Leona JoAnn Nyland passed away, at home, in the early morning on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. Born May 17, 1943, in Helena, Montana, to Joseph and Doris Traynor, she was 73.
Leona lived her entire life in Helena, attended local schools, and graduated from Helena High School in 1961. She met her husband, Eugene “Gene” Nyland, in high school and together they raised their three children – a son, Dennis, and twin daughters, Cheryl and Cary. She worked for the Civil Service/Office of Personnel Management, the VA Hospital, and ultimately retired from the IRS.
Leona, known as “Punkie” by those close to her, and “Granny” by her grandchildren, is already so very missed. She touched many and was loved dearly. Throughout her life, she always thought of others first, and never worried about herself. Her children, and later, her grandchildren were the light of her life. She enjoyed spending time with her family and dear friends, whether it was a birthday, a holiday, or just a summer gathering. She enjoyed sitting and talking about the current events or the many stories of growing up with her family. She enjoyed reading and she would never turn down the chance to play and always enjoyed a good game of cribbage or pinochle. And she’d play Farkle with the grandkids for hours.
She’s gone home to be with her Lord now, leaving an unspeakable void in the lives of those who knew and loved her. While our hearts are heavy, we are comforted knowing that one day we will see her again.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents Joseph (1983) and Doris (1983) Traynor, her brother Jimmie “Jim” Traynor (1998), and her sister Margaret “Margie” Traynor (1945). She is survived by Gene Nyland, her husband of 53 years, her son Dennis (Tari) Nyland of Helena, Montana, daughters Cheryl (Brad) Ricker of Helena, Montana, and Cary Nyland of Helena, Montana, her grandchildren Jamison (Ashley) Nyland of Auburn, Washington, Aimee Nyland of Arnsberg, NRW, Germany, Mikaela Nyland of Maui, Hawaii, Michael (Allie) Mallard of Havelock, North Carolina, Douglas (Brittany) Mallard of Helena, Montana, Cary Chamberlain of Missoula, Montana, CodiAnne Bring, Colton Ricker, and Jake Ricker of Helena, Montana, and her four great-grandchildren Jordan, Alyssa, and Jaxon Nyland (Jamison) and Caidence Mallard (Michael). She is also survived by her siblings Ray Traynor (Terry Traynor, Robin Wilkowski, Schelley Zuekle, Jennifer Traynor, and Adam Traynor), Aggie Hamilton (Melvin – Justin Hamilton, Nicole Hamilton, and Misty Hamilton), and Darlene Butler (Robert – Keith Butler and Brianne Stone), all of Helena, Montana and her sister-in-law, Beth Taylor (Jim – Marci Purvis, Corey Williams, James Traynor, and Joe Traynor) of Spokane, Washington, and several great nieces and nephews. Leona also leaves behind many loved and special friends.
Viewing will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A memorial service celebrating Leona’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26th at Helena’s First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave. Graveside services will follow the memorial service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers memorials in Leona’s name are suggested to Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, or Helena First Assembly of God, 2210 Dodge Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday July 25, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Helena First Assembly of God Social Hall
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday July 25, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Helena First Assembly of God Social Hall
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Terry Lamping says
So sorry to hear of Leona’s (Punkie) passing. She had such a funny sense of humor, she would take us all by surprise with her comments, then start laughing about it. Thoughts and prayers to Punkie’s family.
Sharon Lewis says
I am so sorry to hear of Leona’s passing So enjoyed her we had lots of laughs with the lunch bunch I can still hear her laughing.. She was a breath of fresh air . Heaven truly got an angel yesterday!! Thought, Prayers and blessings to her family.
Deb W says
Aggie, Darlene and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Leona’s passing. It was always such a pleasure spending time chatting and laughing before business was attended to at her appointments. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. She will be greatly missed. She is heaven’s newest angel and I feel blessed to have gotten to know her over the years.
Love and hugs..
Eleanor Osborne says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. She was good and wonderful person. When we see other we talk about our families. When we leave each other we always say I will keep you and your family in my prayers. She was first person I meet we move to Helena. I sure going to miss her smile.
Heather Mitton says
Prayer for all of the family. Leona was part of my life for a short time and was always there for me. She was and still is an amazing person.
Cheryl Cornish says
Leona was one of the kindest people I have met! I’ll miss her at church, but will enjoy our reunion one day in Heaven!
David L Voss says
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Thinking of you,
Sincerely,
Dave and Barb Voss from Morrison
Marie Engstedt says
My deepest sympathy to Leona’s family. She was one of a kind. ❤ You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Tyanich says
I’m truly sorry to hear of Leona’s passing. She was a fun loving type of lady. She always had a kind word to say. I’ll miss her laughter and her zest for life. My prayers and thoughts to the Nyland/Traynor familes.
Greta Induni says
We are thinking of the whole Helena crew that will be missing Punky. We are so sorry for yalls loss and are praying for healing hearts for all of you. Punky was so awesome. I’m so glad we got to Helena to meet everyone and Punky and get to know her. All I can say is “Damn it Gene”. As Punky would say during a game of farkle. Love you guys the Greta and Mike Induni. North Carolina
Dave Nyland says
When I think of my aunt Punky, I remember a thoughtful, compassionate and courageous person that will forever be missed. Her contagious laughter filled the room with joy and her spirit brightened up everyone around her. Memories of my childhood, growing up in Helena would never have been the same without such a wonderful and caring wife, mother, daughter and sister. I will truly miss you, Punky.
Stay above the sun..
Leona and Christina Wetherall says
24 years ago we met Leona at 1st Assemblies of God, the minute she found out my name was also Leona we had a special bond. A few years later both my daughter and I was able to work with Leona at Power Chevy, she will always be part of our happy memories! (oh, we will always keep her secret of how many times she really wrecked/dented the work van.) She was a woman we looked up to for her strength and determination to do all things in the sight of God, her friendship will be missed, but we are rejoicing that she is dancing in heaven.
Carrolle Liedle Rushford says
I was very sad to hear of Leona’s passing and send my sympathy to her family. I went to school with Leona from grade school through high school. Everything her family says about her is true — a warm hearted, kind person. I moved to Denver in 1975 and always enjoyed reconnecting at our high school reunions. She will be missed.