Leona Elba Anderson

1939 - 2021

BORN

1939

DIED

2021

Leona Anderson Obituary

A longtime resident of Durango, Colorado, Leona Elba Anderson, endeared mother and beloved friend, died Sunday, October 24, 2021, in Tonganoxie, Kansas. She was 82 years old. Leona was born to Dorothy Leon and Byron Wesley Hamilton on March 6, 1939, in Colorado. During one of her family's many trips to her father's hometown of Montrose, Colorado, Leona met the love of her life, Gerald "Andy" Edward Anderson. After a whirlwind romance, Leona wed Andy at Berkley Baptist Church in Denver on December 29, 1956. The two moved to Durango, Colorado in the early 1960s, where they built several successful businesses. Leona's heart for people only surpassed the joy her three son's brought to her. "She always opened her home and heart to anyone. She was always there for anyone that needed to talk or needed help," her son Kenny Anderson said. "She was a loving mother that constantly worried about her kids," said her son Keith Anderson. "I will miss her bright morning text messages most." Her greatest gift was the time she invested in others. She never met a stranger, and her supportive words poured out to anyone who would listen. "She was a special lady," said her son Eddie Anderson, "but her kindness truly shined with her extended family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren." She naturally assumed the role of "Noma" to her grandchildren, engaging herself in every aspect of their lives. "I will forever be grateful for those long conversations she had with me when I was younger, but my heart fills when I think about how she engaged my son," said granddaughter Shonda Atwater. Mrs. Anderson is survived by her sons Eddie Anderson of Tonganoxie, KS, Keith Anderson of St. Louis, MO and Kenny Anderson of Creswell, Ore.; brother, Russ Hamilton, of Canyon City, CO; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held in Durango, Colorado in spring 2022. The date is to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to her favorite charity, The Gideons International at www.sendtheword.org.

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Published by The Durango Herald on Nov. 15, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Leona Anderson

9 Entries

Sue Addams

February 11, 2023

The last couple of years has been kind of tough, all things considered. When I hadn´t heard from Leona I began to check obituaries. I just came across hers. So sorry for her sons and extended family. I first met Kenny and Leona at church in Durango. They were such good friends to me and my sons and such a great help in times of need. Having moved away from Colorado for several years, I was so happy to reconnect with Leona when I came back to Colorado, only to find that she was moving to KS a few weeks later! We did have time for a few meals together when I was in Durango on business. It was like no time had passed and we picked right up where we´d left off years before! I will miss her so much; she was such a great friend and Christian example. She and Andy are together again! My condolences to Eddie, Keith and Kenny. Sue( Weatherly) Addams

Charles E Johnson

January 22, 2022

My Deepest condolences to the Anderson family !

Hummel Janice

November 19, 2021

Sure do miss her. Watered the orchids she sent me over time and brought back such a flooding of memories. From the time of when I was a little girl playing with her all the way to her coming to help me with the care of my first born baby. What a Godley caring loving person she was. My thoughts and prayers and love to all the family
Jan Hummel niece

Sheri Pardini

November 19, 2021

Leona was part of my extended family and my friend. I miss her deeply. She often sent me pictures of cardinals as a reminder that my mom was near, happy, and safe. The morning after Leona died a red cardinal appeared in the tree outside. I believe she was telling me she is near, happy, and safe. God bless the Anderson family with grace and peace in their heartache of tremendous loss.

Damian, Ellen, the girls &Desi

Planted Trees

Robin Weese

November 18, 2021

Rest In Peace my dear cousin,... such a beautiful soul,... will miss you

Kathy Shaulis

November 18, 2021

Leona and I would send text messages in the early morning or late evening hours. I was getting up for work, she to take medicine. We'd send pictures. Between my work hours I would spend time in person with Leona. We'd work jigsaw puzzles, watch Price is Right, listen to music or watch ancient movies.
Leona did not know a stranger. Her heart was as big as all outdoors. I miss my friend. Love you.

Mariah Anderson

November 17, 2021

We miss you so much Noma. You were always there for my kids and for that I will always be eternally grateful. We love and miss you.

Tina Velasquez

November 16, 2021

I am so very thankful to count Leona as one of my close friends. She was a very special lady and I will miss her dearly! My condolences to her family.

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