Leona M. (Sibert) Sorenson

OTTAWA – Leona M. Sorenson, 88, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Salvation Army Worship Center in Ottawa with Captain Quentin Boyle officiating.  Private interment will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the Salvation Army Worship Center in Ottawa.  Pallbearers will be Melvin, Ron, Duane, Mike and Greg Sorenson and Michael “Mickey” Marshall.  Honorary pallbearer will be Jerry Sorenson.  Gladfelter Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Leona was born May 24, 1925 in Utica, Illinois, the daughter of Herman and Ruth (Hamlin) Sibert.  She married Melvin J. Sorenson February 14, 1942 in Palmyra, Missouri.  He preceded her in death November 19, 1990.  Leona is survived by her children, Melvin “Junior” Sorenson and Jerry (Karen) Sorenson all of Ottawa, Janet (Kenny) Sorenson Reger of Mendota, Ron (Kathy) Sorenson of Streator, and Duane (Deb) Sorenson, Mike Sorenson, and Greg (Spring) Sorenson, all of Ottawa.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren, and one step great great granddaughter.  She also leaves a brother in-law, Chuck Droston, of Streator and a son in-law, Michael “Mickey” Marshall, of Ottawa.  She was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary Marshall.

Leona was a member of the Salvation Army Home League and a volunteer for the Salvation Army.  She had an uncanny knack for bringing dead flowers back to life!  In her spare time she enjoyed working word search puzzles, knitting, crocheting, and quilting.  Her most cherished moments were those spent with her grandchildren and the family dogs.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a charity to be designated at a later date.