Leta Viola Lehman (Needels) of Kearney, Mo., passed away early on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. She was 97 years old. Leta was born on November 24, 1919 in Ludlow, Mo., to parents Effie and James Needels. She married Russell Lehman on December 24, 1935 and they had six children together.
Leta joins a number of family members in heaven. She joins her husband, Russell Lehman; three out of six children, Randy L. Lehman, Dorothy Frendle, and James (Junior) Lehman; her parents Effie Needels and James Needels; and older sisters, Lavenia Pollard and Wanita Curp.
She is survived by three children, Patricia Campbell, Marjorie Rutledge, and David Lehman. Along with these children, she is survived by 15 grandchildren, over 50 great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren and great-great-great-great grandchildren.
Leta was a very active woman her whole life serving on the senior center board, as well as volunteering countless hours taking money at the Kearney Senior Center and also served on the board of the Oats transportation bus board up until 2 to 3 weeks before her death. In her hospital bed, she said several times that she needed to get up and exercise. Even when her body was quitting, her mind was still fighting. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, knew that she was a very happy woman. Up until her last day, her spirit never changed. Leta was a very selfless, caring, loving, strong, and faithful woman who, with her husband Russell, were founding members of the Community Covenant Church. She impacted the lives of everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by many, but never forgotten.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Community Covenant Church from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the Community Covenant Church at 10:00 a.m., with a graveside service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kearney, Mo. The address for the Community Covenant Church is 19th St. and 33 Hwy., 1820 S. Jefferson St., Kearney, MO 64060. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kearney Senior Center or the Community Covenant Church.
Arrangements are through Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.
Our Sincere Condolences
Mrs. Lehman leaves a legacy to be very proud of. I have the pleasure of knowing both her Granddaughter, Sharon and her Great Granddaughter, Wendy. These awesome women will carry Leta’s spirit and love for others with them and pass it forward.
Vonda
