Leona Fordyce

Leona F. Fordyce May 5, 1927 – August 12, 2014 Yakima – Leona Fern Fordyce, 87 years of age, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 12, 2014 at Cottage In The Meadow, in Yakima, Washington. Her son, Dale was by her side. Leona was born on May 5, 1927 to Melvin and Irene (Phillps) Robish, in Hazel, South Dakota. She was the oldest of 5 children. She graduated High School in Hayti, South Dakota in 1945. After graduation she taught grades 1-8 in a one-room schoolhouse for 2 years. On June 22, 1947, she married Donald Fordyce on her parents’ farm near Hayti, South Dakota. They were married for over 63 years. They farmed near Hayti for 20 years before moving their family of 6 children to Yakima, Washington. Leona worked seasonally at Libby’s Cannery for many years. Leona and Don also owned and operated a family orchard. She attended West Valley Missionary Church for over 38 years where she enjoyed the fellowship of her church family. Leona taught Sunday school for many years in Hayti, South Dakota, and also at West Valley Missionary Church. Leona was also an integral part of the Women’s Ministry. Leona enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family, friends, and neighbors. She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald, son David, her parents, her brothers Elroy and Myron Robish. She is survived by her son, Dale (Christy) of Yakima, daughters, Darla Carlson, of Silverdale, Teresa (Jerry) Tatro, of Yakima, Denise (Rick) Stilley, of Yakima, and Nelda (Mike) Heimbigner, of Richland, all in Washington. A sister Erna Namken, of Watertown, South Dakota, a brother, Burdell Robish, of Wisconsin, 14 grandchildren, and 27 great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 18th at 11:00AM at the West Valley Missionary Church (11107 Wide Hollow Rd., Yakima). A special thank you to Memorial Hospice & Cottage In The Meadow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to West Valley Missionary Church, in Leona’s name. Valley Hills Funeral Home is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leona Fordyce, please visit our flower store.