Findlay
Leona Row Conrad was born on July 28, 1938 in Alvada Ohio, the first child of Arvel Row and Lou Anna Carpenter. When Mom was only 8 years old her mother succumbed to complications of tuberculosis leaving herself, her brother Edward Paul Row age 6 and Lester Row age 2 without dedicated maternal nurturing. Mom instinctively did her best in helping raise her brothers during a critical time in all of their lives. We believe it is from this early experience Mom gained a great deal of education in providing safety, love and affection, all the way up to supporting emotional and spiritual growth for her brothers.
The challenges of the time and employment difficulties placed Arvel in a difficult position and considered placing the children in an orphanage. Fortunately, Arvel’s parents, Raleigh and Maudie Row insisted that the three children live with them and keep the children together. The sacrifice and love that her grandparents performed forever instilled an everlasting bond to her and her brothers.
After graduating from Vanlue, Mom started employment at Marathon Oil in Findlay in the Accounts Payable Department. At the suggestion of a co-worker (Sue Montgomery) Mom went on a date with our Father, Donavon Jan Conrad. Mom and Dad married on December 2, 1961. Sadly on December 4, 1961 Mom’s father passed away while Mom and Dad were on their honeymoon. Mom lost both parents at a young age.
Mom and Dad raised three children, Jon (Lorie) of Mountain View Wyoming; Canda (John) Rooney of Sedona, Arizona and Michael of Davison, Michigan. Mom was a dedicated and devoted mother and grandmother who always put her children/grandchildren first. Mom would never eat nor rest until everyone had eaten. It is difficult to put into words her love for her family which makes this time extremely difficult. After we were raised, Mom worked at Cooper Tire for a time in Payroll.
Her granddaughter commented, “whoever came into her presence was blessed with her overwhelming beauty and gentle soul. She was as witty as they come, cracking up jokes in whatever situation she was in. On top of her beauty, gentle spirit, and wittiness, this woman could cook. She could make a simple dippin egg taste as if Gordon Ramsey made it himself. She was a special lady in so many unique ways.”
Mom passed away on the evening of 25 January 2021 after a challenging fight with dementia that while took her memory but not her smile and wit. Mom is survived by her three children, twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Survivors also include her brothers Edward (Judy) Row of Tiffin and Lester Row of Fostoria. We take solace in knowing that Mom is reuniting with our Dad, her mother who she greatly missed, her father and countless other relatives. Mom never lost her perspective based on her humble upbringing, Kentucky lineage and love of the Gospel.
We are indebted to the staff at Sunrise of Findlay and Heartland Hospice. The dedicated staff who cared for Mom truly were extended family. Mom loved the staff and we are grateful for their love, service and time which they provided in our lives.
It is disappointing that we find ourselves in multiple Covid-19 related restrictions. The family will be having a private graveside service on Saturday 30 January 2021 at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Bluffton Ohio. There will not be any visitation hours held at this time.
We will have celebration of life later which we will communicate accordingly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions or donations to The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), Sunrise of Findlay or Heartland Hospice.
The family has entrusted the Chiles-Laman Funeral Home – Bluffton in assisting us with funeral arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.