Leona Jean Odland (nee Olesen) was born February 23,1934 to Olaf John (a Danish immigrant) and Mamie Sophia (Lind) Olesen in Stanford, Montana. She passed away at home on January 7, 2025, at the age of 90 of natural causes. She was a resident of Touchmark assisted living in Helena at the time of her death.

Leona was second to the youngest of eight children born to Johan and Mamie. She was raised on the family ranch in the White Sulphur Springs area. Later, the family moved into a house located at Skunk Hollow overlooking the Smith River. She attended school in White Sulphur and graduated in 1952. She met and married Michael Odland, her high school sweetheart that same year. Over the next five years, the couple welcomed three children: Michael David, Julie Ann, and Lynn Marie. Her husband, Mike, was employed by the Montana Power Company for 35 years, so the family moved several times; from Helena to Ennis, then to Manhattan and in 1977, the couple returned to Helena.

Leona was a wonderful homemaker, cook and the best piemaker in the world! She was a stay-at-home mom until 1973 when she took a job at the Manhattan State Bank. She continued to work in banking in Helena until the couple retired in 1990. Leona and Mike spent many summers living in their RV trailer at Skunk Hollow in WSS. They loved taking their Welsh terrier, Jack, for long walks and enjoyed cross-country skiing in the winter. Leona was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for many years. She was an avid reader, enjoyed embroidering and bird watching. However, her favorite pastime was watching professional sports on TV.

In 2002, Leona and Mike celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, but sadly, six months later, Leona suddenly lost the love of her life. Two years passed until Leona sold her home, bought a condo in Bozeman and moved there to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Her greatest joy came from being involved in her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's lives. In 2018, Leona moved back to Helena and joined the Touchmark Community where she spent time with friends, old and new.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers, John, Howard, Leroy, and Lars; sisters, Betty Mae Marcotte, Florine Logan and Louise Olesen; and her son, Michael, who passed in 2024. She is survived by her daughters, Julie (Tom) Lethert of Townsend and Lynn (Allen) Cathers of Wittmann, AZ; daughter-in-law, Karin Odland of Missoula; grandchildren; Jennifer (Scott) Rysewyk of Belgrade and Robert Lethert of Bozeman; great-grandsons; Ryan and Gavin Waters; a few cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leona will be remembered fondly by her long-time friend, Harriet Morgan of Billings (formerly of Manhattan) and her close Touchmark friend, Barb Crawford.

Simple Cremation MT of Helena is in charge of arrangements. Cremation has taken place. Her ashes will be interred during a graveside service for the family to be held at Mayn Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs this summer.