OAKWOOD:
One could say Jessie M. Leatherman had two passions in life, family and farming. After living a full life of loving her family and working the soil, Jessie, age 96 passed away in her home in Oakwood, Ohio on Saturday April 11, 2015. It was a beautiful spring day, full of warmth and sunshine, like the heart of Jessie Leatherman.
Born on September 29, 1918 to parents Arthur and Elsie (Stephens) Schick, Jessie grew up on the family farm. She was no stranger to the hard work required to raise animals and grow crops. In fact, she loved every minute of it and would make farming her lie’s work.
In 1932, Jessie met Beryl Richard Leatherman for the first time. Beryl would later say, “It was love at first sight.” They were married on November 5, 1938 and began a small farm with two cows, 25 laying hens, and two pigs. Beryl and Jessie were a very happy couple and shared a love that carried them through the ups and downs of life. It was this love that sustained Jessie, when, after 54 years of marriage, Beryl passed away.
In 1944, Beryl and Jessie purchased a house and ground south of Oakwood where Jessie lived until her death. It was at that home where the farm and the family grew. Jessie and Beryl were blessed with six children: Joyce (Darhl) Fuller (Oakwood, OH), Gary (Amy) Leatherman (Douglasville, GA), Kathy (Randy) Hoops (Napoleon, OH), Carol (Larry) Singer (Oakwood, OH), Steve (Karen) Leatherman (Oakwood, OH), and Janice (Robert) Merriman (Paulding, OH). Jessie’s children were her pride and joy. She loved opening her home to her children and their families and especially for large holiday gatherings at Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. Jessie’s hospitality and mother’s heart was extended to everyone. She greeted visitors by asking if they would like something to drink and before they knew it, they were eating a plate of fried eggs and home fries.
Jessie’s eyes lit up when she saw her grandchildren, flowers, and John Deere tractors. With an easy, dimpled smile, she would often say, “If you ate a good meal today, thank a farmer.” She was an active member of the Oakwood community, participating in the Washington Township Neighbors Home Demonstration Club, Washington Township Women’s Club, the Farm Bureau Council, and Auglaize Chapel Church of God. In 1999, Jessie was recognized as an Honored Citizen at the Oakwood Homecoming celebration.
Left to honor Jessie and remember her love are her six children; a brother, Gilbert Schick; 16 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Beryl in 1993; and a grandson, Benjamin Leatherman in 2007.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Auglaize Chapel Church of God, Oakwood, Ohio with Rev. Mary Stephens and Rev. Stan Harmon officiating. Burial will follow at the Little Auglaize Cemetery in Melrose, Ohio.
The family will greet friends from 2 PM – 8 PM Tuesday, April 14 at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, OH, and again at the church on Wednesday from 10 AM until time of services.
The Leatherman family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Community Health Professions for their attentiveness and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jessie’s name to the Auglaize Chapel Church of God (Oakwood, OH) or to Community Health Professionals (Van Wert, OH).
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com
