Leona Polk

Leona Thelma Busby Polk, of West Columbia, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2016, at the age of 91 years young. The Lord heard her prayers and she drew her last breath in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by her loving family.

Leona was born on April 2, 1925 in Hornersville, MO. She is the daughter of Ernest and Josephine Busby, who preceded her in death. Leona was also preceded in death by her siblings Otis, Gladys, Ruth and Sylvia, her son Edward Gwynn Polk, great-grandson Tracey Lavan Thompson and her devoted husband of 60 years Cecil Luther Polk.

Leona was sassy, witty and very funny. She never met a stranger and she would always tell it like it is, whether you wanted to hear it or not. Leona lived life to the fullest and even rode a Harley for the first time on her 91st birthday. If you were lucky enough to meet her, you would never forget her. If she called you a friend, she was loyal to the end. The world was a better place with her in it and she will be dearly missed. True to Leona's style she left her earthly home exactly the way she wanted to, dressed in red, with Baker taking her out feet first through her front door!

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter & son-in-law Carolyn & Dennis Gaubatz, son Cecil Joseph Polk, daughter-in-law Deane (Tim) Elliott, grandchildren Dennis (Rhonda) Gaubatz, David (Donna) Gaubatz, Tynia Lee Gaubatz, Michelle (Charlie) Parrish, Charles (Kate) Polk, Terrhan Dial, Cory (Kelly) Polk, Dixie (Beau) White, Edina Polk, 12 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great- grandchildren, honorary grandson Brian (Jean) Georges along with numerous extended family members and last but not least her beloved furbaby and constant companion Leroy.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons Dennis Gaubatz, David Gaubatz, Cory Polk, Charlie Parrish, Beau White and Brian Georges. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons Tyler Parrish, Dillon Parrish, Austin Parrish, Aaron Gaubatz and Colby Polk.

To honor Leona's request, in lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be sent to the Columbia Christian Senior Citizens Center, Leona's favorite place to gather with her friends. Donations may be sent to CCSCC, 629 E. Bernard, West Columbia, TX 77486 (979) 345-5955.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 26, 2016 from 6:00-8:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 2:00pm. Both will be held at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia.

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