Gloria Marie Leonhard

Gloria Marie Leonhard (Gram) was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Gloria was called home on January 30, 2022 at the age of 79.

She was born to Harry and Laura Kennedy on December 10, 1942 in Topeka, Kansas. Growing up she attended the 1 room schoolhouse Deer Creek Elementary, was a member of Clinton Presbyterian Church, participated in youth fellowship group and 4-H. After graduating high school from Lawrence High she attended Baker University and studied Business then graduated Clark School of Business.

Gloria and Ralph met in 1962 and were married on March 20, 1964.

In 1966 their daughter Gina was born, and in 1991 Gina married Bryce Schumann.

Through 57 years of marriage Gloria worked both in Lawrence and Topeka as an office manager/clerical secretary for a Law Firm and at the KS Legislature, and in the home Ranch office. She retired from work with USDA in 2008. Gloria never hesitated jumping in to do her part in the building of a life, a home, a family and the Ranch, through “better or worse”.

Gloria served as a community leader for the Stull Busy Beavers 4-H club for over 10 years, as well as helped with the Stull United Methodist youth fellowship group. She loved spending time going through recipes and in the kitchen making wonderful meals for her family. Over the years, many of Gina’s friends frequented the table, and then went on to the next generation. Gina and Bryce’s 4 kids Wyatt, Dylan, Jessye and Kassidy (Gram’s grandkids) and their friends frequenting the table.

Gloria answered to the name Gram from many, many young friends beside’s her own 4 grandchildren and enjoyed them all ever so much.

Gloria played the piano and organ proficiently, her past piano teacher actually made a record of two of her compositions “A Cheer Leaders March” and “Rippling Water” she started all of her grandkids on the piano at a young age.

Gram’s passion, drive and love were her husband Ralph, her family and the Ranch and especially those grandkids!

Please join us in a Celebration of Gloria’s Life Visitation at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Friday, February 4th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.. Funeral Service at Lecompton United Methodist Church Saturday, February 5th, 2:00 p.m.. Burial at Stull Cemetery to follow.

Memorial contributions can be made to the (ARI) Autism Research Institute, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.