Leora Lee Smith, 82, of Ottumwa, died at 6:23 a.m. September 8, 2024 at Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
She was born June 27, 1942 in Mason City to Courtland and Stella Carmody Buchanan. She married Marion Smith August 18, 1962 and he preceded her in death August 17, 2009.
A resident of Ottumwa all her life, Leora had attended Ottumwa High School. She worked as a house cleaner in Ottumwa for over 10 years, retiring in 2009.
She enjoyed yardwork, growing flowers and listening to all kinds of music. She loved spending time with family and her beloved dogs, Buffy and Tootsie and especially loved traveling with her husband every year to Evergreen Lodge in Minnesota where they did lots of fishing.
Surviving are her children, John (Kris Kelly) Smith of Savannah, IL, James (Lori) Smith of Oskaloosa; a half-daughter, Deb Cole of Bloomfield; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two brothers, Mike (Cheryl) Buchanan of Ottumwa, Donnie (Gail) Buchanan of Davenport.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 11th at Reece Funeral Home.
Funeral services will 1 p.m. Thursday, September 12th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Phil Griffith officiating. The family will be present to greet friends 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity House of Oskaloosa or Heartland Humane Society.
