Leona Evelyn Darnell

She was born on Jan. 21, 1925 in Little Hot Springs Valley (Day, CA). She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Royal Darnell. She was one of twelve children born to Mazella and Leonard Oilar. Six of her siblings have preceded her in death and surviving siblings are: Edna Bell, Dean, Charles, Clayton and Chad Oilar.

She is survived by her four children: Arvada Darnell (Cheryl Pike), Mazella Gould (Delbert), Curtis Darnell (Kathy), and Shannon Darnell (Georgia). Additionally she is survived by nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Leona resided in Big Valley and Fall River Valley her entire life. She was no slacker…she worked her entire life. Some of her many jobs were: railroad switch master, theater concession, waitress, strawberry/potato field worker and the Postmaster in Nubieber for thirty years.

She was an avid archer, deer hunter, artist, Pinochle and Bingo enthusiast. Yes, she did love the slot machines. She loved music, singing and dancing. She played the harmonica up until a week before she passed. Routinely she exercised at Curves, and when they closed, she bought the equipment to use at home. She loved walking and rock hunting. She used her hot tub daily and even got caught naked a few times.

She loved horses and always had fond memories of growing up on their ranch, and talked about the hard work she did with her brother Hiram.

She was a storyteller and loved a good joke. You never had to wonder what she was thinking. She told it as it was and had no filters. Those of us, who knew and loved her, came to expect this from her.

She loved to make candy, cookies and art work for the Intermountain Fair. She especially loved the prize ribbons. Her favorite holidays were Christmas, with lots of decorations, and Easter. She had legendary Easter egg hunts and BBQ with Easter baskets for all of the children, and prizes for all. She knew how to throw a party!

In 1973 Leona and Royal were burned very badly in a tragic fire. Leona’s doctors did not expect her to live and if she did live, they said she would never walk again. This near death experience brought her family closer together. It also was a time that the communities of both valleys demonstrated their love and support for Leona and Royal. Obviously, you can’t keep a good woman down. She lived another forty-six years.

She was in Long Term Care for more than a year. It wasn’t always easy; however the staff at Mayer’s LTC were wonderful. They loved and cared for her with patience and empathy. She knew that they had her best interests at heart.

Leona was a legend and will be missed by so many people whose lives she touched with her love and keen wit.

Services will be at the George Ingram Hall at the McArthur Fairgrounds, April 17, 2019 at high noon. There will be a potluck with meat and beverages provided. Salads, side dishes and desserts will be appreciated.

If you have any “Leona-isms” you would like to share there will be cards at each table for writing these down. We will cherish these memories that you share.