Juanita H. Leach

Juanita Hester Leach, 81, formerly of San Antonio, Texas, passed away at 9:20 a.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2008 at Fondulac Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in East Peoria, IL. Born January 12, 1927 in Delaware County, Oklahoma to Bob and Minnie Mae (O'Field) Potter, she married Charles Edward Leach on May 4, 1947 in Yuma, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband on July 5, 2006 in Peoria, IL; 2 brothers; and 1 sister. Juanita worked as a Certified Nurse's Aid in San Antonio, retiring in 2002. She is survived by 64 direct descendants, including 7 daughters, Martha (Bob) Taylor of Leesburg, Florida, Maxine Williams of Florida, Kathy (Nick) D'Alfonso, Vicky (Carlos) Trevino, and Sherry Jenkins, all of Peoria, Peggy Giacobazzi of Baltimore, Maryland, and Penny (R.J.) Oliver of Bowie, Maryland; 3 sons, Charles (Tina) Leach of Peoria, Rick (Lali) Leach of Ft. Madison, Iowa, and Randy (Nancy) Leach of Lasalle; 26 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. She was a life member of the American Legion Post 0592 Auxiliary in San Antonio. Juanita was also a member of V.F.W. Post 2059 Auxiliary in San Antonio. She was a charter member of the World War II National Memorial. Juanita was a full blooded Cherokee, her heritage beginning with the Trail of Tears'. She enjoyed reading, cooking, shopping, and loved to party. Her graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma. Local visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, February 16, 2008 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin, IL. The Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin will officiate a native American prayer service during the visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Central Illinois Chapter, 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria, IL 61614. To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com. PRESTON-HANLEY FUNERAL HOME, L.L.C. Pekin, IL 61554-3291 (309) 346-2176