Leona 'Nonie' Ross

Leona Nonie Ross, of Audubon, passed away January 27, 2009, at the Pathways Hospice Care Center in Loveland, Colorado, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer at the age of 82 years, 5 months, and 5 days.
Nonie was born August 22, 1926, to George and Minona (Barentson) McLeran at her family farm just west of Audubon. She attended country school at Leroy No. 8 where she would often ride her horse, letting him go when she arrived, knowing he would wander home on his own. Her only teacher there was Sigrid Rasmussen, who remained a dear friend throughout Nonies life.
Nonie graduated from Audubon High School in 1944. The following year she was married to a handsome young sailor and artist named Cameron Ross. They were wed on Christmas Day of 1945 and enjoyed 53 years together before Cams death in 1998.
After raising her three children, Nonie enjoyed working as a secretary for the Veterans Affairs Commission, Audubon County Superintendent of Schools and Heartland Education Agency.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Nonie offered her services as a Cub Scout Den Mother and as a Sunday School teacher at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon. She gave freely of her time for any community cause and could always be counted on by those in need.
Nonie was a loyal friend to many and a wonderful mother to her children. Many in Audubon would attest to her great compassion and loving heart. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, watching sports, traveling and visiting her children and extended family. She treasured her farm upbringing and loved Audubon and the small town life. Mostly, Nonie seemed to be happiest when tending to the needs of others.
In her later years, she was a constant companion of lifelong friend and former Audubonite, Earl Stafford. Her sons are grateful for the love they shared together and for the friend he has become to us.
Nonie was preceded in death in addition to her husband Cam; by her parents, George and Minona (Barentson) McLeran and her brother George Jr. Sonny, who died in a trucking accident west of Panora in 1952. She is survived by her sons, Scott, of Tarpon Springs, FL and his wife, Wendy; Tim, of Nashville, TN and his wife, Sallee; and Kacy of New York, N.Y. and his girlfriend, Kirsten. In addition, she was blessed with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren with two more expected soon. She is also survived by her niece, Georgia Kauffman-Savage of Greeley, Colo.
Writing in a private auto-biography, her last entry reads, I hope I have been a good wife and mother, as that was my intention. To the end, she lived a successful and rich life and will forever be missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched in so many ways.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa

Service:
The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted by Pastor Kay E. Steddom, on Saturday, May 23, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, Iowa.