Obituary of Leona I. Dunkley

Bakers Mills: Leona I. Dunkley, 95, a lifelong resident of Bakers Mills, passed away Friday, April 11, 2014 at Adirondack Tri-Country Nursing & Rehabilitation Center with her grandson and granddaughter, along with several cherished caregivers by her side. Born October 20, 1918 in North Creek, she was the daughter of the late Lewis and Lillian (Rist) Morehouse. Leona married Vernon Dunkley on April 25, 1937 in Warrensburg. She was a homemaker, tending to her immediate family’s needs, and those of several foster children; it wasn’t until her youngest son began his working years, that she became a home health aid, caring for many elderly and home-ridden patients. Together, with her husband, the couple looked after several residents of Bakers Mills and delivered meals-on-wheels throughout the area for many years. She was a caregiver at heart, even caring for her friends while in the nursing home. Leona was a member of the Bakers Mills-Sodom Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, providing both financial and nutritional assistance to the department. She had many hobbies, and enjoyed bird watching, cooking, sewing, and most notably, knitting ; making afghans, hats, mittens, and sweaters for many friends and family in her 95 years. Besides her parents, and devoted husband of 65 years, Leona’s loving daughter, Jean Heath, and four siblings, await her in heaven. She is survived by two sons, Vincent Dunkley of North Creek, and Royce Dunkley and his wife, Ginny, of Bakers Mills; 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Friends may call on Leona’s family from 5 to 7 pm, Monday, April 14, 2014 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service will be conducted, immediately following the visitation at 7 pm, at the funeral home, with Rev. Ronald Allen officiating. Burial will take place in the spring, in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg. Leona’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful caregivers at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the outstanding care she received during her final years. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Leona’s memory to the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 112 Ski Bowl Road, North Creek, NY 12853. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.