Ruth Thelma Leach

January 28th, 2011

Matthew Leach, Great-nephew

I’m of an age that Ruth and Marian have been, at least to me, a constant. The same ageless, dynamic pair living in the same house on Gregg Place, always with one little dog or another named Angus rocketing around the living room. Constant.

When I was a child, they were the shoulder-high, vigorous old ladies whose family room carpet I sat on watching ‘Lost In Space’. As a young man, they were the shoulder-high, vigorous old ladies who were so eager to overfeed us during each Christmas visit. More recently, they were the shoulder-high, vigorous old ladies who were always excited to hear about my latest adventures abroad. In a scattered existence, Ruth and Marian were a fixed point in time and space. Always there.

Constant.

There are any number of things to find amazing about the Aunties, but to me, chief among them has to be that, aside from a couple of years in the middle, Marian and Ruth spent their entire lives together under the same roof. Ninety-plus years with the same person. It’s possible nobody in history knows what that feels like. To be so familiar.

Family can be tough. Like most families, the Leach family is complicated. There are a lot of dynamic pieces that don’t always interact the way they can or should. Egos get involved, relationships strain. But for ninety-some years, Ruth and Marian lived under one roof as sisters and friends and partners in crime. In the end, theirs is the ultimate story of family. It’s a constant that we should all admire, and learn from, and try to emulate to the full.

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Cherished Memories of Aunt Ruth

January 26th, 2011

Cynthia A. Leachmoore, Great-niece

I am a second-generation niece to Aunt Ruth, and most of my memories of her consist of yearly afternoon visits, usually around the holidays. Those memories are constant, with her offering a big hug upon arrival, sitting together with her as she patted my hand, and feasting upon the splendid meals that she and Aunt Marian lovingly prepared.

It was not until the month preceding her passing that I had the gift of intimacy with her. I was honored with spending many days with her both in the hospital, and in the rehabilitation center where she did her best to recover from fall that eventually claimed her. Her strength and will kept her cheerful and concerned with others, particularly Aunt Marian. She was grateful to all that offered their care, and filled the room with love that was palpable. Even in her injured state, her hugs were fierce. I felt in the presence of God when she would squeeze my hand.

Dearest Auntie, I know that your peace is restful, and that you are waiting patiently for the time that each of us will join you once again. I love you.

Cindy

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Eulogy for Ruth Leach with

Memories of Aunt Ruth and Thoughts of Aunt Marian

January 4, 2011

Susan Leach Hansen, Niece

A Memory of a Very Human Being

Aunt Ruth has been ever present in my life. She and Aunt Marian have been wonderful examples of honesty, devotion, commitment, caring, accomplishment and achievement. They have been like sunshine.

Aunt Ruth was always been ready to share a moment with a warm, quick smile and great personal interest. She has shared her thoughts easily and unselfishly. She has given me experiences, feelings and memories I shall never forget, nor will I forget her innocence and remarkable goodness. I will miss her love and presence on this earth; she will remain in my heart.

Her final gift was to bring our family together from everywhere, and by doing so, making it greater rather than diminishing it with her loss.

With love, I thank Aunt Ruth and Aunt Marian for their incredible courage and strength and their presence in our lives.

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Eulogy to Ruth Leach by Alfred W. Leach II

January 4, 2011

A reading from the Book of Ruth (1:16-17 NKJV) about devotion:

“Entreat me not to leave you or to turn back from following you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you dies, I will dies, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.” ###