----Source: TRIBUNE-RECORD-GLEANER (Loyal, Wis.) 11/13/2002

Davis, Leona M. (9 APR 1911 - 7 NOV 2002)

Leona "Peggy" Davis, 91, Neillsville, Clark County, Wis., died on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, in the Palliative Care Unit of Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, Nov. 11, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neillsville. Music was provided by Ronald Resong, organist, Rita Kuchenbecker, soloist, and St. Mary’s Adult Choir. The Rev. Woodrow Pace officiated. Burial was in the Neillsville City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Steve Kessler, Jeff Kessler, Andre LaNou, Gayle Schoengarth, Harris Schoengarth, Robert Barton and Robert "Bobby" Barton.

Leona Margaret Barton was born on April 9, 1911, in the town of Weston, Clark County, Wis., to Lewis and Anna (nee Farning) Barton. She attended Mound Grade School north of Christie, and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1929. After graduation, she attended Teacher’s College in Neillsville and then taught school until she married William Davis on Oct. 29, 1932. After her marriage, she stayed at home to raise her family. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Agnes’ Circle in Neillsville. Her interests included baking, sewing, crocheting afghans and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Shirley (Louis) Kessler, Neillsville, and Linda (Alan) Becker, Eau Claire; six grandchildren, Steven Kessler, La Crosse, Shari Kessler, Minneapolis, Jeffrey (Sara) Kessler, Edina, Minn., Jane (David) Kuhlman, Thorp, Andre LaNou, Eau Claire, and Ashley (Daniel) Rodriguez, Virginia Beach, Va.; and five great-grandchildren, Bennett & Briana Kuhlman, Clare and Sloan Kessler, and Gabriel Rodriguez.

Preceding her in death were her husband, William, in 1980; one son, Ronald, in 1956; her parents; and three brothers, Leo Barton, Louis Barton and Marion Barton.

The Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville, assisted the family with arrangements.