Leona Mae (Schweitzer) Saltzman was born Nov. 14, 1938, in Wood River, the daughter of Alarion and Edna Marie (Beckler) Schweitzer and passed away April 30, 2024, in Seward, at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 16 days.
Leona grew up in Cairo, where she attended and graduated from Cairo High School with the Class of 1957. She was united in marriage to Edward Saltzman on Dec. 29, 1958, in Milford, and to this union, four children were born, Anthony, Rick, Nancy and Mary Beth. Leona was employed at Tenneco for 21 years. She also cleaned ESU 6 and several houses for many years. Leona loved her flower gardens, quilting and reading. She enjoyed antiques and going to garage sales. Leona was a longtime member of the Milford Mennonite Church.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward; great-granddaughter, Gabbriella Wood; son-in-law, Scott Kamprath; sister and brother-in-law, Glenda and husband, Eugene Rediger; brother, Mervin Schweitzer; sister-in-law, Grace and husband, Earl Rediger; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Clinton and Doris Saltzman, Glen and Donna Saltzman, Sterling and wife, Ina Saltzman and Conrad Osborne.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her children and spouses, Anthony and wife, Shelley Saltzman, Seward, Rick and wife, Lyn Saltzman, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nancy and husband, Daryl Hansen, Seward, and Mary Beth and husband, Joe Simoens, Plattsmouth; 17 grandchildren, Cory Wood, Casey Wood, Derek Saltzman, Jordan Saltzman, Ian Walkup, Erika Walkup, Tarynne Johnston, Dillon Saltzman, Shane Hansen, Shelly Martinez, Lisa Lintt, Cory Kamprath, Bricent Simoens, Bethany Simoens, Bailey Simoens, Brenna Simoens and Brendan Simoens; 19 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Marlin and wife, Sharon Schweitzer, Cairo; sisters-in-law, Detta Saltzman, Erna Saltzman and Lila Osborne; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A graveside service and interment was at the Milford Mennonite Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Saltzman Family for future designations. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.