Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

baird-freeman@yahoo.com

Leora Engle, age 80, of Noblesville and former Portland resident passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026.

Leora was a proud 1964 graduate of Portland High School and 1968 graduate of Ball State University completing her masters in 1970.  She dedicated over 28 years to educating the youth of Fort Recovery and Jay County.

Spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and reading were her favorite activities after retiring from teaching.

Leora is survived by her husband of 58 years, John, and their two daughters  Michele Russell (husband Edmond) and Sherry Hagedorn (husband Alan), her brother Jay Hudson (wife Rita) and sisters Deanna Gillespie (husband Don) and Nancy Hudson; grandchildren Emery Schlichtenmyer (husband Neil), Edmond R. Russell III, Isaac Hagedorn, Jonathan Russell (wife Mikayla), Sophia Hagedorn and Nicholas Russell, Great grandchildren Eddie Russell, Nova Russell, Brynlee Russell and Beckham Russell.  She was preceded in death by her parents William and Ruby Hudson and her brothers Phil, Bill, Jim and Rex.

A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, June 13th at 3:00 PM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home. Family will receive gusts from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.  Please feel free to wear bright and festive attire to celebrate Leora's life.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Jay County Library.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com