Shirley Ann Leonard

1939 - 2024

Shirley Ann Leonard, 85, of Hamilton, Illinois, was received into the arms of Jesus on May 22, 2024, passing away at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois, after an extended illness.

Shirley was born March 22, 1939, in Plattsburgh, New York, the daughter of Albert and Dorothy (Smart) Poirier.

In 1955, she married Clyde "Jack" Laverne Malmgren, an airman from Keokuk, stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Later, they lived in Vermont and Maine before returning to New York, where they lived on a 50-acre farm homestead in Cadyville and raised quarter horses.

Clyde and Shirley had five children, a daughter and four sons.

In 1978, they moved to the Tri-State area where they lived in Keokuk, rural Warsaw, and Hamilton. Clyde preceded Shirley in death in 1991. In 2001, Shirley married Dr. Richard C. Leonard of Wheaton, Illinois. They resided in Wheaton and Kirkland, Illinois, and have been residents of Hamilton since 2009.

Shirley was a gifted poet. She began writing poetry in her teen years and eventually composed more than 800 poems, many of which have been published in both print and online venues. She attended Carl Sandburg College in Carthage, receiving a Certificate in Desktop Publishing in 2000. In 2003 Shirley became editor of WestWard Quarterly, a small poetry magazine with an international readership. Her husband, Richard, who assisted her as publisher, continues the publication. Shirley was the author of five poetry booklets, and with Richard, of "The Big Picture," all published by Lampstand Books.

Shirley was a believing Christian and a supporter of several international ministries. She was known for her generous spirit and her faithful support of the Lord's work. She also brought joy and comfort to others through her beautiful crafts. She created quilts, afghans, and doilies, and crocheted stuffed toys which she also sold through her eBay store.

Shirley is survived by her husband Richard of Hamilton; and by her children: Pamela (Anthony) Rickard of rural Warsaw, Terrence Malmgren of Hamilton, Derek (Tammy) Malmgren of Plattsburgh, New York, Raymond (Yvonne) Malmgren of Hamilton, Georgia, and Timothy (LeiAnn) Malmgren of Hamilton; by grandchildren: Aaron (Stacey) Rickard of Catlin, Illinois, Kayla (Kyle) Kelly of Gansevoort, New York, Marley Malmgren of Plattsburgh, New York, Nathan Malmgren of Mansfield, Texas, Auxana and Matthew Malmgren of Hamilton, Georgia, Harley (Kayla) Malmgren of rural Ursa, and Brooke Malmgren (Ronnie Thompson) of Elvaston; and eight great-grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Arthur and Robert; and her first husband Clyde Malmgren.

Visitation will take place on Friday, May 24 at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton from 6-8 p.m.

A memorial service will take place at First Christian Church, Hamilton, on Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m., with the Rev. David Heidemann of Pekin, Illinois, officiating. Interment will be at Keokuk National Cemetery with Shirley's first husband.

Memorials may be directed to the Truth and Liberty Coalition, 1 Innovation Way Ste. B, Woodland Park, CO 80863.

Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.