Leona Lydia Conrade

Leona Lydia Conrade, 94, went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2018.  She spent most of her life as a resident of Emporia, but had lived the past two years in Newton, at Asbury Park’s assisted living facility.  Leona was born to John and Ida Edith (Wehrenberg) Schmidt in Olpe, on July 3, 1923.

Leona married Raphael Conrade on February 21, 1944.  They enjoyed 66 years of marriage before he preceded her in death in 2010.

Leona is survived by her children Brenda (Mike) Linkous of Wichita, and Darrell (Cynda) Conrade of Newton.  Leona was blessed with six grandchildren Jamie (Jason) Hibbs of Winfield, Christopher (Hilda) Conrade of Sedgwick, Josiah (Joy) Linkous of Olathe, Rene (Adam) Weber of Valley Center, Jeremy (Tiffany) Linkous of Norman, OK, Ryan (Wendy Dinkel) Conrade of Lindsborg.  Great grandchildren include Malia, Keira, and Shawn Hibbs, and Sarah McKinney; Jacob and Lauren Conrade; Landon, Hailey and Kaden Linkous; Grace, Addison and Emily Weber; Arianna and Taylin Linkous; Brenna and Kellen Conrade.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Walter Schmidt, Herman Schmidt and sisters, Inez Hines and Louise McIntire.

Leona spent much of her life as a homemaker taking care of her family.  She also worked from home doing daycare and cosmetology.  She had many interests, but especially enjoyed traveling, playing cards and just having the opportunity to interact socially with others.   Her many friends were very important to her and she loved keeping in touch with them.

Her life centered around her church and Christian walk.  She was a faithful member of Messiah Lutheran Church.

The funeral service will be Friday, March 23, 2018 at 1:30 PM at Messiah Lutheran Church, Emporia.  The service will be conducted by Pastor Norbert Tegtmeier of Messiah Lutheran Church.  The visitation will be Thursday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Roberts – Blue – Barnett Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Emporia.  Memorial contributions to Messiah Lutheran Church can be sent in care of Roberts – Blue – Barnett Funeral Home.

She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.