LEONA E. LIDDEKE, 92, of Norwich, Kansas, passed away Friday evening, December 24, 2010 at Springview Manor in Conway Springs.

Born on September 9, 1918 in Rago, Kansas, she was the daughter of Frank and Alice (Reida) Allender. She attended Hopewell Schools in south Kingman county and Adams High School.

She was united in marriage to Howard W. Liddeke on August 2, 1940 in Marion, Kansas. The couple made their first home in Wichita, Kansas, before moving to rural Norwich, Kansas where they lived for 40 years. Mr. Liddeke preceded her in death in 1982 and she then moved into Norwich. Leona was a homemaker and was a substitute cook for Norwich USD# 331. She had resided at Springview Manor in Conway Springs since 2006.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Norwich. Leona also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star from the mid 1950's until 1994 when she remitted due to failing health. She had served as Worthy Matron in 1961. She enjoyed helping on the farm, sewing and needlework and will always be remembered for having homemade goodies for the kids when they arrived home after school.

Her family includes:
Her sons: Bill Liddeke and wife Mickey of Valley Center, CA; Dan Liddeke of LaVeta, CO;
Her daughters: Nancy Bensinger and husband Dan of Moore, OK; and Julie Frisbie and husband John of Udall, KS;
Her sister: LaVon Parsons and husband Don of Rago, KS;
2 children of her heart: Dennis and Sue Leader;
Her grandchildren: Sonya Lybarger and husband Mark, Rochelle Krizek and husband Shaun, Duane Liddeke and wife Keri, Audrey Reince and husband Jason, Howard Bensinger and wife Sarah; and Andy Frisbie and wife Kristin; and
Her 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Eldon and Lowell Allender; and her sister, Emma Lee Kraus.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 31, 2010 at the Norwich Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Upchurch Cemetery in Norwich, Kansas. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, December 30, 2010.

Memorials have been established in Leona's name for Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, the Norwich Baptist Church and Springview Manor. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.