Leone Proffer

L. Leone Roper Proffer, 98, went to her heavenly home Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau.

Leone began her earthly journey on the plains of Regan, North Dakota, May 11, 1920, daughter of John Jackson and Vivien Lambert Lovell. After moving to West Plains, Missouri, during her high school years, Leone graduated at age 16. She met and married LaRoy R. Roper in 1940, and they moved to Cape Girardeau. Together, they owned United Service Stations and United Oil Co. She was very active in the accounting part of the business.

Both she and LaRoy obtained their private pilot's licenses and flew their plane back and forth to West Plains, landing on a cleared field on her parents' farm. They traveled extensively and enjoyed a second home in Englewood, Florida, along with several other Cape Girardeau families. She loved gardening, fishing and caring for animals, both tame and injured wild. She supported LaRoy's many volunteer associations such as the Southeast Missouri District Fair Board and Saint Francis Medical Center. He passed away in 1978.

In 1986 Leone married Paul Lasater, and they enjoyed 10 happy years playing golf and traveling. He passed away in 1992.

Leone was married to Bob Proffer for 20-plus years, and they enjoyed family, playing cards, flower and vegetable gardening, their dogs and traveling extensively. They both commented often, "Life has been so good," and were thankful. She was also a member of the Nancy Hunter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They are members of LaCroix United Methodist Church.

Leone Proffer

Leone is survived by her husband, Bob Proffer; daughter, Judith Roper (Fred Rockne) Wilferth; son, LaRoy "Mickey" R. Roper Jr. (Susan Campbell); grandchildren, Reagan Roper (Roger) McNeil; Jill Wilferth Smirl and fiance, retired Navy Capt. Thomas Trotter; Shannon Roper Howard (Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Howard); James "Jimmy" Roper Wilferth (Chrisy Crain); Dr. Joseph Miller Wilferth (Anna Welton); Rachel Roper (Jim) Maynard and LaRoy R. (Christiane) Roper III; 18 great-grandchildren, Jackson (Kendall), Emma and Mac McNeil, Henry, Ivy and George Smirl, Walker Leigh (Mack) Chrisman and Michael Howard, James Crain and Anne Meredith Wilferth, Turner Rockne and Jude Miller Wilferth, Grace, Josh, Caleb and Ellie Roper and Lucy and Molly Maynard. Other family members include sister-in-law, Ruth Roper Shell, and many nieces and nephews. Extended family members include her husband Bob's family, Mark and Marilyn Proffer, Sue Proffer Hotz and Mitch Proffer; grandchildren, Chad (Courtney) Luke and Molly Proffer, Taylor Hotz (Russ) Brown and Zack Hotz; and three great-grandchildren, Linda Lasater Edwards, Nancy Kelley and Clyde Glastetter.

Leone was preceded in death by her first husband, LaRoy R. Roper Sr.; second husband, Paul Lasater; and first grandchild, John Rockne Wilferth.

A private burial will be held at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will appreciate memorials being made to a church or charity of your choice. The family is very grateful to the Chateau Girardeau staff and the Saint Francis Hospice Care for their excellent and compassionate care.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.