VINTON - Leone Moody Merchant, 92 of Vinton died, Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at the Vinton Lutheran Home from complications of Alzheimer's.   

          Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with Rev. Kären Larson officiating.  Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Friday at Phillips Family Center, 605 Second Avenue in Vinton.  Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.  A memorial fund has been established.

          Leone was born June 4, 1917 near McIntire, Iowa the daughter of Roy and Ellen (Peterson) Chittick.  She graduated from Shellsburg High School.

           On March 19, 1935 Leone was united in marriage to Alfred Claire Moody.  Claire preceded her in death, April 18, 1945 while serving his country in the United States Navy during World War II.  Leone later married Carl Merchant on December 7, 1957.  He preceded her in death on December 20, 1990.

          Leone took pride in raising her four children and enjoyed office duties over the years at Virginia Gay Hospital, Armstrong's Department Store, Rector Insurance Agency and later Wilson - Hite Insurance Agency, retiring from there in 1979.

          Leone was a 64 year member of Wesley United Methodist Church, serving on various Circle Committees and was especially proud of being a Past President and 64 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

          Leone is survived by two sons, Don (Shirley) Moody of Dubuque and Larry (Karen) Moody of Mt. Auburn, one daughter, Marcia (Dave) Hite of Vinton; one daughter-in-law, Judy Moody of Cedar Falls, three step-sons, Donavon (Vi) Merchant, Dale (Sylvia) Merchant and Derald (Karen) Merchant all of Vinton; one sister, Laurel (Dale) Sills of Cedar Rapids; one brother, Lyle (Pat) Chittick of Anthem, Arizona; 12 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren and several step-great grandchildren.

          In addition to her parents and husbands Leone was preceded in death by one son, Keith Moody; one grandson, Kurt Moody; one step-granddaughter, Cindy Merchant; one sister, Lucille Stieger; and one brother, Lester Chittick.