Viona Leist

at the age of 96. She lived a long, full, and purpose-driven life

marked by devotion to her family, unwavering faith, and a

generous heart for others.

Viona was born on October 12, 1929, to John and Ella Mauch in

Bassett, Nebraska, i n Rock County. She was raised on a farm in

the Sandhills o f Nebraska and often spoke fondly of her

childhood and traditional country upbringing. It was there that

she developed her lifelong love for animals and the values that

shaped her life. From her father, John, she learned a strong work

ethic, business sense, and strict financial discipline. From her

mother, Ella, she learned character, virtue, and a deep devotion

to family.

In 1951, Viona married Bill Leist. They made their home in

Sacramento, California, where they raised three children:

Shelley, Jimmy, and William. While Bill worked a s a long-haul

the marriage ended in divorce in 1980, Viona remained fiercely

dedicated to her role as a mother.

In 1967, Viona began a career as an Administrative Assistant

with the Los Rios Community College District, where she

worked hard and with loyalty until her retirement i n 1990.

Viona married Don Ballard i n 1987 and was widowed i n 1995.

Though she was raised with faith, i t was after Don's passing that

her Christian faith truly blossomed. She fully accepted Christ as

her Lord and Savior and became a passionate warrior for her

taith. For the rest of her life, Viona worked tirelessly in service

to others, always sharing words o f encouragement, hope, and

love through Jesus. She was laser-focused on her mission to

ensure that those she loved understood the promise of eternal

life through faith. She was instrumental i n leading her children,

grandchildren, and many others to a strong Christian faith-an

enduring legacy she cherished deeply.

In 1998, Viona met Paul Wallace. Though they never married o r

shared a residence, they were loving companions to one another

until Paul's passing in 2011.

Above all else, Viona dedicated her life t o her children and took

profound pride in knowing she raised all three to be decent,

productive, and God-fearing adults.

Viona was preceded i n death by her father, John Mauch; her

mother, Ella Mauch, her brother, Duane Mauch and his wife

Maudie; her brother Jack Mauch and his wife Maurine; her sister

Jean Mauch Martin and her husband Curly Martin, and her

brother Dennis Mauch.

Viona is survived by her daughter Shelley Stahr and her husband

Terry; her son Jimmy Leist and his wife Patti; and her son

William Leist. She is also survived b y her brother Walter Mauch

and his wife Connie. She leaves behind many grandchildren:

Monica Stahr Fasani and her husband Randy; Lindsay Stahr

McLaughlin and her husband Dustin; John Stahr and his wife

Brittany; Jimmy Leist and his wife Ashley; Eric Hamerton and

his wife Haley; William Farrell Leist and his wife Lori Ann;

Kristie Leist Vitucci and her husband Dustin; Aidan Leist; Ethan

Leist; and Owen Leist, as well as many beloved great-

grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Viona's family would like t o express their heartfelt appreciation

to the wonderful staff at The Villas at Stanford Ranch Assisted

Living Facility in Rocklin, California, where Viona resided for

the final five years of her life. Their dedication, kindness, and

patience made her final chapter fulfilling, engaged, and truly

enjoyable for her. Viona especially loved cheering for her

beloved Kansas City Chiefs, sharing fellowship with her many

friends at the Villas, and took great pride in routinely beating

them all in their "mostly friendly" card games. The family

would also like t o recognize and thank the professional and

dedicated Sutter hospice staff who lovingly provided Viona a

comfortable and peaceful passing.

Viona will be remembered for her strength i n character, her

faith, and her unwavering love for family. Her life was a

testimony o f faith in action, and her legacy will continue

through the many lives she touched.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of

your joy" - Matthew 25:21