Leona L. Thomas, 81, of Grand Island, Nebraska died Friday, May 31, 2024, at Bickford of Grand Island.  Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  The Rev. Martin L. Egging will be the celebrant.  Interment will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 5- 6 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a vigil service at 6 p.m.   Memorials are suggested to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or Central Nebraska Humane Society.  You are encouraged to sign Leona's guestbook at www.curranfuenralchapel.com under her obituary.  Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Leona was born August 24, 1942, in Rushville, NE. She was the daughter of Edward C. and Josephine M. (McKoski) Mortensen.  Leona grew up in Hay Springs, NE moving to Grand Island, NE in 1957.  She graduated from Grand Island Sr. High School in 1960.  Leona was a secretary for several years at Nebraska DHHS Grand Island office.  She married Robert E. Thomas on August 4, 1962 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island, NE.  The couple lived in Grand Island.  Leona was a second mother to many children opening her home as a daycare, nurturing and loving each of them as her own.  She was extremely good at making each child feel special.  Leona had a love for all things antique.   She and her husband Bob were dealers at Heartland Antique Mall.  She loved the challenge of finding a deal and adding to their vast collection of antiques and primitives.

Leona was an avid reader and lover of all animals.

She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and its Altar Society.

Leona will truly be missed by her husband and best friend, Robert "Bob" Thomas of Grand Island, NE, her sisters, Lorene Mortensen of Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Dolores (Richard) Kuriger of Papillion, NE

Shirley (Roger) Moroney of Bailey, CO

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Leona is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.