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VADONNA LEAF

VADONNA LEAF

VaDonna Jean Leaf, 91, of Webster City, died Monday, May 19, 2020 at Southfield Wellness Community. A private family graveside service will be held at the South Marion Cemetery, south of Stratford. Foster Funeral & Cremation Center is entrusted with the services.

VaDonna Jean Hughes Leaf was born on April 12, 1929 in Webster City, Iowa, the daughter of Leon Hughes and Leona Annetta Matilda Christianson Hughes. In her early years, she lived with her grandparents, Oscar, and Matilda Christianson, on a farm near Stanhope.

She graduated from Stanhope High School in 1947. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stanhope. VaDonna Hughes and Paul Leaf were joined in marriage on March 2, 1952. They farmed together near Stratford and owned and operated the Bell’s Mill Sorghum mill for many years, one of only three sorghum businesses remaining in Iowa by the 1970’s. In 1990, they moved to Webster City.

VaDonna and Paul raised four children, Paul Arnold, Suzanne Jean, Christopher Mark, and Melissa Jane.

VaDonna was a free-lance writer and author, publishing three children’s books and hundreds of stories and articles. She loved creativity and it showed, not just in her writing, but in her cooking, baking, flower and vegetable gardening, crocheting, and crafts of all kinds.

She was a dynamic speaker and gave presentations to school classes and church groups. She also served as a Scout leader.

VaDonna was preceded in death by her husband Paul, their son Paul Arnold, and her parents Leon Hughes and Leona Dickerson.

She is survived by three children, Suzanne Leaf-Brock (Anthony) of Pine Island, Minnesota; Chris (Julie) Leaf of Boone, Iowa; and Melissa (Jonathan) Nelson of Madison, Wisconsin, five grandchildren, Heidi Sue Dodd, Sarah (Jason) Ingram, Crystal (Pat) Mullin, Hillary (Greg) Hilsabeck, and Caleb (Lacie) Leaf Chopard and 10 great-grandchildren.

For the past year and a half, VaDonna made her home at Southfield Wellness Community in Webster City, Iowa. The family wants to thank all the staff who not only took good care of her, but also who cared about her and who recognized and appreciated her kind, gentle soul. Th family also thanks Unity Point Hospice for making her final days comfortable.

Online condolences may be left at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com and cards may be sent to the funeral home.