Leone Meyer

Leone Audrey Meyer was born on September 5, 1927 to James Albert Johnson and Mabel Johnson in Ruthton, Minnesota. She grew up in rural Ruthton as the oldest of four daughters. She graduated from Ruthton High School and attended teacher college in Mankato Minnesota. She later attended Southwest State in Marshall, Minnesota and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education. She was among the first graduating class of the newly opened college. Leone married Marvin Frederick Meyer in 1949, and the couple started farming in Pipestone County. Leone and Marvin had four children, two boys and two girls. Leone had a long career as an educator. She began teaching in country school and eventually taught in Holland, Minnesota, then taught 6th grade in Tyler Minnesota. When the district combined with Russel and Ruthton, she transferred to her alma mater, Ruthton, and taught 5th grade until she retired after 35 years of teaching. Her professional honors included awards for Social Studies curriculum development and also received several other professional recognitions. After Marvin's death in 2004, Leone continued to live in their home. She was proud of the fact that she remained independent at home. She passed away at her home on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the age of 97 years.

Leone had an incredibly strong faith. She taught Sunday School and enjoyed working and volunteering in several capacities for the church. Her steadfast belief in God brought her strength and resolve to live a life for her Lord. For several years Leone was a 4-H leader for the Altona Atomics club. She also enjoyed judging several categories of entries at several County Fairs. She was a master gardener and worked on community garden projects, and often was contacted for advice on many different gardening topics. She would also occasionally write a gardening article in the local newspaper. Leone enjoyed maple sugaring, canning, travelling, reading, sewing and gardening. She was always ready to learn a new craft including caning chairs, quilting, and upholstery. As a life-long learner, she especially enjoyed History and was a member of the Pipestone Historical Society. She also enjoyed taking care of her many barn cats and her indoor cat, Pippy.

Leone will be remembered for her strong faith, her breadth of knowledge and her kindness and compassion. She always made herself available for those in need.

Leone is lovingly remembered by her children, Valerie (Don) Holthus of Andover, Minnesota, Gayle Meyer of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Dean (Barb) Meyer of Pipestone, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Gail (Al) Meyer-Deelstra of Flandreau, South Dakota; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister, Lois (Tyson) VanDer Wilt of Tracy, Minnesota; and many loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin and her son, Leslie.