ROCHELLE — Leona Marie Johnson, 96, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, while surrounded by her family at Rochelle Community Hospital.

Leona was born on Aug. 4, 1925 to Frank and Blanche Leipold in Batavia. She married Kenneth Victor Johnson on Sept. 14, 1946.  They were married for 66 years until Kenneth passed away August 27, 2012. They farmed most of their married life where they raised their five children.

"Nonie" was a very strong woman who loved her family which was the center of her life. She enjoyed crocheting baby blankets for her great grandchildren and also donating them for babies at area hospitals. She was a wonderful cook and was especially known for her pies and famous mac & cheese. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Kay Urich, Lorraine McKee and Jeanne Everhart; son-in-law: Jeffery Kissack; great granddaughter: Madison Bell Johnson.  

Nonie was survived by her children: Cindy (Lyle) Headon, David (Cheryl) Johnson, Bruce (Bobbie) Johnson, Wendy Kissack and Eileen (Jim) Spears; grandchildren: Deborah (Eric) DeCosta, Lance (Cassandra) Headon, Steve (Lisa) Headon, Jodi (Neil) Suddeth, Jeff (Stacy) Johnson, Joshua (Bridgid) Johnson, Jared (Hillary) Johnson, Kyle (Jennifer) Kissack, Kelly (Mitchel) Buh, Nicholas (Courtney) Spears, Dustin (Sarah) Spears; 31 great grandchildren: Benjamin, Margaux, Aubrey, Autumn, Amanda, Alexanderia, Majastina, Colton, Landen, Cody, Austin, Logan, Baylee, Brandon, Kinze, Tyler, Caleb, Corrine, Bryn, Reese, Tess, Grange, Devlen, Treyton, Cheyenne, Kendra, Jordan, Jace, Payton, Maddox and Knydall; great-great granddaughter: Kaylynn; special sister-in-law, Dena Johnson; nephew: Mark Johnson and niece: Amy Sandford; special friend: Connie Olson. 

Memorial visitation will be held 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Lee. Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with pastor Martha Nelson officiating. A private burial will be held prior to the memorial services. Contributions can be directed to Calvary Luther Church in Lee or Pegasus Special Riders, Oregon. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guestbook and view video tribute.