Eleanor Marie Leary

She was born on April 22, 1938, in Winchester, Indiana, the daughter of Bernard and Anna (Cox) Riehl. Eleanor married Richard Lee Leary on June 18, 1961, in Ann Arbor, MI.

Eleanor grew up on a farm outside Traverse City, Michigan, and graduated from Traverse City High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Michigan. Eleanor and Richard moved to Springfield in 1962. She put her degree to work performing medical research at SIU School of Medicine for more than 20 years. Eleanor loved to travel. She and Richard had the opportunity to visit 70 countries and camped in all 50 states. Many of their summers were spent in Michigan. Eleanor was also an avid reader of mysteries. She was a member of AAUW, Springfield Symphony Guild, and Westminster Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Riehl; and sister, Ruth Locke.

Eleanor is survived by her son, Seth Leary of Springfield; daughter, Sara (Craig Creado) Leary of London, England; and grandchildren, Trey, Laurel, Emily, Adrianne, and Dominik.

The family will host a memorial service for Eleanor will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to AAUW or the Alzheimer’s Association in Eleanor’s memory.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.