Leona Frances Wahl

Leona Wahl, 66, of Arroyo Grande passed away on October 3, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. She was born to parents Benjamin and Hilda Waldron on October 22, 1953 in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. She married Eric Wahl in 1988 and spent thirty-one happy years with him. She is survived by her younger sister, Margaret Spicher, her eldest brother Rainey Waldron, her loving husband Eric, her sons Benjamin and Andre, and her beloved grandchildren. She was preceeded in death by her mother, father, and youngest sister Eda Adams.
Leona led a life of adventure. She possessed an indomitable spirit that shone brightly. As the child of a military officer Leona travelled all over with her family. She often reminisced about her early childhood in Heidelberg, Germany. She would fondly regale tales of spending time with her Opa and all the shenanigans they would get up to together. Leona even spent her first year of high school in Nuremberg, Germany before moving to Herlong, California. As she entered her senior year of high school her world was threatened to be upturned again as her family had to move due to her father relocating to Nevada for retirement. Her English teacher, Mrs. Buchanan offered her the opportunity to live with her to see her through graduation. Leona graduated from Herlong High School in 1971.
Post-graduation Leona returned to be with her family in Reno, Nevada after her father’s retirement. She went to work for Nevada Bell as a 411 operator at the age of 19. She worked her way up in the company to become a special service installer. She even went to school to learn how to climb telephone poles. She worked installing commercial phone lines and was instrumental in the installation of some of the first computer data lines for the phone company in Nevada. She often described it as the wild west of computers. She was a pioneer in the telecommunications industry laying the groundwork for modern day internet. Ultimately, Leona decided to retire early after twenty-two years with the company to care for her two sons full time. She was a woman unafraid of getting her hands dirty and working harder than the men in her industry.
Leona’s true calling was motherhood. Her sons became her world. She loved fiercely and with her entire being. In 1996 Leona and her family moved to Arroyo Grande, California wishing to raise her children away from the hustle and bustle of the city on the beautiful central coast. She imparted a love of adventure and intrigue to her children. Her greatest joy in life was watching her sons grow and start families of their own.
Leona was a beacon of light to many. Her smile would light up a room and her laughter was contagious. Her kindness knew no bounds and she was always willing to help those in need. Leona’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Please consider donating to cancer research, in lieu of sending flowers.

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