Leona Irene Wikle

Leona Irene (Dornes) Wikle, 97, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away on February 22, 2024, at the Apostolic Christian Home.  Leona was born on June 5, 1926, to Henry and Emily (Martensen) Dornes on their family farm by Oneida, Kansas.  She attended the country school Pleasant Valley by Sycamore Springs until the 8th grade when she graduated and began to work on their family farm.  Leona was united in marriage to her first love, Robert Murchison, on April 20, 1947.  This union blessed them with three children, Dennis, Michael, and John.  Sadly, Robert passed away on June 19, 1966, in a farming accident.   Leona then met the next man who captured her heart, Rayburn Wikle.  They were united in marriage on November 9, 1967.

Leona was a diligent worker, working as a young girl at the M & M Café as a waitress and Brey Chevrolet as a bookkeeper.  She dedicated over 40 years to the jewelry store in Sabetha working alongside many of her closest friends.  She retired from Nila’s Gem & Gifts in 2000.  While raising her family, she was very involved in their activities: Den Mother for Cub Scouts, teaching Sunday School, and a member of the Sabetha Saddle Club.  She was a lifelong member of the Rock Creek and Trinity Church of the Brethren.  Leona spent much of her time in the kitchen preparing family favorites.  She enjoyed traveling with her family and friends across the USA with many of her favorite trips being to Branson, Missouri.

Leona was an avid collector, filling her home with collectibles from her many trips and experiences over the years.  She enjoyed spending time outdoors tending her beautiful flower beds and garden.  Leona had a special place in her heart for cats, having many throughout the years.  Her companionship with her most recent cat “Buddy” helped her stay in her home during her final years.  Leona enjoyed the simple things in life, believing there wasn’t anything, “a cold Diet Dr. Pepper and some Cheetos,” couldn’t fix.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Emily Dornes; her husband, Robert Murchison; her husband, Rayburn Wikle; her brothers, Maurice and Charles Dornes; and her grandson, Mathew Murchison.  

Leona is survived by her three sons, Dennis Murchison, Michael Murchison, and John (Gina) Murchison; her four grandchildren, Sara (Gavin) Farnam, Robert Murchison (Chanel Ebert), Melissa (Phil) O’Dowd, and Emily Murchison; and her four great grandchildren, Taegan, Kruse, and Colin Farnam, and Perri O’Dowd.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Church of the Brethren in Sabetha.   Prior to the service, a visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.  Inurnment will be in the Sabetha Cemetery.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Trinity Church of the Brethren and the Brown County Humane Society sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.