Leona Nova Lefler

Leona N. Lefler, 101, died March 27,2026, at home. Her beloved husband Joe, was by her side.

Leona was born January 13, 1925, in Niantic, Illinois, to Arthur and Nova Biggers Hartman. She graduated from Niantic High School; graduated from Decatur and Macon County School of Nursing in 1945. Upon graduation Leona spent 6 months training at the Vaughn General Hospital , IL., with the Cadet Nursing Corps. She returned to Decatur and worked in both Decatur hospitals as an ICU nurse for 44 years. She married Carl Lefler in 1945. Leona later married Joe Shockey in 2000. Their 26 year marriage was filled with travel and fun.

Survivors include her husband Joe; nephews Ronald (Norma) Hartman, Robert (Kathy) Hartman, Randy (Mary) Hartman, and niece, Kathy (David) Fornear; Step children Susan (Scott) Shockey-Firebaugh, Daniel (Thuy) Shockey, Sally (Rodger) Shockey-Liljestrand, 5 step-grandchildren, 4 step-great grandchildren, 11 great nieces and nephews.

Leona’s husband, Carl, parents, brother LeRoy and sister-in-law Betty preceded her in death.