Leona M. Snell-Laughton

Leona M. Snell-Laughton, age 101, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 3:28 am, Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham, Illinois.

Born on December 19, 1924, in Ingraham, Illinois, the daughter of Lawrence Clem and Myron (McColum) Colborn. She attended school in Bible Grove, where she and her siblings would walk from the Old Bible Grove Road across fields and streams, a daily journey filled with companionship and shared laughter. This strong foundation in education shaped Leona's lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

Leona married Robert W. Snell on July 18, 1952, in Louisville and they shared 32 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on September 20, 1984. Then later in life at the young age of 80 she found love again and was united in marriage to Arthur Laughton on October 6, 2005, and they shared 10 years of marriage before he would also proceed her in death on March 23, 2014.

A dedicated professional, Leona spent over 40 years at the International Shoe Factory in Flora. After her time there, she continued to contribute her skills and experience at the Flora Pavilion until her retirement. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident in all that she undertook.

Leona's passions extended well beyond her professional life. An avid gardener, she dedicated her time to cultivating a variety of fruits and vegetables, earning a reputation for her exquisite blackberries. Canning the produce, she grew allowed her family to enjoy fresh items throughout the winter months. Her love for flowers also shone brightly in her garden, where her beautiful roses stood as a testament to her nurturing spirit. During those times when the weather kept her indoors, Leona found joy in quilting, creating beautiful pieces that were often treasured by loved ones.

Leona is survived by her children: Nancy (Dennis) Wiley of Louisville, Kevin Snell of Louisville; a stepdaughter: Sharon Phillips of Clay City; step daughter-in-law: Bea Jay Laughton; grandsons: Jason (Angie) Williams, Kory (Kris) Snell, Eric (Lucy) Williams, Brody (Tricia) Snell; step-grandchildren: Nikki (Mark) Totsch, Natasha (Juan) Camacho, Jason Phillips, Stacy Thacker, Tisha Prins, Matthew Laughton, Michael Laughton; great-grandchildren: Lauryn, Clayton, Colton, Halle, Qwen, Boone, Demi, Avery, Daisey May, Leona; step-great-grandchildren: Ashley, Jonathan, Anabella, Amaya, Arianna, Lana, Brendan; 1 step-great-great granddaughter.

In addition to both her husbands, Leona was preceded in death by her parents; son: Gary Snell; stepchildren: Don Laughton, Jeff Laughton, Shirley Boot; step-grandson: Justin Wiley; siblings: Lawrence C. Colborn, Jr., Marjorie Colborn, Marie (Jack) Senters, Betty (Glen) Austing, Patricia (Gordon) Woods.

Private family funeral services will be held to celebrate Leona's life at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville with Ron Payne officiating, burial will follow at the Ingraham Cemetery, Ingraham, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Leona's memory to the Disabled American Veterans and can be mailed to the funeral home.

The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory of Leona, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.