Anacleta S. McKinney

Anacleta Sarmiento McKinney of Susquehanna, PA passed away on July 10th at 84 years old.
Leta was predeceased by her father, Vicente Sarmiento; her mother and step father, Cirila and Ramon Cortez Sr.; her siblings, Rebecca, Agapito, Simeon, Conchita, Ramon, and Virginia; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Nina McKinney; and by a sister-in-law, Marieta Sowden.
Leta is survived by her husband, Melvin; their six children, John McKinney (Tamara), Rosemarie Kashou (Bahij), Jacqueline Topolski (Norbert), Amanda Cundey (Todd), Theresa Adams (Stephen), and Daniel McKinney; 11 grandchildren, Ty Cundey, Lila Kashou-McKenna, Ryan Adams, Joshua McKinney, Corey Topolski, Taylor Cundey, Jacob McKinney, Nicole Kashou-Ryan, Dylan Adams, Renee Kashou-Forbidussi, and Jenna Topolski; 8 great grandchildren, Emilia, Vivian, and Celine McKenna, Hayleigh Grace McKinney, Teagan Cundey, Beau and Callum Ryan, Soleil Topolski; siblings, Rosalinda, Esther, and Ricardo; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; two sisters-in-law, Jonyca McKinney and Doreen Cannon.
Leta was born in the Philippine Islands December 29th, 1939 to Cirila and Vicente Sarmiento. Her father was in the Philippine Scouts during WWII and survived the Bataan death march, but died several weeks later in a prison camp.
In 1958, as a high school junior Leta met and fell in love with her husband, Mel who was stationed at Clark Field. They married in 1959 in the Philippines, where their son, John was born. In 1960, Mel returned to the family farm in Susquehanna, PA with his young family. Over the next 17 years, Rosie, Jackie, Mandy, Tessy, and Daniel were born. Leta dedicated her life to nurturing her beloved and ever-growing family, finding her greatest joy in their presence. Her Filipino dishes were the highlight of all of our gatherings. February 2024, we celebrated Mel and Leta's momentous 65th Wedding Anniversary in Florida.
Leta will be remembered for her unwavering love, her delicious cooking, and her devotion to family. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Calling hours will be held from 5-8 p.m., Sunday July 14, 2024 at the Tuttle-Yeisley Funeral Home, Inc., Hallstead, PA. Should friends so desire, expressions of sympathy may take the form of a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice.