Leora E. Stanard

Leora E. Stanard, 89, of Kewanee, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, at Arcadia Care of Kewanee. Leoria was born June 19, 1936, in Green County, Kentucky, the daughter of Oscar and Lizzy (Buley) Salsman. After moving to Kewanee, her mother passed away and the family was split up, she was then raised by her second mother, Hattie. Smith. She attended Wethersfield Schools and graduated with the class of 1953.

Leora married Harold Stanard in 1963. She worked as a caregiver in Kewanee and later moved to Florida with Harold, they lived there for several years where she also worked as a caregiver. After Harold passed in 1998, Leora moved back to Kewanee. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening and grew the biggest and best-looking plants and flowers. She loved to knit and loved all of her chihuahua dogs over the years. Leora and her best friend Minnie loved to shop together and find all the bargains. She also enjoyed the choir and playing the piano.

Leora is survived by stepchildren, Michael (Joeleen) Stanard, Woodstock, IL, Douglas (Bonnie) Stanard, Lexington, SC, Steven (Lee) Stanard, Oak Park, IL, and Janice (Mark) Toraason, Cincinnati, OH; ten step grandchildren; dear friend, Minnie; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; second mother, Hattie Smith; and seven siblings, Calvin, Minnie, Marvis, Macel, Opal, Elsie, and Ada Doris.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Pastor Randy Hrozienck will officiate. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Kewanee. Online condolences may be made for Leora’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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