Dateline: Alton
Leona Bertha Piggott, 99, died at 11:34 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025 at her home in Alton. She was born at home in Alton on January 25, 1926, daughter of Leo Samuel and Helen Dorthy (Moore) Scheibe. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Allen Piggott on August 25, 1945 in St. Charles, MO. Bob and Leona were a hardworking industrial couple. They purchased a small farm and began raising cattle as a second job in 1962. In 1965 Leona began employment at McDonnel Douglas, now Boeing, and retired in 1987. After retirement, Bob and Leona started traveling in their motor coach until Bob passed away on April 11, 1999. Leona enjoyed shopping, of course, reading her mystery novels, and working her daily crossword puzzles but her passion was playing bridge and especially pinocle. She rarely missed weekly cards at the Senior Center. She was an active senior until her fall. She was still driving and passing her annual driving test! Leona was also a member of the Daughter's of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) She was blessed with a large, caring family, financial independence, good health and a sound mind for 99 years, just missing her 100th birthday. What a great life. Leona is survived by her three children, Judieth A. Piggott Jones (Michael, deceased) of Alton, Sandra Piggott Conrad (Ron) of Brighton, and Gary Piggott (Betty) of Bethalto. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Ian Jones (Jeanie), Jason Carroll, (Tammy), Ryan Jones (Ashley), Renee Guttmann (Brent), Lora Rensing (Jeff), Leslie Ahlmeyer (Mike) and Brianne Thomeczek (Tony), 18 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. Along with her parents, husband and son-in-law, she was preceded in death by a grandchild, Regan Jones, a brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Wilma Scheibe and a sister, Ramona Scheibe. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Graveside services will be private at Ingersoll Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Pet Food Pantry at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alton or the American Cancer Society. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com