Leona M. Swan, 69, passed away due to natural causes at Benefis Healthcare on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.  Wake services will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2024, and will continue until her funeral service, which will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024, all at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.  Burial will follow in the Rocky Boy Cemetery.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Leona was born in Fort Belknap, MT to James and Madeline Oats on June 5, 1954. After high school, Leona attended the Southwestern Indian Polytechnical Institute and later graduated with an Associate's Degree from Stone Child College. Throughout her career, she held various roles within the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Rocky Boy Schools, and the Rocky Boy Health Center, retiring in 2020. Following her retirement, Leona dedicated herself to her passions and exploring new interests. Leona married Ron Swan and together they shared three decades of love and laughter.

Weekends often found Leona and Ron in Havre, indulging in their shared passion for "garaging." In her leisure hours, Leona could be found tending to her garden, enjoying Hallmark movies, and connecting with loved ones online. Her greatest joy came from hosting large gatherings, where she delighted in visiting with and cooking for her extended family. Many times, these gatherings were for birthdays. She had a gift for remembering birthdays and made sure that those she cared for felt genuinely loved and recognized on their day. Known for her feisty spirit and sharp wit, Leona tackled life with determination and humor, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She was the rock of her family, and her home was always open to those in need. Through her unending love, she ensured that all who came through her door left feeling cherished and nourished.

Preceded by her parents James and Madeline Oats; husband Ronald Swan; son James Swan; granddaughters Ashley Oats and Britney LaFromboise; brothers, including her twin Leon Oats, Kenneth Stump Sr., Joseph Arkinson, George, Barney, and Danny Montour; sisters Connie Flores, Gloria Ortiz, Mary Jane Oats, and Cynthia Schmockel; nieces Erika Oats and Tamara Oats; sisters-in-law Helen Montour and Donna Stump.

Survived by her daughters Heather (Charles LaFromboise) Oats, Jamie (Brian) Molina; sons Russell Houle Jr., Leon Houle, and Dustin Webster; children that she loved as her own Denise Montour, Elonda Longfox, Quentin Longfox, Kelly and Missy Stump, and Ernest Oats; sisters Linda (Robert Longfox) Stump, Sharon Schmockel, and Marcella (Scott) Knaub; brothers John Oats, Eddy (Karen) Oats, and Quentin Stump, Sr.; 9 grandchildren; numerous relatives; and close friends Norma Oats, Thelma Stanley, Sharon Cantrell, Delaine Demontiney, and Leslie Lodgepole.

Should anyone have been inadvertently omitted, please accept our sincerest apologies.