Leita Merle Plate, 80, of Jefferson City, Missouri, went to her new heavenly home on April 26, Memorial services will be 3 pm on Saturday, May 19, 2018 in the beautiful chapel at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City, Mo. Leita was born on December 27, 1937, She came from a very large family and grew up with 9 brothers and sisters, Her parents were Robert and Berniece Springer. Leita married and had 4 children who she raised partly in Southern California and Springfield, Mo. Leita was more then just a pretty face, she was ingenious at achieving what always seemed to be the impossible. Faced with many obstacles, along with limited resources she would take empty deserted buildings and turn them into Beauty Salons, when she was told it couldn't be done it only strengthen her resolve. If she did not know how to do something she would figure it out as obstacles presented themselves. To her, adversity was merely the product of invention, which was pretty much how she approached life in general. Leita later had to sell her shops in Springfield and retire, she and her husband Allen Plate moved to the country in Fulton, Missouri. She mainly found her peace in gardening, site seeing, music and finding strength through prayer. She also loved to Travel. Her hobbies included painting and sketching. The walls of her room were decorated with paintings that she had done, She loved being with family, and found solace in just enjoying nature. She maintain a wonderful sense of humor and love of God that helped her through the hard times. Her blue violet eyes shined with an unending effervescence that reflected her energetic spirit of creativity and love for life. She always tried to live each day to the fullest, was kind, caring and giving to those around her and could never pass a flowering plant or bush without commenting on how beautiful nature is and often spoke of Gods love for us. She was a loving and affectionate mother and will be sorely missed. Leita is survived by two daughters, Donna (Bob) Leppold, Cynthia Lowe, one son, Donald Cox, one brother, Noble (Mary) Springer, and one sister, Mary Kauf, nine grandchildren; Victoria, Alan, David, Jesse, Millie, Tim, Jeff, Tyler, Ryan and eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Leita was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Plate, son, David Cox, parents, Robert and Berniece Springer, her brothers, Bob, Jim, Dean, Gerald, Bill and two sisters, Shirley and Donna.
This is a poem that was written in her own handwriting and found in her room beside her bed.
“God saw me getting tired and surgery was not to be, so he wrapped his arms around me until I was peaceful and serene. So if you see me sleeping, so deeply and free from pain, I do not wish to be awaken and suffer like that again. I have come to the end of my journey and traveled my last weary mile. Forget if you can that I ever frown and remember only the smiles. Forget unkind words that I have spoken and remember some good that I have done. Remember I have fought some hard battles that I won by the end of each day and don't begrudge me leaving and wish only for me to stay. With tear filled eyes you watched me suffer and saw me fade away. Please don't grieve for my leaving I don't want you sad in anyway. Dry your tear. It's over, and I will be waiting for you to arrive someday”.
