Barbara Jean Leonard

Barbara Jean Leonard, 81, of Huntington, passed away Saturday April 12, 2014 at her residence. She was born January 30, 1933 in Huntington, WV, a daughter of the late Homer and Juanita Bailey Bias. She became a RN in 1977 and worked at Peterson Hospital in Wheeling, WV. Barbara was married to Nels Leonard from 1952 to 1983, after which she moved to Huntington, WV and worked as a charge nurse for Heartland of Riverview in South Point, Ohio. After retiring, she moved to West Palm Beach, Fla. where she volunteered as an ombudsman working as an advocate for residences of nursing homes. When her health deteriorated and with the onset of Alzheimer's she moved to Huntington where she made her home with her sister Ruth and niece Debbie. Barbara attended Central United Methodist Church of Huntington and she loved to sing in church choirs and play the hand bells. She was a longtime member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Survivors include a son and daughter in law Thomas and Sarah Leonard of Charleston, WV; a daughter Susan Rausmark of Visby, Sweden; grandchildren Fredrick Johannson and David Johannson; two step grandchildren Rheana Auvil and Anna Auvil; two brothers and sisters in law Jack and Belinda Bias of Pineville, WV and John and Karan Bias of Statesville, NC; a sister Ruth Bias Rice of Huntington and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to offer a special mention to Retta Ramsey of Moundsville, WV, who Barbara cared for at Peterson Hospital, Wheeling, WV. Barbara considered her like a step daughter. The family wishes to thank Ruth Bias and Debbie Winters for care they provided the last two years of Barbara's life and the My Friends House Adult Day Care Center of Huntington. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Friends may call from 6 pm to 7 pm Monday May 5, 2014 at the Reger Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 7 pm, Monday May 5, 2014 at the Reger Funeral Chapel by Pastor Ford Price. Condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com.