Leoma Margaret Murphy Kuntze

Leoma Margaret Murphy Kuntze, age 85, of Alliance passed away at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at Canterbury Villa. She was born 12-11-1929, in Alliance, Ohio. She graduated from Sebring McKinley High School and worked for Babcock and Wilcox Research Center, before she quit to raise her children. She later worked as a pre-school teacher and then 20 years as a librarian at Lexington Elementary School, where she retired in 1992.
Leoma taught Sunday school for many years at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Alliance, was a long time member of the Modern Homemaker's Club and the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, as well as a 50 year member of Lexington Grange. Leoma and her husband, Karl, enjoyed wintering in Crystal Lake Village in Florida, where she served on many committees. She especially loved having Wednesday morning breakfast with their life-long friends, and spent many wonderful miles bicycling with their friends of the "Tortoise" Bicycle Club well into her late 70's.
She was the beloved wife of Karl E. Kuntze, whom she married on Oct. 21, 1950, and cherished Mother of Kenneth (Mindy) Kuntze of Canfield and Lori Kuntze Mowry of Spartanburg, SC. Her legacy lives on in her five grandsons, Don (Courtney) Mowry of Lincolnton, NC, Curt (Jennette) Mowry of Colorado Springs, CO, Kenneth Scott (Brooke) Kuntze of Pittsburgh, PA., Kyle (Carli) Kuntze of Salem, Ohio and Tyler (Courtney) Mowry of Liberty, SC. She also leaves four treasured great-grandchildren, Ashlynn Kuntze, Mason Mowry, Harper Mowry and Colson Mowry.
In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her brothers, Al (Izetta) Murphy, Don (Janet) Murphy and Sisters Joan Tinker and Barb (Milo) Matthew of Alliance and many much loved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her very special brother-in-law and sister-in- law, Richard and Barbara Kuntze.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Delvan A. Murphy and Marie Steinwinder Freshley; her brothers, Ernest (Jeannie) Murphy and Delvan Murphy; and her sister, Jean (Harry) Moore. Also very special to her was her sister-in-law, Blanche Murphy Bailey.
Her earthly treasures were worshipping God, spending time with her husband, family and dear friends. She planted and tended beautiful flower gardens, loved to read, paint and sing. She totally enjoyed the beauty of God's creation.
Donations can be made in her name to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 11394 Edison St., NE, Alliance, OH 44601.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park.
Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH, 44601.

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