Leona M Jennings

PEKIN ~ Leona M. Jennings, 83, of Pekin, passed away at 5:18 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2009 at Pekin Hospital, surrounded by her family and friends.Born February 14, 1926 in Delavan to Ernest E. and Alice E. (McBride) Berchtold, she married Harold G. Jennings on December 7, 1961 in Havana. He passed away on September 14, 1994 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one stepdaughter, Rita Davis; one granddaughter, Jessica Ruschau; one grandson, Terry Patrick Runyon; one step-grandson, Jody Jennings; one step-granddaughter, Ramona Jennings; one great-grandson, Nicholaus Gibson; one brother, Joe Berchtold and two sisters, Mary Berchtold and Ethel McGinnis.Surviving are two sons, Ernie (Thelma) Runyon of Pekin and Terry (Susy) Runyon of Green Valley; two daughters, Kay (Jim) Ruschau of Delavan and Merry (Dave) Juchems of Pekin; one stepson, Garry (Joy) Jennings of Pekin; nine grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; ten step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson and one step-great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are two brothers, John (Gladys) Berchtold of Manito and Robert (JoAnn) Berchtold of Green Valley; one sister-in-law, Mary Lou Meyer of Pekin and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves her faithful friend and companion, her dog, Bo.Leona worked at various local businesses through the years, including the Prairie Trails Inn, the Isolina restaurant, K-Mart (cafeteria manager), the E & K, Lois' Market, and Watkins Market. Following a brief retirement, she found her true vocation,that of caregiver. For the next several years, she worked tirelessly, providing skillful and compassionate care to several elderly neighbors. She also provided loving childcare for several neighborhood children.Leona enjoyed spending time with family, friends and neighbors. She was blessed with friends whose love and dedication brightened her life and helped her through the difficult times of her illness,Janet Lawson and Steve Swing.Leona was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin.Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, November 9, 2009at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Glenn R.A. Niemann will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Central Illinois Riding Therapy, 305 Neumann Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611.