Leona McInally

Lee was born on October 24th, 1943 to Frankie and Bus Bellman. Leona was preceded in death by her sisters Betty and Lillian, and brothers David and Robert. She is survived by her husband Michael James McInally, her daughter Dima Campbell and her dog Chipper.

In her lifetime, Leona played many roles: Daughter, student, wife, mother, best friend, PTA member, restaurant owner, waitress, bartender, cook, independent business woman, realtor, book keeper, and accountant. Through them all, one thing always shone through, Lee was a people person. In every role she played – she attracted people with her sense of humor and distinctive laugh. If ever there was an empty seat next to Leona, it would soon be filled by a new friend. It was not unusual for complete strangers to settle in next to Lee and pour out their own life stories. She was easy to talk to, a great listener and slow to pass judgement on others.

Leona graduated from Fife High School in 1961, and at the age of 18 married her first husband Daniel Reed on December 19th, 1961. The couple started out in Yelm Washington and later moved to Tacoma where they managed an apartment complex while Dan worked towards his teaching degree.

From 1968 – 1970 the Reeds lived in Lagos, Nigeria where Dan taught school at the American International School of Lagos, and Leona volunteered at local orphanage. The couple came back to Tacoma, Washington from 1970 – 1972 during which time they had their daughter, Dima. In 1972 the family returned to Lagos, Nigeria for another 2 years. The couple used this time to travel extensively both in Africa and in Europe.

After returning to Tacoma, Washington for a few years it was time to start a new phase in her life. In 1975 the couple moved to Cashmere, Washington where they owned and operated the Coachman Inn restaurant together for several years before their divorce. Leona went on to own and operated a café called The Cozy Corner in the federal building in Wenatchee, Washington for a couple years before moving to Spokane, Washington in 1980 to start a new adventure with her future husband, Michael James McInally (Mac).

The couple lived in Spokane until 1982. However, when Mac accepted a position with Oroweat Foods company, the couple moved across the state again, and landed in Mt. Vernon, Washington. On September 9th, 1982 Leona and Mac were married in a quiet ceremony at the courthouse. From the time they moved into their first house together, the family always had a family dog (or two) to keep them company. (Have no doubt – it was the current family dog that was always in charge of the house!) During their time in Mt. Vernon, Lee worked at the Sports Keg in Burlington and later as an accountant for Fisher and Sons construction.

In 1997 Lee and Mac moved to their current location of Reno, Nevada. The warmer climate offered a great relief to her arthritis, and gave the couple a change of scenery. Before retiring Lee worked in the accounting departments of the Hilton and Peppermill casinos in convention billing.

Lee always had time for her daughter, and was often found playing hours of board games, card games or sharing her love of reading – especially science fiction books. She was an incredible role model and shared her strength of character and tenacity with her daughter and all of her friends that came through the house. She was “Mom” to many, and always found a way to comfort and care for them all.

Leona has been well loved by her family and friends, and she will be deeply missed. Those of us that were touched by her will do our best to carry on the qualities that she has passed along to us. We can only hope to take time to truly listen to the hearts of others, love as fully, and laugh as deeply as Leona did. When faced with obstacles in life we can remember the strength and determination that Lee demonstrated when facing her own challenges and seek to emulate them. And most importantly - remember to cherish (or poke fun at) our loved ones whenever possible!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made as a contribution to an animal shelter, local charity group, or ASPCA. If you truly wish to send flowers, please send them to a loved one to help brighten their day.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/reno-cremation for the McInally family.