Jane Hardie Leonard

 Jane Hardie Leonard passed away unexpectedly at home on September 6, 2024. Janie was born September 27, 1956 in Ukiah, CA. She lived in Ukiah most of her life except for a few years away at college and in Santa Rosa, but she always considered Ukiah her home. Her family settled in Ukiah in the late 1890’s, and she lived on the family’s Romer ranch.

Janie attended Yokayo Elementary School, Pomolita Jr. High, and Ukiah High School. After high school, she went to College of the Redwoods and Santa Rosa, JC. Janie entered the workforce in the title business and spent over 35 years at Redwood Title Company and a few years at First American Title Company and spent the last few years owning her own foreclosure business, Prime Pacific, before retiring. She was always proud to say her first job was at the Palace Dress Shop during high school

After meeting Gary Leonard on a blind date in 1988, Janie married Gary at her parents’ home on the Romer ranch on June 1, 1991. Janie and Gary were married for 33 years.

Janie was proud of many accomplishments during her lifetime: She was a Ukiah High cheerleader true and true. She loved all the fun times and good memories. She was an avid singer who often sang at weddings. She was Ukiah’s first Ukiah Idol, a competition based on the popular American Idol TV show. She qualified for the Northern California Karaoke Contest at Bimbo’s 365 Club. Being a huge Giants fan, she was especially proud of leading the ballgame crowd in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” while she stood on the dugout roof during the last season at Candlestick Park. Janie sang the National Anthem countless times at local Pop Warner football games, high school football games, July 4th celebrations, and parades. She never said, “No,” when asked.

Janie loved sports, but softball was her sport. She loved the softball community, and it had a saying in her heyday: “Don’t hit it to Janie; she catches everything.” Janie was a pretty good poker player back in the day, too, and she enjoyed her trips to Reno and Las Vegas. She was an avid snow skier and loved to water ski, also. Janie enjoyed traveling to Mazatlan, Mexico, her most favorite place. But, she also loved traveling to Hawaii. Staying at the family cabin at Blue Lakes was a summer ritual with so many memories of summers spent there. Janie also liked to read People Magazine and celebrity biographies.

Janie was active in PEO, a philanthropic group of women who raise money for college scholarships for local girls.

Janie will be remembered for her love of life, for her infectious smile, for always having her positive mood, and for her enjoyment of life, good times, and friends. She had a special bond that lasted a lifetime with childhood friends.

Janie is survived by her husband, Gary Leonard; her son, Edward J. Bollig Jr., his wife Terri and their two sons, Chandler, 8, and Preston, 3 months; her son, Kevin Leonard and his two children, Xavier, 3, and Ariyah, 2; her sister-law-law, Suzie Hardie. She also had many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she adored.

Janie is predeceased by her parents, Albert and Irene; her sister, Ann Arneson; her brother, Robert Hardie. A Celebration of Life will be announced soon.