Leona Jane Lyda Gatwood

Leona Jane Lyda Gatwood

July 9, 1939 — September 15, 2019

Leona Jane Lyda Gatwood, 80, passed into eternal life on Sept. 15, 2019, at St. James House in Baytown, Texas.

Born July 9, 1939 in Burnet, Texas, Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, George Gatwood; her parents, Thelma Lucille Anderson Lyda and Eldon Leon Lyda, Sr.; brothers, Eldon Leon Lyda, Jr. and Leonard Ray Lyda; and sisters, Laura Jean Valdez and Dixie Aileen Elrod.

She is survived by her children, Clayton James Ellington, Janie Lynne Ellington Smith, Kathy Gatwood Konger and husband Denny of Churubusco, Indiana; Karen Gatwood Peelman and husband Mike of Flower Mound, Texas; and Karla Gatwood Linville and husband Roger of Columbia City, Indiana. Jane is also survived by her sister, Nina LaNelle Lyda; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; ex-husband, James Ellington and wife Frances; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.

Jane and George were ordained pastors who made several mission trips to Sao Paolo Brazil and the surrounding area. In addition to ministering to the general population there, they also focused on an orphanage.

Jane enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life, with many different jobs, but her greatest joy came from her family and her roles as wife, mother, and especially grandmother.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at navarrefuneralhome.com