On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Leona Corrine Arnold, loving wife of James and mother of John and Rhonda, passed away at age 85 after battling a long illness.   Leona was born on February 23, 1938, to Beatrice Baughman and Sherwood Blasingame in Frederick Oklahoma.  She was sister to DeRoy, Marvin, Raymond, Joe, Earl and Christina who preceded her in death.

Leona married James Arnold on February 26, 1965, in Carson City, Nevada.  With their children, John and Rhonda, they moved from Sacramento California to Benton Arkansas in 1998.

Her greatest joy was being with her husband James "Bud", her daughter Rhonda Boyd and husband, Jon of Benton and her son John and wife Vickie, also of Benton and her beloved pet, Roxie.  She was mother to Edward Arnold, Jr of California and was preceded in death by a daughter Diana Arnold of California.   Her love and laughter will always be remembered by her grandchildren Johnathan, Cody, and Jesse Arnold, Melanie Hutchison and husband Andrew of Conway, Arkansas, Christopher Knight and wife Princess of San Antonio, Texas, and Jacob Carlton of Little Rock, Arkansas and by three great grandchildren Trace Hutchison and Madeline and Liam Knight and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will always remember Leona as a woman of God and prayer warrior who served the Lord faithfully all her life.  She was a member of Christ Church in Alexander Arkansas.   If one was to define Leona's life in a few words, it would be to say she was a gifted musician.  Her love for the piano was evidenced by all who heard and watched her play.  One of her greatest memories was playing the piano or accordion and singing with her family while Bud accompanied her on the guitar.  Her dedication to worshiping God through music touched countless lives throughout the years.   She also enjoyed writing poetry and the outdoors.

Services will be held at Christ Church, 11800 Vimy Ridge Road, Alexander, Arkansason Tuesday October 24, 2023, beginning with visitation at 10am followed by a memorial service at 11 am.  Graveside service will be at 1:00 pm at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time.