November 12, 2020, 72, Kenly

Leonore Faye Burklow Gronendyke, 72, of Kenly passed away at Wayne UNC Health Care on Thursday, November 12, 2020. She was born in Lake County, Indiana on February 19, 1948 to the late Leonard Wade Burklow and Ida Mae Briesacher Burklow. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Jean Gronendyke and sisters, Marla Grothaus and Noreen Driver.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm in Princeton Baptist Church, 201 N. Pearl St, Princeton with the Reverend Dwayne Batten officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 in the Fellowship Hall of Princeton Baptist Church.

A second memorial service is being planned for family and friends in northwest Indiana for some time in the near future.

Ms. Leonore, as she was known, graduated from Calumet High School in Gary IN. She was a member of the Princeton Baptist Church since 2006 where she has served as pianist for a number of years. Prior to her joining the Princeton Baptist Church, she was an active and devoted member of Ross Baptist Church in Gary IN. She faithfully served in many ministries, including being the church pianist, organist, member of the choir, and nursery worker.

Ms. Leonore loved to cook, sew and scrapbook. One of her spiritual gifts was to write and send encouraging cards to her friends and family. Many people have been blessed and touched by her card ministry. She especially loved her eight grandchildren and enjoyed working at Haggar Outlet in Smithfield, NC where her co-workers became more like family.

Leonore is survived by her husband, Rollin Gronendyke; sons, Tim Gronendyke (Sharon) of Kenly and Danny Gronendyke(Melissa) of Crown Point, IN; eight grandchildren, Cassandra, Nicholas, Matthew, Evan, David, Emily, Tyler and Katelin; she is also survived by her sister, Idora Kissel of Phoenix AZ, and sister-in-law, Gretchen Peed of Kewanee, IL and many nieces and nephews which all held a special place in her heart. She also enjoyed spending time with her Aunt June Briesacher of Valparaiso, IN.

Throughout the years, Ms. Leonore’s group of “girlfriends” has been one of the greatest joys in her life.

All of her friendships and relationships were very important to her, but none more than her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to In His Hands Crisis Pregnancy Support Center 13 Dail Street, Smithfield, NC 27577.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.