NEVA LEONA GREGORY

Neva Leona (Haining Murgalla) Gregory passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, after facing her final years with remarkable courage and resilience. Even at the end, she maintained a visible love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Our mother graced the world on a cold Sunday morning, November 1, 1925, as Neva Leona Haining. Born the youngest of eight in Agra KS to 2nd generation emigrants carving out a life on the farmland of the Midwest. She went on to become only the 2nd child in her family to graduate from High School. She would later be the first to graduate from college as she completed an AS degree with academic distinction from a local college in 1982.

Our mother was the living definition of resilience. She spent nearly a decade as a single mother going back to school in the 50s when the idea of a woman seeking educational advancement was not popular. She survived the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, the World War, and many, many other difficulties life would throw her way. She was the definition of grace under fire. She raised 4 children and was graced with 20 grandchildren, and nearly 30 great-grandchildren by the time of her passing.

She was strong, brave, kind, compassionate, and tough-minded. She loved puzzles, her family, nature, and opportunities to laugh.

A Celebration of Life service for close friends and family will be held at the Tulare Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Friday, January 24 at 10 am. Immediately following there will be a burial service at the Tulare District Cemetery. To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.