Leigh Ann Burkhart peacefully passed away to our Heavenly Father on Friday morning, January 9, 2026, at Wedgewood Estates in Mansfield. Leigh was born in Mansfield on September 5, 1929, the daughter of the late Kenneth Manner and Helen (nee Shively) Manner Maier.
After graduating from Mansfield Senior High, she furthered her education at the Mansfield General Hospital School of Nursing. As a registered nurse, Leigh provided compassionate care to psychiatric patients at Metro Cleveland Hospital, to medical/surgical and pediatric patients at Mansfield General/MedCentral Hospital and in this facility completed a long tenure of service in the Operating Rooms and was ‘On Call’ many nights for emergency cases. Leigh also went to Ohio State in Columbus for technology training to assist OB/GYN surgeons with ‘Laser’ treatment procedures that were done in the Mansfield MedCentral Hospital. After retirement, Leigh maintained her nursing license by studying and passing the required continuing education courses up until Year 2018.
During her life, Leigh enjoyed several social activities with her family and friends. She also participated in the ‘Town Roasts’ at the Renaissance and with a senior ladies dance group ‘Strut Your Stuff’ providing fun-filled hours of entertainment to businesses, and to people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Leigh really appreciated nature by arranging several vacations to enjoy the beach resorts near Lake Erie. She looked forward to the growing seasons to take care of her favorite ‘Day Lilies’ other flowers, plants and a vegetable garden at home. Leigh also enjoyed spending time admiring the landscapes of Kingwood Center, Malabar Farm and Snow Trails.
Leigh will be missed by her children, Richard S. Bernardy, Melissa L. (Pete) Moritz and John E. Burkhart; four grandchildren, Pete (Goldie) Moritz, Adam (Eryn) Moritz, Blake and Mia Burkhart; five great-grandchildren, McCoy, Margo, Vivien, Cillian, and Campbell; a very dear friend who was like a ‘Sister’, Pam Hazen of Knoxville, Tennessee; and her beloved ‘Doggie-Dogs’ Ace, Mister, Bea, and Moffit.
Leigh believed and maintained her ‘Faith, Love and Trust’ in Jesus (Romans 10:9), and she was baptized at First Christian Church on 3rd Street. In 1995, Leigh became a member of Crossroads Community Church on Park Avenue West. At Crossroads, Leigh served as a small group leader, a greeter and volunteered to serve coffee and snacks.
The family offers our sincere appreciation and much gratitude to all of the providers for the excellent care and kindness provided to our mother, Leigh Ann at Wedgewood Estates and from the health care team of Southern Care Hospice.
A memorial service will be held in the Spring, per her request. Contributions can be made to the Richland County Humane Society or the Richland County Dog Shelter.
