Leona was born on July 27, 1917, in Tama County, Iowa to William and Hazel Herman Wilke. She attended rural schools in Poweshiek County and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1935. Following her education she worked for the A.A.A. programs and assisted her family with the operation of the farm. On March 16, 1946, she was married to Emery F. Lamm in Des Moines, Iowa. The couple farmed near Columbia, Missouri and she worked for the A.S.C.S. program. From 1973 to 1979, she worked for Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning and for Bourn Feed Company. On February 22, 1977, she was married to Leonard Chase in Columbia, Missouri. The couple moved to Grinnell and built a home on 15th Avenue. Leona was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Elks Lodge of Grinnell. She enjoyed raising flowers, gardening and feeding the birds. She delighted in decorating her home for the holidays and baking goodies for her neighbors and friends. She also enjoyed Elks Ladies activities. She is survived by her step-son, Wayne Chase of Livingston, Texas; two step grandsons; and a host of cousins and friends. Memorials may be directed to the Grinnell Elks Lodge.