Celebrating the Life of Leslie Anne Hockanson
Leslie Anne Hockanson, 82, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home June 29, 2026, after a lifetime marked by extraordinary resilience, enduring love, and an appreciation for life’s simplest joys. She was born in Pomona, California, on July 28, 1943.
To know Leslie was to know a woman of remarkable resilience and quiet joy. Throughout her life, she endured Cushing’s disease, survived a brain aneurysm, and, in her later years, faced both Lewy body dementia and cancer. Those illnesses changed the course of her life, but they never completely extinguished the determination, grace, and appreciation for life’s simple blessings that defined who she was.
Leslie’s greatest love story began when she was just 17 years old. After graduating from infantry training at Camp Pendleton, Loren Hockanson, a young Marine from Kansas, traveled to visit his mother, who was caring for Leslie’s grandparents in San Dimas, California. During his leave, the two teenagers became acquainted, and when it was time for Loren to return to duty, they promised to write each other. What followed was two and a half years of handwritten letters and long-distance telephone calls while Loren was stationed across the country.
When Loren returned to California during a 30-day leave from his assignment at Cherry Point, North Carolina, he knelt on one knee and asked Leslie to marry him. Leslie smiled and answered, “You know I will.” That love story would become a marriage that spanned nearly 63 years—a partnership marked by devotion, friendship and unwavering commitment.
Leslie often reminded those around her to “stop and smell the roses.”
Those simple words were more than a favorite saying—they were the philosophy by which she lived. She found reasons to celebrate life’s biggest milestones as well as the smallest everyday moments. Guests in her home were often welcomed by thoughtful touches, such as a floating gardenia or peony on the bedside table, reflecting her gift for making everyone feel loved and at home.
When life became busy or overwhelming, Leslie would simply announce that she was taking her “10 minutes”—a brief pause to rest, reflect, and appreciate the moment. In retirement, she embraced that philosophy every day while living on Lake Pomme de Terre. She faithfully journaled the rhythms of nature: the return of grape hyacinths each spring, the arrival of hummingbirds and fireflies, the songs of whip-poor-wills, changes in the lake’s temperature and depth, and even who was first brave enough to take a swim as spring turned to summer. More often than not, Leslie was the first brave soul to take that springtime plunge. She delighted in the details many people overlooked and taught those around her to notice them, too.
Her caring spirit extended into her professional life. While living in Lompoc, California, Leslie worked as a certified nursing assistant. Later, after moving to Bolivar, Missouri, she worked in data entry for Teters Floral Company before relocating to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where she worked for Emerson Electric. She eventually joined Micro Magic, Inc. after returning to Bolivar, Missouri, where she rose to become distribution department manager, a reflection of her diligence, leadership, and strong work ethic. Her career was cut short by the brain aneurysm that forced her into early retirement, but retirement simply opened the door to a slower life she came to treasure.
Leslie delighted in preparing meals for those she loved, cherished the ocean and the beach, enjoyed fishing with Loren from their pontoon boat, and took pleasure in collecting teacups, pitchers and cow decor. For certain, her favorite summer ritual was floating peacefully in the lake for hours, a glass of wine in hand, simply savoring the beauty of the sunshine and the water. She also treasured gatherings of family and friends and especially loved hosting “chiminea nights,” where neighbors shared food, laughter, stories, and fellowship around the fire.
Leslie is survived by her devoted husband, Loren; her daughter, Debra Beckman, and husband, Ron, of Olathe, Kansas; her son, David Hockanson, and wife, Tiffany, of West Plains, Missouri; her grandchildren, Laurel Uballez and husband, David, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Annie Hockanson of Fremont, California; Cannyon Hockanson of Issaquah, Washington; and her great-grandchildren, Aiden Uballez, Baylor Uballez, Covelin Uballez, and Alanna Marie Hiʻilawe Kanehailua. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Drew Angstead, on April 4, 2026.
She is also survived by her sister, Cheri Stinger of Kansas City, Missouri; her brothers, Jeff Templeman of San Dimas, California, and Jim Templeman of Independence, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Perhaps Leslie’s greatest legacy was teaching those who loved her that even after life’s greatest hardships, there is still beauty to be found in a blooming flower, the song of a bird, a quiet afternoon by the lake, or a few precious moments spent with family.
In lieu of flowers, honor Leslie by taking time to notice life’s small miracles, stop and smell the roses, and—perhaps most importantly—take 10 minutes. The family will host a celebration of life at a future date and will share details with family and friends at that time.
Arrangements by Always Faithful Memorial Services, West Plains, Mo.
