Leta B Torrey's Obituary
Leta B. Torrey, age 89, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Putnam County Care Center, in Unionville, Missouri.
Leta was born on June 17, 1935, in rural Putnam County, the youngest daughter of Simpson and Clara (Korns) Potter. She graduated from Unionville High School with the class of 1953. Leta was united in marriage to Fred H. Torrey on December 18, 1964. To this union, twins were born, Melody and Melissa and Fred gained two bonus children, Paul and Melinda. They were married for 56 years prior to his passing on January 26, 2021.
Leta enjoyed baking and taking her crafts and sewing pieces to the local farmer's market, where she had been selling since 1984. She also served as the market manager. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 30 years. Leta was also a member of The American Legion, and the Granddaughters of American Resolution, serving as their national president for 18 months starting in 1996. She traveled to Iowa, Florida, New York, Minnesota, Maine, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, and Indiana to conventions, which she really enjoyed. She was also the Lincoln Township clerk for 16 years and worked at the election for over 30 years.She loved reading her Bible and Christian novels. She also enjoyed quilting by hand, she had made a quilt for all of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many other baby quilts for family and friends. She was very good at making people happy, especially with a nice homecooked meal.
Left to honor the memory of Leta are her children: Melissa (Steve) Nemmers, Melody Torrey, Paul Burkland, and Melinda (David) Kottman; her grandchildren: Jeremy (Brooke) Kottman, Courtney Kottman, Brenda Nemmers, and Stephanie (J.D.) Moore; great grandchildren Charlee, Peyton, Carson, Lillian, Tucker John (T.J.), and Aiden; sisters-in-law: Alvera (Jim) Gibson, Colleen Torrey, and Rogene Torrey; an aunt, Virginia Torrey; a person who was like another daughter, Theresa Hunsaker, along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded into death by her parents: Simpson and Clara Potter, in-laws: John and Marge Torrey, her husbands: Donald Burkland and Fred Torrey, sisters: Pauline Potter, Ruby (Vernon) Johnson, Edna (Vern) Stottlemyre, brother: Clell Potter, two brothers-in-law: Bert Torrey and Alva Torrey, and one niece and two nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM Saturday July 27, 2024 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Walter Griffin officiating. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will take place Saturday July 27, 2024 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 12:00-1:00PM. Memorials may be made to the Unionville Cemetery, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Torrey Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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