Obituary: Leona Isabelle Blanford Haydon, 96
LEONA ISABELLE BLANFORD HAYDON
Leona Isabelle Blanford Haydon, 96, died Saturday, July 14, 2018, peacefully at her home. She was born Jan. 1, 1922, in Holy Cross, the first of five born to Effie Mudd and Hillman Blanford. After her father’s early death, the family moved to Fredericktown, where she spent most of her young life. It was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph Albert Haydon. They were married Nov. 29, 1941, eventually moving to Bardstown. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage until Albert passed away in 2007. They were the loving parents of 11 children. Their legacy of love and dedication to each other and their family will continue to be an inspiration to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a devout and active member of St. Joseph Church for more than 75 years. Her faith and family was the primary focus of her life. She had a strong dedication to education. She was also a steadfast partner with Albert in establishing their family business.
In addition to her beloved husband Albert, she was preceded in death by one son, James Gregory Haydon; two sisters, Jane Clements and Catherine Rose Blanford; and two brothers, Hayden Blanford and Hillman Blanford.
She will be greatly missed by her 10 children, Mary Florence Barnes (Bill), Jodie Haydon (Carolyn), Sherry Bruce (Karlos), Norma Jean Haydon (Ben Barber), David Haydon (Mary Stuart), Steve Haydon (Carole), Cathy Greer, Charlotte Bickel (John), John Haydon (Mary Ellen), and Paul Haydon; one daughter-in-law, Charlotte Moffett; 18 treasured grandchildren, Allison Osborne, Amy Pehlke, Sally Valenzuela, Kelli Faulkner, Greg Haydon, Jonathon Greer, Tyler Greer, Benjamin Bruce, Stuart Haydon, Joseph Haydon, Charley Haydon, Katherine Bickel, John Robinson Bickel, Madeline Bickel, J.B. Haydon, William Haydon, Gracie Haydon, and Ellie Haydon; 18 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, C.H. Haydon (Frances); and many dear nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank her current dedicated caregivers Donna, Debbie and Arianna and her previous loving caregivers who all became her extended family.
The Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral with the Rev. Terry Bradshaw officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2018, and 9-10:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at the Barlow Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Joseph School, the Bethlehem High School Legacy Fund, or to the Nelson County Community Clinic.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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