Leona J. Carpenter, of Hobart, passed away Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006. She was 98.

She was born Dec. 28, 1907 in Hobart, the daughter of Edward and Tillie (Harms) Niksch.

She was preceded in death in 1975, by her husband Clifford.

She is survived by five children, Linda (Kenneth) Brynn of Merrillville, David Carpenter of Hobart, Elaine (Norman) Graden of Valparaiso, Carol (Fred) Haddad of Henderson, Nev., and Wayne (Janet) Carpenter of Chesterton; six grandchildren, Lori (Joel) Mauk, Kevin Brynn, Brent (Joanna) Graden, Scott Graden, Kyle Graden and Mayalee Carpenter; seven great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Meghan, Samuel, Alex, Henry, Harrison and Harper; one bother, Edward (Carol) Niksch of Calif. and two sisters-in-law, Ruth Niksch of Hobart and Ella Carpenter of Valparaiso.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Laverne Niksch.

Leona was a life long Hobart resident and lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a loving wife and mother and was active as a den mother for Cub Scout Troop 65 of Hobart. She was active in the Republican Party of Hobart and served as a precinct committeewoman.

Funeral services, Rev. Gary S. Nagy officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 900 Luther Dr., Hobart. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart.

Visitation is from 2-7 p.m. Monday at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart.

www.reesfuneralhomes.com

Posted 11/20/2006