I met Leila my junior year of highschool in chemistry class. I remember her noticing I was upset about something and comforting me, after that I always looked forward to see her. She always stood up for me when I needed it and never failed to make me laugh. After graduating I’d come to her to ask for opinions on certain zodiac signs and always trusted her judgement. Leila was a kind and unbelievably strong person.  I feel blessed to have known her even if it was a short period of time. ❤️

Leila was one of a kind. She made so many people feel seen and she had a blessing for lighting up any occasion. I’ll always know her to be wild, adventurous and free loving.
Thanks for being my friend in middle school when I had 0 social skills and for coming to my themed 13th birthday party. You were one of my only friends and you never made me feel lame about it. Always a real one. 
I’ll forever be grateful to know her and for her being apart of my life. 

For the Strickland Family - We are so sorry about your terrible loss.  We hope and pray can you can feel God's presence as you go though this sad loss.

Bill and Chrissie Stone

God blessed our family years ago by bringing Leila into our lives. She quickly secured her way into our hearts with her infectious smile, joyous laughter, and the sparkle in her eyes. It is difficult to comprehend that someone so full of life and love could be taken from us in such a sudden and heartbreaking way. Leila had become a beloved member of our family, weaving herself into the fabric of our lives, leaving an indelible mark that will forever be cherished.

It was clear to everyone who knew Leila that love was at the core of her being. The love she gave was genuine, pure, and unwavering. She possessed an ability to love with such strength and passion, which was a true reflection of her beautiful soul. The immeasurable void created by Leila’s passing is a stark reminder of the impact she had on us all. 

Rest in peace sweet Leila, we will forever carry you in our hearts, remembering the love and light you brought into our lives. 

My condolences to the Strickland family, and my best friend Lalaine, for the loss of their daughter. My heart breaks for all of them. Leila was the first baby between us two best friends and I am devastated she has passed. Leila was so loved and now deeply missed. I will miss your laugh the most. Love 

Leila and I got very close in 2021. We knew eachother in highschool through mutual friends but never hungout much. One random day during the summer she asked me if i wanted to hang out and we instantly clicked. Since she lived so close to me she would always come over or i would go to her house. she was always there for me when i needed her. she was one of the most caring,sincere,funniest  people i've ever met. i miss her so much already. 

lost so many pictures from our time together so i’m only left with a few but i’ll always look at them and remember u. this was when you took me to your favorite coffee shop, you were so excited and planned out an entire day for us ❤️‍🩹

i’ll look for you in plumes of smoke and classic rock songs 🤘i love you forever lei 

leila was one of my closest friends during high school. she was the first person to hold me and tell me everything would be okay when i was dealing with difficult things at the time. she would call me after school and we would sit on facetime for hours just talking about teenage stuff. she held me during my darkest moments and gave me a sense of security i will never forget. i can still feel her embrace, and hear her laugh. she was one of the kindest souls i’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. i’m beyond thankful she had the impact she did on me, and i got to see the the love and support she provided for others. she taught me so much, i will always hold those memories so so close to my heart. 

To one of the kindest and purest soul I know, 
     You will be missed beyond measure. Thank you for always being someone that would check in on me and for always being a few clicks away. I hold you and John very close to my heart, and I want to thank you for all of the times you both kept me under your wings. You are the exact person I wanted in a friend, from your sense of humor, to your trustworthiness, and I will always be thankful for the impact you had on my life. While we weren’t very close at Dulles, the light you carried everywhere you went shinned in every room you entered, and I am glad I got to know you as life progressed. My condolences to the family, the Cangelosi’s, and to John. I am very sorry for your loss, and I hope you all appreciate the impact Leila had on this Earth. Fly high, sweet soul. 

This was from 4th of July 2019 - I've kept one of the two copies in my wallet since that day and Leila had the second

Leila was always my makeup muse when we were both cosmetic obsessed teenagers <33

Twelve years ago when I met her I had no idea the impact she would have me. Leila became my world and while things around us had ups and downs we had each other. We got to grow up together and figure out life lessons together my only regret is we didn’t have more time. She made my bad days good and my good days perfect. Her smile would always make me smile no matter how bad of a  mood I was in. It was always the same, either one of us walked in the door from a long day of work, tired and a little grumpy, yet without fail we would lift each other back up. I told Leila time and time again how lucky I was to have fallen in love with my best friend, because we just understood each other. 
I will always love you Leila and you’ll always be my best friend. 

Leila was always a light in a room. She could brighten up a room no matter what was going on. She was an amazing friend and I will forever cherish the girl who made life throughout middle school and high school so much easier with her as my friend. I will forever remember the countless sleepovers she had at my house and all the crazy things we did. Leila, you will be missed dearly and we all love you. 

Leila was one of the sweetest and purest souls I’ve ever crossed, when Leila and I met  we would butt heads like siblings constantly which made sense given she was in the same year as my sister. As years went on of knowing each other and as we grew up, our relationship grew too. I became a confident for Leila over the years, and we were somebody each other could always turn to without judgement or bias-an ear, a hug, or an advice giver.
Through all her phases (and mine), Leila always stayed pure and full of light. 
I have no doubt that she brought joy, love and meaning to anyone whose path she crossed. 
May she be at peace and her light continue to shine down on us. 
I love you always Leila

Leila was the dearest friend of my granddaughter Sarah.  Leila , Sarah and their friends spent many happy hours at my home.  These young friends have been very close and have shared many good times simply by being together.  To me, Leila was outgoing and friendly with a delightfully engaging laugh.  Leila and I would often talk of my great grandson and Olivia, whom she adored.  Remembering Leila, my thoughts are of friendships and her love of life.  This sudden turn of events, this sudden loss of Leila leaves disbelief and overwhelming grief.  Shared memories will be treasured as Leila brought much joy to my family and friends.

I met Leila when I was a freshman in high school, she was one of the sweetest and most selfless people I have met to this day. She spread so much happiness on some people's darkest days. May she rest in peace forever, and her memory never be forgotten. 

Leila was the funniest, sweetest, most caring, and beautiful friend. Anyone who met her could tell you that. I’m blessed to have had her as a friend. As much as it pains us all, may she rest in peace. 

You were such a great a friend, Leila. Thank you for all the memories we created together! I will truly miss you! Rest in Peace! 

You were my first real friend in America. I still remember the first day I met you on the playground in 5th grade. 

You will always be apart of my life and I will never forget the memories we shared together. I love you so much Leila and I will never forget you.

Leila was truly a light in my world. She has brought so much joy and love into my life,  and I am so grateful to have been a part of hers. She was always there for me, supporting me through good and bad, and I for her. My heart is broken that we cannot continue to do so. She has made such a great impact on me and how I lead my life. She taught me so much about friendship and love.   How to be open and forgiving, but also when to cut my loses and move on. I will always remember you Lele and carry you with me as I go on. Your absence will be felt for the rest of my life until we are reunited again. I miss you so much. My best friend and great love❤️

I didn’t know Leila for too long, but in the time I did know her I came to learn just how beautiful of a person she is, with a bright and giving soul. When I was fighting with myself, she had been there to lend a hand and a hug. With a spirit so bold and full of good, she will be missed and loved by everybody that knew her. My condolences to her family and her partner. Heaven gained the most beautiful of angels.

OBITUARY

Leila Michelle Strickland

27 July, 1999 – 30 June, 2023

The Settegast-Kopf Company at Sugar Creek

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