Leona Gay O'Banion

Leona Gay Lester O'Banion 75, of Olathe, Kansas passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 27, 2022. She was born on October 26,1947 to the late Hazel Virginia Trout Lester and the late William Varner Lester of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. She attended Rose Hill School, was a graduate of Mercer County High School and graduated with a degree in music education from Campbellsville College. She also earned a master's degree in counseling from Western Kentucky University. She was involved in 4-H and enjoyed showing Jersey dairy cattle. Upon graduation, her love for music led her to teaching choral music at Mercer County High School and was also a Guidance Counselor at Kentucky State Reformatory and North Point Correctional Facility.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, James Douglas O'Banion of Olathe, Kansas. Additional survivors include a son; Brian Keith O'Banion of Leawood, Kansas; daughter Melissa Kay (Chris) Lay of Leawood, Kansas; three grandsons Zachary Conner O'Banion of Highland Heights, Kentucky, Joshua Palmer O'Banion and Nicholas Duncan O'Banion both of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and a granddaughter; Kyleigh Delaine Lay of Leawood, Kansas. Two sisters; Anita Adele Lester (Jerry) Bruce of Versailles, Kentucky, and Virginia Trout Lester (Danny) Yates of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. She is also survived by several nieces and a nephew.

She requested cremation with no visitation or service. Burial will be in Camp Nelson National Cemetery 6980 Danville Road, Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356.

Memorials are suggested to Gideons International, Saint Luke's Hospice or a charity of one's choice.

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