Leona Madeline Varrella, 105, of Ivydale entered into her eternal life on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

She was born on December 3, 1918, in Stark, WV to the late Lewis H. Kelley and Marteley Bayes Kelley.

Leona was born in a coal mining and logging community. Her life saw many changes in everyday life over all her years as a centenarian. She was a homemaker but also worked at several different jobs. Gardening was one of her favorite pastimes. Leona was a religious servant of the Lord and was a 55-year member of O’Brion Church. She did many duties at the church and served mostly in the capacity as secretary. Her interesting life will not be forgotten by her loved ones and she will be missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Amelio J. Varrella; daughter, Barbara Pizza; granddaughter, Jennene Pizza; great grandchildren, Anthony and Angel Pizza; and 16 siblings.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Joseph Varrella of Ivydale; grandson, James Dario Pizza, and wife, Julia Herkert of Ivydale; great grandchildren, Lauren Fiore, Jillian Pizza, and Kirsten Pizza; great-great grandchildren, Alexander Pizza, Xavier Pizza, Aria Stull, Effie Stull, Olivia Fiore, Vincenza Fiore; and several nieces and nephews.

Leona’s visitation will be 5 to 8 P.M. Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway, WV.

Her funeral will be 11 A.M. Friday, November 22, 2024, at the O’Brion Christian Church, Duck, WV.

Burial will follow in the O’Brion Christian Church Cemetery.

The family would like to give special thanks to her caretaker, Emma Richards, for her compassionate care of Leona.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.