Clevonne M. Jeka

March 19, 1925 - August 10, 2010

Clevonne M. Jeka, Dyer, IN (formerly of Calumet City, IL), age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. She is survived by her daughters Becki Jeka, Oak Park, IL; Monica (Daniel) Hoffman, Munster, IN; Clevonne Jeka, Dyer, IN; cherished grandsons, Lance (Heather) Hoffman of New Jersey and Brad (Sule Coruh) Hoffman of Pennsylvania. Also surviving are Clevonne‚Äôs sister, Jo Loyce Holmes of Lusby, MD, and brother Joseph (Halene) Searles of Maplewood, MN; numerous nieces and nephews. Clevonne is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard Jeka; her parents, Clara and Jess Searles; four brothers and two sisters.Clevonne grew up on a 600 acre farm with her nine siblings in Beaver Creek MN. She met Leonard while he was serving in the Army Air Corp in Sioux Falls SD. They were married at St. Andrew‚Äôs in Calumet City, IL and spent 58 loving years together. Mom was an active member of St. Andrew‚Äôs Parish and was the Office Secretary for over 14 years. In addition, she was the Receptionist at Bulkmatic Transportation Company for over 9 years where she retired in 1991. Clevonne was a 50+ year member of the Rosary Ladies Confraternity. Mom‚Äôs greatest joy was being a loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was known for her fantastic baking skills especially her chocolate chip cookies; and was very proud of her beautiful garden that she nurtured every year. Clevonne loved her family, her dogs, a good joke, winning at gin rummy, and especially dancing with her husband. A celebration of Clevonne‚Äôs life will begin on Sunday, August 15, 2010 from 2 ‚Äì 8 pm at Kish Funeral Home, (across from Fitness Pointe),10000 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN. Our final goodbyes will begin on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 9 am at Kish Funeral Home and proceed to St. Andrew‚Äôs Church, 768 Lincoln Avenue, Calumet City, IL for Mass at 10 am. Internment will follow immediately at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. Donations may be made in Clevonne‚Äôs memory to PAWS Chicago, Attn: Donations, 1110 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609 or to Cancer Resource Centre Healing Garden, 926 Ridge Road, Munster, IN 46321.

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Dear Aunt Clevonne, you were so special to so many people. I have many precious memories of you. Although we didn't see each other often, I did feel close to you. I always appreciated the loving support you offered at the end of my parent's lives. When I visited in May, I so enjoyed sharing our love of gardening and the special joy that dachshunds brought to our lives!Becki, Moni and Voni, Bernie and I offer our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. I understand how difficult and painful this is for you. Rejoice in the wonderful relationship you had with your special mother! She was clearly unique to many. May you find peace and strength in the coming days through the love of family and friends.

I am so sorry for your loss. I am Henry Jeka's daughter. I stopped in Indiana and visited your mom several years ago. She was a very sweet person. Also saw her at the Jeka family reunion.Will keep you all in my prayers.

Aunt Clevonne always had a nurturing and loving message for us. We will miss her love, humor and wisdom, but know she is at peace and happily reunited with loved ones in Heaven. We treasure the many memories of shared celebrations and visits with her over the years.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.