Leona Louise Bellingroehr
Leona Louise (Cosby) Bellingroehr, 62, of Marshfield, Missouri, was born December 25, 1963, to Jack and Betty (Holeman) Cosby in Coffeyville, Kansas. She passed from this life and went to her heavenly home on September 30, 2026.
Leona was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Glenn; her parents, Jack and Betty Cosby; and her father-in-law, John Bellingroehr.
She is survived by her daughters, Alea Hearod (Rick) and Rebecca Jennings (Daryn Clevernger); grandchildren, Rickie Hearod (Adisyn), Robie Hearod (Haily), Randie Hearod, Llogan Jennings, Connie Williams, Betty Williams, and Lillian Evans; and great-grandchildren, Penelopi, Hudson, Colter, and Whitlee.
She is also survived by her brothers, Michael Cosby (Dawn), Matthew Cosby, Mark Cosby (Jennifer), and Heath Bellingroehr (Krista); her mother-in-law, Bonni Bellingroehr; her nephew, Zachary Cosby (Bailey); as well as special nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. She also leaves behind countless “Head Start kids” whose lives she touched throughout her years of caring for and serving children.
Leona was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who cared deeply for her family and her beloved husband, Glenn, with whom she shared many wonderful years.
Leona moved to Missouri during high school, where she met the love of her life, Glenn. As high-school sweethearts, they built a beautiful life together and raised two daughters, whom Leona loved dearly.
Family was at the very heart of Leona's life. She loved her brothers dearly and was incredibly proud of each one of them. Their bond was something she treasured, and she never missed an opportunity to talk about them, celebrate them, or let others know just how proud she was of the men they had become.
Her grandchildren held an especially precious place in her heart. They were truly her pride and joy. Leona cherished every one of them and took great pride in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and simply being part of their lives. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart, and the love she had for them will remain one of the greatest parts of her legacy.
Leona had a true passion for cooking and spent many years sharing that passion and knowledge as a nutrition specialist with the OACAC Head Start program, where she had the opportunity to care for and serve many children. Teaching came naturally to her, and she especially enjoyed passing her knowledge, recipes, and love of cooking on to her daughters and grandchildren.
She also shared a special bond with her only nephew—a bond that was uniquely theirs and one few others could truly understand.
Leona was a strong woman who was never afraid to speak her mind. She was also one of the first people to offer a helping hand whenever someone needed it. She had a way of making people feel welcome and loved, often with a little humor and just the right touch of an ornery spirit.
She enjoyed a good book, watching the hummingbirds—and oh, how she loved those hummingbirds. She loved a good concert and cherished time spent around the table with family and friends, swapping stories, playing games, laughing, and simply being together.
After Glenn's passing, Leona felt a tremendous sense of loss. She leaned on her family and began searching for a new beginning. She embraced new adventures, including helping Alea with the pastry shop, and was looking forward to another adventure with Becky. Along the way, she found friendship and support through her support group and had recently begun attending a Bible study, continuing to grow in faith and find comfort in those around her.
Leona leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, family, laughter, knowledge, and countless memories that will be cherished by all who knew her.
While our hearts are broken by her passing, we can find comfort knowing that Leona is no longer lost. She has been reunited with the love of her life, Glenn. And knowing Leona, we can only imagine that the two of them are sitting together once again—sharing stories, being a little ornery, and enjoying the most spectacular concert that Heaven can provide.
Rest easy, Leona. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in Show Me Cowboy Church, Elkland, under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., in Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., Marshfield.
Interment will follow services Monday in Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 p.m., under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s or a charity of your choice and may be left in care of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 85, Marshfield, MO 65706.