Leona Meadors

Abraham Lincoln: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” On Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 2:27 pm, in her home at Prairie House Assisted Living and Memory Care in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Leona Helen Bowland Meadors peacefully left her broken mind and body behind as she moved to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior. She was 94. She was like every other average woman you might see walking through the grocery store. Yet, she was also an amazing woman. She was not perfect, nor did she pretend to be. If she hurt someone in action or with words she endeavored to make it right. She admitted her mistakes and asked for forgiveness. She humbly wore her victories and would quickly give others the recognition for a job well done. She much preferred to stay in the shadows to avoid acknowledgment but honestly appreciated the accolades. She loved to entertain, be part of a large group, to laugh, and to enjoy life. She loved people. She was beloved by her family and cherished by her friends. Family members are quick to remember her sweet giggle, one in which she would slightly cover her mouth with her hands as her shoulders shrugged up and down with each laugh. Leona was born to Olive and Oscar Bowland on July 19, 1931 in McDonald, Kansas. She was number 7 in a family which would grow to have 13 children. Leona graduated from high school in New Castle, Colorado, in 1948 a member of a class of 6; one boy, 5 girls. The boy would become her husband a few years later while they both attended Colorado State College of Education (now the University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, Colorado. She married Herman Dale Meadors on February 2, 1951. While raising a family, Leona also had many outside interests which included reading, sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, and playing cards. Leona was baptized as an infant in 1931. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Garden City as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the session, and an elder. When she moved to Broken Arrow, she was confirmed on April 22, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church. She followed sports faithfully and specifically enjoyed track and field events. Her hospitality always included meals and she often included friends and friends of friends to join. Her comfort level was found through service to others. Leona’s work history began when her last child entered high school. She worked for a short time for a small boutique (Sweet Briar) but discovered quickly she was not the type to spend money on clothes and make-up. She worked for an even shorter time for an office supply company but didn’t feel challenged in her role as a bookkeeper. She found her niche when she became employed at Southwest Corn where she would weigh and measure the moisture content of corn and wheat after harvested and after it left the farmer’s fields. She loved it. She was a champion for the lost and hurting. She was a foster mother. She started Meals on Wheels in Garden City, even encouraging her children to deliver when she wouldn’t otherwise have enough drivers. She started the Finney County Agency on Aging after discovering the programs for the elderly were lacking in the community. She freely gave up her spare time to sit with homebound members of the community so that they could remain in their own homes. Leona is survived by her children: Terry (Jill) of Aviano, Italy; Karen (Paul) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Michael (Amy) of Olathe, Kansas; and Laurie (Dale) of Wichita, Kansas. She has been blessed with 10 grandchildren and spouses: Scott (Katie), Brandon (Tricia), Shane, Alaina (Daryl), Kayla (Levi), Tegan (Lauren), Corey, River, Krista (Nick), McKenna and doubly blessed by 13 Great grandchildren: Emma, Ethan, Isaiah, Kyson, Vivica, Everly, Devlyn, Genevieve, Sylvie, Katie, Gavin, Bexley, and Rowen. Leona was preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Olive Bowland; siblings Gladys, Verna, Stella, Lorna, Arlie, Orville, Arnold Dean, Gerold, and Darwin; her son Mark; and her husband Dale. Services for Leona: Saturday, September 13, 2025 10:00 am Trinity Lutheran Church 5750 South Elm Place Broken Arrow, OK 74011

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Leona Meadors

July 19, 1931 - September 7, 2025