Leslie Keasler Smith

Leslie Suzanne Keasler Smith, age 57, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at her home in Newport Beach, California. Born on October 25, 1958, in Grand Prairie, Texas, to Charles (Skip) and Betty Zilar Keasler, Leslie grew up in Texas, graduating from Lewisville High School and subsequently from East Texas State University with a degree in Business. In 1986 she moved to Southern California, where she lost her accent and lived for the remainder of her life.

For many years, Leslie was owner of the hospitality furniture design and manufacturing company, Chair Lady, Inc. In 1997 Leslie and her husband M. Duane Smith bought land in Bloomfield, Indiana and started the first American persimmon farm. Three years later they discovered an underground spring on the farm, and so began Walnut Grove Spring Water Company, an enterprise in which Leslie was deeply and passionately involved for the rest of her days. Leslie's other interests included travel and golf at The Resort at Pelican Hill. Athletic and competitive, she often bested her male opponents in sporting matches.

Left to remember Leslie with love are her daughter, Natalie Evytte Smith; her mother, Betty Zilar Nielsen; her brother, Trace Keasler; her sister, Sheri Keasler-Benson; her sister, Anna Keasler Tidwell; her stepbrother, Ronald Blair; her stepbrother, Daniel Blair; her uncle, Carson Harold (Hal) Keasler, Jr.; and many loving nieces, nephews and in-laws, as well as a host of long-time friends.

Leslie was preceded in death by her husband and beloved soulmate, M. Duane Smith; her father, Charles (Skip) Keasler; and her first husband and father of Natalie, Michael B. Smith.

Family, friends and others whose lives Leslie touched are invited to attend a graveside service at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2016, at Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3500 Pacific View Dr., Corona Del Mar. In addition, from 4-6 p.m. such friends, family and others are invited to attend a party to celebrate Leslie's life, to be held at the Pelican Grill, 22800 S. Pelican Hill Rd., Newport Coast, CA 92657.

Memorial donations may be made to kidworksoc.org.