Nova Darlene Leighton, the daughter of Wilfred and Florice (Rodwell) Bates, was born January 12, 1924, on the family farm northwest of Griswold, IA.  She died November 2, 2020, at the Griswold Care Center in Griswold, IA. at the age of 96 years, 9 months, and 21 days.

Nova graduated from Oakland High School with the class of 1941.   She became a one-room country school teacher and taught school for one year in Wright Township. On September 22nd, 1943, she was united in marriage to Lester Leighton at the Methodist Church in Council Bluffs, IA.  They moved to the family farm, making a commitment to that 'glorious' farm life.  In 1973, Nova and Lester built their current home just around the corner from the family farm. Nova lived at home until five years ago, when she moved to the Griswold Care Center.

Nova was a 'typical' farm wife, back then, involved in anything from milking cows and separating cream to gathering eggs and caring for her chickens to raising a family.  She had a love for gardening, which included enjoying the fresh vegetables and then freezing, canning, and pickling for future use. She took pride in and had a passion for cooking and baking. She loved 'Kitchen Klatter' magazines, collecting recipes and listening to KMA Radio's cooking broadcasts.  She was featured in Iowa Farmer Today Newspaper with a few of her 'popular' recipes in 2003. Family Favorites included her 'Fried' Chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade 'Buns' and strawberry jam, Apple Pies, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, homemade ice cream and a variety of cookies. Lester has a 'fond' memory of when they were first married, which included Nova walking through the field, which he was plowing, to deliver a sandwich to him which was made from her 'freshly' baked delicious bread.

She enjoyed working in the yard and caring for her plants and flowers. She also enjoyed caring for her 'cats and kittens', as well, and sharing them with her grandkids.  Nova has a love for music—playing the piano, and listening to the likes of Patsy Kline and watching the Lawrence Welk show. She and Lester enjoyed going to dances on an occasional Saturday night. Nova and Lester also were able to do some traveling over the years. They have enjoyed trips to: Europe, New York, New Jersey, Las Vegas, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, and Alaska.

Nova had belonged to the Wright Township women's club, holding various offices.  She was also a member of the Griswold United Methodist Church and had a strong faith in God. She continued her faith journey by participating in weekly Bible studies while in the Care Center.  Nova had a charming 'wit' about her and could be a little 'ornery' at times.

Nova is preceded in death by her daughter, Colleen in 1987; her parents; her brothers, Lyle, Kenneth and Dean; and her sisters Phyllis and Donna.  She is survived by her husband, Lester of Griswold, IA; her children, Bryce (Linda) of Griswold, IA. and Kristi (Jamie) of Tennant, IA.; her grandchildren: Jessica (Derek) Woellhof, Angela (Ryan) Avis, Dr. Joshua (Jodi) Hockett, Gary (Stacie) Leighton, Barbara (Doug) Hays and Brent (Cheryl) Leighton; her great grandchildren: Kaidnce, Emerson, Ella, Finley, Axel, Averi, Landon, Kori, Garrett, Gavin, Kyler, Gage, Erin (Nye), Courtney, Brooke, Leah, Anthony, Joseph and a little great grandson on the way.

An open visitation will be held at the Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold on Friday, November 6,2020 from 9:00am until 7:00pm. The family will not be present at any specific time. A private family funeral and interment will be held at a later date. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge fo arrangements.