Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Leah Elsie "Granny Goose" McKenzie
3/24/1909 - 11/3/2013
Leah Elsie "Granny Goose" McKenzie passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2013 in Auburn, Calif., at the comfort of her home. Her cause of death was due to her iconic, incredible, and astonishing age of 104.
Leah lived an extraordinary life. She was born on March 24, 1909 in Enid, Oklahoma. At the age of seven her family fled the state to escape the Dust Bowl in search of employment. When her family arrived to California they landed in Oroville, Calif., where they found work picking fruit in orchards.
She then met the love of her life Chester "Chet" McKenzie at the age of 16. The two married just after high school and then their daughter Barbara arrived in 1931. Chet and Leah were married 51 years. The couple built their home together in 1933 on McKenzie Court in Auburn, Calif. Leah lived in that home for the entirety of her life. Leah worked at Douglas Drugs for countless years along with owning a Shell Oil Bulk-plant with her husband. She was also a member of the Eastern Star's belonging to lodge number 16 of Eureka.
Leah was a walking admiration, she took care of herself and lived on her own until the last two months of her life, the DMV renewed her license to the age of 104 and President Barack Obama sent her a congratulatory letter for her 100th birthday. Leah celebrated her 100th birthday at the Elks Lodge, a party that she held so dearly to her heart. She drank and danced the night away to say the very least.
Her quick whit never wavered.
She was a woman of class, her hair stylishly done, nails perfectly finished, and she always slipped her tiny toes into heels at every occasion. She was a woman of honesty, humor, and imaginable stories.
She had a way of making her family and friends marvel over her health, history, and liveliness.
She is survived by her granddaughter, Denny Dobbas; grandson, Don Dobbas and his wife Linda; and four great-grandchildren: Hannah Dobbas, Farrah Dobbas, Dillon Dobbas, and Heather Kendall. She was predeceased by her husband, Chester McKenzie; daughter, Barbara "Nanny Goat" McKenzie Dobbas; and great-granddaughter, Brittany Gellerman.
A celebration of Leah McKenzie's life will take place at her home on November 30, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 160 McKenzie Ct., Auburn, CA 95603.
The family has requested that if any donations want to be made please donate to Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice. (530) 886-6650 Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice 11775 Education St. Suite 201 Auburn, CA 95602.
Please sign the online guestbook at auburnjournal.com
7 Entries
I had not heard of Aunt Leah's death and had not had an answer to my phone calls or cards, so I Googled her name and just found she had passed last November. Perhaps she did not have our new Santa Barbara contact information in her address book, only our old San Jose numbers. Aunt Leah was a delight and a wonderful role model for me. I strive to be like her. I'll never forget her taking clogging at age 82! What a wonder. We spent many great visits with her, and she was always a favorite for me to be around when I was a little girl. I will miss her dearly.
Her niece, Charmaine Warnock Rogers
[email protected]
Charmaine Rogers
April 8, 2014
an absolute wonder - What a Gal
December 15, 2013
Leah meant so much to my family. She was like a second Mom to my mother Judy Guidici. When mother lived with my family in Carmichael she would spend countless weekends at Leah's house because I believe that is where she found true peace and she had such good times with Leah. Barry, Robyn and myself love and appreciate Leah with all our hearts and I hope the two of them are catching up and having one of your wonderful conversations right now. Love you both. Karen Locke
Karen Locke
November 30, 2013
Leah always seemed to be around at least at most of the family reunions that I was able to attend. I can remember her at the reunions back in the 1950's at the McKenzie Guest Ranch in Mohawk Valley. May only pleasant memories be present for her family and all those who remember her. Rest in peace Leah!
David Hardgrave
November 30, 2013
Ms Leah lived a long and wonderful life and touched so many lives. She will be missed by all who knew her. May you be comforted by the memories that you share. And may you find peace and comfort from the God of Comfort.
(2 Cor 1:3)
Ruth
November 25, 2013
hello all, I missspelled the town; its- Stevensville, Montana. [email protected] willie slade
November 21, 2013
Leah Mckenzie not only a class act but a very good friend of many years, you might be gone but I love and miss you. Willie Slade.
Willie Slade
November 20, 2013
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more