Leota Virginia Boyce

Leota Virginia Boyce

Camdenton, Mo.

Leota Virginia Boyce, of Camdenton, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at the age of 98 years, four months, and 21 days. She was born on March 16, 1924, near Hillsboro, Iowa, to Roy and Mina Newbold Ridgeway.

Following the death of her mother, Leota was raised by her grandparents, Alta and Edger Ridgeway and Mae and Eugene Newbold. She was raised in Hillsboro and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1942. She retired from Fairfield Aluminum Casting Company in 1983.

On June 13, 1942, she married Stanley “Bud” Boyce. Their marriage of 61 years produced three sons, Jerry Boyce (Mary) of Boonville, Missouri, Merle Boyce of Camdenton, Missouri, Ronald Boyce (Judy) of Fruita, Colorado, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Leota was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Iowa; a church that was founded by her ancestors. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Iowa. After she and Bud moved to the lake, she started attending United Methodist Church in Camdenton, Missouri.

She was a charter member of the Eagles Auxiliary of Fairfield, Iowa. She belonged to the Ozark Brush and Palette, created many beautiful oil paintings and was active in the Camdenton Senior Center serving the Memorial Committee and Center’s Board. She and Bud enjoyed time boating on the lake. Playing cards, dancing and reading were her main source of entertainment. Friends will remember her love of mysteries, history and historical fiction. She spoke well of everyone she knew.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bud; and her brothers, Rex and Gary Ridgeway and sister, Treva Hawbaker.

She is survived by her half-sister, Sharon Conner of Port Byron, Illinois; half-brother, Tom Ridgeway of Anamosa, Iowa; step-sister, Louise McCormick and Betty Alloard of Aledo, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at the Camdenton United Methodist Church.

Interment service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at Memorial Lawn Cemetery of Fairfield, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Camdenton Senior Center.