Leona (Depee) Peuck

Leona M. (Depee) Peuck passed away on April 14, 2012, in Spokane, WA at the age of 85. She was born December 30, 1926, in Lewistown, MT, to Sue and Luther Depee. All her life she was a very hard worker. The family eventually moved to Palouse, WA, where she cleaned houses as a teenager. She graduated from Palouse High School in 1945. At that time, she moved to Spokane, WA, to pursue her own career. She became a bookkeeper and worked for Inland Motor Freight. It was here that she met her future husband, Lester Peuck. They loved to talk about how they would meet at the water cooler when they were in the “flirting stage!” They married in March of 1947. Leona later worked for the former Northwest Radio and TV until 1965. Leona was a very social person and enjoyed spending time with friends. She loved to cook, bake, and entertain. There were many family gatherings at her home throughout the years. She was the family prankster and loved to tease people. The family had a pool and all the guests were careful not to stand near the edge because they knew she would push them in as she passed by. Even though she could not swim, she loved to water ski. Playing cards was one of her and Les’s favorite activities. After her husband’s death in 1995, she continued playing Pinochle at least 5 times a week at both Sinto Senior Activity Center, where she was a member, and Hillyard Senior Center. Meanwhile, she also was part of a dominoes group that played weekly. They always enjoyed a light dinner before beginning their games. She also gained a second family when she met Tony Miller, her later-life sweetheart. His large family welcomed her warmly into their fold. Sadly, he preceded her in 2010. She also loved dancing, movies, plays, and traveling. Leona continued to be as active as possible throughout her years. Leona has a large extended family. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Denning of Santee, CA, Karla Ray (Robert) of Norco, CA; her brothers, Leo Stockton of Bozeman, MT, Donald Depee (Elaine) of Yuma, AZ, H. Eugene Hauf (Donna) on Spokane Valley, WA; six grandchildren, Deanna, Deborah, Justin, Amber, Jordan, Marisa; eight great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Manor Care Nursing Home for their thoughtful and loving care given Leona during her stay there. Cremation will be taking place immediately. A “Celebration of Life” will be held this summer on a date yet to be determined. Information will be published at that time.