Leona Pauline Huston Yousling, 93, died August 2, 2013, at her home in Sun Valley Lodge, Sun City, AZ. She was born June 1, 1920 in Olds, IA to John and Erma Huston. She met and married John L. Yousling in Washington, IA where he worked for Sorden Music Co.
They moved to Elkhart, IN in 1957 when John joined the Conn Co. In 1964, they moved to Sycamore, IL when he joined Wurlitzer. They retired to Sun City in 1987.
Leona was an active volunteer throughout her life. She had a reputation among her friends and family for her graciousness, hospitality, and kindheartedness. She was an excellent cook and loved to entertain the many guests that filled their home.
As a lover of music, Leona loved John’s extraordinary talent at the piano and organ keyboards, loved to sing, and was a devoted choir member nearly all of her life. She was an involved leader at First Presbyterian Church, P.E.O, and a Stephen Minister.
She treasured her family and her Iowa roots above all else. Spending time with her four younger brothers and older sister and their families was always a special celebration and was cause for many family gatherings.
She is survived by her two daughters and their husbands: Jill Amidon Strickland (Bud) of Greensboro, NC, and Sally Kimball (Steve) of Belle Plaine, KS; her brother-in-law, Richard Yousling of Ottumwa, IA; grandsons Peter Amidon and Richard Kimball; granddaughter Robin Kimball; three great-grandchildren; two sister-in-laws; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, her son, Jim, her grandson, Gregory Amidon, and her five siblings.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Sun City on August 31, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church, 12225 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351, PEO Chapter BT c/o Treasurer, 13619 N. 108th Dr., Sun City, AZ 85351 or The Stephen Ministry.
The family would like to thank her long-time doctors George Cannon and John Donaldson, the staff at Sun Valley Lodge, and Hospice of Arizona for their extraordinary support during Leona’s illness and final days.
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Jill, know your heart is grateful for having your Mom this long. I celebrate her life with you an keep you and all your family in my heart and prayers. Love, Pat
We will miss our Aunt Ony. She was one of God’s kindest and most loving creatures. Heaven is a little brighter now and we rejoice that she is now with Uncle John, cousins Jim & Gregory, and her sister and brothers.
God bless the Yousling family.
Jill, we have missed you and are sorry to hear of your mothrr’s passing. I remember her visiting and making cookies while she was with you.the notice of her death was. Beautiful tribute. No wonder you are so gifted.Please know we are thinking of you and all the family as you celebrate a life well
Lived for family and friends. The”saints” live on through you and yours. Blessings from NC.
My thoughts and prayers are offered to Mrs. Leona Yousling’s family. I was lucky enough to interview her about John for the music industry’s NAMM Oral History in 2010. She was a special lady.