Nora Leone Zehner

Nora Leone Zehner, age 88, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away on May 16, 2026 in Vincennes, Indiana. She was born July 26, 1937, the daughter of Carlyn Green and Dolores Doty. She married Charles R. Zehner on November 7, 1955 and they shared 70 years of marriage.

Leone, lovingly known to her family as “Grandma Norie,” lived a life centered around faith, family, and service to others. She was a devoted member of Pinkstaff Community Church, formerly Pinkstaff United Methodist Church, where she shared in the fellowship and activities of her church family for many years. Nora’s strong work ethic and caring spirit led her through several occupations throughout her life. She worked as a telephone operator, sold Avon products, and later fulfilled a lifelong goal by returning to college after raising her children to earn her LPN degree. She was especially proud of her nursing career and worked as an LPN at United Methodist Village. Nora was a dedicated 4-H leader and was known by many as the “all-around volunteer mom,” always willing to help wherever she was needed. She loved cooking and sewing, enjoyed attending TOPS, mushroom hunting, and treasured the many weekends spent camping with her family at Kentucky Lake during the springtime while her children were growing up. Above all, Nora will be remembered for her loving heart, tireless devotion to her family, and the kindness and encouragement she shared with everyone around her.

Preceding Leone in death include: her parents, Carlyn and Dolores, and her brother, Lawrence “Larry” Green.

Survivors include: her husband, Charles; her children, Michael (Becky) Zehner of Dugger, Indiana, Steven (Mary) Zehner of Washington, Indiana, and Linda (John) Sagaser of Centreville, Maryland; six grandchildren, Ashley Charles, Mikah (Justin) Leigh, Dan (Tracy) Zehner, Laura (Tariq) Shihadah, Katie Sagaser and Luke (Ellie) Sagaser and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will begin at 11 am on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Visitation will be 10 am till the service hour of 11 am. Burial will follow services at Pollard Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pinkstaff Community Church.