Leona Chilton

Leona Clara Chilton was born April 1, 1923 in Richfield, MN to William F. and Clara (Haedtke) Neuhalfen. She attended country school near Lincoln, NE. After losing her mother at a young age, Leona along with her sister spent their childhoods in an orphanage. At the age of 16, Leona and her sister moved to Mahnomen, MN to live with their brother Raymond “Babe” and his wife Edny. Leona worked as a waitress at the Red Apple Café in Mahnomen and later met George Chilton. They were united in marriage on November 24, 1942 and for 67 years; Leona and George shared their love to one another. Leona wanted her children and grandchildren to live a life of caring and providing for family, living a life of faith and sharing with family and friends. This was the example Leona set for everyone. Leona was a wonderful gardener, she enjoyed picking wild raspberries, chokecherries and then making jam for everyone to enjoy. She loved her fishing trips; whether it was winter or summer Leona always had her eyes set on that prize fish.   She also enjoyed cooking, quilting, sewing, embroidery and putting together puzzles.

Life will seem empty without Leona, but she will be remembered forever by her children: Bonita Grahn of Austin, TX, Dennis (Diane) of Frazee, MN, Mary Carrabou (Tony Brugman) of Detroit Lakes, Karen (Max) Klarer of Ogema, MN, Pat (Rod) Stearns of Ponsford, MN, William L. Chilton of Detroit Lakes, David (Linda) of Rochert, MN, Jerry (Janice) of Ogema, MN, Deborah Chilton of Lindstrom, MN, Sherlene Chilton of Minneapolis, MN, Donald (Brenda) of Ogema, Ronald (Diane) of Ogema and Jamie Chilton, also of Ogema. She is also survived by 37 grandchildren, 75 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband George (2009) along with three brothers, Bill, Babe, and Marvin and two sisters: Marcella and Alma.