Kristina Leonard

We wish you could have known our Mom; you would have liked her. She was kind, witty, independent, and would do anything for her friends and family. She did not like her son David's driving or her daughter Ellen's cooking, but she loved both of them, her children, unconditionally. Amy, her daughter-in-law was one of her closest friends and very much considered one of her children. She had amazingly supportive and loving friends. But never doubt for one second that she loved anyone more than her grandchildren, Drew, Sophia and Ben. She spoiled and celebrated them at every opportunity and we think that it is these three she will miss the most. Kris will be remembered and loved and missed always. Kristina Ward Knall Leonard died on Friday, March 28, 2014 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on September 17, 1946, the daughter of the late Janet Emma Martin Knall Bennett and Wilson Victor Knall. She graduated from East Chicago Washington High School and attended Indiana University. In the 1980s, Kris was a tireless volunteer fundraiser for Riley Cancer Research for Children. Before her retirement in September 2011, Kris enjoyed working wi...[more]

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her colleagues at Walker Information, where she served as Director of Research Services. Kristina is survived by her daughter Ellen Caroline Leonard (Michael) of Indianapolis, son David Martin Leonard, daughter-in-law Amy Cook Leonard, both of Grand Rapids MI; grandchildren Sophia Ruth, Andrew Carl, and Benjamin Kyle Leonard of Grand Rapids MI; and her siblings David Wells Knall (Anne), Janet Wilson Knall, and Mary Wells Sans (Dr. Ronald), all of Indianapolis; Edith Ward Tang (Dr. James), Walnut, Calif; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Kris was preceded in death by her sister Kyle Wilson Knall. A calling will be held at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St. on Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 10-12 noon. Contributions in memory of Kris may be made in support of IU Health's Radiation Oncology Patient Navigation Program payable to "Methodist Health Foundation - fund 0901" and mailed to P.O. Box 7168, Indianapolis, IN 46207, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Please indicate "in memory of Kristina Leonard" on your gift.