Leona Adell "Kelly" Rooke

Leona was born June 11, 1929 in Roseburg, Oregon to Dee H. and Elsie (Apple) Kelly. She lived most of her life in the Roseburg area except for 3 years on a dairy farm in Coos Bay, Oregon. For the last few years, Leona lived in the Portland area to be closer to her daughter. Leona attended local schools and graduated from Roseburg Senior High School in 1947. On Oct 23, 1948 Leona married Thomas R Rooke. She helped organize the class reunions for her class and her classmates were special to her. She was an active 4-H leader for over 15 years. She enjoyed canning and drying fruits and vegetables from their farm. Leona also enjoyed sewing and knitting for her family. She especially enjoyed playing cards with her neighborhood friends. Leona and Tom traveled to England and Ireland to trace their ancestors. They also toured the USA in their RV. Leona was a bookkeeper for their family business, Tom Rooke Excavating. Leona is survived by a daughter, Linda George (Tony) of Tualatin; 2 granddaughters, Kelly Heichel (Bartt) and Kimberly George; and 3 great grandchildren, Michael Heichel, Nicole Heichel, and Thomas Duncan and a special nephew Michael McGinnis (Bonnie). Other survivors include nephews Mike and Steve Rooke, and niece Kris Fitzpatrick. Mrs. Rooke was preceded in death by her parents, Dee and Elsie Kelly; husband, Tom; and her sister, Mona McGinnis. Services are Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 11:00 at Wilson's Chapel of the Roses. In lieu of flowers, donations to Roseburg Cancer Center are encouraged.