Leslie Ann Jones, 44, of Salina, passed away on March 4, 2020 at her home after a courageous eight year battle with stage four breast cancer.
Leslie was born April 12, 1975 in Wichita to Robert and Mary Kirk (deceased) and spent most of her life living in Salina.
It would be wrong to say that Leslie lost her battle to breast cancer because she battled the disease, fighting and out-living her short 2-5 year life expectancy.
Leslie is survived by her children, Nicholas Allsman, Mickaela Allsman, Emma Jones, Samuel Jones, her father Robert Kirk, sister Nancy Martin and brothers Steven Kirk and David Kirk
She was a 1993 graduate of North Central High School, Indianapolis, IN. and attended Kansas State University.
Leslie was a loving mother and enjoyed watching her children grow up. On any given day you could find her at a school event photographing her children
Her passions were writing, photography and crusading for breast cancer awareness and The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program in Kansas City. You could say Leslie really came alive and found herself after being diagnosed with breast cancer with her writing, speeches, walks and crusading for breast cancer awareness.
Leslie authored a self-awareness blog post for five years that you can still access as a writer, one of Leslie's stories about her fight with cancer was featured on the American Cancer Society's website MakingStridesWalk.org as a story of hope and another story appeared in Arianna Huffington's Thrive Global website. She also spoke at the National Associate Wellness Challenge (sponsored by Kroger) and appeared on the cover of the Kansas City Health & Wellness Magazine
"When do you know when the story is over? When is it okay to let go of the pain and angst and just get over it already?" (from her blog post Dec 31, 2012, one year after being diagnosed)
A private family and close friends Celebration of Life will be held at a future date in lieu of a funeral service. Memorial donations can be sent online to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.