Leona Abernathy

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Leona J. Schearf Abernathy, 51, of Sikeston, formerly of Chaffee, Mo., passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007, at her home, after a year of battling cancer.

She was born May 12, 1955, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Lloyd H. and Onita Stone Schearf.

Abernathy was co-owner and general manager of Ryan's Family Steak House in Sikeston. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Chaffee.

Survivors include a daughter, Shelly L. (Barry) Spear of Benton, Mo.; her parents of Chaffee; her twin sister, Gayla S. Schearf of Sikeston; and two grandchildren, Tierra D. Frederick and Morea L. Spear of Benton.

Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee after 4 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Cliff Day officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.