Leona was born the daughter of Charles and Margaret Schrieber Mayer on September 8, 1922, in Union, Missouri. She was raised and received her education in Union, Missouri. Leona was married to William C. Earnhart on December 23, 1944, in Union Missouri, and to this union were born their children Donna, Dale and Dean. She was employed at the Bourbouse Shoe Company in Union. The couple moved to Grinnell, Iowa in 1962. Leona began her employment at Wal-Mart in 1989 in the shoe department and as a greeter. Leona was a member of the Grinnell United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, the American Legion Auxiliary, Rebekah Lodge of Grinnell, and the Holy Chapter Order of Eastern Star at Malcom, Iowa. Leona was Past Matron of Naomi Chapter Order of Eastern Star in Union, Missouri. She recently was recognized as a fifty year member of the Order of Eastern Star organization. Leona's hobbies included quilting, craft work, and fishing. The couple loved to dance to Big Band music and enjoyed going camping at various camp sites throughout the area. Leona is survived by her daughter, Donna (Morris) Ridgeway of Ben Lomond, California; her sons, Dale (Betty) Earnhart of Searsboro, Iowa, and Dean (Chris) Earnhart of Montezuma, Iowa; six grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews. Leona was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Margaret Schrieber Mayer; her husband William C. Earnhart in 1989; and her sister Erna Berger in 2004. Memorial contributions may be directed to Grinnell Regional Hospice or to Shriner's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.