Leona Pearl Von Brethorst

Entered into rest June 10, 2010 at Schlossers Adult Family Care Facility. Leona was born in Stinking Creek Tennessee. Yes that’s a real town. Leona was one of eleven children born to Leonard and Teresa Owens Bruce. During WWII as a young woman she travelled with friends to Detroit, Michigan to become a factory worker. After leaving factory work she entered cosmetology school. Later she moved to Long Beach, California where she met and married Robert Von Brethorst. She lived in Long Beach for over 50 years, until she could no longer care for herself. Leona was a longtime member of Bethany Chapel writing poems and songs, and always active in her church, ultimately organizing and running an outreach that fed the homeless. She loved to sew and made a multitude of quilts for anyone in need. She also enjoyed fishing at every opportunity. Preceded in death by husband Robert Von Brethorst, parents Leonard and Teresa Owens Bruce, brothers Willard, Lawrence, and Howard; and sisters Ava Branum and Audrey Bradley. She is remembered by many, especially her family. Her son and daughter-in-law Michael and Linda Von Brethorst of Nine Mile Falls; daughter and son-in-law Theresa and J.R. Hamilton of Helena Montana. Her sisters, Vida and Chester Gaylor of Somerset KY, Bertha Vazzana of Knoxville Tennessee, Wilma Johnson of Detroit Michigan, Jo-Ann Zobel of Troy Michigan. Brother and sister-in-law John and Katherine of Knoxville Tennessee. Five grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Numerous loving nieces and nephews and cousins. A Funeral service will be held at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N. DIVISION, SPOKANE, WA on Saturday June 19 at 2:00 PM. Burial service will be held at Green Hills Cemetery in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.