Leona was born November 13, 1916, in Exira, Iowa, to Ralph and Ethel Akers.  She was the eighth of ten siblings, and as a teenager, worked in the family restaurant in Audubon, Iowa.  In 1935, she married William H. (Bill) Smith during the Great Depression.  During the early years of their marriage, they met the challenges of the economy and the onset of World War II through hard work and frugal practices.  In 1941, they relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, where Bill was employed in military aircraft manufacturing, and their son, Jerry, was soon born.  Following the war years, they returned to Audubon, where Bill resumed his work as a mechanic at local automobile dealerships.  Over the years, Leona worked as a legal secretary and an executive secretary until their daughter Marilyn was born.

In 1957, employment opportunities for Bill brought the family to Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, located in the state's northern Iron Range.  During this major life transition, Leona continued to provide loving and conscientious support to her husband and children.  Following completion of medical record technology studies, she became an accredited record technician, and did an excellent job of coordinating health information services for White Community Hospital, Aurora, Minnesota, for more than fifteen years.  In the 1970's, Leona and Bill retired and enjoyed their summers in Hoyt Lakes and their winters in Arizona.  In 1990, they shortened their winter jaunts to be in Rapid City near Marilyn and her family, and subsequently left their Hoyt Lakes home of 38 years to reside there.  After Bill passed away in 1996, Leona greatly missed the companionship of her life partner of 61 years. She continued to draw comfort from her family, her many friends in Rapid City, and Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Leona was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She placed her family at the highest priority and considered her children and extended family to be her greatest achievement.  She was also a kind and caring friend to many.

Leona was intelligent and articulate.  She enjoyed a great conversation and loved to share her life experiences to help others.  She was an avid reader and a formidable Scrabble player throughout her life.

Leona is survived by her son, Jerry Smith (Pamela), Poway, California; daughter, Marilyn Holmgren (Jon), Rapid City; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials have been established to Clarkson Health Care and Westminster Presbyterian Church.