Leona Rose Gill

Leona Rose Gill, 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 a train with his family. She told her mom that the dog 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 she 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 Tuck 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 husband Samuel Gill, and son Vincent Gill; 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, niece’s nephews. 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 Saturday, December 20,225 at 10:30 am from the Zion Lutheran Church of Big Springs, Nebraska with the Rev. Trenton Christiansen 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 has been entrusted with arrangements