It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Shirley Irene Leonard (Kaneversky).

Shirley was born on May 19th, 1938 in Orient, Illinois.  On February 9th, 2021 the Lord took her hand and guided her home after a long battle with Parkinson's.

She grew up in Illinois and loved playing basketball. She played on an all boys team and was the star player. Once at the regional tournament it was decided that Shirley was ineligible to play in the all boys tournament. Still, she participated in warm ups and cheered her team on from the bench.

Later, Shirley was working at United Airlines in Chicago when she decided to fly all the way to L.A. for a blind date. Nearly a year later she married that blind date, Charles (AL) Leonard. They moved from Chicago to L.A. where they continued to grow their family before finally moving to Blythe in 1978.  In Blythe they opened and ran Leonard's Broadway Garden Center for many years before they retired.

She loved spending time with family, friends, attending church and cooking for everyone. You were sure to get a great meal whenever you stopped by.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 61 years Al Leonard, daughters Cheryl (Wayne) and Cindy, brother Tony Kaneversky, grandchildren Kali (Tommy), Ryan, Timmy (Brytney) and Daniel, great grandchildren Trey, Easton, and Bentley, extended family and many many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Tony and Victoria Kaneversky, daughter Debbie and sister Loretta.

Services will be held Saturday February 20th 1:00pm at The River Church in Blythe.

Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.