Leah A. Richards, age 100, formerly of Fredericktown passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Mount Vernon Health and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by her loving caregivers.
Leah was born October 10, 1923 in Howard to the late Carey and Olivia (Baker) Stricker.
She attended Howard Schools. For a number of years, Leah lived in Barstow, California and the San Bernadino area. While there, she was employed by a local television station as a Film Editor. Upon her return to Ohio, she gained employment at the former Mansfield Airport as a Laborer, Supervisor and Union Steward where they made equipment parts for the kitchen gallies of airplanes. After retirement, Leah worked proudly until the age of 90 as a prep cook and dishwasher at the former Birdie’s restaurant in Fredericktown and at the former Freeway Inn near Mount Gilead. Leah enjoyed making ceramic crafts and knitting, crocheting, and quilting, and loved having booths at numerous craft shows, including the former Gambier craft show for years. She was an avid reader of western fiction, with Louis L’Amour being her favorite author. Her greatest passion in life was rescuing and caring for many dogs and cats. She kenneled and lovingly cared for over 25 dogs throughout the years. She also cared for numerous cats, especially her companion cat, Abby, as well as enjoyed feeding raccoons that would visit daily.
Leah was a lifetime member of the Knox County Humane Society and the ASPCA.
Strong-willed and independent, Leah was an inspiration to many, more than she probably realized.
Leah is survived by her loving brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Ann Stricker of Murietta, California; longtime friends and loving caregivers, Roger Marra and Vickie Marra; a loving niece, Jody Stricker McKay of Menifee, California; a beloved great nephew, Joe (Charlene) Clipse of Okotie, South Carolina, and several friends including close friends, Helen Witschi, Marsha Kelso, and Diana Wiggins. Her feline companion of many years, Abby, also misses her daily, but Leah was comforted knowing she has been adopted into a good home.
Leah was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Elda and Til Davidson; a sister, Rita Stricker Lee; and a beloved great niece, Lori Clipse Borman.
The family would like to thank the staff of Mount Vernon Health and Rehabilitation Center, especially the nursing staff and STNA’s for their love, care, and compassion to Leah these last several months.
In abiding with Leah’s wishes, there will be no services. A private burial will take place at Pleasant Valley Cemetery at Monroe Mills near Howard.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor Leah’s love and care of dogs, the family asks that you consider donations to the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter, 285 Columbus Rd., Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Homes, Fredericktown Chapel is honored to serve the family of Leah A. Richards.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Fredericktown Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com