Leona Robinson

Leona Robinson was always giving of her time and love in an effort to help others. She was born on October 27, 1926, in Alma, MI, to Harold & Carra (Kreigh) Gruber. In 1930 the family moved to the Martin area. Leona was always a shy girl but was very attentive to the needs of the people around her. She attended the two-room schoolhouse in the country at Gun River with 18 other kids.

When she turned 16 she left school to work in Hastings at Piston Rings, despite her parent’s wishes. Leona felt it was important to do her part in aiding the war efforts. When she visited home she always spent the little money she had raised on her siblings, taking them out for an afternoon of fun. In 1947 she moved to Kalamazoo to work at Kalamazoo Paper Box, where she was employed until the company closed in 1975. Leona was very proud of her many years of dedication to the company and even helped in the cleaning up after the shut down.

Leona’s generous and nurturing character allowed her to love several times through the years. After her first marriage to David Curtis from 1947-1950, she was married to Henry Japhet from 1952 until his death in 1964. It was in 1966 that she found her true love in Asa “Ace” Robinson. They were married on August 19, 1966 and they had one son, Daniel. They spent 32 wonderful years of laughter and happiness together until his death on August 4, 1999.

Leona went back to school to become a Nurse’s Aid. In school she received several awards of recognition for her citizenship, high honors, and exceptional abilities. She chose to care for the residents of Pine Oaks Nursing Home in 1981. Always willing to help, Leona was excited to be able to attend to those less fortunate than herself. She had an amazing way with the patients. Other nurses often called on Leona to help them administer medication or serve food when a patient was not so willing to take it.

In her spare time she liked to go fishing or camp out. She enjoyed her garden where she spent many afternoon working. Leona loved all flowers except roses, which she was allergic to. In the fall, she loved to drive through the country to admire the changing colors of the season. Leona was a generous person and gave freely to her family and friends in the community. Although she never had many material items to give, she always found a way to help.

Her family includes her son Daniel & Sharon Robinson of Allegan, step-children: D’Ann Gosselin of Otsego, Dennis & Lena Robinson of Otsego, and Cinda & Tom McCormick of Plainwell; siblings: Ethelyn Pierce of Plainwell, Russell Gruber of Kalamazoo, Caroline & Ward Emmons of Dorr, Richard Gruber of Martin, Edgar & Hope Gruber of Plainwell, Grace & Barry Cushman of Hastings, Paul & Leilanii Gruber of Martin, and Glenda Emmons of Lowell; and several step-grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.

Leona died on January 30, 2003, under her son’s loving care at his home in Allegan. Friends may visit with Leona’s family on Sunday, February 2, 2003, from 1-3 & 5-7 PM at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall, & Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, where a Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2003 at 1:00 PM. Please visit Leona’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may leave a memory for the family, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association.