COSHOCTON - Merle Shannon Leech, 80, died Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Coshocton County Memorial Hospital. She was born in Coshocton County on June 15, 1932 , the daughter of Joseph A. and Nana (Owens) Stubbs. Merle graduated from Coshocton High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter married Rickard Shannon, also of Coshocton, who was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a captain in the U.S. Navy when he died in 1973. She later married her second husband of 38 years, Thomas B. Leech, who survives. Merle loved to play bridge, was an avid flower gardener, superb cook and homemaker, a great listener and an excellent calligrapher. She was a member of The Presbyterian Church in Coshocton for many years and served as a trustee and member of several church committees. In addition, Merle was an active board member of the Coshocton County Drug and Alcohol Council and was involved with the Adult Literacy program working with inmates in the Coshocton County Justice Center.
In addition to her husband, Merle is survived by her sister, Dorothy G. Platkowski, Thornville, OH, two daughters, Penny C. (Tom) Zoller, Bellbrook, OH, Pamela L. (Errol) Kahoun, Columbus, OH, a son, Thomas R. (Katie) Leech, Salt Lake City, UT, son-in-law, John R. Anaya, ten grandchildren, Ricardo (Julie) Anaya, Nicholas (Stacey) Anaya, Christopher (Shannon) Anaya, Ian (Nichole) Anaya, John Anaya, Jr., Christopher T. (Marsha) Zoller, Mary Elizabeth (Reggie) Collins, Craig E. (Jenny) Kahoun, Cory T. (Kathi) Kahoun, and Eric W. Guard, eleven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and first husband, her daughter, Deborah Shannon Anaya, her son, Stephen (Richard) Leech, and her brothers, Garwin L. (Elizabeth) Stubbs, Jack M. (Mickey) Stubbs and J. Rodney Stubbs, predeceased Merle.
The memorial service for Merle will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 4, 2013, in the Sanctuary of The Presbyterian Church, 142 N. 4th Street, Coshocton, OH, with Rev. Jonathan Carlisle officiating. Visiting with the family will take place one hour before the service. A luncheon will be served by Presbyterian Women for those who attend the service at or around noon. In lieu of flowers, those who so wish may make contributions in Merle's honor and memory to her church, American Cancer Society or Salvation Army of Coshocton.
Private interment will take place at the South Lawn Cemetery in Coshocton.
The Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.fischerfuneral home.com
