HARRISBURG -- Francis Juanita "Susie" Leitch, 93, passed away at 11:55 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, in Eldorado Rehab and Healthcare Center, surrounded by her family.
Susie was born Nov. 16, 1923, in Equality to the late Robert "Bob" Esco and Myrtle (Hayes) Stricklin.
She married W. Harry Leitch on Jan. 15, 1947, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 2015.
Susie worked for Pearce Hospital for over 25 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Harrisburg and a Shrine Lady.
Her God, husband, children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors were the important things in her life.
She had a green thumb and loved cooking, gardening and sewing.
Survivors include two daughters, Lisa Benton and husband Gary of Cadiz, Kentucky, and Holly Leitch and husband Fred Gillespie of Houston; two granddaughters, Torie Leigh Benton and Sydney Dixon Gillespie, both of Houston; several nieces and nephews, including special niece, Margaret "Meg" Justice of Harrisburg; and dear friend, Michele Gaines of Eldorado.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur "Slim" Stricklin and Edward "Big Boy" Stricklin; sister, Helen Taylor; beloved half sister, Pearl Mattingly; and three half brothers, Cecil Stricklin, Homer Stricklin and Bert Stricklin.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the staff of Ferrell Hospital and Eldorado Rehab and Healthcare for their excellent care during Susie's last days.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, in Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg with Pastor Darrell Eisenhauer officiating. Burial will follow in Cottage Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made in Susie's memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Condolences may be made to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.
