Leona Rose Gill, age 88, of Big Springs, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Banner Health in Ogallala, Nebraska.
Leona was born on September 27, 1937 in Ogallala, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Jack and Leona Brant, and the youngest of two older siblings, Joe and Mary Ann.
Walking home from school one day, she met the love of her life. A stray dog that was left behind from getting on the train with his family. She told her mom that the dog had followed her home. She named him Butch. Butch met her after school everyday to walk her home.
She graduated from Ogallala High School and married Don Price. To that union, three children were born: Vincent, Julie, and Kathy. They later divorced. Then se met the real love of her life, Samuel Gill. The day after they were married, Samuel went to the courthouse in Chappell, Nebraska and adopted the three children. Later in their marriage came another child, Samuel Dean.
Samuel and Leona worked and operated Bosselman's Truck Stop for many years. Sam helped and guided many young workers through the years. Many of them still talk about Sam and Leona.
Leona is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Leona; her brother, Joe; her sister, Mary Ann and her husband, Tom Hansmeier; her nephew, Steve Hansmeier; her grandson, Travis Ingram; and granddaughter, Kristan Haag; and Leona's special friend, Jeanie.
Leona is survived by Julie and Scott Ingram and family, Kathy and Stan Haag and family, Sam and Janet Gill and family, her daughter-in-law, Pat Gill, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, including her special niece, Susan Hardessen.
Sam and Leona are now cruising the dirt roads, on their nightly cruises in heaven, just like they did on earth.
A memorial has been established to the Zion Lutheran Church.
Memorial services will be on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. MST from the Zion Lutheran Church of Big Springs, Nebraska with the Rev. Trenton Chirstiansen officiating. Inurnment will be in the Big Springs Cemetery.
Online condolences may be directed to www.drauckerfh.com.
Services will also be livestreamed by clicking on the 'watch live' button.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.