Leona Barth

Leona "Lee" Barth Park Ridge, IL Renowned artist, Leona Barth, age 86, of Park Ridge, IL, passed away Monday, August 13, 2007 at the VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso, IN. She is survived by two daughters: Linda (Burt) Myers of Alaska and Leslie (Paul) Vogel of Indiana; five grandsons: Robert Myers (wife Erin) and great-grandson, Dylan and great-granddaughter, Genevieve of Indiana, Michael Myers and wife Jodi of Las Vegas, NV, Paul Vogel and wife, Tammy and great-grandsons: Hunter and Ian and great-granddaughter, Ava of Indiana, Rob Vogel and great-grandson, Gavin of Indiana, and Brant Vogel of California. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Elmer O. Barth. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 17, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with one hour of viewing prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN. Pastor John Dreyer officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Leona graduated from Maine East High School before attending both Harrison Academy of Art in Chicago and the American Academy of Art. After graduation, she worked as a commercial artist with Temple Art Studio in the layout and design department and also with Schwimmer and Scott Advertising Agency as assistant art director. Later in her career, she studied graphics and took independent workshops at Oakton Community College while teaching collage and painting techniques in the Northwest and Chicago Park Districts. Leona's art was the recipient of many awards and is displayed in numerous galleries. She was also an active member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church where she taught bible study. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice Center, 2404 Valparaiso Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383 or Whispering Pines Health Center, 3301 N. Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383.