Leon Monasterio

Leon Monasterio, 96, of Mountain Home, died Dec. 28, 2008, of natural causes.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Leon was born in Mountain Home on Nov. 17, 1912, to Francisco and Emilia (Lequerica). He was one of their five children.

Leon married Grace Darlene Schaffer on June 1, 1948, and "their love blossomed and thrived for 60 years," his family said, adding, "they have been blessed with happiness among family and friends who love them very much."

Leon was raised, educated and worked his entire life in Mountain Home. He excelled at baseball, tennis, and was part of the well-chronicled MHHS basketball team of 1931.

Leon was known in the community because of his work at the Merc of Mountain Home. He worked there for nearly 50 years "and was well liked and respected," his family said. "He loved being part of the community of Mountain Home where he and Darlene raised their family."

Leon is survived by: his wife, Darlene; his six sons, Terry, Ron, Dan, Tom and his wife, Julie, Todd and his wife, Sue, and Darin and his wife, Janie; his sisters, Andy Perez and Inez Sexauer. 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ricardo (Pete) and John.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.