Leona Gae (Norton) Thompson was born on February 13, 1942, the daughter of Edgar and Valda (Higgins) Norton in Sabetha, Kansas. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. She received her education from Ida Grove Schools.

Leona was united in marriage to Charles "Charlie" Thompson on May 28, 1961, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller. The couple made their home in Denison and had three children: Larry, Lori and Darren. Leona worked as a bailiff with the State of Iowa in the Crawford County Courthouse for over 20 years. She was also a Room Mother at the school when her children were enrolled.

Leona was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison and the Iowa Road Runners Club. She never forgot the fun times and memories made when she went on her annual Sturgis trip from 1974 to 2006. It was truly one of her favorite events that she was involved in and she loved every minute of it. She also enjoyed reading, crocheting and knitting. Above all, she cherished being with her family. When Charlie was still living, they made it a Friday night ritual to go out for supper together.

Leona passed away at her home in Denison on Monday, March 20, 2023, at the age of 81 years, one month and seven days.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Thompson in 2011; twin sister, Leola (Donald) Foster; and special cousin, Ruth (Robert) Buckholtz. She is survived by her three children: Larry (Julie) Thompson of Denison, Lori (Craig) Promes of Denison, and Darren Thompson and his fiancée, Maretta Janning of Denison; three grandchildren: Nathan (Tina) Thompson of Denison, Brandon (Jessica) Boger of Earling and Brittany (Jesy) Webb of Denison; eight great-grandchildren: Emerson, Owen and Henry Boger, Tristan and Jordyn Linn and Owen Thompson, Margot Webb and Isla Webb; two sisters: Mary Nelson of Junction City, Oregon and Sandra (Richard) Pearson of Issaquah, Washington; sister-in-law, Norma Jean (David) Thompson of Naperville, Illinois; brother-in-law, Donald Thompson of Schaller; many nieces and nephews; good friend and neighbor, Kandy Goslar of Denison; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Private interment with the family only will be held at the Schaller Cemetery in Schaller, Iowa. Memorial may be directed to the family.