I remember Leah Belle for years and years--she was a wonderful person beyond description.  She and her husband, Bob, put on for the congregation the comical "show" about the "Five Thousand  Year Old Man" and did that "shtick" not only for us but also for your families.  Another memory is her artistic ability--teaching our Temple Sunday School kids about various types of art that would be of a Jewish nature.  Decorating the Synagogue is one example--the work the children did on squares of material has been mounted in the hall of the Temple forever.  Bob and Leah Belle were a perfect pair, both dedicated to Judaism and the Temple. In fact, their children are perfect persons as well.   I could write a book about Leah Belle, for example,  about her life even before  she and Bob moved to Lynchburg .  But this is enough at this time.  My sincerest love to the Family., from David Mars

My  deepest sympathy to Leah Belle's wonderful children and grandchildren.  I remember the day I first met Leah Belle Gardner. It was an October Sunday in 1963 and we were visiting Lynchburg, as Len had been offered a position at B&W. Our first stop was the synagogue where we had come to check out the Jewish congregation in Lynchburg. And what a happy visit it became. We met a lady who was tiny in size, very big in heart and had a smile that lit up her whole face and beautiful huge blue eyes. She very welcoming and oh so funny! Leahbelle had the most marvelous sense of humor. I was 24, but the impression I received that day lasted forever. In addition, she was very talented: acting, sewing, cooking, artist and wonderful organizer. I enjoyed every moment I ever spent with her and there were many--working on the bazaar, going to Hadassah conventions, out to dinner, parties. And through it all she kept us entertained. I was sad, indeed,  when she moved away. She affected so very many lives and will continue to be sorely missed. For her dear family, her memory will surely serve as a blessing.   Fondly, Ellen Gross  

Leah Belle will forever live in our hearts. From taking measurements for ballet tutus & costumes for our daughter, Robin, to teaching me to continue the tradition of making the Sach Family Chopped Liver for the Agudath Sholom Food Fair, she has impacted our lives.  Todd, Gregg and Shayne are in our prayers.  Dr. Michael & Debbie Okin

My heart is broken to learn about dear Leah Belle who I knew from our Temple for years and years.  Of course I knew all the family, Bob, and Todd and Geg and Shayne, and also dear Jill.  I knew  the kids growing up and leaving to live elsewhere.  LeahBelle was a fantastic person, always joking and jolly, and particularly fantastic with our Sunday School children as an arts teacher.  I trust you kids will remember me, David Mars, and I still live at 2039 Indian Hill Rd, zip is 24503.  I so vividly remember LeahBelle and Bob in their skit of the 5,000 year old "man."  They did that skit several times for the Temple.  I remember Bob as a psychiatrist dealing with "people problems" in our congregation, and remember Todd being a synagogue president in Silver Spring, and remember Greg as a distributor of medical devices, when he told me how he sometimes witnessed surgeries using those devices.  I remember the Shiva  services in your home for your Dad, and I remember the temple service in honor of LeahBelle when she was leaving Lynchburg--I spoke from the pulpit and she was heard of hearing to my speech in praising her.  When she moved to a retirement home in Maryland, I wrote her several times to give her the "news" of our  congregation.  There is so much more I could say but that is enough.  Again, let me say that LeahBelle was an unforgettable wonderful person and her memory will not be forgotten--I am 96 years old and can tell our folks more about LeahBelle as someone that should be long remembered by our Congregation.  

Dear Shayne, Todd and Greg,  
        We will continue to miss Leah Belle. She was our “Downing Drive Ball of Energy”. She did so much for  people in the neighborhood and the community.  We can remember how she would be lost in yards of material when she made and designed costumes for local plays.  She was never still a minute. A very special person. We are sending prayers and thinking of you all.          With love, Tom and Bobbie Schuler


My condolences to the family. I remember Leah Belle from temple and from volunteering at the Virginia School of the Arts, where she helped/taught me some of the costume making. She had such a great outlook on life and I remember her funny stories and great wit. What a wonderful lady!  One thing stands out: she told me about an individual who insulted her about something in a very petty way at the School of the Arts. She told me she thought too much of herself to let that get to her. I have always tried to take that to heart. RIP

I remember Leah Belle fondly. I still have 2 of the costumes she made when I danced at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center 30 years ago. She was a great lady. May she rest in peace. 

Todd, Greg, Shayne and family --  So sorry to hear of your loss.  Lots of fond memories.  She led such a joyous life as the "singing lady," etc.  

With Love

Jeff Somers, Diane and our current four legged group (Georgia, Bella and Little Josie)

You all know how much I loved LB. Always enjoyed our conversation,  lunches and hearing about the theatre & art. I will always remember her as a kind friend and good neighbor. I'm sorry for your loss. 💗 Trish

OBITUARY

Leah Bella Gardner

January 4, 1931 – August 30, 2020

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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