Leona Fai (Ball) Beal, 60, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 in Salina, KS.

Leona was born on January 22, 1961 in Belleville, KS to Leo and Faith Ball.  She married Frederick Beal on June 9, 1979 and they settled in Salina, KS.  In 42 years of wonderful marriage they had four children Fai Beal, Fiebe Beal, Fiona Beal, and Frederick Beal; and one beautiful grandchild Aelin Beal.

She graduated from Marymount College with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education, and started her career as a substitute teacher so she could stay home and raise her children.  She went on to teach full time at Franklin, then Oakdale Elementary schools in USD305, for over 23 years.  She was a member of the Who’s Who Among Educators, and was a 2020 Teacher of the Year nominee.

Leona was survived by her husband Frederick Beal (Salina); children Fai Beal (Kansas City), Fiebe Beal (Salina), Fiona Beal (Salina), and Frederick Beal and wife Emma (Salina); grandchild Aelin Beal (Salina); brothers Leon Ball and wife Beth (Belleville), and Leonard Ball and wife Ellen (Belleville); and nephews and neices.

She was preceded in death by parents Leo and Faith Ball (Belleville); grandparents Lyall and Blanche Brasier (Belleville) and Cleo and Blanche Ball (Belleville).

Leona was a faithful member and volunteer of her church Heartland Worship Center for 42 years, where she taught Sunday School, Children’s Church, and girl’s Missionettes.  She was a drummer on the worship team and was the first to volunteer wherever needed.  She loved God with all her heart and it showed to everyone around her.

She was a tough farm girl, who knew the value of a good work ethic.  She poured her heart and soul into everything she did and her motto was “do everything in excellence” (Colossians 3:23).  She was a mother and nurturer to everyone around her and spoke life into many generations of children.  She loved animals, puzzles, arts and crafts, reading, cooking, and gardening.

Public viewing will be Friday, November 5 from 5-8 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary.  Funeral services for all family and friends will be held Saturday, November 6 at 10 a.m. at Heartland Worship Center in Salina, KS.  She will be laid to rest at the Chester Cemetery in Chester, NE following the service.

Attendees are encouraged to wear a touch of lime green to honor Leona.