COLUMBUS
Leona Ruth Wilkerson, 95, of Columbus, passed away at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, March 13, 2023.
Leona was born February 22, 1928, in Bedford, Indiana, the daughter of Cecil and Ola Alta Stogdill. On October 8, 1945, she married Doyle Glenn Wilkerson.
Mrs. Wilkerson worked as a cook for Behavior Health for 35 years before her retirement. She loved to travel and made the trip to Hawaii ten times. Leona will be remembered as an upbeat and energetic lady. Word searches and crossword puzzles were among some of her favorite things to do, however, she really enjoyed visiting the casino and gambling. At 80 years of age, Leona become a fan NASCAR. She will be deeply missed by those that knew her best.
Survivors include her son, Gary Wilkerson of Waynesburg; daughters, Diana (John) Gephart of Columbus, Phyllis Wilkerson of North Vernon, Marnie (Mike Spangler) Street of Franklin; grandchildren, Matthew Eric (Teri) Wilkerson, Heather (Greg) Benefiel, Christopher (Amy) Gephart, Jason Burton, Mitchell Sisson; twelve great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Doyle; sister, Mary Lewis; sister-in-law, Norma Sparks; brothers-in-law, Howard Lewis and Cleo Sparks.
The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Larry Detwiler officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. A live stream of the funeral service may be viewed at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at barkesweaverglick.com.
Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Bartholomew County Humane Society.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Leona’s family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
