Obituary of Leona Schamahorn

Leona Violet Schamahorn went home to her Lord and Savior on May 21, 2013. Leona Violet Schamahorn was born on August 4, 1920 to Phillip and Inez Johnson. She was married to Elmer W. Schamahorn for 54 yrs and with whom she had 2 children. Elmer preceded her in death in 1993. She was active member of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She worked The Lindsborg News Record, Lindsborg School System, the alumni office at Bethany College and Sandzen Memorial Art Gallery before she retired. Leona was born into a loving Christian family. She was born into the family of Phillip Johnson and Inez Waln Johnson. It was not a family which showed affection as did many families in that era; although, they truly loved and cared for each other. They were people of great faith in God. Her grandfather, PV Johnson, had his family gather together each night, even when his children were teenagers, for scripture reading and prayer. (This was discovered after reading a memoir written by her Dad's cousin telling about her visit to KS.) She started her journey of faith at the Methodist Church and early in her life her parents joined the Covenant Church which she called her "church". When she married Elmer, with whom she was married for 54 yrs, he also joined the Evangelical Covenant Church. She served in many areas: Bible studies, bringing food to those who were sick, singing, food preparation, serving and cleaning up for different functions, serving on boards, and hosting people in their home. Leona was a stay at home Mother while her children were young. Later she worked in a number of different places: checker at Eldon's Market, cafeteria cook at the "new" Lindsborg Rural High School, Lindsborg New Record, alumni office at Bethany College and at the Sandzen Art Gallery. She was a Cub Scout leader for Jerry and a Girl Scout leader for Carol. She was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church where she served in various ways on the board as well as hosting and serving with cooking and helping with those who needed assistance. She and Elmer were civic minded. Elmer was a member of the Lions Club and he held many offices including District Governor of KS. She traveled with Elmer as his position as District Governor of KS with the Lions Club grew from local to state positions, going to numerous meetings and conventions. They also hosted many people in their home including the International President of the Lions Club. She was a member of Galaxy Club for many years. Leona sang in a women's chorus, the Messiah chorus, cooked for and served the Smorgasbord for the Hyllingffest, She helped Elmer co-chair the Hyllingsfest and when they were hosts of Mryon Floren of the Lawrence Welk Show. They enjoyed entertaining friends in their home and traveling together going to Hawaii several times, New England, New York, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, California, Canada, and Mexico. Leona enjoyed working with her hands by gardening, crocheting, quilting. She and Elmer were active in their children's lives and took them on many trips to different parts of the country. They loved having their grandchildren, Janell and Mark, visit for Spring break and summer vacation for a couple of weeks a yr. During those visits all their time was devoted to them, even taking them to special places. Those memories are cherished and will never be forgotten. She was blessed to have 2 great granddaughters: Alyssa Paulson, Bryanna Paulson, as well as a great grandson: Alexander Illausky. She did well after Elmer died but as her health declined it was necessary for her to move out of the home she loved and shared with her husband. A decision to move to Bethany Home was made. The transition was not always smooth but it needed to be made. Bethany Home was such a wonderful caring facility for her during her last years. It was difficult for her in many ways but their care and support for her during her declining years was wonderful. As her health gradually declined she had to move from the room she had started to enjoy to another area where she received total care. This is something that she never wanted to happen. But Bethany Home and the wonderful staff took good care of her. They would even go to her room to get the phone for her and help her adjust it so she could hear when her family called. They kept in consent contact with her family regarding changes in her health and needs. They were always willing to be of assistance due to the distance for Carol in not being able to come all the time. Never did they refuse to not help her with a need that was requested. Eventually Hospice of McPherson stepped in to assist her. We are grateful to the ministers and friends at the Covenant Church. Ruth Peterson has been a constant in her life and Leona much appreciated her friendship even while she was in Bethany Home. She enjoyed the taped services with the bulletin which were delivered to her. The kindly visits were much appreciated. Dr Nickel and the hospital staff took good care of her and kindly answered questions when she was admitted. Though most of her friends have preceded her in death, she had many friends from church and the community who sent cards or stopped by to see her. We want to thank them for the loving care they have given her over the years. Now she will be resting in the promises of her Lord and King where she will be given a new body and have no worries or cares. Her brothers Calvin Johnson and Armin Johnson preceded her in death. Sister-in-laws are Rita Johnson, Warrenville, IL and Lorraine Johnson, Mulvane, KS. She is survived by her children: Gerald Schamahorn of San Marcos CA, and Carol Kelly (Bruce)Overland Park KS; two grandchildren: Janell Paulson (Tim) of Carlsbad, CA, and Mark Illausky (Andrea) Lenexa KS; three great grandchildren, Allysa Paulson Yorba Linda, CA and Brianna Paulson Berkely, CA and Alexander Illausky, Lenexa KS. Memorial service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at the Lindsborg Covenant Church in Lindsborg, KS. Memorials can be sent to: Lindsborg Covenant Church, Bethany Home or McPherson Hospice. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com