Leila M. Simpson

Leila Margaret Simpson (nee Sailer), passed away on April 21, 2023. She was one of twelve children born in Krem, Mercer County, North Dakota to the late George and Martha (nee Pempeit) Sailer. She is the sister of Walter Sailer, Lawrence Sailer, Gerhardt Sailer, Velma Wylie, Veona Jorgensen, Vernon Sailer, Roland Sailer, Arnold Sailer, Martin Sailer, Gerald Sailer, and Delbert Sailer.

She grew up in Hazen, North Dakota on a farm until she attended college.

In addition to her parents, Leila is preceded in death by her husband William Simpson Jr. who passed away November 18, 1995.

She is survived by her daughters Lori Zagarskas, Kyle Simpson, Rhona Rice (Rodney), and Jinny Cowdrick (Jake); grandchildren Christian Zagarskas, Elena Zagarskas, Curtis Rice (Lauren), Joshua Rice, Keara Weiss, and Kirstin Weiss.

Leila taught in a one room schoolhouse in Hazen, North Dakota at age 16, went to college in Waverly, Iowa, and became a school teacher. She went on to teach in the Cleveland Public School system and Kirtland School system for many years.

Leila loved teaching and taught all of her children to read at age two. She was also a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher for 15 years at Christ Presbyterian Church.

Faith and family brought Leila so much joy and she organized several family vacations, dinners, activities, and babysat grandchildren for many years.

She loved family reunions, gardening, volunteering, horses, cats and dogs, listening to music, dancing, traveling, choir, and all the activities her children and grandchildren were involved with.

A Celebration of Leila’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 1PM at Christ Presbyterian Church located at 12419 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio 44026.

In lieu of flowers, please give back to your community and offer a helping hand to those in need as Leila would.