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Leona Margaret Martens (nee Jesse)
June 25, 1940 – May 14, 2017

Leona passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at her sister Lorraine’s house in Leduc, AB at the age of 76 years.

Leona was born in Arcola, SK on June 25, 1940, the first daughter of Herbert and Alma (nee Folkerts) Jesse. She went to school in Wilmar, South Frobisher, Frobisher and Bienfait. She had to quit school in grade 10 when her mother died to stay home and help with her younger siblings. Leona met Johnny Martens in 1958 and they were engaged at Christmas. They were married on June 27, 1959 and moved to Frobisher. Debra Alma was born May 19, 1961. They moved back and forth between Frobisher and numerous farms before building their house in 1964 and moving to the farm 3 miles south of Alameda, SK. Douglas Floyd was born February 14, 1970.

Leona became a grandmother in 1983 when Tammy was born. Karly was born in 1985, Brooke in 1996 and Kale in 1999. Leona and Johnny sold the farm and moved to their house in Estevan in December 1999. They enjoyed one winter together down south. Johnny passed away in August 2003. Leona continued to spend her winters in Arizona with her siblings and had a place in Yuma. She made many special friends there.
Leona sold her house and moved into a condo in 2010. She enjoyed living there until her passing and made many good friends there. She became a great-grandmother in 2012 to Claire then Lily and Faye in 2015.

Leona’s memory will forever be cherished by her daughter Debra (Blaine) Millions and their children, Tammy (Rylan) Podovinnikoff (great-granddaughters Claire and Lily) and Karly (Jared) Garnier (great-granddaughter Faye); and son Doug (Kenda) Martens and their children, Brooke and Kale.

Leona will also be missed by her siblings, Lorraine Mahner of Leduc, AB, Shirley (Brian) Brandon of Estevan, SK, and Larry (Linda) Jesse of Medicine Hat, AB; her brother-in-law Bob (Henny) Martens of Mesa, AZ; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.

Leona was predeceased by her parents, Alma and Herbert Jesse, husband Floyd “John” Martens, brother Dennis Jesse, and brothers-in-law,Earl Martens and Ken Mahner and sister-in-law Goldie Martens.

The Celebration of Life for Leona was held on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Estevan, with Rev. Daniel Krauss officiating. Interment will take place at a later date.

In memory of Leona, donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, SK, S4A 0H3.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan.