Leona May Hershey, age 85 of Elwood, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood following a brief illness.  She was born on January 11, 1933 in Elwood, the daughter of John and Dorothy (Lehr) Williams.  Leona worked as a bank clerk for many convenience stores in Los Angeles, California for many years and retired in 1998, when she moved back home to care for her mother.  At a young age, Leona moved to Los Angeles, where she made many friends and went on numerous adventures.  Leona loved to be outside gardening and working in her yard.  She was very independent and enjoyed doing many things her own way.  Leona loved to help take care of her family, and babysat all of the young children in the family.  More than anything, Leona was devoted to her family as a loving mother, grandmother and sister.

Leona's family includes daughter, Dorothy (husband Dale) Smith of Kokomo; son, Rev. Michael (wife Kathy) Hershey of Bluffton; sister, Mary Dial of Elwood; 4 grandchildren, Shane Hershey, Shaun (wife Tracy) Hershey, Angela Sandman, and Johnny Smith; 6 great-grandchildren, Madison Stephens, Austin Sandman, Carson Sandman, Cody Timmerman Hershey, Jackson Hershey, and Khloe Hershey.  Leona was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter, Tammy Marie Hershey in 2000.

A funeral service celebrating Leona's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Arnett, former reverend of the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Elwood officiating.  Cremation will follow, and burial will take place at a later date.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.