Leona Hamel

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Leona Hamel, 97, of Marble Hill died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, at Bethalto Care Center.

She was born May 28, 1907, in St. Louis, daughter of Peter and Anna Nelson, who died during the flu epidemic in 1917. Her grandparents, Henry and Anna Sieland of Glenallen, Mo., then adopted her. She and Ivan C. Hamel of East Alton, Ill., were married June 7, 1924.

Ivan and Leona moved to Sunrise Beach, Mo., in 1969, where they resided until his death June 3, 1992. After Ivan's death Leona moved to Marble Hill.

Survivors include a sister, Ann Kirkpatrick of Glenallen; a daughter-in-law, Jo Ann Hamel of Rosewood Heights, Ill.; a grandson, John (Tammy) Hamel of Dittmer, Mo.; a granddaughter, Mary Hamel of Edwardsville, Ill.; a great-granddaughter, Brittani Sheldon of St. Louis; a great-grandson, Clinton Hamel of Dittmer; and a great-great-granddaughter, Elayna Sheldon of St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan C. Hamel, and a son, Ivan F. "Freddie" Hamel of Rosewood Heights.

Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill.

A private service will follow with grandson John Hamel officiating. Burial will be in McGee Chapel Cemetery near Glenallen.