Janelle Marie Leonard, 74, of Dawson, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Janelle was born in Mattoon, IL. on July 16, 1950, the daughter of Pete and Dora (Givens) Heckwine. She loved bowling and spending time with her family and her dogs. Janelle was an avid Cubs and NASCAR Fan. She worked as a Restaurant manager at the Holiday Inn East in Springfield as a candy maker for Pease's Candy.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Pete Gerald Heckwine; and one sister, Peggy Sue.

Janelle is survived by her husband Richard; children Sherry Gabbard, Jerry (Daniel) Howell, Harry (Mindie) Howell, Tiffiney (Tony) Prytherch, Rick (Tammy) Leonard, Tamara (Pete) Hill, Mike (Kami) Leonard, Charri (TJ) Jung, Shane (Prissy) Leonard and her beloved dog, Wrigley; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; two brothers, James and Gary Heckwine as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 5:00-7:00PM at Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home, 200 S. Church Street in Mechanicsburg. Family and friends are asked to please dress casually in your Cubs or favorite Baseball attire.

Cremation will be accorded and burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Protective League or Wounded Warrior Project.

Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home in Mechanicsburg is in charge of arrangements.