September 29, 2024 - May 20 , 2026

Leona Peters, 101, of Denver, Colorado, was born in Park, Kansas to Joseph Wilhelm Geist and Helen Geist. She grew up loving farm life - rounding up the cows while reading a book on horseback with a dog trailing behind, climbing the windmill for a view of the horizon, riding to school in a horse-drawn buggy, and once witnessing a tornado carry that one-room schoolhouse a mile away.

The third of seven children, Leona cherished her close‑knit siblings — Rosa, Eleanora, Alfred, Wilfred, Hubertina, and Ernest. Longevity ran in the family; her mother lived to 99, and her beloved sister Rosa to 103. Rosa and Leona were the last surviving children of the “gentleman farmer,” and Rosa remained Leona’s lifelong best friend.

During WWII, Leona moved to Wichita to work in the Boeing Plant Blueprint Department on the B29 aircraft. After the war, she set out to “set the world on fire”, landing first in Denver where she met John C. Peters in the rooming and boarding house they both called home. John was instantly smitten, and after a six-month courtship, he proposed on Valentine’s Day by taking her to a jewelry store to show her a ring he had already chosen. Leona accepted with her signature spirit, noting that her husband-to-be would need a ring as well.

They married and shared 62 years together, raising three children: James J. (Sandra), Cheryl (Brad) Thompson, and Robert (Patty). Leona was grandmother to Meghan (Chris) Gallo, Jonathan (Tiffany) Peters, and Jeffrey (Rachael) Peters, and great‑grandmother to Logan, Lucas, and Blake Peters, and James and Anna Gallo. She is also survived by step‑granddaughter Rosamond Thompson and her children, Maddie and Jack Parker. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 2008, and her son Jim, in 2014.

John and Leona enjoyed an active life surrounded by many friends. Grounded in their Catholic faith, they valued family, education, and the joy of shared experiences. They were skilled square dancers, sharp card players, enthusiastic travelers, and deeply engaged grandparents.

Fearless by nature, Leona embraced every new adventure — even zip‑lining and indoor skydiving. Her motto, “If they can do it, I can do it,” guided her throughout her life. Independent and strong, she took great pride in her career as a beautician, especially in offering the popular post‑war permanent wave.

Generous with her time and devoted to those she loved, Leona treasured her extended family and will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Garden Plaza of Aurora Assisted Living, Elevation Hospice, and especially to Janice Frey, our dear friend supporting Leona through her end-of-life journey.

A Rosary and memorial Mass will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 13120 E Kentucky Ave, Aurora, CO 80012 on June 18th, 2026 starting at 9AM to be followed by a reception.

Burial to follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery on 06/18 at 2PM.