mrs. Seeley was an accomplished harmonica player.
Survivors include her daughters, Geraldine Seeley of Elyria, with whom she lived, Lena Schroeder of Lorain and June Fox of Elyria; a son, Glenn J. of Westlake; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three great-great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn T., in 1947.
Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Busch-Curtis-Scheuffler Funeral Home, 114 Second St., Elyria, where services will be at 11 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Robert Schroyer, pastor of the Church of the Open Door in Elyria, will officiate.
Interment will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.
Published in the Chronicle Telegram, Wednesday January 28, 1998, page C2
[Wife of great-great-grandson of SGS # 1993 - Glenn Thompson; Leland R.; David Saunders; John Van Kirk; David (# 1993); Jesse (# 620); Samuel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Robert]
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