Obituary of Leona Aplin Scheetz

Leona Aplin Scheetz, age 95, died peacefully on March 15, 2023. She is survived by her children Jeffrey Scheetz, David Scheetz and his wife, Amanda, and Michael Scheetz and his wife, Deborah. She is also survived by her grandchildren Spencer Scheetz, John Scheetz, Katherine Kemp and her husband Danilo Kempf, Rebecca Scheetz, Alexander Scheetz, and Abigail Scheetz; and her great granddaughter Odeya Ellen Kempf. She was predeceased by her husband John E. Scheetz and her son John E. Scheetz, Jr. “Lee” was born and raised on a Marbletown farm in Newark, New York, by parents Charles and Ada Aplin. Leona graduated from high school in Newark and one of her early employers was the local telephone company. She celebrated 60 years together with the love of her life, John, and raised four boys at 907 McKinley Street in East Rochester, New York. She raised her boys to be responsible, hard working, and above all else, caring. She helped with Scouts, activities at Trinity Lutheran Church, and neighborhood gatherings. Many a block party, parade, and holiday were enjoyed at their warm home. The kitchen was the heart of Lee’s home with John as she enjoyed both cooking and baking; everything from the traditional turkey dinner to the much loved coconut island cookies. From her post in front of the kitchen window, she made sure favorite foods were eaten, hugs were given, and dishes were washed so they shined. Lee also enjoyed her work with East Rochester Lumber Company where she was a dedicated employee for twenty years starting in 1973. Lee weathered the death of her son, John Jr., in 1973. As the years passed, the home with the oak tree in the front yard held many good memories, but especially of her husband and son whom she cherished. The East Rochester neighborhood was her world for 70 years and her family is grateful to the friends and neighbors who kept a watchful eye on her. She was the beloved twin sister of Leroy Aplin who predeceased her. She is survived by his wife ,Mary Aplin, who was a great friend to her. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Charles Aplin and Albert Aplin; along with sisters Kathleen Van Lare and Mary Bult. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. She was close to her Aplin family and wrote many a letter over the years to them and their children. As a great letter writer, Lee lovingly communicated in perfect, practiced penmanship. She took pride in her Aplin heritage enjoying a trip of a lifetime to the United Kingdom with her sons to explore the family tree and connect with family in Kendal and Aldridge England. Lee relished the role of grandmother to her six grandchildren. She rocked them with the happy apple, taught them how to make Boston cream pie with sprinkles on top at Thanksgiving, celebrated graduation milestones with them, danced at her oldest granddaughter’s wedding, and held her great granddaughter in her lap this past Christmas. Throughout the years, she enjoyed their accomplishments in music, dance, theater, scouting, and athletics. Most recently, she appreciated the video shenanigans of her great granddaughter, Odeya. Friends and family are welcome to call on April 28, 2023 between 4 and 6 p.m. at Harloff Funeral Home, at 803 South Washington Street, in East Rochester. A service will be held the following day, April 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 28 Lincoln Ave., Pittsford, New York, with interment at White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lutheran Services in America, the Lasting Change Campaign, which supports improving care in older adults. To donate, please visit www.lutheranservices.org, click on “Give,” and donate to this special fundraising campaign.