Leona Lillian Raymer, 85, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, June 29, 2015, at her home.

Leona was born on April 11, 1930, in Cunningham, Kansas, the daughter of Orcen V. and Jenny (Oyler) Markhart.  She grew up in the Cunningham and Pratt, Kansas, area and attended local schools.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Elmer L. Raymer on November 08, 1947, in Wichita Falls, Texas.  From this union Elmer and Leona were blessed with 2 sons Michael and Curt.  Leona and Elmer moved to Russell in 1948, so Elmer could take a job working for Cities Service Oil Company.  Leona took a job at the Russell County Courthouse and retired in 1995, as Deputy County Clerk.  She was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell.  She was a member of a local square dancing club and was an oil field union officer along with Elmer.  She enjoyed square dancing, flowers and mowing the yard.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include, son Michael Raymer of Great Bend, Kansas and son Curt Raymer and wife Andra of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; niece/daughter Lynda Keys and husband Tom of Kansas City, Missouri; sister Beulah Johnson of Big Sandy, Tennessee; granddaughter Jennifer Logsdon and husband David of Russell, Kansas; grandson Clint Raymer and wife Nicole of Hays, Kansas; great grandchildren Avery and Cooper Raymer of Hays, Kansas and Walker Logsdon of Russell, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elmer on March 29, 2014, sisters Bernice Conger, Gertrude Schmidt and Eleanore Menefee.

A gathering to honor Leona’s life will be held at the family’s home from 2 PM to 5 PM on Friday, July 03, 2015, the family’s address is 620 W. 14th St. in Russell, Kansas.  Cremation has been chosen by the family. A private graveside service will be done by the family at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the memorial service arrangements.