Lenora C. “Lena” Daniels, 96, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Saturday (February 11, 2012) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville.

The daughter of George and Anna (Klobuchar) Vukonich, she was born January 10, 1916 in Novinger, Missouri. On October 13, 1934 in Gallatin, Missouri, Lena was united in marriage to M.G. “Bob” Daniels who preceded her in death on August 8, 2000.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Frank Vukonich in 2009 and one sister, Mary Burris in 2005.

Lena is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Bobby L. and Leola Daniels of Kirksville, MO; one daughter, Linda Daniels of Loganville, GA; one brother, George Vukonich of Joliet, IL; one granddaughter, Michelle L. Hamilton and husband Logan of Loganville, GA; one grandson, Troy Muir and wife Barbara of Grayson, GA; seven great-grandchildren, Shelby Ballew Wilber and husband Joshua, Kathleen Ballew, Zachary Hamilton, Nicholas Hamilton, Cory Muir, Alexandra Muir and Austin Muir as well as one great great-grandson, Vincent Michael Wilber.

Lena was a lifelong resident of Adair County, graduating from the Novinger High School with the Class of 1932. She was employed a number of years at McGraw Edison’s until it’s closing. Lena was a devoted wife, loving and caring mother that enjoyed the outdoor life, working out in the yard and garden, fishing, mushroom hunting, bird watching and dancing. She loved going with her husband to the South 40 to check on the cows, calves, fence’s, etc., and being with her family, grandchildren and friends.

As a child, Lena was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church of Novinger. She was also a past member and Worthy Matron of Eastern Star and of the Shrine Jewels.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday (February 14, 2012), with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Father Bill Kottenstette and Tresia Griffith presiding. Music selections will be “Ave Maria” and “Amazing Grace”. Interment will follow the service at Novinger Cemetery in Novinger, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Edward Grgurich, Andrew Grgurich, Tom Gasperi, Charles Giovannini, Danny Daniels and Terry Riley. Honorary bearers will be Frank Vukonich, Jr., Ivan Daniels, David Daniels and Bob Jones.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Lena Daniels may be made to Twin Pines Alzheimer’s Unit, St. Rose Catholic Church of Novinger or Mary Immaculate Catholic Church of Kirksville. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.