Leona Vontz

Friday, October 24, 2008

May 12, 1916-Oct. 21, 2008

HOLYOKE, Colo. -- Leona A.Vontz, 92, died Tuesday (Oct. 21, 2008), at Holyoke, Colo.

She was born on May 12, 1916, in McCook, to Mary and Fred Swartz.

On May 4, 1940, she married Francis J. "Buck" Vontz. She followed her husband to naval bases in Louisiana, Mississippi, California and Washington during World War II. After the war she became the first female police officer in the city of McCook. She resumed her working career after her children were older and worked as a grocery clerk in several McCook grocery stores. In February of 2006, Leona moved to the Carriage House Assisted Living in Holyoke, to be near her daughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Buck; four brothers and three sisters.

Survivors include her children, Francis and wife, Joyce Vontz of Mount Airy, Md., Pam and husband, Harlan Gohl of Holyoke, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was today at Baucke Funeral Chapel in Holyoke, with the Rev. Gordon Penfold officiating. The interment followed at 2:30 p.m., in McCook, at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Baucke Funeral Home of Holyoke was in charge of arrangements.