Leona G. Sikes

SIKES, Leona Gaye "Lee" of Kettering, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2008 at Hospice of Dayton after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer. She was born February 13, 1961 in Thermopolis, Wyoming to the late Howard and Hazel (Hoffman) Gates. Lee was also preceded in death by her brothers, Doyle and Gerald Mangus; her little angel, granddaughter, Kira Reddick of Casper, Wyoming; her Aunt Leona and Uncle Fred, on whose ranch she loved to be a cowgirl; and her surrogate Grandma, Leeda Higgins, who taught her to read fluently at two years of age.

Leona is survived by her best friend and mate, Mike Dempsey; sons, Christopher (Aubrey) Sikes, Edward Sikes, and Kenneth (Krista) Sikes; daughter, Angela (Russ) Reddick; sisters, Joyce Andrews and Pat Proffitt; brothers, Wendell & Kenneth Bray; Randy, Dennis, Wesley and Larry Gates; grandchildren, Riley Reddick, Christopher, Hunter, Piper, Aiden and Avery Sikes; honorary "Mom" Ann Robertson; special family, Kevin, Chrissy and Ava Dempsey, Travis and Veronica Cope, Dick Dempsey, Karen and Edward Volke and Pat and Mike Cope; longtime friend, Laura (Rick) Tucker; and many other dear friends and colleagues.

Lee was a former employee of Victoria's Secret Catalog and Bath & Body Works where she worked as an internet fashion consultant. She loved her job and the many friends she made there. The family sends a very special thank-you to the Bath & Body Works team for all they did to encourage and support Lee during her struggle.

Leona was an avid reader, crafter, quilter and seamstress who always enjoyed a good laugh and prank. She also loved the Dayton Dragons and the Dallas Cowboys. Lee was an amazing woman who turned her life around full circle with the help of her Lord and her friend Bill W. Her determination to live was fueled by her love of family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gordon, Dr. Taha, Dr. Kallett, Dr. Cass, Dr. Wise, Kettering Medical Center, Drake Center and Hospice of Dayton for the care and compassion they provided to Lee during her illness.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 8, 2008 at noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 901 East Whipp Rd., with Bishop Dennis Brown presiding. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions to honor Lee be sent to The Miami Valley Literacy Council, 18 West First St., Dayton, OH 45402; Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420; or the charity of your choice.