Leona E. LaPorte, 91, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away and entered her Heavenly home on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Parkview Bryan Hospital. Leona was born on March 11, 1935, in Newberry, Michigan, to the late William “Arthur” and Leona (Barr) Mills. On March 17, 1956, she married Reginald D. LaPorte, Sr., in Port Huron, Michigan. Together they shared 61 years of marriage until Reginald's passing on December 7, 2017. Leona worked as a press operator at Kamco Industries for the last few years of her career, and prior to that worked 18 years as a deli clerk at Chief Supermarkets. She was a faithful member of First Brethren Church in Bryan. A talented seamstress, Leona operated her own sewing business, providing sewing, embroidery, and upholstery services. Together, Leona and Reg enjoyed camping and served as the Harrison Lake State Park Campground VIPs for several years. Leona also enjoyed quilting and spending time with her family whenever she could.

Surviving are her five children, Dennis LaPorte of Stryker, Ohio, Vickie (Steve) Chaffin of Protem, Missouri, Sherri (Jeff) Eschhofen of Bryan, Ohio, Reg (Dawn) LaPorte, Jr. of Montpelier, Ohio, and Tim (Mary) LaPorte of Bryan, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three siblings, Art Mills of Rexton, Michigan, Donna Pope of St. Ignace, Michigan, and Louis Mills of Drummond Island, Michigan. Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Reginald LaPorte, Sr.; three brothers, Kenneth Mills, Forrest Mills, and John Mills; and seven sisters, Leta Griffith, Helen Griffith, Phyllis Spelochs, Betty Dean, Alice Gibson, Gladys Pope, and Louise Morningstar; and one daughter-in-law, Lisa LaPorte.

Visitation for Leona E. LaPorte will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 N. Lynn Street, Bryan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the funeral home with Pastor Ken Herb officiating. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Private burial will take place at Shiffler Cemetery, Bryan.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer's Association /research).

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.