Leona Huffman Kain
Leona Huffman Kain passed away on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 87. She was born on August 3rd, 1937, in New London, Connecticut to Leon Joseph Huffman and Ferissa Jenkins Huffman. She was the youngest of 3 siblings.
Leona grew up in Coronado, California and had fond memories of the beautiful beaches and amazing weather. She moved to the Clear Lake area near Houston in 1966 and lived there the rest of her life. She worked for years in administrative support for United Space Alliance and was proud to be part of the US Space Program.
Leona married Bob Kain in 1977, which started a long and wonderful marriage of 47 years until Bob’s passing in November of 2024. When Leona and Bob married, it created a blended family of 8 children, 4 from Bob and 4 from Leona. They were enormously proud of their children and adored their 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Leona was such a great supporter of her children’s events. She never missed a swim meet, tennis match, baseball game, football game, soccer match, school play or school awards banquet. She continued that level of support with her grandchildren, attending band concerts, soccer matches, basketball games, football games, baseball games, graduations, banquets, and awards ceremonies. Leona unequivocally loved her family and provided a constant strength and support that will be forever cherished.
Leona and Bob were avid bowlers. They bowled for over 50 years in many leagues in the Houston area. But Leona’s true passion was playing tennis. It was not hard to find her on a tennis court somewhere playing singles, doubles, or mixed-doubles. She organized, directed, and played in local tournaments for nearly half a century. In recent years, she played in the Houston Ladies Tennis Association and made many friends.
Leona is survived by her children Steve, Sharon, and Stuart (Linda), stepchildren Rob (Sharon), Karen, and Susan, her grandchildren Zak (Leslie), Abby (Keegan), Shawn (Aimee), Joseph, and Logan (Ashley), step grandchildren Katherine (Evelyn) and Jeff (Chloe), her great grandchildren Lexi, Angelina, Ellie, Skylar, and Amelia. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, parents, sisters Marcie and Wanda, son Scott and stepson Jeff.
The family will hold a private celebration of life to remember Leona / Mom / Nana.
A wonderful lady that we will truly miss. She had an infectious smile and a wit that was only rivaled by her son. Leona, rest in peace. Love, Kevin and Ruth
Leona was such a fun friend, and a wonderful tennis player! I feel blessed to have known her! 🙏 My condolences to your family. Ellen Mosher
Truly loved Leona. I admired all she did and we had a lot in common. She invited me to be on her Zebra team. We had more fun being Zebras than any other team. We were roommates when we all went on a cruise together as well as many luncheons and parties. She was an avid volunteer for HLTA also. Bob and she had a wonderful loving relationship
She will be sorely missed by the tennis community and I’m sure her heart was broken when he passed. I am very sad that there is not a celebration of her life as so many people loved her.
Leona and I were long time tennis partners and friends. I loved her dearly and will miss her frienship. Sending prayers to Leona and Bob’s family and loved ones.
Such a wonderful person. So blessed to have known her and to play tennis with her.
I was invited onto the Zebras Tennis team and have many fond memories of fun matches and parties. She was a very dedicated Captain and very active leader in the HLTA organization. She will be fondly remembered and missed by all those she touched with her kind heart. My condolences to her family.
Barbara & Carl Valentino
I considered Leona the “grande dame” of tennis in the Bay area. She was an inspiration to those of us who love the sport. She will be missed.
Nana, I miss you dearly.
You and Papa have raised incredible daughters and sons.
I deeply admire the strong communication they’ve nurtured and am so grateful for the family gatherings they’ve organized.
We carry you and Papa in our hearts every day.
It hasn’t been easy, and it won’t get easier, but I cherish the memories we made together.