Leona Augusta Fittro

Leona Augusta Fittro, age 94, of Springfield passed away Monday, December 23, 2019, She was born august 4, 1925 in Independence, Kansas to Ralph and Elma ( ) Hamby. She grew up and spent most of her younger years in Ash Grove. Leona and her family attended John's Chapel Church in Ash Grove. After Leona's first husband, James Hood, was killed in World War II. Leona married Clyde Penniman and had a son JR, and a daughter Wanda. The family lived on a farm. Clyde was ill and could not work the farm. Leona and her children ran the farm. They raised dairy cows and planted corn, wheat and sargo. In addition to selling her farm goods she worked odd jobs to support her family. Leona would often "go without" to make sure her children were cared for. Leona worked at Kimbrough Nursing Home in Springfield for many years in the laundry department. She loved to raise flowers and roses. She enjoyed embroidering pillowcases and tea towels. Her family says during the holidays she would spend two days cooking for the holiday meal. She always fixed enough food to feed an army. Leona was very giving. She was like a mom and grandma to many. Leona was a strong Christian. She would attend church when she was able, and she read the Bible constantly. Leona is survived by her son Junior Penniman, his wife Darlene; a daughter Wanda Willis, and her husband Lonnie. eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; step granddaughter Shannon Stewart; step great-grandson Zachary Storey; and step great-granddaughter Sophia Stewart. Leona is preceded in death by her parents; a son Ralph Hood; first husband James Hood; second husband Clyde Penniman; former husband Raymond Fittro; sisters Evelyn Morlan, Mary Lou Darby, and Mildred Leppert; and a grandson Samuel Aaron Willis. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, December 27, 2019 in John's Chapel Church in Ash Grove. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.