Leona McCabe Obituary

Leona Grace Gawith McCabe was born May 18, 1923, in Cortez, the daughter of Leslie E. and Helen (Englehart) Gawith. She passed away Friday, April 15, 2011, at Vista Mesa Assisted Living Center at the age of 87.

Leona attended school in Cortez, and after she graduated from high school she completed one year of college at Colorado University. Leona was very involved in her community. A charter member of Southwest Colorado Cowbelles, Leona held the position of president numerous times. Her hard work and commitment to the cattle industry gained Leona the title of Colorado Cattlewoman of the Year. She was a certified flower judge with the Garden Club, and Leona belonged to the Summit Ridge Women's Club. She also gave of her time volunteering at the Dolores Library. In her free time, Leona enjoyed gardening, shopping, photography, and learning all she could about local and family history.

Surviving Leona are her sons, William "Bill" McCabe of Tucson, Ariz., and Robert "Bob" McCabe of Cortez; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Stanley McCabe in 2009; her daughter, Patricia "Tish" McHenry; and her sisters, Thelma McCabe, Verda Ping and Shirley Gawith.

Cremation has taken place, and services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being made through Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.