Shirley Ann Strayer Leazenby, 80, Mexico, Indiana, went to be with the Lord at 1:13 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017, at Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne.  

Born on July 25, 1936, in LaGrange County, Indiana, she was born into a family of seven brothers and sisters, the daughter of Clarence and Rose Kitchen Strayer.  She graduated from Mongo High School in 1954 before attending Parkview Methodist Hospital Nursing School in Ft. Wayne.  She met her husband, Albert H. Leazeby while interning at the state hospital in Logansport, Indiana.  After her graduation, they were married on November 24, 1957, at the Plato Methodist Church in LaGrange County.  

Shirley worked as a practicing Registered Nurse at Dukes Hospital and then in the office of Drs. Hill, Crates, and Snyder until the opening of the North Miami School Corporation, when she was hired as their first school nurse after consolidation.  She then worked for North Miami School Corporation for fourteen years.  Her next position was at Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo, Indiana, where she worked for four years on the orthopedic ward. She then went to work at Peru Community School Corporation until her retirement. 

Mrs. Leazenby was a member of the Mexico New Life United Methodist Church where she was active in the United Methodist women’s organization and continued to help with monthly meals and breakfasts as her health declined.  Along with her husband, she served on the church missions board and helped with the many projects of the Mexico Lions Club.  She was a member of the Altrusa Club and helped take tickets at the Peru Circus for many years.  She was an active member and served as president of the TOPS/KOPS weight loss group, and the Miami County Extension Homemakers.  She served on the original board and construction committee for the Mexico Regional Sewer District.

Shirley had a strong faith in God and tried to live each day in his precepts.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, watching birds, finding service for Christ and visiting family and friends.

Surviving are her husband, Albert H. Leazenby, Mexico; son, Randy L. Leazenby, Lafayette; two sisters, Nancy Blackmore, Colorado; Judy Laflin, Mongo, IN; three brothers, Larry and Ron Strayer, LaGrange County; and Donald Strayer, Tampa, FL.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Richard and Jerry Strayer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2017, at New Life United Methodist Church, Mexico, with Pastor John Meunier officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico.

Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at the church.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to New Life United Methodist Church.

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