Leana Jean Velasco
January 4, 1958 – January 14, 2025

Leana Jean Velasco, age 67, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Eureka, surrounded by friends and family. She was born January 4, 1958, in Medford, Oregon, to Milburn Leroy and Laura Jean Standridge. Her family then moved in 1968 and settled in Eureka. Leana was known for her faith in Jehovah and her determination to share God’s word with everyone she met.

Leana was raised with a deep-rooted faith in God as a Jehovah’s Witness as a solid foundation for her life. She was baptized in 1967 at the age of 9 years old and remained faithful until her death. In her twenties Leana was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and while her future was uncertain, she always kept a positive outlook and adjusted to the effects of this terrible disease. Leana did not allow this disease to dampen her zeal in her beliefs. She spent many years doing the field service work going from door to door, not letting her devotion to Jehovah and hope for the future without sickness and death to lessen.

In 1978 she married Ernesto Velasco, and they settled in Eureka, while they divorced years later, Leana had their son Kristopher in 1984. As a single mom Leana’s faith never wavered and she raised Kristopher with the same foundation that brought her so much joy and hope.

Leana had many talents, she enjoyed singing and was able to share her beautiful voice at weddings and parties. She enjoyed sewing and quilting and would eagerly help with bridesmaid’s dresses or going away quilts for those moving out of the area from the congregation. She could organize a party at the drop of a hat, coordinate food, decorations, entertainment, and music. Leana loved to dance; a wheelchair was not going to stop her from being out on the dance floor at her son’s wedding.

Leana continued to suffer the effects of her disease and lived with her son and daughter in law. With the help of many caregivers, she was able to live at home surrounded by her loved ones. Mexican food was one of her most favorite foods, Mondays were renamed to Taco Mondays so she could enjoy tacos for dinner. Esmerelda’s was her favorite restaurant to order her favorite tacos, bean dip, guacamole, and chips and salsa.

Leana is preceded in death by her parents, Leroy, and Jean Standridge; and her brothers Michael and Kerry Standridge; and her brother-in-law Curtis Cooper. Leana is survived by her son, Kristopher Velasco (Crystal); her brother Dale Standridge (Connie); her sister Lisa Cooper; and many nieces, nephews, great nephews, and great nieces.

The family is sincerely thankful to those who cared for Leana through the years, Jessica, Lisa, Lyndsey, Rebecca, Dr. Heidmann, the staff at Pace, and countless others. We are grateful for the care and attention that she was given so Leana was able to stay at home all these years which was of great comfort to her.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka.