Leona A. Hayes

Leona A. Hayes, a beloved resident of Skidmore, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24th, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on Tuesday, December 26th, 1933, in Isadora, Missouri, Leona lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to her family and community.

Leona was a devoted homemaker, spending her life nurturing her family and creating a warm and welcoming home. She was a master at canning dill pickles and pickled beets, a skill that brought joy to many family gatherings. Her love for gardening and working in her yard was evident in the beautiful blooms that surrounded her home. Leona also enjoyed playing cards and bingo, and she was known for her storytelling, always ready to share a tale or two with friends and family.

Leona is survived by her loving children: sons Leland Eldon (Carolyn) Hayes of Graham, MO, Cecil E. (Tanya) Hayes of Clearmont, MO, Kevin D. (Crystal) Hayes of Graham, MO, and Kean (Valerie) Hayes of Skidmore, MO; daughters Emely Horn of Maitland, MO, Lela (Larry) Stuart of Maryville, MO, and Reba (Rodney) Allen of Skidmore, MO. She is also survived by her brother, Virgil Carroll, 24 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie V. Carroll and Beulah Emily Carroll, her husband, James Leland Hayes, her sister, Becky Combs, and her brothers, Buck Carroll, Dean Carroll, and Curtis Carroll and an infant brother, Allen Vaughn Carroll.

A graveside service will be held in her honor at Hillcrest Cemetery in Skidmore, MO, on Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Family and pallbearers will gather at Bram Funeral Home at 1:00 to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will include Rick Allen, Ryan Allen, Chaz Roskosz, Jacob Horn, Johnathon Hayes, and Josiah Hayes. Honorary pallbearers are Joshua Horn, Virgil Ebrecht, and Rhonda Allen.

Leona's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Arrangements are being handled by Bram Funeral Home.