Eleanor Russell Leonard

Eleanor Russell Leonard, age 86, of Chilhowie, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Valley Healthcare Center. Born on May 2, 1939, in Smyth County, she spent more than 32 years as a dedicated CNA at Smyth County Community Hospital and Francis Marion Manor, where she cared for her patients with compassion and kindness. A longtime member of Grosses Creek Baptist Church, Eleanor found joy in the fellowship of her church family and in faithfully hearing the Word of God.

Above all, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who placed her family first and cared deeply for their needs throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Mary Russell; her husband of 40 years, Robert “Bob” Leonard; three children, Tim Dunn, Andy Dunn, and Sue Dunn; granddaughter Chrissy Dunn; stepdaughter Bobbie Leonard; and sister Janice Mohmey.

She is survived by her two daughters, Bonita Elmore and Joyce Osborne; grandchildren Mark Campbell, Shannon Campbell, Trista Sumter, Tosha Roberts, Billy Testerman, Tina Dunn, Randall Trivitt, Jason Trivitt, Michael Trivitt, Charles Hall, and Shawn Hall; stepchildren Glenda Ellis and husband Ralph, Robert Leonard and wife Carol, Elizabeth Rouse and husband Larry, Edward Leonard and wife Brenda, Jeffrey Leonard, Christy Dent and husband Randy, Christopher Leonard, and Joe Leonard; 15 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and her special friend Joann Barr.