Leona June Martin

Leona June Martin, 93, of Centralia passed away, surrounded by the love of her family, Thursday, July 20, 2023, at her home. She was born on May 31, 1930, the daughter of Dewey Phillip and Beatrice Laura (Keith) Beal in Centralia. She married Gerald Eller on November 23, 1946, and 5 children were born to this union. He preceded her in death in 1986. She later married Bert “Bucky” Martin on May 22, 1989, and he preceded her in death on April 30, 2022.

Survivors that will mourn the loss of this true lady include her devoted family, children, Brian Eller of Centralia, Darrell Eller and wife Debbie of Delaware, and Cheryl Eller of Central City; her daughters-in-law, Lola Eller of Glenridge, and Kathleen Eller of Patoka; her sister, Beatrice Avent and husband Benny of Michie, Tennessee; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; step-children, Ruth Ann Mashburn and significant other Ron Walker of Centralia, Toni Sharp and husband Frank of Patoka, and Jennifer Newman of Alma; 5 step-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Along with her first husband, Gerald Eller and her second husband, Bucky Martin, Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Dorothy Hendricks; her brother, Claude Beal; her sons, Dennis Eller, and Kerry Eller; and her grandson, Brannon Eller.

Leona was a wonderful mother and grandmother who loved her family fiercely and would do anything for them. She had a talent for quilting and enjoyed peaceful moments working on quilts to gift to family and friends. Leona never let a season go by without planting and nurturing a bountiful garden. Appealing to her competitive spirit, she liked to get together for a good game of cards, Yahtzee, Scrabble and other games but probably appreciated the visit with good company most of all. As the family’s official social butterfly, Leona had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone she met. Leona lived her life for others and those she knew and loved will deeply miss her.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2023, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval with Kenneth Hayden officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home in Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Leona’s honor to the Sandoval Fire Department or the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences and memories of Leona may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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