Leona Ann (Dickson) Abair, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Plymouth, Indiana on January 24, 2026, at the age of 85.
Born on January 15, 1941, in Richland Center, Indiana, Leona was the daughter of the late Leonard Dickson and Caroline (Reed) Dickson. Growing up in rural Indiana, she attended Lakeville High School where she honed her skills and developed the strong work ethic that would characterize her professional and personal life.
Her strong-willed nature paired well with her husband, Harold Abair Sr., as they united in marriage on February 23, 1985, at the Conservation Club House in Plymouth. Together, they enjoyed serene drives in the countryside, a shared pleasure that reflected the tranquility in their long-standing bond.
Leona dedicated over two decades of her life to Hart Schaffner Marx as a meticulous and highly valued seamstress. After retirement, she continued to engage in work that she loved by joining the team at Pizza Hut in Plymouth, where she worked for an additional six years.
An avid lover of the outdoors, Leona could often be found sitting on her front porch swing, with a watchful eye over the neighborhood. She loved her numerous dogs throughout life including, Indy and Hailey’s dog Daisy. Her love for animals was only rivaled by the deep affection she held for her grandkids. Leona's heartwarming pleasure in life came from the times her grandchildren lived with her, creating memories that would last for generations.
Passionate about her weekly lottery games, she indulged in this pastime with the same hope and joy that she approached each day. Many could attest that Leona loved a good cup of coffee and treasured times spent watching classic TV shows like "Little House on the Prairie," “The Waltons,” and "The Andy Griffith Show," which mirrored the simplicity and warmth of her own life.
Leona’s legacy is carried on by her devoted husband, Harold Abair Sr.; her daughters, Tonya Haynes, Tamela (Michael) Foor, and Lisa (Richard) Boal; sons, Harold (Jane) Abair Jr., Dale (Jeanna) Paxton, Jeffrey Abair, and Daniel (Monika) Abair; her cherished grandchildren - Hailey, Austin (Rachel), Alicia (David), Christopher, Emily (Julian), Travis (Kylie), Abigail (Gabe), Harley (Michelle), Adam, Savannah, Jessica (Fred), Rachel (Nate), Brooke (Aaron), Sarah (Eric), Nick, Melissa (Josh); as well as numerous great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Clovia Dean Dunlap, Charlene Kay Abair, Riley Dickson, and George Dickson; and her loving grandson Andy Abair.
A time to visit with the family will be Thursday, January 29th, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at 11 a.m. with 1 hour of visitation prior to the service, all being held at Palmer Funeral Home – Plymouth Chapel, 300 W. Madison St. Plymouth, IN. Jim Smart will officiate the services. Procession will immediately follow the service to New Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Leona’s name to the Marshall County Humane Society, 11165 13th Rd. Plymouth, IN 46563.
