Leona Gooden, age 93 of Dunseith, passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023 at a Belcourt hospital.  Her funeral will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 10:00 am at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Dunseith.  Her wake will be on Sunday starting at 4:00 pm at the church.

Leona Christina Gooden a daughter of Alfred J. and Rachel (St. Clair) Villeneuve was born on August 27, 1930 in Belcourt.  Leona was a farm girl in her younger years.  She spoke many times of milking the cows and her favorite horse, Flash.  As a young woman, Leona worked at San Haven in the kitchen.  She also worked in the kitchen at the Headstart Program in Dunseith. She also worked as a CNA in Sioux Falls, SD and also the Dunseith Nursing Home.  She married Emil W. Gooden were married on August 17, 1951 in Bottineau.

Leona had an amazing sense of humor and a beautiful smile.  She was an awesome and hardworking mother.  She enjoyed being with people, laughing and dancing.  Leona will be remembered lovingly and greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by Linda Thomas of Dunseith, Dorothy Miller of Fargo, Emil Gooden Jr, of Rugby, Barbara (Glenn) Davis of Billings, MT, Debbie Ann Gooden of Sioux Falls, SD, Glanda Gooden, Fargo, ND, Brenda Gooden of Fargo, Eric Gooden, Brandi Gooden, Errol Gooden, Tessa Gooden; siblings, Loretta (Jeanie) Villeneuve, Christy St. Clair Malatier, Earl Peltier, Jeffery. St. Clair and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Errol, daughter, Burna Gooden; siblings, Ernestine, Telephine, Lorraine, Priscella, Mildred, (Selina) Ina Rose, Edward, Cletus, Paulette and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.