Jordan Rose Leon
October 05, 2019
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While Jordan was killed in a tragic accident she left us a legacy that was anything but tragic. She lived her life making a difference. She was passionate about the things she believed in, curious and intense. From climate change to women’s rights to advocacy for the Deaf she wanted all of us to be better and do more. She left her corner of the world a more caring, compassionate and inclusive place than what she found it.
On a local level, she wanted people to be nice. Jordan fought tenaciously for herself and others. Being Deaf she knew what it felt like to not fit in easily and she made serious and committed efforts to welcome others in the ways that she wished she could have been welcomed. She started an ASL club at Ankeny High school to bring people together. Jordan was open about her experiences with depression in the hopes that the stigma could be lifted and that others would be more accepting.
She would like you to remember her as someone who made you want to do more. Voting was on her bucket list for 2020. Vote because she can’t (and she would vote Democrat). Vote with compassion and an open mind and question everything, knowing that your ballot impacts the lives of all of us. Practice random acts of kindness. Be inclusive. Sit with someone new at lunch or an office meeting. Be a voice for those who aren’t being heard. Help protect the planet with your vote and your voice. Rescue an animal (or two). Respect women. Be brave.
If we all remember her in these ways, the ripple effect of her short and beautiful life will be felt far beyond those whose lives she has already touched.
Jordan was born May 30, 2002 in Fairfax, Virginia and died October 6, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, you can honor Jordan with donations to The Trevor Project www.thetrevorproject.org or the Nyle DiMarco Foundation www.nyledimarcofoundation.com.
If you are unable to attend the celebration of her life on Thursday, October 17, condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Nancy Jo and Wayne Shook
10/15/2019
Sending you prayers for strength as you find your way through each day.
Morgan Olson
10/15/2019
When I found out that Jordan had passed my jaw dropped, my heart stopped, and I began sobbing. Jordan was one of the kindest, most compassionate students I have ever had the opportunity to teach. She reinforced that being different is okay (and valued!), that being kind is imperative, and that loving one another is our duty as a human being. She opened my eyes to a different world that I'd yet to experience, the deaf community. Jordan is already greatly missed and will continue to be missed here at AHS. My heart goes out to the family, Jordan's close friends, her classmates, and all of the rest of the teachers that were there to support Jordan through her years of schooling.
Margaret Lawler Michael
10/15/2019
Oh, Michelle. My heart just dropped when I saw Eric's post. Oh, Michelle. There just aren't words. I have you wrapped in my heart right now.
AHS Class of 2020 Mom
10/14/2019
I wish I had the magic words to comfort you and ease your pain. I remember Jordan clear back from elementary school. She was in my daughters class a few times. Even as a young girl I always felt she had an inner strength unlike other kids her age. Just something special that set her apart. I am not sure what it was. Just something that made you feel like she was the type of girl that would make a difference to others even in ways that went unnoticed by some. IT warms my heart to know thats exactly who she grew into. Its the little things like the story of stopping to clean a girls foot that she never knew. She was truly special. I hope that everyone can learn something from the legacy she is leaving behind. We should all aspire to be a little more like her. Prayers to all, especially her big sister. If only we all had sisters that were as special as you to help and love us. There is nothing more special than that bond.
PV Teacher
10/14/2019
Im so very sorry for your loss. Jordan was an incredibly sweet and caring person who went out of her way to help others and make them feel accepted. Her kindness wont be forgotten.
Connie Bennethum
10/14/2019
I remember Jordan at Rachels volleyball games. Rachel was on a team with my daughter, Abby and your family is remembered as just a great crew! I recently heard a story about how an underclassman had her foot hurt at homecoming and was bleeding in the bathroom. Turns out it was Jordan who showed up and helped the underclassman clean her bleeding foot at homecoming getting her bandages, not even knowing the girl. What a great act of kindness on this fateful night. Be proud of this sweet girl!
Ankeny Mom
10/14/2019
We did not know Jordan but my children and many of my youth kids did. From what I have been told she was very amazing young lady and touched many lives. Please know that you have been our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.
Roni Stout
10/14/2019
Michelle and Rachael,
Thank you for bringing Jordan to my Bootcamp class so I could have the pleasure of meeting and getting to know her. Saying she was an amazing young woman is an understatement.
Jeff Hoffmann
10/14/2019
Though I never met your daughter, she sounds as if she was well grounded, compassionate, and had unending love. You are to be commended on your parenting and love. My words cannot take away your grief, but hopefully you know that you are loved and prayed for as Jordan's love will never die. God's Peace to you and your family.
Katherine
10/14/2019
My dearest Michelle and family, It is such a privilege to remember, with you, the beautiful light that Jordan was to this world and is now shining so brightly in heaven with our Lord!
Im praying for the comfort that can only come from above as you mourn this radiant, artistic young lady. My heart breaks with you all.
Ankeny Mom
10/12/2019
We did not know Jordan but it sounds like she was an amazing young lady that was taken too soon. We cannot imagine what your family is going through, just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly.
Arlene B Kelly
10/12/2019
Mary Ann & Dick - While I've never met Jordan, I want to convey my deepest condolences. Cherish the good memories you have of Jordan.
Hard hugs ~ Arlene
Laurie Aguirre
10/12/2019
Jordan was a sweet Kind young lady. Beautiful memories with her..
My thoughts and prayers or with the family.
Ankeny Nana
10/12/2019
No words make it better but I hope it helps knowing that so many care and are praying for you all.
Saydel Mom
10/11/2019
The minute I heard the sirens I prayed. Even though I never met your daughter, you have been in my prayers. Your daughter sounds like an amazing young woman. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.