Leona R. Casler

Leona R. Casler, 98, a former Guys Mills and Meadville resident, and a resident of Rolling Fields, Conneautville, died there Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007 following  2½ years of declining health.

She was born in Black Creek, NY, Dec. 30, 1908, a daughter of the late Albert C. and Mae Buzzard Reed.  She married Merle A. Casler June 21, 1936, and he preceded her in death March 12, 1956.

Leona was a graduate of the former Indiana State Normal School, and had been employed as an Elementary School Teacher at one time in West Spring Creek, then Meadville and later in Guys Mills, retiring in 1973 after 35 years of service.

She was a member for over 40 years of the United Evangelical Free Church of Guys Mills and was a current member of Pleasantview Alliance Church.  A founding member of the Randolph Parent Teacher Assn., She was a member of the Woodcock Ladies Assn., the Meadville Medical Center Auxiliary, the PA State Retired Teacher’s Assn., and a volunteer with the Randolph Township Volunteer Fire Dept. Auxiliary.

Leona volunteered for over 30 years in the Gift Shop at Meadville Medical Center, enjoyed traveling, and spending time with her family.

Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Ann Shay and her husband Robert of Meadville; a grandson, James M. Shay and his wife Amy of Beaver; a granddaughter, Jodi L. Shay of LaPorte, IN; 2 great-grandchildren, Christian and Brittany Shay; and many friends including her dear friend, Gail Trace of Meadville.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, William Reed and 2 sisters, Sara Stanford and Virginia Scott.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville where the funeral service will follow at 8:30 p.m. with the Rev. Joseph Pjecha, Pastor of Pleasantview Alliance Church officiating.

Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Guys Mills.

Memorials may be made to Pleasantview Alliance Church 16233 State Hwy 86, Saegertown, PA 16433, United Evangelical Free Church of Guys Mills, P.O. Box 26, Guys Mills, PA 16327, or the Meadville Medical Center Auxiliary Memorial Fund, c/o Janet Waid, 12377 State Hwy 18, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316.