Leona J. Guarniere, age 86 of Battle Creek, died Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the Spectrum Reed City Hospital in Reed City, Michigan. She was born June 7, 1925 in Grant, Michigan the daughter of Jesse and Herma (Cole) Zimmer. Leona graduated from Grant High School in 1943 and moved to Battle Creek in November of 1963 where she was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church. On November 1, 1986 she was united in marriage to Rosario “Russ” Guarniere, who preceded her in death on November 7, 2008. She was also preceded in death by Albert Poling her first husband, Joseph Clayton her second husband, sister: Beth Windey, brother: Herman Zimmer and step-son: Gino A. Guarniere. Leona is survived by her son: Dan Poling of Bitely; five step-children: Joseph (Clair) Guarniere of Porta Vallarta, Mexico, Vita (John) Sajtar, Rosario (Mary) Guarniere, and Michelle Guarniere all of Battle Creek, Julie (Chris) Dalm of Grand Rapids; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother: Lowell (Ruth) Zimmer of Grand Haven and her good friend, Mary Shear. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Private interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home this afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. this evening. Memorial contributions may be directed to Heartland Hospice Services, 1053 W. Main Street, Fremont, MI 49412.