Leona Rose Hutton

Leona Rose Hutton died peacefully in the arms of her loving husband of 58 years on March 17, 2022 in Glendale, AZ. She passed away at the age of 76 after a valiant battle with cancer. When Jesus greeted her into heaven at 10:47pm on March 17, 2022, she said, “WOW!”

Leona is survived by her loving husband, James William Hutton, Glendale, AZ; Children, Jared James Hutton, Manvel, ND, Janelle Leona Hutton-Moser (Wade Alan Moser) of Glendale, AZ, Jay William Hutton (Sarah Faye Gnirk-Hutton) of Harrisburg, SD; Grandchildren, Abigail Lee Moser and Logan James Moser, Glendale, AZ, Josiah William Hutton, Eli David Hutton and Mara Mae Hutton, Harrisburg, SD; Siblings, Stanley Hoverson, Manvel, ND, Susan Hoverson, West Palm Beach, FL, Steven (Mary) Hoverson, Larimore, ND, Loyd Hoverson, Shevlin, MN, Carl Hoverson, Larimore, ND, Keith (Lynae) Hoverson, Manvel, ND, Julie (David) Hoverson-Miller, Ardoch, ND. She is preceded in death by her father, Odin C Hoverson, her mother, Ellen L Hoverson-Nerby, her grandchildren, Samantha Faye Hutton, Jocelyn Jaye Hutton, and 6 more grandchildren.

Leona was born on March 29, 1945 in Grand Forks, ND to Odin C. and Ellen L. Hoverson. She attended St. James High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Mayville State College. She earned a Master’s degree in Education at the University of North Dakota. She married James William Hutton, her high school sweetheart in 1964. After moving to Grand Forks, ND, Leona began her teaching career and Jim farmed and served in the Army National Guard. After 4 years of newlywed bliss, the couple bought their first home in Manvel, ND and welcomed 3 children into their home over the next few years. Jim and Leona set about teaching their children how to live the Christian life. Her children remember her as a kind, patient, caring, and driven mother who encouraged them to pursue their individual goals. The family served the Lord together for many years and went on many family trips together. They especially loved camping, boating and waterskiing together! The family had a home on Maple Lake for many years where wonderful memories were made.

Leona was accomplished at singing and teaching and often sang and spoke at many Christian events. She was a generous individual who loved people. She was passionate about educating students with a Christian Worldview. She started the first Kindergarten in Manvel, ND and the first Christian School in Grand Forks named Shema Christian School which has been renamed Riverside Christian School. She was an active and dedicated member of Grace Baptist Church in Grand Forks, ND and of Cross Church in Surprise, AZ and often volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Leader, Small Group Leader, Choir Member, VBS Teacher, Christian Women’s Club leader and many more positions. She was a member of the Grand Cities Choir, Grand Cities Chorale and the Sun City Grand Gospel Singers in Surprise, AZ for many years.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled on April 2, 2022 with a public viewing 9:30-10:30am, service at 10:30am at Cross Church located at 17475 W Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374, with a reception to follow. Pastor Jackie will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Leona’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send cards/condolences to Jim Hutton-Apt 233, Orchard Pointe at Arrowhead, 17200 North 67th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308. The family would like to thank everyone who was a part of Leona’s life. She cherished each and every one of you in a very special way. She will be greatly missed by us and everyone who knew her.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Hutton family.

Leona Rose (Hoverson) Hutton’s Life Story

Leona Rose Hoverson was born on March 29, 1945 which was the day the last bomb of World War 2 fell on Britain! Her Father, Odin was serving in the United States Navy during this time. Her Mother, Ellen had her first of 8 babies! Leona was raised on a farm in Manvel, ND. Her Dad, 100% Norwegian was a farmer and held a very special place in her heart. They shared their love of music. Her Mom, 100% Irish was a homemaker and a very hard worker. Leona attended Manvel Public School and St James High School. At the age of 15, she moved into Grand Forks to live with and work for a wealthy family so she could attend High School and be involved in music. She sang in the school choir and played Baritone in the Band. During her first year of high school, she was invited out on a double date. Little did she know that she would meet the man of her dreams that night in the back seat. She was in the front seat with his cousin but more interested in the handsome man in the backseat. The whirlwind romance began soon after that magical evening. Jim and Leona dated for 4 years then married on July 10, 1964. She was 19 and he was 22. Their friends said that “Ken and Barbie got married that day!” Jim joined the Army National Guard and farmed and Leona attended Mayville State College to earn her degree in Education. While in college, she was awarded 1st runner up at the Miss Mayville Pageant. Her talent was voice of course. She had earned a vocal scholarship for college by singing on the radio in a contest. After four years of newlywed bliss, they were blessed by the arrival of their first son, Jared James. Then 22 months later, their beautiful daughter, Janelle Leona was born. Five years later, they were blessed with another son, Jay William. Now their family was complete. In 1976, the family built a large home with an indoor swimming pool in the country near their family farm. They both committed their lives to Christ during this time and so they decided to use their home to serve the Lord with Bible Studies, Christian Retreats, and countless hosting of people that needed a place to stay for a few days to a few years. Jim and Leona both had the gift of hospitality and they exercised this gift their whole lives. Leona taught many years, then decided to stay home to raise their children and manage the books for the farm. She started the first ever kindergarten in Manvel, ND and the first ever Christian School in Grand Forks, ND. Both as still going strong today! She attended the University of North Dakota to earn her Master’s degree in Education with a specialty in Reading. She taught many years as a Reading Specialist. She loved being a teacher. As her own children grew, her responsibilities changed and she juggled teaching full time and keeping the books for the farm and taking care of her hard-working husband, Jim. They had a wonderful life together. God blessed them with a camper and a boat and great group of friends to enjoy time with away from all the work. The families made many memories together on countless camping/boating/water skiing/trail-riding adventures. Jim and Leona loved to travel. They traveled across the US with their children. Some of their favorite travel destinations as a couple and family were Alaska, South Africa, China, France, Switzerland, England, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They both loved to Scuba Dive! They invested in deep friendships their whole life. They are such a great example to us how to love others, spend time with them, and keep in touch with lifelong friends. The whole family loved spending time on Maple Lake in MN. They Hutton’s were blessed to have a home right on the water. So many memories were made with family and friends there. We will never forget all the great times we had together. Leona loved being a grandma! She took her position very seriously and loved on her grandchildren whenever possible. Music and singing were a passion of hers throughout her life. She was always singing solos, duets, and in choirs. God gave her the gift of music and she used it for His glory. We will be forever grateful for the wonderful godly influence we had with Leona as our mother and grandmother. She will be forever in our hearts. We can’t wait to see her again. We are sure she is singing in the heavenly choir with the angels right now! All we can say is, “Wow!” which was her final word when she saw Jesus and then took her last breath at 10:47 on March 17, 2022.