Leona L. Ogan, 86, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday (December 21, 2011) at her home under the care of Hospice of Northeast Missouri.

The daughter of Lew Allen and Inez (McCreary) Hodges, she was born December 7, 1925 in Kellogg, Iowa. On March 20, 1943 in Unionville, Missouri, Leona was united in marriage to Vernon Ogan who preceded her in death on January 25, 1995.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Vernon Ogan Jr.; one granddaughter, Jessica Ogan; one brother, LaVern Hodges and one sister, Lucille Hodges.

Leona is survived by two sons, Stanley Gene Ogan of Independence, MO and Steven W. Ogan of Pleasant Hill, MO; one daughter Judy Branstetter of Kirksville, MO; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and ten step great-grandchildren.

Leona resided in Raytown, Missouri, where she was employed fifteen years as a cook in the school systems, and was a Hospice volunteer five years. She moved to Kirksville to make her home in 1995 and at the age of seventy received her GED. She was a homemaker who enjoyed ceramics, quilting, knitting, and loved sewing for her grandchildren. Leona was most proud about raising her four wonderful children.

She was a member of Red Hat Ladies, FCE Extension, LaPlata Tops Club, and was a leader for the Flame at Truman State University. She was also a member of Faith United Methodist Church of Kirksville, where she was involved with the Bible study group.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday (December 26, 2011) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Sheila Swafford officiating and Tim Schrage assisting. Family will receive friends from noon until service time, Monday, (December 26, 2011).

Pallbearers will be Misty Haun, Marcy Evans, Greg Ogan, Leigh Branstetter, Sue Branstetter and Josh Ogan. Honorary bearers will be Karleigh Ogan, Kari Branstetter, Amy Bunch, Nathan Haun, Alex Haun, Bennett Evans, Gracie Evans, Marilyn Ogan and Parker Ogan.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Leona may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.