Leola S. Crawley

Leola S. Crawley, 88, of Arnold, NE died April 16, 2017 at the Callaway District Hospital.    Leola was born April 10, 1929 in Arnold, NE to Bert and Clara (Joedeman) Pearce.  Leola grew up on Garfield Table and was the oldest of 3 girls.  The family enjoyed rural life with its many farming and ranching endeavors.  This love of the outdoors and animals was carried throughout her life at the family home.   She joined the Garfield Methodist Church in 1946 and in later years taught Sunday School and served as the pianist.  After closing of the Garfield Methodist Church Leola continued her membership at the Arnold United Methodist Church.   Leola was a graduate of Logan County High School.  Following graduation she taught at rural schools for four years.   Leola was married in June 1949, two children were blessed to this marriage; Jackie and Kirk.   In September of 1956 she moved to Fontainebleau, France where she lived for 3 years.  In September of 1959 she moved to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.  In 1962, Leola and her 2 small children returned to Garfield Table to the family farm near Arnold, Nebraska.  Here she lived and worked side by side with her Uncle Paul Pearce.  After Paul’s death in 1978 she continued to summer pasture cattle until the time of her death.   Leola had a strong love for reading, education, music, the outdoors and especially animals.  Books were her constant companion and she continued to play the piano at home much to her family’s enjoyment.   She was preceded in death by her parents, her Uncle Paul, sisters and brother-in-laws Ruberta and Ed Strasburg and Viola and Larry Preston.    Leola is survived by two children Jackie (Mark) Dillard of Cedar Hill, Tennessee and Kirk (Alberta) Crawley of Broken Bow, Nebraska.  One grandson Vance (Mona) Major and great-grandson Royce of Junction City, Kansas and several nieces and nephews.   Memorials are suggested to the Arnold Public Library.   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday April 19, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Arnold with Pastor Bill Williams officiating.  Burial will be in the McCain Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 18, 2017 8 AM to 4 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary and Tuesday evening 6 PM to 7 PM at the United Methodist Church in Arnold.  Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.