Leandra Earlynn (Masten) Billings was born on December 20, 1950, and began her journey home on November 17, 2024. She was born in the old family house across from the Neighborhood Facilities (NF) in Hoopa and spent considerable time on both the Trinity and Salmon Rivers. Leandra was the eldest of eight children including six brothers who were passionate about hunting and fishing.

To family and friends, Leandra was known as Leeman, LEM, Clem, Mom, sister, and Aunty Beer, but to those she cherished most, she was known as Grandma. She loved having the grandkids up for daily visits or overnight stays. Leandra was always up for an adventure or challenge. She loved being in the mountains, gathering berries or mushrooms, cutting wood, or just going on a cruise. Most of her stories begin with, “I was picking some berries or gathering some mushrooms when I came across this massive buck just standing there!” Most of all, everyone would say that fishing with family or friends on the river was what Leandra loved the most! Whenever the family returned from camping, hunting, or fishing trips, the question that arose the most was, “Who caught the biggest fish?” The answer was consistently: “Leeman!”

Leandra grew up playing in the creeks at her grandparents’ Frank & Maggie Grants home near the Forks of the Salmon River. One day while visiting, she discovered a piece of gold. Throughout her childhood she collected enough to fill a small jar. Leandra frequently shared stories about crossing the swing bridge to reach the family house on the Salmon River. There, she spent her entire adolescent years among her siblings and cousins, sharing stories about the beds lined up against the house, sheltered by the screen-covered porch, where they would sleep below the stars and cool summer breeze. Later as a mother, she took her children to experience the same joy she had had while growing up in such a beautiful, remote area. Being the eldest of a large family, Leandra knew she would be responsible for helping, younger siblings, and cousins. They all say that she was the best babysitter around. She would care for them and teach them essential life practices. For example, when teaching her cousins how to sew, she stuck the needle clean through her finger; Vicki said Leandra was the best seamstress. She also loved being around and helping care for her grandparents in Hoopa. Both she and her sister Terri often stayed with “old gram” (Ada Masten) to help care for her and help her around the house.

Leandra enjoyed her career working at Hoopa Tribal Education. She loved watching tribal member youth choose their career path and later return to give back to their community. One of the best tasks was mentoring students through the summer work program, which was challenging to keep them busy with tedious work. Later, many students shared how much they enjoyed working with Leandra. One student shared that she was so impressed by how prepared Leandra was. She said, “She always had a pistol in her glove box and a full ice chest in the backseat, even at work.” After retiring, Leandra spent most of her time at home up top of Bald Hill, watching wildlife and her grandbabies grow. Her morning routine would be talking on the phone with her cousin Tammy Peters, enjoying a cup of coffee with her daughter, Ruby Rose, or her uncle Wayne, who she appreciated and adored. If she ever needed someone to shuttle her around, he would be there in a heartbeat to chauffeur her around town.

Leandra is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Billings Jr.; her father, Leonard “Duke” Masten; her uncles, Frank Grant Jr., Reginald Grant, Byron Grant, Delbert Grant, Maurice Grant, Peter Masten Sr., Paul Masten Sr., Cecil Masten, Harold “Gary” Masten, David Masten, her aunts; Josephine Peters, Beryl Lisko, Imogine “Toots” Wolfinburger, Mildred “Millie” Gray, Edith “Edie” Gray, Ada Mae “Bubbles” Lavalle and Marilouise Beeson, her two brothers, Frank Masten Sr and Johnny Lee Masten and her niece, Lila “Lovies” Hall.

Leandra is survived by her mother, Vivienna Masten; her aunts, Melissa “Missie” Morton & Mildred “Millie” Grant; and her uncle, Wayne Grant (Reva). Her sisters, Terri Hall (Rick), Diana Masten and Debbie Baldy; her brothers, Thomas Masten Sr., Leonard Masten (Susan), Henry Masten, Edward Masten, Tyke Billings (Lori), Rick Billings (Laura) Her children, Gina Cote’ (Jeremy), James Rickaby (Kristen), Jacklin Billings, Floyd “Cowboy” Billings III (Amber), Darcy Padilla (Brian), Brian Billings, Ruby Mularky (Michael), her bonus children Adam Martin and David Ruiz Sr., and grandchildren: Ronnie, Lacy, Alex (Cherlyn), Dillion, James, Shasta, David Jr., Darius, Thomas, Trystan, Torin, Turner, Tate, Bryant, Brayden, Darilyn, Brian “Beans,” Michael, Griffith, Vulcan, her Great-Grandchildren, Maddox, Parker, Karson, Oliver, Sasuke, Korra and Eliott.

Leandra brought such warmth and kindness to everyone around her. Her loss leaves us with profound sorrow as we reflect on the generous spirit, thoughtful nature, and infectious humor that made her truly special. The beautiful qualities Leandra shared with us will forever be cherished. We will carry her memory in our hearts forever.

Pallbearers: Rick Hall Jr., Michael “Bro” Beck, Daniel Masten, Thomas Masten Jr., Quincy Masten, Gregory Masten, Edward Masten, Frank Masten, Lyle Baldy, Leroy Baldy, Eric Ferreira and Eric Young

Honorary pallbearers: Wayne Grant Sr., Rick Hall Sr., Thomas Masten Sr., Henry Masten, Elrod Masten, Edward Masten, Tyke Billings, Rick Billings and Mike Orcutt.

Honorary Woman: Tammy Peters, Vivienna Orcutt, Barbara Beck, Crystal Masten-Young, Jessica Masten-Ferreira, Kateri Masten, Shannon Ammon and Shenaya Ammon.

The family of Leandra will host a celebration of life in memory of Leandra on Dec. 8, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Fire House in Hoopa.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Leandra Billings’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.