Leona E Gepford

Leona Bendawald Gepford age 94 of Caldwell, Idaho passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 23rd, 2 p.m. at Caldwell Veterans Memorial Hall, 1101 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell. a potluck will follow, please bring your favorite side or dessert. Per Leona's wishes a cremation is being handled by Dakan Funeral Chapel, and at a later date will be buried at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens next to her treasured husband, Mark Gepford, Sr.
Leona was born on March 15, 1928 in McIntosh County, North Dakota to Jacob and Maria Bendewald.
She was reared and educated in North Dakota then moved with her parents and 6 brothers to Seattle,Washington, and later to Caldwell, Idaho.
She married Mark Gepford, Sr. on January 16, 1946 in Caldwell Idaho. In 1947 they started their family with their first born child, daughter, Geraldine(Geri), followed in 1949 by son Mark Jr., and 2 years later their last child was born, son Lee. Included amongst their family was 2 daughters, Barbara and Donna, from a previous marriage of Mark Sr.
Leona was a dedicated mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother, who kept her family close to her and close to each other, no matter the circumstances. She enjoyed her time gardening, baking, watching her favorite teams ( Seahawks, Mariners, and Boise State), and her long awaited trips to Jackpot.
She had a big heart and will be dearly missed by family and friends. She was one of the most caring, selfless, strong-willed, stubborn, and courageous woman you would ever meet. Everyone was welcomed into her home with a loving hug and usually leaving with a bag of cookies. She left an impression on all those that knew her and has impacted so many lives in a positive way. She was always available for her many " pep" talks. Her strength and desire to live to be "100" will live on in her legacy.
Leona was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mark Gepford Sr., beloved mother Maria Bendawald and father Jacob Bendewald, daughter, Geraldine (Geri)McJunkin, brothers, Oscar(Mary) Bendawald, Lenord(Norma) Bendawald, Reinhold(Phyllis) Bendawald, Clarence Bendawald, Eugene(Shirley) Bendawald, and step daughter, Donna Vidic.
She is survived by her brother, Cliff(Barbara) Bendawald, her sons Mark Gepford J.R., Lee(Jennifer) Gepford; step-daughter Barbara (Cliff) Bendawald; grandchildren, Amy Gepford Lamb, Casey (Katie) Gepford, Andy (Megan) Gepford, Rob (Jodi) Gepford, Shelly (Mike) Griffin, Camrin Gepford, Rachel Gepford; brother in law, Lou Vidic, as well as many other nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
The family asks that memorials be made to the "Leona Gepford Memorial Fund" through Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell.

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