Leona M. Dodds

Leona M. Dodds, 97, of New Philadelphia passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2014.

Born on October 12, 1916 in Jewett, Ohio she was the daughter of the late Jesse L. and Margaret (Hile) Slates. She attended Alliance High School. On November 8, 1957, she married Gilbert Dodds, who preceded her in death on August 26, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Harley Shaffer on November 4, 1954.

Leona was a very talented artist, seamstress, and was known for her ability to reupholster furniture. Leona owned her own art studio, where she enjoyed china painting, acrylics, watercolors, and oils. Leona was a member of the Tuscarawas County Art Guild, Tuscarawas County Art Center, Palatte Club, and volunteered for the Dennison Canteen during World War II. For over 70 years, she was a member of First Christian Church in New Philadelphia where she was involved with the Master Builder's Sunday School Class, and the Sister's Bible Study. She leaves behind the legacy of her love of the Lord and her mission was for others to be saved.

Leona will be sadly missed by her son; Jim (Sydney) Shaffer of Arizona; step-daughter, Mickey (Kevin) Hamsher of Dover; step-son, Gene Dodds of New Philadelphia; her brother, Lorin Slates of Washington; sister in law, Frieda Patterson of Fresno; grandchildren, Ronald Shaffer, Tracy Shaffer, Carrie Maun Smith, Kimberly Maun Rankin, Krestopher Menges, Elizabeth Schilling, Brad Callison, Tonya Dodds and several great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she is preceded in death by three children; Ronald Shaffer, Charlotte Jane Maun, and Edward M. Shaffer; two brothers, Jesse Slates, and Willard Slates; a sister, Mary Dessecker; her daughter in-law, Shirley Shaffer; and step-daughter in-law, Toni Dodds.

A celebration of Leona's life will be held at First Christian Church in New Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jim Borton officiating. Immediately following the service, a meal will be served in the church social hall. Interment will take place at East Lawn Cemetery in Minerva. Friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 from 4-7pm. Those unable to attend, or who would like to share a fond memory of Leona may do so by visiting the "Obituaries & Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Christian Church Mission Fund, 103 3rd St. NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

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