Leona May Straw, age 80, a longtime resident of Ransomville, N.Y. passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2013. For the past three years she had been a resident of Hillcrest Manor of Blackwell. She relocated to be close to her daughter.

Services will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at House of Prayer with Pastor Alan Skinner officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery.

Leona was born in Seattle, Wash., on Oct. 13, 1932, the daughter of Leon Huyge and Blanche Martin Huyge. She grew up and attended school in Seattle, Wash. Leona completed her education and training in the medical field as a nurse. She worked for many years at Newfane Nursing Home in Newfane, N.Y. Following retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family in Ransomville, N.Y. In 1958, Leona met and married the love of her life, Robert Straw in Ogden, Utah. They celebrated 39 years of marriage before being separated by Robert's death on July 27, 1998. Leona is survived by daughter, Georgia Jean Clark; daughter, Julie Straw-Johnson, Ponca City; son, William Huyge; son, David Straw and wife, Karen of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; granddaughter, Angela Lavicky and husband, Josh of Enid; granddaughter, Valerie Pearson of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; grandson, Roger Maacks of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; grandson, Alfred Pearson III of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; brother, Larry Huyge and wife, Louisa of Galveston, Texas; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Leona was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brother, Arthur Johnson; and her son Dennis Straw. Growing up in Seattle, Wash., Leona learned to play piano and organ and was active in dance and theater. She also enjoyed knitting and cooking for her family. She and her husband attended the Ransomville Free Methodist Church in Ransomville, N.Y. Leona will be remembered for her engaging sense of humor and her ability to make people laugh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the House of Prayer c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home.