Leona Eva (Schmalz) Maxon, 103, of Baldwin City, Kansas, died on November 15, 2023. She was born to John and Elizabeth Schmalz on January 14, 1920 in Paris, Arkansas. She was the fifth of 15 children.
She married Thomas L. Maxon on April 28, 1940. Together they owned a moving company in Kansas City, Maxon Transfer and Delivery. He preceded her in death in 1980.
Leona spent many years on the Maxon family farm near LaCygne, Kansas. In her later years she lived in Paola. Her final years were spent at Vintage Park in Baldwin City, Kansas where she got the nickname “Smiley”.
Leona had 3 sons; Ron (Joyce) Maxon, Kevin Maxon, and Tim (Diane) Maxon. She also raised three stepchildren; Tom, Carol, and Don. Her son Ron preceded her in death as have all three of her stepchildren. She is survived by a brother, Robert Schmalz (Peggy) and a sister, Betty Gravenstein.
Twelve siblings have preceded her in death. Two great granddaughters, Heather Maxon and Sandra Moore, have also preceded her.
Surviving are many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Leona enjoyed cooking, quilting, church functions, and spending time with friends and family.
Funeral Mass will be 10am, Monday, November 20, 2023, at Annunciation Catholic Church, 740 N 6th St, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Visitation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Catholic Charities in care of the funeral home.
