Merle S. Leech

| April 22, 2013

Leech001COSHOCTON – Merle Shannon Leech, 80, died on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Coshocton County Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Coshocton County on June 15, 1932, the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Nana (Owens) Stubbs.

Merle graduated from Coshocton High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter married Rickard Shannon, also of Coshocton, who was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a captain in the U.S. Navy when he died in 1973. She later married her second husband of 38 years, Thomas B. Leech, who survives. 

Merle loved to play bridge, was an avid flower gardener, superb cook and homemaker, a great listener, and an excellent calligrapher. She was a member of The Presbyterian Church in Coshocton for many years and served as a trustee and member of several church committees. In addition, Merle was an active board member of the Coshocton County Drug and Alcohol Council and was involved with the Adult Literacy program working with inmates in the Coshocton Count Justice Center.

In addition to her husband, Merle is survived by her sister, Dorothy G. Platkowski of Thornville.  Two daughters, Penny C. (Tom) Zoller of Bellbrook and Pamela L. (Errol) Kahoun of Columbus,  A son, Thomas R. (Katie) Leech of Salt Lake City, UT.  A son-in-law, John R. Anaya. Ten grandchildren, Ricardo (Julie) Anaya, Nicholas (Stacey) Anaya, Christopher (Shannon) Anaya, Ian (Nichole) Anaya, John Anaya Jr., Christopher T. (Marsha) Zoller, Mary Elizabeth (Reggie) Collins, Craig E. (Jenny) Kahoun, Cory T. (Kathi) Kahoun, and Eric W. Guard.  Eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and first husband, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah Shannon Anaya, her son, Stephen (Richard ) Leech, and her brothers, Garwin L. (Elizabeth) Stubbs, Jack M. (Mickey) Stubbs and J. Rodney Stubbs.

A memorial service for Merle will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of The Presbyterian Church, 142 N. 4th St. Coshocton with Rev. Jonathan Carlisle officiating.  Visiting with the family will take place one hour prior to the service.  Private interment will take place at the South Lawn Cemetery in Coshocton.

A luncheon will be served at or around Noon for those who attend the service by the Presbyterian Women.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions in Merle’s honor and memory may be to her church, the American Cancer Society or The Salvation Army.

The Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw is assisting the family with the arrangements.

www.fischerfuneralhome.com

 

Category: Obituaries

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