Leona Marie Hastings "Hinkle" Walker

Leona Marie (Hinkle) Hastings Walker, born December 15, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away February 18, 2026, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of seventy-five years.

Leona was the daughter of the late William Hinkle and Rose Mary (Lunn) Nickles. She was raised between St. Louis and Dent County, Missouri. She has many fond memories living in Oregon and Kansas, as well as Missouri.

Leona was a lady of many talents and trades. In her working years, she was a cosmetologist, dog breeder, Real Estate Agent, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor, therapist and psychologist. She was an avid animal lover, loved to travel, and spend time outdoors.

Above all, her family was most important to her. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her grandchildren were the center of her world, and she found great joy in making memories with them.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her loving daughters: Tracy Elwood and husband Jason of Necedah, WI and Crystal Hayes and husband Kasey of Salem, MO; siblings: Earlene Richardson and husband Lindell of French Village, MO, Carmen Treat of Rolla, MO, Rick Hinkle and wife Paula of Albany, OR, and Earline Hinkle of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Dakota McMillan, Corey McMillan, Dominic Walker, and Kordel Hayes; grandchildren by love: Cordell Hornbeck and wife Leslie, Adien, Macie, Kira, Kailen, and Thalia; as well as a host of loved nieces, nephews, friends, and framily.

Preceding her in death were her daughter: Tammy Lee Hastings; granddaughter: Nevaeh Angel Hayes; father: William Earl Hinkle; mother: Rose Mary (Lunn) Nickles; brother: Carl Hinkle; brothers-in-law: Larry Treat and Ed Kemp; and previous husband: Jackie Dean Hastings.

Leona left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.