2019/09/obit-Leona-Gatwood-photo-203x300.jpgLeona Jane Lyda Gatwood, 80, passed into eternal life on Sept. 15 at St. James House in Baytown, Texas.
Born July 9, 1939, in Burnet, Texas, Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, George Gatwood; her parents, Thelma Lucille Anderson Lyda and Eldon Leon Lyda Sr.; brothers Eldon Leon Lyda Jr. and Leonard Ray Lyda; and sisters Laura Jean Valdez and Dixie Aileen Elrod.
She is survived by her children, Clayton James Ellington, Janie Lynne Ellington Smith, Kathy Gatwood Konger and husband Denny, of Churubusco, Ind.; Karen Gatwood Peelman and husband Mike, of Flower Mound, Texas; and Karla Gatwood Linville and husband Roger, of Columbia City, Ind. She is also survived by sister Nina LaNelle Lyda, 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, ex-husband James Ellington and wife Frances, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
Jane and George were ordained pastors who made several missions trips to Sao Paolo, Brazil, and the surrounding area. In addition to ministering to the general population there, they also focused on an orphanage.
Jane enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life, with many different jobs, but her greatest joy came from her family and her roles as wife, mother and especially grandmother.
A memorial service was held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.navarrefuneralhome.com.
