Mrs. Leona Avanelle Sanchez, Age 84 of Kentwood, Formerly of Grant, died Saturday, May 27, 2006 in Kentwood.  She was born Leona Avanelle Slater in Ohio the daughter of Tressie Almeda (Cotterman) and Charles Slater on March 24, 1922.  She married Jesse Rojo Hernandez on April 2, 1949 in Grant and he preceded her in death on December 22, 1964. She was worked in the Laundry at the Grant Hospital until she retired in 1982. 

She is survived by her children Lois Rodriguez of Muskegon; Mary & Rich Tomklewicz of Grant; Mario Hernandez of Sparta; Marilyn & Jim Mercer of Newaygo;  Perry & Tammi Hernandez of Grand Rapids; Rick & Cindy Hernandez of Muskegon; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; her Brothers Eldon & Barb Slater of Cedar Springs; Eugene & Joyce Slater of Muskegon and several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM from the McKinley Funeral Home - Grant Chapel, on Thursday, June 1, 2006 with Mr. Joe Hatter officiating.  Interment in Seaman Cemetery.   Visitation 11am to 1pm before the funeral.   

- McKinley Funeral Home, Grant,  231-834-5613.  http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com