Dorothy J. Leehan

Born at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City on January 29th, 1931, Dorothy was the oldest child of George and Lorene(Griffith)Stander, and raised in the Capitol Hill area of Oklahoma City. She attended Capitol Hill High School.

On September 7th, 1947 Dorothy married Bobby Loy Leehan at Little Flower Catholic Church. They resided in Oklahoma City and Half Way, Missouri but eventually settled in Edmond, Oklahoma in 1951. They were part of the original community that helped build the red brick St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 9th and Littler where Dorothy was part of the choir, altar society, rosary group, and where she taught 2nd grade First Communion classes. In 1992, Dorothy and Bob became part St. Michael’s Catholic Church in OKC, and in 2009 was part of the community that built the parish church of St. Damien of Molokai in Edmond where she has remained a parishioner.

Dorothy’s dedication to her family was primary in her life, and her love for Bobby was faithful and constant. She was such a devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, and friend to so many people. Dorothy and Bob had 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 36 great grandchildren. Her devotion to her children and grandchildren was incredible! She loved them with all of her heart, and was always there to love, cuddle, and support them in anyway she could. Grand children could always find love and a hug from Grandma at any time, and she was always prepared to pull tissues, coloring books, or bandages out of THAT PURSE when needed.

Dorothy’s passion was for her Lord and her Catholic Faith and all that that entails. She was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother and the recitation of the Holy Rosary. She literally made thousands of them over the years giving them to missions, strangers, family, and friends, and could constantly be seen carrying a rosary and praying it.

She and Bob were, as well, deeply committed to the life of the unborn, providing food, clothing, and financial help to expectant moms. Dorothy and her beloved husband were married 56 years before his death in 2003.

Dorothy was, also, preceded in death by her nephew, Clifford Foster in 1985; parents, George in 2003 and Lorene (Griffith) Stander in 2002, and brother in law Mike Francka in 2016. She was preceded in death by two beloved grandchildren, Jordan Leehan (2011) and Keaton Leehan (2013). One of her deep losses was that of her sister, Oma Lee Francka (Mike), who passed 1988. They were such good friends besides being sisters, and when Dorothy passed away this week, she died on Oma Lee’s birthday. May they all rest in peace.

Dorothy is survived by her brother Ron(Helen) Stander of Bolivar, MO, and her sister, Patsy Jane (Marvin)Sokolik of Bolivar, Mo. and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dorothy is also survived by her devoted children:

Patrick Anthony Leehan(Annita) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Donna Sue Berry (Joel) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Mary Ashlock (Richard) of Half Way, Missouri, Brenda Hunt of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Bruce Leehan (Melissa) of Edmond, Oklahoma.

She is survived by grandchildren: Jeremy Ashlock, Bolivar, MO., Crystal Robinson of Edmond, OK. Sarah Myers, MO., Melanie Gibbs, Yukon, OK., Stefanie Harrell, FL., Teresa Vestal, Yukon, OK., Josh Ashlock, MO., Christopher Leehan, NV., Harlie Bredahl, TX., Rachel Leehan, Edmond, OK., Ryan Leehan, Edmond, OK., Ethan Leehan, Edmond, OK., and Jacob Leehan, Edmond, OK.

Her beloved great-grandchildren include:

Brooklyn Harrell;

McKenna, Kinley, Claire, Brock, and Colin Ray Vestal;

Colby, Ryan, Nicola, Jackson, Eric, Nadia, and Natalie Robinson;

Carson and Samuel Ross; Katelyn, Lincoln, and Jonah Gibbs;

Gage, Brandon, and Nicholas Ashlock and Lance Rice;

Samantha and Katie Mayfield;

Lexi and Cole Hensley;

Sydney, Taylar, and Reagan Myers;

Hunter, Koller, and Freeman Ashlock;

Savannah Rose Leehan

Dorothy began declining with dementia in 2012 and the last two weeks of her life she spent in a fast-downward spiral. On the day of her death, with several of her children gathered around her, it was decided that they would all pray a rosary for Dorothy to have a peaceful passing. Having a private website for family members from Florida, Missouri, and Nevada to participate, a live video feed was set up so that many family members could say the rosary along with those by Dorothy’s side. As the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary were being said, Dorothy began to fade and at the last words of the Hail Holy Queen, and a kiss on her forehead by her youngest son, Dorothy passed away.

The Leehan Family would like to extend their deep appreciation to all of the facility staff of the Veraden, Frontier Hospice, friends, and family that gave so much into helping care and love on Dorothy these last few years. A special thank you to Fr. Christopher Pelster, and to Fr. Simon Zurita for bringing the Sacraments to their Mom.