1930-2026
Leona Lee Hesket, 95, of Rose Hill, KS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Fountainview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rose Hill.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Shelley Family Funeral Home in Arkansas City, KS, with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Southern Baptist Church, and donations may be left in the care of the funeral home.
Leona was born on November 28, 1930, in Pottawatomie County, OK, to parents Thomas and Florence Stone. She graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1948. She was married to the love of her life, Dale Hesket, who passed away in 1996. Leona, along with being a full-time homemaker, was an excellent seamstress, taking on odd jobs, even making the family’s clothes, little teddy bears, and other gifts. She enjoyed being involved in CB Clubs, her callsign was “Calico.” Leona was also a part of the T.O.P.S. weight loss club and a local bowling league and was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church.
Leona is survived by her son Marvin (Debra) Hesket; grandchildren Mitchel Hesket, Billy Hesket, Cally Sue Tull, great-grandchildren Trae, Hayley, and Daniel, Nicole, Michael, Brandi, Hunter, Gage, Cassandra, Griffin, great-great-grandchildren Leo, Sophie, Olivia, Lilith, and Xander. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dale Hesket, sons James Hesket and Danny Hesket, great-grandson B.J. Hesket; and her great-great-granddaughter Ella Hesket.
