Diane A. Leach

Diane A. Leach, 57, of Springfield, OH, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 22 after a brief illness. She was born in Springfield, OH on May, 25, 1955 to Jeanette and Emil Leach. Diane graduated from Springfield North High School and Hanover College in Hanover, IN, where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She later became an advisor for the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority at Wittenberg University. She also graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wright State University while working full time with the National Trails Parks & Recreation District. She started with Parks & Recreation after graduating from Hanover and remained a loyal employee for almost 30 years. She made a lasting impression with everyone she came in contact with. Her co-workers were like an extended family to her. Diane also worked part-time for The Residence Inn in Beavercreek. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother Jeanette Burks, her father Emil (Alice) Leach, brothers Dale (Linda) Leach of Plano, Texas, Chris Leach & Richard (Michelle) Leach, sisters, Linda (Van) Eancheff and Sharon (John Sharp) Leach all of Springfield, OH. She is also survived by her half-sister, Renee Leach and her children Travis and Jake of Wilmington, OH as well as her step brother Martin Burks and step sister Anna Ewing of Florida. Diane was devoted to her nieces and nephews, Brian Eancheff, Lori (Jerry) Bowen, Alesia (Adam) Leach, Adam (Maria) Leach, Evan Leach, David Leach, Kathy Blanke, Chris (Mandy) Blanke, Jason (Megan) Burks, Morgan Robinson and Emily Leach. She was a great aunt to Maggie, Brandon, Nathan, Kaylynn, Alyssa, Carly, Sydney, Aiden, Christina & Stephanie. Diane is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends too numerous to name. Diane loved to travel and went on many trips with her sisters, Linda and Sharon (the GG’s), and her niece Lori. She was an avid OSU Football fan and traveled to numerous Bowl games that she attended with her brother Dale, an OSU alumni, and friends. Diane was preceded in death by her great grandparents and grandparents, her special maternal grandparents, Delano and Bertha Riley, her uncle’s Hank Culley and Jake Metz, her step-father Martin Burks, her step sister-in-law Vicki Burks and her nephew Michael Burks. Diane had a heart of gold and could not turn away a stray. She leaves behind her chocolate lab Sophie and the cats she rescued and cared for. Diane was a generous and selfless person who made friends easily & will live forever in our hearts. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at JACKSON LYTLE & LEWIS FUNERAL HOME and on Thursday from 12-1 p.m. Diane’s service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 1 p.m. and will be presided over by Pastor John Pollock of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Springfield, OH, where Diane was baptized and confirmed. Burial to follow at Ferncliff Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made in Diane’s honor to any of the following: The Springfield Regional Cancer Center, National Trails Parks & Recreation District, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and Wittenberg University. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.jacksonytle.com.

Diane A. Leach

May 25, 2012 - November 22, 2012