JoAnne Leath

JoAnne Leath, November 15, 1930 - July 7, 2024, 93 years-old

Mom was born and grew up in Mason City, Iowa to Floyd and Leah Ollenburg. She spent time playing piano, going to the Surf Ballroom to dance, and making sure her little brother, Jim, was cared for while her parents worked. 

When she married Robert (Bob) Leath, they lived in several different places in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, California, and Wyoming. Bob and Jo had four children; Peter, Melinda, Michael, and Lori.

Mom worked a little over 30 years at Mini Mart/Loaf and Jug as a clerk. She absolutely loved it! She also enjoyed taking a few bus tours in the states and group tours in Europe. She especially felt at home in Ireland.

Mom spent a lot of time later in life sitting on her deck and talking with the deer that spent time in her yard. She loved wildlife and birds. She liked to say her morning prayers sitting on the deck. She spent several hours each day talking with Jesus and learning more and more about him while studying her Bible. She would talk about God with anyone and everyone. She'd also pray for the people in her life including family, friends, the people who brought her Meals On Wheels, and the people from Senior Services who helped make her life easier while also bringing her joy.

Mom loved watching football and was quite the armchair quarterback. The Minnesota Vikings were "her" team, and she could tell you anything you'd ever want to know about the team and players.

She was grateful and blessed to be able to meet and hold her great, great grandson. He was a huge delight in her life as were all her family. 

Mom was at the top of her game until the end. She completed the daily crossword puzzles and loved working jigsaw puzzles. She developed COPD late in life and wishes she'd never started smoking all those years ago. She passed peacefully while her youngest daughter held her hands. She will be missed by anyone who knew her.

Burial is planned for a later date in Iowa.