Lona Leola (Cook) Krabbenhoft
August 11, 1924 - July 25, 2021
Lona Le (as she was called by family) of Manvel, Texas passed away on June 25, 2021 after a long, faithful and well-lived life. She was respected by all and touched many hearts with her kindness and grace.
Lona Le (Cook) was born to a Jeff Davis County ranching couple, Ezra and Lottie (Yaeger) Cook on August 11, 1924. After graduating from Alpine High School, Lona Le was hired at Marfa Army Airfield. She was transferred her position when she and her mother moved to San Angelo, Texas in 1944. It was at San Angelo Army Airfield that she met the love of her life, Harold Krabbenhoft. He swept her off her feet and they were married less than 6 months later in Wilmington, North Carolina near Harold’s base. They were happily married for over 50 years.
They settled in Northern California while Harold attended school and began his career as a Certified Court Reporter. They began their family with the birth of their son Robert and finally their daughter Barbara. The reporting business took them to Carson City, Nevada in 1969 where Capitol Reporters firm was established. Although the offices were downtown the phone rang at the residence also. Lona Le was head secretary and peace maker to the growing business and kept things together as only the wife of the owner could.
Lona Le’s passion was her family and she loved caring for her home and children. She was a proficient dressmaker, making many of the clothes that she and her daughter wore. She loved crafting and painting. But she was multitalented, she poured concrete, tended the large garden that her husband managed to plant every year, rode in jeeps on the back roads, traveled many miles in a RV, shoveled snow, served as PTA president, and could cook like no one’s business! Her smile was infectious and as wide as the Texas sky, her speech accented with a West Texas drawl. Although made of steel, with a coating of sweetness and diplomacy, Lona Le was always a steadying and calming influence. The sense of humor that lay behind the twinkle in her eye helped many to see the lighter side of things. She was blessed with the gift of hospitality. Invitations to friends, and strangers, to share a meal in her home were a familiar offering and those who accepted left her presence feeling loved.
She was ever faithful to her Lord and Savior and was tireless in the many ways she served. Lona Le taught Sunday School to kindergarteners through seniors. She worked in many Vacation Bible Schools throughout the years. As a senior, at First Baptist Church Carson City, Nevada, she initiated a Ladies’ Tea Party team that would visit invalid and home bound seniors. They would pack up their pretty teacups, dainty treats, and colorful napkins and make those often-forgotten ladies feel loved. At the completion of 19 years of service at the church, they declared it Lona Krabbenhoft day. Little did they realize she wasn’t finished yet and she went on to serve by teaching the Senior Ladies Sunday School Class for 20 more years.
In 2009, Lona Le moved to Texas to live with her daughter and continued to attend church regularly where she encouraged others in any way she could.
Her faith and strength have been a testimony to many, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she will be sorely missed. One nephew penned this about his Aunt “You are a treasure. You have lived a life of purpose. Christ through you has mattered through your extended family, your churches, your many friends, and now to future generations.”
Lona Le was preceded in death by her parents, her Husband, Harold Krabbenhoft of Carson City, Nevada (in 1997) and a daughter born prematurely (in 1950). In addition, her brother Mr. Ezra Cook passed in 2011 and her sister, Mrs. Alice (Cook) Ross in 2012.
She is survived by her son, Robert (Kris), daughter, Barbara Kalmen, her five Grandchildren, Betty Jo, Kathleen, Jeffery, Emily, and Jonathan, and her seven Great Grandchildren, Gavin, Nicolas, Benjamin, William, Claire, Timothy Jr., and Gabriel.
Arrangements are being handled by Jeter Funeral Home in Friendswood, Texas and condolences may be sent to the family in care of
www.jeterfuneralhome.com. A memorial was held at Southview Baptist Church in Rosharon, Texas on July 2 and her final resting place will be next to her husband at Lone Mountain Cemetery Carson City, Nevada on July 9, 2021 at 1 pm.