On Wednesday September 30, 2015 Leona was called home to her Heavenly Father. Matthew 25:23 says “His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and Share your Master’s happiness!”.
Leona Adeline Renz McCarl was born on November 18, 1925 on their farm, 7 miles north of Hazelton, North Dakota, the second child to Adeline Reich and Christopher Renz. Leona had seven sisters and one brother. All the kids had chores and she worked with her dad in the fields and with the animals. She spoke fondly of bringing the sheep in.
Leona married Lyman J. McCarl in March, 1951 in Bismarck, ND where they continued to farm along with Lyman’s family. They then made their way to Montana, living in Bozeman and then Helena in 1962. Lyman worked for the City of Helena. They were blessed with their four children, Daniel (Karen) of Boulder, MT; Dirk Christopher who passed away in 1994; Tamara (Terral) Balzer of Worden, MT; and Kevin (Kim) of Helena. She has 7 grandchildren; Terra (Ben) McKinsey; Amanda (Daniel) Hazlett; Mernie, Tierney (William) Greenwalt; Taylor McCarl, Alyssa McCarl, and Matthew McCarl. Leona has 4 great-grandchildren; Liam and Grey Greenwalt, Harper Hazlett, and Autumn McKinsey). She is also survived by her best friend, Joyce Berry, Carly Lindstrom whom she considered a grand-daughter, and Tricia Slaught, Patricia Shaw Clark, Kimberly Clark, life-long friends.
Surviving siblings are Marie Albaugh of Warren, MN; Louella (Ralph) Tack of Grand Forks, ND; Irene Roquet of Ada, MN; Diane (Ervin) Lindgren of East Grand Forks, MN; Richard (Bonnye) of Hialeah, FL; and brother-in-law James Albaugh. Her mother, father, son, sisters Clara, Emma Jean, and Lillian preceded her in death.
Leona has always had a love of music and learned how to play the piano and guitar by ear; never having a lesson. She was an expert Scrabble player up until her eyesight failed – taking pride in winning against her daughter. She also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, sewing, making quilts and her flower garden and listening to country gospel music and her dogs and cat. She also liked to Yodel.
Leona did daycare in her home for many, many years and several of her “kids” and families still keep in touch with her today. Leona is a member of First Presbyterian Church Helena and enjoyed singing in the choir and being a part of the “Mariner’s” group with Lyman. She never missed a Sunday until she was unable to attend due to her illness. Lyman passed away in 1998 and Leona was able to remain in their home until 2009; when she moved to the Eagles Manor Apartments, and then to Son Heaven Assisted Living facility in 2013 and then unfortunately had to move to RMCC and then Apple Rehab/Cooney Nursing Facility in 2015 until her passing.
The family would like to thank those who have helped her by providing transportation to church on Sundays after Lyman’s death and the loving caregivers at Son Heaven and Apple/Cooney. We are especially thankful for the gracious nursing care she received at St. Peters Hospital medical floor during the final two days of her life.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3rd at the First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing St. funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the church. A graveside service will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the social center of the church. Memorials in Leona’s name are suggested to First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601 or the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday October 3, 2015
First Prebyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Saturday October 3, 2015
First Prebyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Monday October 5, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday October 3, 2015
First Prebyterian Church
535 Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday October 3, 2015
First Prebyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Saturday October 3, 2015
First Prebyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Monday October 5, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday October 3, 2015
First Prebyterian Church
535 Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
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Larry, Linda and Justin Ell and Joshua Ell Families. says
We would like to express our sincere sympathy to the family of Aunt Leona McCarl. She was a awesome person, and we will forever treasure her memory. We are certain that her strong faith and love for her Savior Jesus Christ is being well rewarded as she entered her eternal life. God Bless her and may she rest in the arms of Jesus! We pray for you all at this difficult time.
Mike, Donna, Shyla, Kylee and Trae Doll says
Dan, Tammy, Kevin and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Take comfort with the love and support of your faith, family, and friends. Our deepest sympathy and love.
Janna Kransky says
To Tammy and Family. I am very sorry for your loss and I hope wonderful thoughts of her will fill your hearts and ease your pain.
Tom and Diane Fischer says
Tammy,Terral,Terra,Tierney and kids, our deepest sympathy for your loss. In the weeks ahead try to think of all the good and fun times that you had with your mom and that will bring a smile to you face and not tears to your eyes.
Carol Stenerson says
Sad to hear your loss, Aunt Leona was always a nice and fun person. Will never forget the good and fun times with her singing and playing piano for us. My prayers go out to Dan, Tammy and Kevin and your families.
Evelyn Knowles says
Kevin and Kim my prayers are with you and your family. I remember Leona and Lyman when my parents and my sisters and one of my brothers would visit at the home. Lyman work with my Dad for the city. Leona would give us cookies along with there children and let us know we could go outside and play while the aduts visited. She is a very special friend in our hearts and will be missed. Always had that smile for you.God Bless you Leona. Hugs and Kisses. Prayers are with you and your family if you need anything please let me know. God bless you. <3 🙂
Spiroff Family says
Katie, Mark, and Linda (Spiroff) Graham offer our sincere sympathy to your family. We have long time memories from church of Leona and the McCarl family.
Newt and Angie Erickson says
We want to express our sincere sympathy to the family of my dear Aunt Leona McCarl. I will always have fond memories of her. For the longest time, she never forgot my birthday, always sending a long letter, then another one at Christmas! That truly meant a lot to me! She is a very special lady. Daniel, Tammy and Kevin, I will never forget how we all played together as little children when you lived in Bismarck, and how our parents enjoyed the fun times! You all are in our thoughts and prayers! God Bless you!!
Lanny and Robin Zeltinger says
We want to express our sympathy in the loss of your mom. I always looked forward to and enjoyed the long Christmas letters. I remember when we “camped” in your parents yard in Helena and then the next morning were served the best French Toast ever! Good memories. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jill Van Alstyne says
Kevin and Kim,
I am sorry for your loss and am thinking of you.
Jill
Marilyn Miller says
Dear Dan, Tammy and Kevin,
I was so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. The neighborhood has never been the same without her piano music and singing and having her near. She was funny and kind and very caring about us all. She loved each one of you and your children and was very proud of you all. I loved her.
Marilyn