White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Leona Blanche Bearbower, 94 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at her home.  She was born on August 26, 1924, in Fayette, Iowa, the daughter of Jesse Leon and Frances Armina (Paul) Welsh.  She attended the Fayette County country schools.  On December 18, 1971 she and Earl Everett Bearbower were married in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  He preceded her in death in 2001.  Mrs. Bearbower worked for Kenniston Meats in Oelwein and then, after her marriage, she and Earl farmed in Buchanan County.  They retired in the early 1980’s.  Mrs. Bearbower was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Independence.  She enjoyed time spent shopping, reading, and growing vegetables in her garden.  She also cared for her little dog.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Jeff (Wendy) Snively of Waverly, Iowa, Kim (Kevin) Mork of West Union, Iowa, and Marc Snively of West Union, 4 great grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, 1 son, 1 daughter, and 1 sister.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at the White Funeral Home in Independence with Rev. Stuart Vander Vegte officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for an hour before services on Saturday at the funeral home.