Leota Dadlow

Leota Dadlow, 95, of La Porte, IN, passed away on August 7, 2025 at Miller's Health and Rehab.

Leota was born on February 18, 1930, in La Porte, IN, to DeVere Thompson Sr. and Gladys (Garwood) Thompson.

On October 7, 1950, at St. John's Lutheran Church, La Porte, she married Wilbur R. Dadlow, who preceded her in death on January 6, 2022. Surviving Leota are her son, Gregory Dadlow; son-in-law, Randy Bluhm; grandchildren, Melissa Bennett, Jennifer (Ryan) Lowery, and Stephanie (Will) Fischer; great-grandchildren, Jacob Bennett, Connor Bennett, Jett Lowery, Penelope Fischer, Hunter Fischer, and Juliette Fischer; sister, Mary Link; brothers, George Thompson and Harold "Davey" Davidson; brothers-in-law, Harold Clindaniel and George Nehl; sister-in-law, Marge Thompson; and numerous nieces and nephews, Mark (Pam) Clindaniel, Michael (Tina) Clindaniel, Monte Clindaniel, Michelle Clindaniel, Elaine Thompson Darby, Janice Thompson, Wayne Thompson, Roy (Cindy) Nehl, Joseph (Elizabeth) Nehl, Robert Alt, Rebecca Goble, Donnie Link, Jill Thompson Ellis, Julie Thompson Goetz, Gary Thompson, and David Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Teresa Bluhm; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Dadlow; sisters, Sara Clindaniel and Gladys Nehl; brothers, Calvin Thompson and DeVere Thompson Jr.; brother-in-law, Don Link; sister-in-law, Joyce Thompson; niece, Marilyn Tobe; and nephew, Donald Nehl.

A 1948 graduate of Westville High School, Leota went on to work in the office at Allis Chalmers, where she met her beloved husband of 71 years. She later worked at Kesling Middle School as the Food Service Supervisor and as a greeter at Haverstock Funeral Home. From 1983 to 2004, Leota was the proud owner/operator of Odie's Hotdogs Concession stand, which had a stationary stand behind the old Streiter's building as well as a mobile stand that was a staple at many weekend auctions, the La Porte County Fair, and numerous craft events.

Leota was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Circle 7, Pinola Grange, Jolly Jane Homemakers Extension, Door Village Cemetery Association, and the Over 40s Club, where she enjoyed dancing the nights away! She was heavily involved in 4-H as a Scipio Twp. 4-H Leader and an Open Class Superintendent for 20 years. Leota enjoyed entering afghans, quilts, baked goods, and other carfts into the La Porte Fair Open Class. She especially loved mastering the art of Bunka Needlework, which won her several awards.

As a wonderful grandmother, Leota made sure to lovingly create each grandchild and great-grandchild their very own baby afghan. She also blessed her children and grandchildren with their own handcrafted quilts. Leota found great joy in assembling and baking a feast for each holiday.

She could often be found working outside with her husband in their beautifully manicured lawn. Leota was an avid gardener. She also enjoyed taking drives around the lakes and going out to dinner.

Leota and Wilbur loved to travel to Las Vegas to visit friends and family. They enjoyed cruises and were able to take a cruise of a lifetime around Hawaii. They were snowbirds to Aracadia, Florida for 20 years, where they enjoyed their second home. Leota and Wilbur especially enjoyed the Big Tree Resort activities and gathering with friends from all over the country, having fun in Casinos and driving to the Gulf Coast to relax on the Florida beaches.

Through all the great joys and sorrows, Leota and Wilbur were always together. They supported each other's interests. Everyone knew that if one were to pass before the other, it would not matter since their hearts would always be one! Their love left a legacy for their family, whom they always made a priority. Leota and Wilbur took great pride and deeply loved their family.

An intimate Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Door Village Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Dunes Hospice Foundation, Inc., 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.