Leona Isabelle Blanford Haydon, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, July 14, 2018. Leona was born on January 1, 1922 in Holy Cross, Kentucky, the first of five born to Effie Mudd and Hillman Blanford. After her father’s early death, the family moved to Fredericktown, Kentucky where she spent most of her young life.
It was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph Albert Haydon. They were married on November 29, 1941, eventually moving to Bardstown, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage until Albert passed away in 2007. They were the loving parents of 11 children.
Their legacy of love and dedication to each other and their family will continue to be an inspiration to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leona was a devout and active member of St. Joseph Church for over seventy-five years. Her faith and family was the primary focus of her life.
She had a strong dedication to education. She was also a steadfast partner with Albert in establishing their family business. She will be greatly missed by her children Mary Florence Barnes (Bill), Jodie Haydon (Carolyn), Sherry Bruce (Karlos), Norma Jean Haydon (Ben Barber), David Haydon (Mary Stuart), Steve Haydon (Carole), Cathy Greer, Charlotte Bickel (John), John Haydon (Mary Ellen), Paul Haydon, and a daughter-in-law Charlotte Moffett.
She is also survived by her treasured grandchildren Allison Osborne, Amy Pehlke, Sally Valenzuela, Kelli Faulkner, Greg Haydon, Jonathon and Tyler Greer, Benjamin Bruce, Stuart, Joseph and Charley Haydon, Katherine, John Robinson and Madeline Bickel, J.B. and William Haydon, and Gracie and Ellie Haydon, and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother-in-law C.H. Haydon and his wife Frances and many dear nieces and nephews. In addition to her beloved husband Albert, she was preceded in death by her son James Gregory Haydon; two sisters Jane Clements and Catherine Rose Blanford; and two brothers Hayden and Hillman Blanford.
The family would like to thank her current dedicated caregivers Donna, Debbie and Arianna and her previous loving caregivers who all became her extended family. Her Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am Wednesday July 18, 2018 at Basilica of St. Joseph Proto Cathedral, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Rev.
Terry Bradshaw will officiate. Visitation will be at Barlow Funeral home 2675 John Rowan Boulevard, Bardstown, 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday July 17 and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 18. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Joseph School, the Bethlehem High School Legacy Fund, or to the Nelson County Community Clinic.
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