Francis, Leona Mae {Teaford}, 89 of Tipp City passed away at her home on Friday, June 14, 2013. Born in Greenville, OH on November 17, 1923 to Chester and Carrie {Musselman} Teaford. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband; Clement L. "Tubby" Francis in 1998,and sisters; Virginia Grant and Mary Miley. She is survived by her children; Dixie Lyon, San Antonio, TX, Michael (Mary) Francis, Murfreesboro, TN, Peggy Ann Norris, Charleston, SC and Mary E. (Ed) Whited, Las Vegas, NV, 5 grandchilren; Regan F. (Timothy) Lyon, Cibolo, TX, Christopher F. Lyon, Boston, MA, Alex Francis, Columbus, OH, Victoria Francis, OH, and Paige Whited, Las Vegas,NV and step- grandchildren; Bradford Spence and Mary Charlotte Spence, Tennessee. Leona was a graduate and Valedictorian from Palestine High School, a graduate of Miami Jacobs College ,a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and was the 1940 "Queen of Spring" in Darke County. In 1946 she went to work as a secretary for Mr. Rike of Rike's Department store; there she worked with Erma Bombeck; prior to Erma's fame. She was Vice President and co-owner of Country Machine & Tool, Inc. in Huber Heights, OH, and served on the Board of Directors for SpringMeade Retirement Community. Her greatest accomplishment in life was sharing her unique personality with others. Her friends describe her as extremely loyal, while cunning and charming with a sense of humor. She always had the last word which left everyone laughing. Her children cherish her qualitites of unconditional love, her entertaining sarcastic humor, and her magical powers of positive energy. Her undying spirit lives in each of her children as they carry on her legacy.

Special Thanks to Caring Companions, Inc. especially Sharon, Sheila and Tabby. Leona and her children greatly appreciated your special love and care. Services have been entrusted to FRINGS AND BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME, 327 W. Main St., Tipp City, Ohio 45371. Contributions may be made in loving memory of Leona to; Hospice of Miami County.