Leona F. Lukert, 97, of Sabetha, Kansas, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.
Leona was born as a twin on October 9, 1928, west of Woodlawn, Kansas, to Garth Brinkworth and Helen (Bestwick) Brinkworth. She attended Gage Country School and graduated from Sabetha High School in 1946. Following her graduation, she spent the summer visiting her aunts in New York City, where she was employed at Chase Manhattan Bank.
On January 15, 1947, she married Lynn Lukert at the First Congregational Church, now known as NorthRidge Church, in Sabetha. The couple had two sons, Steve and Rick.
In the first year of her marriage, Leona was employed at Lines Seed Company for several months during the company’s busy season. In 1951, Lynn and Leona purchased a farm located south of Sabetha, where they resided until relocating to the Apostolic Christian Village in 1999.
Leona began her employment at Mac Equipment in Sabetha in 1972, initially working part-time. She later transitioned to full-time employment and remained with the company until her retirement in 1999.
Leona cherished the close bond she shared with her identical twin, Ramona, who remained her lifelong best friend. Throughout most of their lives, they were inseparable. Ramona alone affectionately called her “Lee.”
Leona spent her leisure time playing cards with family and friends at the Apostolic Christian Retirement Village Apartments, attending her grandchildren’s activities, and watching sporting events on television. She particularly enjoyed college football and basketball, as well as following the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.
In her later years, Leona loved receiving photos and text messages from her family on her iPad. With her grandsons’ assistance, she overcame her initial hesitation and doubts about learning to use this technology.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lynn, on September 29, 2000; a grandson, Scott Lukert, and her twin sister, Ramona Breeden, on January 5, 2019.
Leona is survived by her two sons, Steve (Linda) Lukert and Rick (Trish) Lukert, both of Sabetha; her seven grandchildren; her 20 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. The interment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the NorthRidge Church, sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Condolences can be shared online at www.popkessmortuaries.com.
