Jackie Ruth Leakey

Jacqueline Ruth Leakey, 83, of Richmond, passed away at St. Lukes Hospital on the Plaza in Kansas City on December 26, 2025.

Jackie was born on January 31, 1942, in Carrollton, the daughter of Everett and Adaline (Allmon) Smith. Jackie was united in marriage to David Earl Leakey of Norborne, on March 2, 1963. Of this union, Jackie and David were blessed with two sons, David E. Leakey and J. Todd Leakey. Her husband David preceded her in death on March 12, 2024.

Jackie was raised and educated in the area of her birth and was a graduate of Carrollton High School, Class of 1960. Following high school, she continued her education at Stephens College in Columbia. In addition to raising her family, Jackie was a dedicated businesswoman, owning and operating Jackie's Interior Design in Richmond and the Whistle Stop Antique Store in Henrietta.

Throughout the years, she remained in close contact with her classmates and was instrumental in organizing class reunions, cherishing those lifelong friendships. Jackie loved music and was an avid pianist and organist. She devoted several years to teaching piano and organ lessons, and was also a substitute teacher at the Hardin School District. Jackie never missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren and took great joy in attending their sporting events and school activities. She also enjoyed collecting glassware, fine china, and antiques. Jackie was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Hardin and enjoyed attending her local ladies' sorority. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include: son and daughter-in-law, David E. (Kim) Leakey of Richmond, and son and daughter-in-law, J. Todd (Kathy) Leakey of Hardin; grandsons, Cole (Abby) Leakey and Shane (Mercedes Shaon) Leakey; granddaughters, Stephanie (Jesse) Hughes and Nakisha Leakey; great grandchildren; Kobe, Kora, and Kashlyn Hughes, Ryland Smith, and Chloe Thompson.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Janet Ritzinger.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Ray County Humane Society. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

A visitation for Jackie will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Inurnment will be held at a later date with her husband in Wakanda Cemetery, North of Hardin. Please remember to share your memories of Jackie with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.