Leader

Ronald James Leader

YUMA, Ariz. — Ronald James “Ron” Leader died April 11, 2023.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for May 12, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, San Diego, Calif.

Ron was born Jan. 11, 1944, to Henry H. and Lillian (Kollars) Leader in Yankton, S.D., and grew up in Hartington.

After graduating from Cedar Catholic High School, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1962.

Ron met the love of his life, Paulita Delis Tomanda, and they were married Feb. 25, 1967, in Olongapo City, Philippines. Upon returning to the United States, they made their home in Vista, Calif,, where they raised their two children, Ronald Jr. and Lillianna.

Ronald was a career Marine, proudly serving his country for 22 years, including service in Vietnam, and retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1984. As a Marine, Ron worked as an amphibious assault crewman and ended his career as a disability counselor at NRMC Camp Pendleton. After retiring, Ron continued his work as a disability counselor/national service officer for the Disabled American Veterans. Ron was a master of dad jokes, a lover of old cars, and, like a true Midwesterner, was obsessed with the weather. He was a loving husband, father and grandpa.

Ronald and Paulita enjoyed traveling all over the United States in their motorhome and taking cruises with family and friends. They were also big animal lovers, adopting many dogs over the years. After retiring, the couple moved to Yuma, Arizona in 2005.

Paulita and Ron were members of St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church, Yuma, Ariz. Paulita just turned 80 March 20, 2023, and Ron celebrated his 79th birthday Jan. 11, 2023. The couple also celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Ron is survived by his children, Ronald (Barbara) Leader, Jr. and Lillianna (Joseph) Miller, and grandchildren, Kaylee Leader, Dustin Leader and Ross Leader.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Paulita Tomanda Leader

YUMA, Ariz. — Paulita Tomanda Leader died April 11, 2023.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for May 12, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, San Diego, Calif.

Paulita “Lita” was born March 21, 1943, to Sofio and Eulalia (Delis) Tomanda in Tacloban City, Philippines.

Paulita and the love of her life, Ronald J. Leader, were married Feb. 25, 1967, in Olongapo City, Philippines. Upon returning to the United States, they made their home in Vista, Calif., where they raised their two children, Ronald Jr. and Lillianna.

Paulita worked for a few years as an usherette at the movie theater on Camp Pendleton, Calif. After, she worked for many years at Kraft Systems in Vista, Calif. She was an amazing baker and cook and enjoyed making many Filipino dishes. She always made sure everyone who came to visit had plenty to eat. She became a proud U.S. citizen July 26, 1974. Paulita was also a fierce cancer survivor and participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Susan G. Komen Foundation’s fashion shows. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandma.

Ronald and Paulita enjoyed traveling all over the United States in their motorhome and taking cruises with family and friends. They were also big animal lovers, adopting many dogs over the years. The couple moved to Yuma, Ariz., in 2005.

Paulita and Ron were members of St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church in Yuma, Ariz. Paulita just turned 80 March 20, and Ron celebrated his 79th birthday Jan. 11. The couple also celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Paulita is survived by her children, Ronald (Barbara) Leader, Jr. and Lillianna (Joseph) Miller and grandchildren Kaylee Leader, Dustin Leader and Ross Leader.