Leona Ellen Salmonson was born in Irwin City, CA to Adolph and Phoebe Carlson and was raised on her family farm in the Riverside area.  She attended Fairview School and Hilmar High School.  It was in high school where she met the love of her life, Reuben William Salmonson.  Leona graduated from high school in 1937.  She attended Delores Premier Beauty School in San Francisco, CA.  Leona owned and operated the first beauty shop in Hilmar when she was 19 years old.  Leona and Reuben were married on April 15, 1939 in her family home.  She was a long-time resident of Hilmar.  She and Reuben moved their family to San Jose, CA in 1958.  Leona had a licensed day care in her home for 22 years and touched many children’s lives with her love and compassion.  Leona and Reuben moved back to Hilmar when they retired.  Leona was a long-time member of Berea Lutheran Church, Hilmar Grange #537, and Hilmar/Stevinson American Legion Auxiliary-Unit #91.  She enjoyed her family, traveling, camping, gardening, church activities and writing about her memories.
She is survived by her four children:  Dorene Sautner of Kauai, HI, Barbara Johnson of Modesto, CA, Joanne (Tuck) Putnam of Portland, OR and Grant (Hope) Salmonson of Roseville, CA; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her younger brother, Delwyn Carlson of Sarasota, FL and numerous nieces and nephews.
We would especially like to express thanks to the wonderful staff at St. Thomas Retirement Center in Turlock and to the medical staff at Doctor’s Medical Center in Modesto for the compassionate care she received.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any remembrances be made in Leona’s name to Berea Lutheran Church Building Fund, PO Box 430, Hilmar, CA 95324 or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements were made by Allen Mortuary in Turlock.  Funeral services will be held Friday, April 26, 2013 at Allen Mortuary at 1:00pm with burial services at 3pm at No. Hilmar Cemetery, followed by a reception at Hilmar Cheese Co. at 4pm.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com