Ira Leona Beard

Ira Leona Beard, 98, of California, Mo., passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at Moniteau Care Center, California, Mo. She was born June 2, 1918, in Miller County Missouri to Orris and Maymie Menteer Hoff. She lived most of her life in Miller County. She attended Harbison School and graduated from the eighth grade at age 12 with honors. She was united in marriage to Loyd Dean Beard on July 23, 1938. He preceded her in death in 1991. Leona and Loyd moved to California, Missouri in 1964 for employment with Ralston Purina Company. Leona was a longtime attendee of Assembly of God Church, California, Missouri. At twelve years of age, Leona began working as a housekeeper and cook for a local farmer. At fourteen, she began working for Glasier Pants Factory in Eldon, where she was employed for more than 20 years. She was later employed by International Shoe Companies in Eldon and Jefferson City. She retired in 1980. Leona loved dolls. She made them and dressed them. She was a member of the Eldon Doll Club. She enjoyed cooking and sewing and crafts. Her love was her family. All the children and grandchildren adored her. She played games of cards and dominoes with all of them. She was an avid reader of the Bible. She worked in her yard daily, only stopping for health reasons at age 90. She is survived by: three children, Ann (Jack) Albertson, California, Ronald Beard (Carol) of Centralia, Mo., Debbie King (Darrel) of California, Mo.; she had eight grandchildren, Marlan Albertson (Teresa), Jackie Gillespie (Steven), Jana Oliver (Gary), Kimberly Trentham (Eric) Tim Beard (Cecilia), Alan Beard (Catena). Cherissa Caudel (Jeremy) and Garren King (Julie); she had 30 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceeded in death by: an infant son, Randall Alan Beard and her parents. She lost one great-grandchild this year, Karsen Trentham. She lost three sisters and one brother, Jewell Lasswell, Joan Anderson, Bonnie Jane Gardner, and George Hoff. Family received friends from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2017, at Millard-Rekus Family Funeral Chapel. Services were held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2017, at Millard-Rekus Family Funeral Chapel, Rev. Lowell Perkins officiated. Interment followed at Eldon City Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Charity of the Donor's Choice. Arrangements were under the direction of MILLARD-REKUS Family Funeral Chapel, 902 East North Street, Eldon, Mo. 65026 (573) 392-3351. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.