Oct 16, 1922 - Jun 30, 2014
Leona Beryl Wood passed away at the age of 91 surrounded by her loving family on June 30, 2014. Leona (Crocker) Wood was born October 16, 1922 in Big Pine, California. She was a fourth-generation member of a pioneer family. Her great-grandfather, Stephen Gregg was one of the first sheriffs of Fort Independence in Inyo County. Leona graduated from Bishop Union High School in 1940, where she was secretary of the student body. She worked at Bank of America in Bishop as a bookkeeper and later as an escrow officer. Leona married George ”Shorty” Wood, also a member of a pioneer family, in 1942. She was a home maker for the next 20 years, and after moving to Carson City in 1957, she operated a daycare for children for several years. Leona was appointed Secretary of the Nevada Republican Party in 1965 by then Lt. Governor Paul Laxalt. She held that position for 6 years until the office was moved to Las Vegas. Leona served as a delegate to two Republican National Conventions; one in 1968 and again in 1972. Leona was the executive director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce from 1971 until she retired in 1986. Leona was one of the original members of the committee that made the Governor’s Field baseball facility in Carson City a reality. She was also a member of the original Mothers Baseball Association. She served as Secretary/Treasurer of the youth Baseball Association for 15 years, and handed out countless hot dogs and snow cones at the concession booths while her husband Shorty served as announcer and scorekeeper. Leona was a former member of the Carson City Republican Women’s Club, Landmark Society, Friends of the Library, and Carson Tahoe Hospital Community Advisory Committee. She was Treasurer of the Fourth of July Committee from 1976 to 1987. She was a charter member of the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City. In 1979 Leona was appointed by Governor Robert List to serve on the Private Industry Council. She was also a member of the Sierra Club, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, and a lifetime member of the Laws Railroad Museum in Bishop, California. Leona was presented a special award from the Chamber of Commerce in 1976 for Outstanding Community Service. The community named her “Woman of the Years” in 1978. She was presented the “Service to Mankind Award” in 1979. Leona was also honored as the 1989 Grand Marshall of the wagon train at the annual Kit Carson Rendezvous. Leona was preceded in death by her parents James and Muriel Crocker, husband George “Shorty” Wood, daughter Lana C. Wood and son John L. Wood. She is survived by her son Jim Wood (wife Cathy, Grandchildren: Tessa Besherse (Husband Bobby, Great-grandchildren: Jason, Sam, and Lana Besherse), James Bowers (Great-grandson Emmit Bowers), David Bowers (Wife Rachel Fiddyment-Bowers and great-grandson Henry Bowers), Grandson John L. Wood, Jr. (Great-grandchildren: Leslie Slocum (Husband Brandon and Great-great-grandson Brayden), Ava, Molly, and Macy), Grandson Rowdy D. Wood (Wife, Marla and Grandchildren Chance and Avery Wood) and daughter-in-law Linda Wood. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the members of “Team Leona” that helped Leona stay in her beloved home as long as she did, and especially to Dr. Julie Foster, and caregivers Eileen Newell, Judy Kable, and Maria Vielman. We also want to acknowledge the excellent care given by the staff at The Lodge in Carson City and Saint Mary’s Hospice. Leona was blessed with the love of many great friends, relatives and her family and will be missed by all. At her request, no services will be held.
