Leona Cabaniss Hartner, 89, of Bay Minette, died Sunday, June 12, 2011 surrounded by her family at home.
She is lovingly remembered as the binding force and heart of her family. She was a member of Saint Agatha Catholic Church.
She married Edward A Hartner Jr. in 1943 and was widowed in 1950. After the loss of her husband, she demonstrated tremendous strength and independence as she raised her three young sons and established a successful career.
She completed nurse’s training at Mobile City Hospital and Springhill Coillege. She spent 39 years as a devoted registered nurse, director of nursing and nursing educator.
After marrying, she worked for a short time at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, but spent the majority of her career in Bay Minette. Her career included working as the nurse for several area doctors including Dr. George B. Halliday, Dr. James O. DeVaney and Dr. Gary Kolb.
She was the first director of nursing at Bay Minette Infirmary (North Baldwin Hospital). She was well-respected and loved by her patients for her dedication, competence and compassion. She retired at age 70 and enjoyed family, traveling, church, reading, yard work, Atlanta Braves baseball and card games.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Robert W. Cabaniss and Mira M. Cabaniss; son, James B. “Jimmy” Hartner; seven brothers, Marvin Cabaniss, Narvalee Cabaniss, Ray Cabaniss, Robert Cabaniss Jr., Bobby Cabaniss, Hiriam Cabaniss and Willard Cabaniss; and two sisters, Catherine C. White and Roberta C. McLain.
Survivors include two sons, Edward A. (Pam) Hartner and Thomas Leo Hartner; three grandsons, James Brice (Brooke) Hartner Jr., John B. Hartner and Thomas E. (Rebecca) Hartner; one great-granddaughter, Halle A. Hartner; two brothers, Bannie C. Cabaniss and George M. Cabaniss; sister, Hazel C. Fallis; many nieces, nephews and other special family members.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, June 15 at Saint Agatha Catholic Church with the Rev. Timothy Deasy and the REv. Ernie Hyndman officiating. Burial followed at Bay Minette Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were made by Norris Funeral Home, Bay Minette. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneralservice.com.
