Leona M. Raffel's Obituary
Big Rapids Leona M. Raffel, 89, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2008, at Metron of Big Rapids. She was born June 3, 1919, near Morley, the daughter of August and Helena (Mathison) Arndt. Following her graduation from Morley High School, Leona attended the State College of Beauty Culture in Grand Rapids, where she earned her degree in 1938. In 1946, she married Oscar Raffel, and they have lived in Big Rapids since. Leona was a long-time member of St. Peters Lutheran Church, where she served faithfully in the Altar Guild, the Tabitha Ladies Aid, the P.T.A., and assisted in delivering Meals on Wheels. She also made over 100 quilts for Lutheran World Relief, and crocheted many tablecloths and doilies. For over 40 years, Leona served on the Big Rapids Community Hospital Auxiliary, and was fondly known as the gift shop lady. She was also a member of the Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary, as Oscar worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 38 years. The couple enjoyed travelling throughout the country visiting their children and grandchildren. Surviving are her husband Oscar; 3 daughters, Linda (Joe) Johnson of Ft. Worth, TX, Marlene (Klebe) Brumble of Waxahachie, TX, and Bonnie Clark of Big Rapids; 3 sons, Gary of Big Rapids, Aaron of White Pigeon, and John of Greenville; 12 grandchildren, Renee, Angie, Tom, Susan, Amy, Chris, Mike, Bob, Jenna, Rob, Becky, and Billy; 4 great-grandchildren, Sara, Skylar, Ryan, and McKensie; 1 brother, Henry (Helen) Arndt of Morley; and many nieces and nephews. Leona was preceded in death by her brothers Carl, Fred, and August, and her sisters Grace, Edna, Esther, Minnie, and Doris. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 14, 2008, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Big Rapids with Rev. John Bookshaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for St. Peters or the Activities Department at Metron may be left in care of the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, where Leonas family will greet friends on Sunday, July 13, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and at the church prior to services on Monday.
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