Leona Grace Zirnstein

Leona Zirnstein was welcomed into her heavenly home on Saturday March 24, 2018.

Leona Grace Hall Zirnstein was born in Trail, Missouri on October 5, 1932 to Dora Angeline (Hale) and C.C. Hall. Leona married Calvin Zirnstein at Salem, Arkansas on June 4, 1952. She is preceded in death by her husband Calvin, and an infant daughter, Brenda. Also preceding her in death were her parents and four siblings, Marcella Gates, Faye Crawford, Clark Hall, and Claude Hall.

Leona and her husband were founding members of the Church of Christ that meets in Emporia, Kansas at Twelfth and Neosho Streets. Leona was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In addition to her work as matriarch of the family, she worked as head baker at Emporia High school for many years and delighted in serving students, especially on cinnamon roll day.

Following retirement volunteer work included working with the widowed persons organization and at the Churches of Christ Christian Student Center. She also enjoyed traveling including backpacking across Europe and many other adventures.

She is survived by daughters Beverly Maricevic (Vince), Barbara Fowler (Stanley), and Becky Greenwood (Kreg). Grandchildren include Michelle Maricevic-Tajchman (Jason), Maria Maricevic-Clark (Matt), Kelsey Fowler-Floyd (David), Matthew Fowler (Madeline), Kaleb Greenwood (Calie), and Becca Greenwood. She was also Gigi to six great grandchildren: Emberley and Cambrie Tajchman; Ella, Mattie, and Charlotte Clark; and Juniper Greenwood.

Services will be at 1:30 pm on Thursday March 29, 2018 at Roberts-Blue Barnett Chapel. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the services at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Tallgrass Christian Camp or to Emporia Friends of the Zoo.