Leona Dennis

Leona A. Willis Dennis, 95, died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born April 25, 1909, daughter of A.A. "Doc" and Elizabeth Friedrich Beeson. She and Walter Frank Willis were married in March 1932 in Wickliffe, Ky. He died June 7, 1943. She and Clyde W. Dennis were married March 24, 1954. He preceded her in death in November 1958.

Mrs. Dennis worked at the A&P Store 22 years, then worked for Missouri Barge Lines until retiring in 1971. She was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral, VFW Auxiliary, and was a volunteer with Saint Francis Medical Center Auxiliary many years.

"In the Heavens above, the angels, whispering to one another, can find among their burning terms of love, none so devotional as that of 'Mother.'"

She is survived by three daughters, Frankie Lee (William R.) Schott, Joann E. Reiker and Jeannine (Ronald E.) Owens, all of Cape Girardeau; a stepson, Jack Dennis of Cadiz, Ky.; and a stepdaughter, Karen Flowers of Leoma, Tenn.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Sherri Schott Volkerding, David G. Schott, Laurie Schott Webster, Beth Ann Reiker Powers, Becky Reiker, Rhonda Owens Sitz, Dana Owens Kondrad, Tracy Owens Butler; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, Rodney Paul Willis; two sisters, Edna Dossett and Thelma Hensley Bollinger; an infant granddaughter, Renee Reiker; a son-in-law, Bob Reiker; a grandson-in-law, Jeff Kondrad; and a granddaughter-in-law, Deanna Schott.

Visitation will be held Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Al Hoernig officiating.

The grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Donations to Southeast Hospice, 760 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63703, would be appreciated.

"Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly, to be fearful of the night!"