Leanna was born on September 14,1930 in Canton, KS to Sophie and Leonard Waln.  She grew up with two sisters, Betty Clarene and Verla Jane and was surrounded by 40 cousins, many who lived in the Canton area.

As a teenager Leanna performed acrobats with a partner wearing costumes made by her mother and using a set of stairs her father had made. They performed for USOs and various civic groups during the 1940's.

Leanna attended McPherson High School, class of 1949.  She always knew she wanted to work with children and attended Kansas State Teacher's College in Emporia earning a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Psychology.  She was the school's original mascot, Corky the Hornet.  Leanna taught Physical Education in the Raytown Consolidated School District #2 for 17 years helping many elementary school students develop a strong sense of self-esteem.

Leanna and Merle Harrison were married on October 12,1952 in McPherson, KS.  They had three children:  Jed Alan Harrison, Ron Brent Harrison, and Lori Jan Harrison who were raised in Raytown, MO.  In 1972 Merle and Leanna bought a cabin in Sunrise Beach at the Lake of the Ozarks where they spent many hours entertaining their family and friends.  Entering the drive, each one was greeted by a sign that said, "you should've been here yesterday, the fish were bitin' like crazy".  As they left, they passed the same sign that read on the opposite side, "you should be here tomorrow, the fish will be bitin' like crazy."  Later they replaced the small cabin with their current retirement home.  Leanna lived at the lake full time for a total of 40 years, recently leaving there this past January.

Leanna and Merle remained active during their retirement years and always understood the power of giving back.  They were members of Community Christian Church in Camdenton, MO.  A fundraiser Merle and Leanna enjoyed the most was making apple pies in the fall.  Leanna made pies for 35 years.  They were involved in multiple service projects throughout several states.

Leanna, Lori, and granddaughter, Courtney, attended the Christian Church Disciples of Christ Quadrennial, a national assembly held every four years for women, held to address issues facing women of all nationalities.  Leanna was especially proud that her mother was instrumental in helping develop the first quadrennial and that her daughter and granddaughter were a part of its history, as well.  Attending the assemblies was a cherished time for Leanna.  She decorated her sunroom wall with the bags given at each meeting from 1952 through 2014.

Every few years Verla and Leanna organized the Waln Women Gone Wild weekend to bring together the women of the family.  The first year there was a family member represented from each decade of life starting at age 18, with Mom being the oldest at 83.

Leanna was fiercely loved by her family, friends, and community. Her family surrounded her on May 24, 2024 when she peacefully passed in Springfield, MO.

Leanna was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Sophie Waln, her husband, Merle Harrison, son, Jed Harrison, sister, Betty Clarene Weaver (Joe), and nephew, Ross Weaver.

Leanna leaves behind daughter-in-law, Courtney Siemens, a son, Ron Harrison (s/o Patti), and a daughter, Lori June (Gary).  Her six grandchildren include Matthew Harrison (s/o Cara), Marc Harrison (Celsey), Lea Courtney June, Zachary June, Evan Harrison, and Brett Harrison, as well as two great grandchildren, Lincoln June and Leoni Harrison.

Leanna also leaves her sister, Verla Saunders (Gerald), six nieces and nephews, her faithful furry companion, Bella, and many, many friends.  It is often said that someone at age 93 has few friends left behind.  In Leanna's case, that is not true.   We would like to give a special thank you to Jan Amos, Cindy Bates, Peggy Brown, Willam Brown, Wanda Ford, Joy Rollins, and Becky and Vince Travnichek whose rich friendships and support made Leanna's life joyous.  Thank you to all those that regularly phoned, sent cards, worshiped with, and enriched Leanna's life beyond measure.  You all were treasured.

A celebration of Leanna's life will be held at Community Christian Church in Camdenton, MO, on June 14, time to be announced.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Community Christian Church in Camdenton, MO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.