LEONA MAE (EARP) LENZ

Leona Mae (Earp) Lenz, 81, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, in Springfield. She was born on March 31, 1944, in Monmouth, Ill., the daughter of George H. and Leona M. (Skidmore) Earp.
Leona and John W. Lenz were married on Aug. 11, 1963, beginning a beautiful journey that lasted nearly 62 years. Just two weeks before their next anniversary, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion.
She is survived by her devoted husband John; her son Gary (and Christi) of Buford, Ga., along with two grandsons; and her daughter Michele (and Steve) Bassett of Republic, along with two more grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
She is also survived by her sister Effie Boock of Little York, Ill., and sister-in-law Shirley Earp of Monmouth, Ill., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lenz was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers—Robert Earp, Charles Earp, and Larry Earp; and three sisters—Parolee Themanson, Martha Cook, and Mary Bushong.
Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to creating a warm, loving home. Her nurturing nature and consistent commitment showed in everything she did—whether caring for neighborhood children, working on a local egg farm, transporting special education students to and from school, or greeting others with a friendly smile at Meijer.
She found joy in crocheting, knitting, counted cross-stitch, macramé, and lovingly designing her own plastic canvas creations. Her home became a gallery of handmade treasures, each piece reflecting her creativity, patience, and the loving care she stitched into everyday life.
A memorial service honoring her life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, 2001 W. Walnut Lawn St., Springfield. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Convoy of Hope (https://convoyofhope.org).