December 20, 1943 – April 30, 2023 Leona Marie Shackelford, 79, of Pilot Grove passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 30, 2023, at her home.
Leona will be laid to rest next to her husband, Herbert, in Ridge Park Cemetery in Marshall, Mo., on Saturday, May 6, 2023. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Leona Marie Branch was born Dec. 20, 1943, the daughter of Robert Clinton and Nancy Pearl (Davis) Branch. Leona married Herbert Shackelford on Dec. 24, 1959, in Jefferson City, Mo. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she loved spending time with her family. Leona especially loved spending time with each grandchild, she loved them so dearly. Leona also enjoyed word searches, flowers, and gardening. Her fun, loving personality will be forever missed.
Leona is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nancy Branch; husband, Herbert Shackelford; brothers, William, Raymond and Carl Branch; sisters, Becky and Faye Langley; infant son, Francis Shackelford; and infant great-grandchild, Braylon.
She is survived by her sons, Herbert Shackelford Jr., Roger (Leann) Shackelford, and Edward (Shelley) Shackelford, all of Boonville; daughters Ruby Strodtman of Boonville, Patsy (Jimmy) Steffes of Bonne Terre, and Joyce Moore of Boonville; brother, Kenny Branch; and sisters, Kathryn Keeth, Francis Watts, Peggy Lashley and Merle Barnhouse. She also leaves behind grandchildren, John (Brandi) Strodtman, Dalton (Allison) Strodtman, Aaron Strodtman, Jessie Kelley, Kyle (Meaghan) Hurn, Heidi (Mark) Porter, Alicia (Wesley) Chenault, Clint Moore, Ryan (Tommie) Shackelford, Eddie (Kim) Wilson, and Sean (Shavon) Wilson; great-grandchildren, Aauryanna, Laylea, Ryan, Kyleigh, Terrance, Sophia, Greyson, Brayden, Harley, Lillian, Acelynn, Britni, Tanner, Hunter, Alexis, Kaden, Alexis, Makayla, Taegan, Bella, Isaiah, Elijah, Lane, Shelby and Karley; and greatgreat- grandchild, Kacee.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Research Hospital or American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be left at: www. howardfh.com.
