Sanford resident Leona Lorraine (Pottberg) Crowther passed away on November 2, 2014 in the comfort of her own home.
Leona was born on a cold night at home on the River Ranch east of Alamosa, Colorado by the Rio Grande, in December, on the 29th day, in the year 1927. Her parents were Fred William Pottberg and Mary Melissa (Sego) Pottberg and Leona was the second daughter of eight children.
Leona was an organizer from an early age. As a young girl she learned fast how to cook and help her mother. She had a wonderful work ethic which she instilled in each of her children and grandchildren. Through her lifetime she learned and accomplished many things. Working and becoming a wife to her amazing and fun husband Edward H. Crowther, they were united in marriage and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 7, 1948. Her pride and joy were their four children: three boys and a beautiful girl. Leona’s accomplishments here on earth included her dedication and service to her job at the telephone office where she served in many positions and proudly put in 35 years without one day of being late and only missing one day. Ed and Leona were very successful working side by side in their farm and ranch business. After she retired, she took on another career as a mother, caregiver, grandma and anything else that needed done. Leona loved her faith and believed it with her whole heart. Throughout her lifetime, Leona held several positions in the church including Primary, Young Woman’s President where she loved her “girls” as she called them, and Relief Society President where her service was never-ending. Leona was an amazing gardener and there wasn’t anything she couldn’t grow. She loved her yard, especially during the summer months, as she spent endless hours making it look just right. During the winter months she crocheted afghans and planned her yard arrangement for the next spring and summer.
Leona is survived by her children James Lonell (Gloria) Crowther of La Jara, Calvin Leon (L’Donna) Crowther of Sanford, Lynnette (Fred) Kankamp of South Jordan, UT, her daughter-in-law Kathy Crowther of Alamosa; grandchildren Bryan and Corin Crowther, Rachael and Alyssa, Brandon and Lauren Kankamp, Elder Cameron, Kevin and Brieanna Crowther, Shonell and Ryan Crowther; her sister Helen Crowther of Sanford; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Leona was preceded in death by her loving husband Edward H. Crowther, her parents Fred and Mary Pottberg, her son Loren Crowther, her sisters Sara Jack, Elsie Sorenson, Edith McDowell, her brothers Al Pottberg, Fred W. Pottberg, Jr. and Grant Pottberg.
A funeral service to celebrate the beautiful spirit Leona was here on earth, will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00 am in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sanford. The Sanford Second Ward Relief Society Room will be open from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Saturday morning for viewing and to pay respects to the family. Interment will follow services in the Sanford Cemetery. Contributions are suggested in Leona’s name to the Missionary Fund through the LDS Church.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Leona Lorraine Crowther, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.