Anna Ruth Leenheer

POLAND – Anna Ruth Leenheer, 106, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Saturday afternoon, October 25, 2025, at Shepherd of The Valley at Poland, Ohio. She was born July 13, 1919 McDonald, Ohio, the daughter of Teresa Fratzuly Filipan-Petkovich, and Joseph Filipan who both came to America from Croatia in 1908; and stepdaughter of Nicholas Petkovich.
Anna graduated from McDonald High School, McDonald Ohio in 1937. She grew up in the Hilltop area of McDonald. She worked at Packard Electric where she inspected spark plugs and wiring harnesses during WWII. She was married to Edward Leenheer, originally from Chicago Illinois, on September 5, 1942 and they celebrated 46 years of marriage before he passed. She was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner at St. Nicholas Church (Christ Our Savior Parish), Struthers, Ohio for most of her adult life.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Anna was a fabulous baker and loved making delicious cookies, pies, cakes, kolachi, and strudel. She loved attending mass weekly and for decades prayed the Rosary daily, and was always keeping the needs of others in her prayers. She prided herself in keeping a spotless home,
while she lovingly cared for her family. She rekindled her passion for polka dancing through her 70's and 80's, making many new friends at the SNPJ, Avon Oaks, and other senior dance halls. She was a great homemaker and gave her all as a wife, mother, and friend.
She is survived by her four sons, William Leenheer of Norwood, Colorado, Thomas (Cathy) Leenheer of Zelienople, Pennsylvania, Leonard (Barbara) Leenheer of Parma, Ohio, and Ronald (Victoria) Leenheer of Struthers, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Chandra Leenheer, Christina (Anthony) Augustine, Thomas (Christy) Leenheer, Joseph (Jana) Leenheer, Kristen (Grant) Burcham, Brian (Samantha) Leenheer, Mark (Alexandra) Leenheer, Corey (Sarah) Higham, Justin (Kinsey) Higham: 19 great grandchildren, and several dear nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Edward Leenheer, who passed on October 14, 1988; sister, Josephine (Jay) Pavlacich, and brothers Raymond, Ignatius, and Martin Filipan; two step-children, Edward Leenheer (Dolly), and Joan Utley, and one miscarried great grandchild, Noa Maris Leenheer.
Anna so appreciated all the friends and family that sent or brought her cards, flowers, prayers and gifts, and visited her over the years. The family thanks the staff at Shepherd of The Valley, Poland, and Hospice of the Valley for their gentle concern and professional care for Anna during the last few weeks of her life.
Burial arrangements have been placed to the trusting care of Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers, Ohio. Calling hours will be held Friday, October 31, 2025 at St. Nicholas Church (Christ Our Savior Parish) 764 Fifth Street, Struthers, Ohio from 9:00 am to 10:45 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Reverend Thomas Kraszewski officiating. A Final Committal will also be held at the church at the end of mass. Internment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boardman, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contribitions be made to the St. Nicholas Church (Christ Our Savior Parish) endowment fund.
This obituary will be viewed and condolences sent at www.ClementeFuneralHomes.com
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