Leona Gillham Grau

Leona Frances Gillham Grau Leona Frances Gillham Grau, of Altavista passed away at home February 9, 2010, after a lengthy struggle with numerous health issues. She was born October 20, 1916 in Dodge City, Kansas, the daughter of the late Claude Clark Gillham and Ada Merk Gillham. Besides her parents she was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters; two nephews and two nieces. To cherish her memory she has left her beloved husband of sixty-nine years, Martin Frederick Grau, of the home; two daughters, Sharron Grau Doss of Altavista, Carol Grau Kenney (Doug) of Roanoke; a brother Ronald F. Gillham (Shirley) of Huntington Woods, Michigan. She was the proud grandmother of Douglas Martin Kenney (Marci) and three great grandchildren of Johns Creek, Georgia. Also surviving are eleven nieces and nephews and a host of good friends and neighbors who will miss her. Leona was a member of the First Baptist Church in Altavista. She offered multitudes of love, encouragement and support as a wife, mother, family member and friend. In addition to being a homemaker, she served as secretary at Altavista Elementary, and in many office capacities while employed twenty-seven years at the Lane Company and Yeatts Transfer Company. She enjoyed needlework of all kinds, her bridge clubs, traveling, music, football games, reading, and was always ready to offer or join in a good laugh. The family wishes to express their appreciation to each of Leona?s caregivers of several years; Cathy Rountrey, Debbie Bernard, Michelle Stone, Sandy Meyers, Barbara Kraft, Gwen Woodruff, Hospice of the Hills and the First Baptist Church family. The tender care you gave in Leona?s behalf helped sustain us all. We feel richly blessed for each of your efforts. A memorial service will be conducted at 6:30 p.m.., Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service Chapel, Altavista by Dr. Michael S. Lee. The family will receive friends following the memorial service until 8:00 p.m. at Finch & Finch Chapel. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial in Leona?s name to the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, Virginia 23058-5216 or the Arthritis Foundation, 2201 W. Broad Street, Suite 100, Richmond, Virginia 23220. To send condolences please visit www.finchandfinchfuneralservice.com.

Leona Gillham Grau

October 20, 1916 - February 9, 2010