Obituary of Leona Turner Smith

Leona Turner Smith of Springfield and Eugene died March 11, 2013 of age-related causes. She was 96. She was born November 21, 1916 in Weatherby, Missouri to Robert and Della Fitts Flanders, the second of three daughters. The family moved to Lenora, Kansas in 1926 and to Eugene, Oregon in 1933. Leona attended Eugene High School. She married Raymond D. Turner September 18, 1937 in Eugene. They had been married 39 years when he died February 16, 1977. She married Jack Smith January 12, 1980 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He died October 22, 1996. Leona worked for Eugene Fruit Growers, later known as Agripac Cannery, for 41 years. She took great pride in her yard, especially the rhododendrons. Leona liked to have fun and brought fun to everything she did: bowling, hunting, fishing, dancing, playing cards, sewing and crafts. She enjoyed traveling and was always ready to go. She and Jack spent many winters in Arizona and she continued after his death, driving the last trip in 2007-2008. Leona loved having family and friends at her home. Survivors include stepchildren: Theda Tawney, Dallas, Oregon; Carole Hickman, Salado, Texas; Ray Smith, Arizona; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews including JoAnn Culp and Connie Tish of Eugene; Verla Kay Reed of Big Lake, Minnesota; Marion Weidman of Wichita, Kansas; Bob Diess of Crow and Bill Diess of Eugene. Leona was preceded in death by her sisters Nellie Erickson and Myrtle Diess. No services are planned. Interment at Lane Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to Sacred Heart Hospice. Arrangements by Lane Memorial Funeral Home.