Leona Peters of Denver, Colorado, age 101, was born in Park, Kansas to Joseph and Helen Geist. She grew up experiencing the work and the pleasures of growing up on a farm. Stories include rounding up the cows while reading a book on horseback with a dog following, feeding the chickens and curly tailed pigs, climbing to the top of the windmill to see the horizon, and riding in a horse drawn buggy to school.

She was the third child of 7; her brothers and sisters - Rosa, Eleanora, Alfred, Wilfred, Hubertina, and Ernest were a close and fun group. Longevity was in the genes. Her mother passed away at the age of 99, her sister Rosa at 103. Leona was 101 when she passed. Rosa and Leona were the last remaining children of the "gentleman farmer" and remained best friends always. Leona loved her siblings, and often told of a time when they were in grade school, a tornado lifted the one room schoolhouse and set it down a mile away.

Leona's education was interrupted by WWII. She moved to Wichita to work in the Boeing Plant Blueprint Department on the B29 aircraft. Following the war, Leona set out to leave Kansas and set the world on fire. Her first stop was Denver, Colorado, where she met John C. Peters in the rooming and boarding house in which they both lived. John was swept off his feet and after a 6 month courtship, proposed on Valentine's Day by taking her to a jewelry store where he showed her a ring he had previously chosen. Leona accepted by replying her husband-to-be also required a ring. The next 62 years brought three children: Jim (Sonnie), Cheryl (Brad) Thompson, Robert (Patty), and 3 grandchildren, Meghan (Chris) Gallo, Jonathan (Tiffany) Peters, and Jeffrey (Rachael) Peters. Her great-grandchildren are Logan, Lucas, and Blake Peters, and James and Anna Gallo. Step-grandchildren are Rosamond Thompson and children, Madeline and Jack Parker. Leona's husband John passed away in 2008; their son Jim in 2014.

John and Leona enjoyed an active life with many friends. They had strong beliefs and trust in the Catholic faith, and believed in the strength and love of family and the value of education. They were proficient square dancers, excellent card players, loved the adventure of traveling, and the joys of being actively involved grandparents Leona was fearless in life and tried everything that came her way. Her motto was "if they can do it, I can do it." She was independent, strong, and proud of her career as a beautician providing permanent waves - the latest fashion after the war. Leona was always eager to help friends and family alike. She treasured her relationships with extended family; she will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Her family expresses gratitude to the kind and caring staff of Garden Plaza of Aurora Assisted Living Facility, to the wonderful caregivers of Elevation Hospice, and to the patient and loving care of our very special friend supporting her through her end-of-life journey, Janice Frey.

A memorial remembrance and rosary will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 13120 E Kentucky Ave, Aurora, CO 80012 - TBD date

Burial will take place at Fort Logan National Cemetery - TBD date