LeArdis was born in Danbury, Nebraska on March 8, 1928, during the Great Depression, the eldest of eight children born to George and Gertrude Welsh. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Oberlin, Kansas, where five more sisters and brothers were welcomed into the family in quick succession. In 1937, at the age of nine, due in part to the Dust Bowl, the family moved to Payette, Idaho to be with her father’s family. LeArdis loved music and singing. In Payette, she took violin lessons for three years, sang and traveled with the children’s choir. The family moved to Olympia, WA in 1941 where two more siblings came along to complete the family. LeArdis graduated from Olympia High School in 1946. LeArdis married the love of her life, Elwin, in 1947. Together they raised four children. LeArdis continued her musical interests, sang and directed church choirs and played the violin in the Olympia Symphonic Orchestra.
LeArdis has always been artistic, loved to paint with oils, watercolors and chalk. One of her paintings was on display in the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia, WA. She crocheted many afghans and doilies. In her later years, she enjoyed coloring. She enjoyed bright colors and we used many of her colorings to make bookmarks, which she gave away to family and friends.
LeArdis loved family gatherings, enjoyed playing cards and attending barbecues. Birthdays and holidays were some of her favorite times.
LeArdis loved the Lord, spent much time in prayer, especially for the family, hosted missionary prayer times and read through the Bible multiple times. The last several years she has had a weekly ladies Bible study group in her home.
LeArdis was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Elwin Homan in 2018, and their son, Duane Homan in 2010.
LeArdis is survived by her daughter Janet (Howard) Armfield, daughter-in-law Lori Homan White, son Steven (Dalene) Homan and daughter Joyce (Chenda) Chea, twelve grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Hidden Creek Community Church, 1807 Ninth Ave SW, Olympia, WA. Following the Celebration of Life service, there will be a Celebration BBQ at the home of Chenda and Joyce Chea.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Great Commission Fund: cmalliance.org/give or The Christian and Missionary Alliance, 8595 Explorer Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.
The family would like to thank you for your love and continued prayers during this difficult time. We greatly appreciate you.
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