Leslie (Beechler) Schexnayder

Leslie (Beechler) Schexnayder, 56, of Phoenix, AZ, formerly of Springfield, died at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ. Leslie was born February 13, 1959 in Springfield, the daughter of John and Hazel Pollman Beechler. She married Chad Schexnayder on October 6, 1984 in Springfield. Although she spent most of her adult life in Arizona, Leslie's heart never left Springfield. Leslie was a graduate of Springfield High School and earned her bachelor's degree from Washington University at St. Louis. She then went on to earn her master's degree from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management. Leslie worked for the Governor's Office of the State of Illinois and Honeywell in Phoenix, Arizona. Leslie was never content to sit on the sidelines. She left an indelible mark on the Central Phoenix, Arizona community. Leslie served as board member and president of numerous organizations, including CrossRoads PreSchool, the Parent Teacher Organizations at Simis Elementary, Madison Meadows Middle School, and Sunnyslope High School. Leslie became a master gardener, after which she founded and constructed a primary school gardening program that thousands of children have participated in. She has received national and local recognition for her efforts in serving and improving her community. She was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her husband, Chad Schexnayder of Phoenix, AZ; sons, David (Ashleigh) Schexnayder of Phoenix, AZ, Nathan Schexnayder (Carlee McKay) of Scottsdale, AZ, and Adam Schexnayder of Phoenix, AZ; two grandchildren, Christian and Elizabeth Grace; mother, Hazel (Bob) Steskal of Springfield; and cousins, Heather (Keith) Gerding and Kurt (Michelle) Kelso. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Private family burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: DIGGS, Madison Simis Elementary School, 7302 N. 10th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.