Leora Sowder Obituary

Leora Joan Sowder, 86, of Madrid, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Madrid Home.

Leora was born on February 8, 1938, in Madrid, Iowa, to William Oliver and Garnet Mildred (Gibbons) Daugherty. She graduated from Madrid High School in 1956. On June 21, 1956, she married Marvin A. Sowder in Des Moines, Iowa, and they made their home in Madrid throughout their married life. Leora worked as a manager at Bell Telephone, where she was part of the team that facilitated the transition from analog to digital technology. Following her retirement she worked at the Madrid Chiropractic Clinic.

Leora enjoyed many activities, including singing, dancing, playing the piano, cooking, roller skating, and attending the Iowa State Fair. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Marvin, who passed in 2010; her daughters, Lori Starks and Kelley Kusel; four brothers, Merlin, Kenneth, William, and Merrill Daugherty; and his twin sister, Marilyn Swensen.

Leora is survived by her two children, Shelley Sowder and Bill (Julie) Sowder; six grandchildren, Joshua Sowder, Kayla Sowder, Nicholas Sowder, Andrew Kruse, Lucas Friedel , and Jacob Starks; nine great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Madrid.

Arrangements are under the care of Iles-Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Funeral Home.

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