SALINA – On Thursday, February 10, 2022, Leora Jane James, loving mom, grandma, great-grandma and friend, went to be with the lord at the age of 95. Leora was born on May 2, 1926 in Lexington, Nebraska to Jacob and Mable (Ulm) Owens.

Leora married Arthur James in 1949 and they began their life together in Eureka, Kansas. They later moved and settled in Salina, Kansas. They raised two daughters, Linda and Janet, and one son, Michael.

Leora was loved by all who met her and was a wonderful example of living life to its fullest. She was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Salina, Circle 4 and First United Methodist Women.

Leora was employed by Stiefel-Klines for 30 years and volunteered at Asbury Hospital, Heartland School, The Salina Board of Education and The Salina Community Theater.

She loved to travel and visited many of the lower 48 States and Canada. When she was not traveling with family and friends, she traveled with Salina Park and Recreation and the Senior Bus. Leora was also an avid mall walker for over 30 years.

During those 30 years she made many friends and looked forward to her daily outing. Leora also loved to cook. Homemade noodles, mashed potatoes and chocolate sheet cake were just a couple of her favorites she generously shared with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother Mable Owens and father Jacob Owens; her beloved husband of 31 years, Arthur; sisters Noda Ricky, Alice Butler, Jean Manning and Berneice Brown; and brothers Jack Owens and Ben Owens; and grandson Jeremy Kinderknecht.

Leora is survived by her son Michael (Martha) of Austin, Texas; daughters Janet Whitaker of Salina, and Linda (Rhea) Patrick of Blairsville, Georgia. Leora was lovingly known as, Noni, to the 8 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren she also leaves behind.

Please join us to celebrate the life of a woman whose smile seemed to be meant for anyone receiving it. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Salina First United Methodist Church. Viewing will be 1-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 15th, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina with family present 6-8 p.m. Interment will be at 2 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, Eureka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Salina First United Methodist Church.