Cleone Hoyda

A celebration of the life of Cleone Ann Hoyda will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Christ Community Church in Crawford with Pastor Steve Mallery officiating. Burial will be at the Crawford Cemetery. 

Cleone was born October 24, 1935, in Hay Springs, Nebraska, to her parents, George and Oleta (Waldron) Hoyda. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on November 12, 2024. 

Cleone grew up learning, playing, singing, and teaching music. She loved music! She played piano in a dance band with Ellis ‘Peabody’ Hale for many years; made appearances on television and live radio; played for old fiddlers’ contests; and jamborees; while never missing to play in church, every week. Some of her favorite fellow musicians to play with were Russ Garner, Joe Crossdog, Ray Hamaker, and Dwain Soester. Cleone taught accordion lessons for many years. She was also a volunteer for the schools and most recently worked at the Crawford Public Library. 

Cleone loved the Lord with all of her being. She was the reason countless individuals came to know the Lord. She was so loved and her musical talents admired. She is now where she strived to be: with her family in the arms of Jesus.