Leah Keagle

Leah Marie (Steward) Keagle, 78, of Iola went home to the Lord on Monday, February 13, 2012. Leah was born October 26, 1933 to Charles Dewey and Suzan Rebecca (Page) Steward. She was born at the family home in LaHarpe. As a toddler, the family moved to a home in Iola. This would be the same home where she spent her final days. She attended Iola schools, graduating from Iola High School in 1951. She was married to the late William Keagle, living in Wichita before settling in Iola. They were blessed with four children. In her younger days, Leah was a majorette with the Iola Marching Mustangs. Leah spent her early working days as a telephone operator and then moved into the food service industry. She brought her talents, humor, and handiwork to 54 Cafe', Menegays Restaurant and later to Pizza Hut, retiring in 2006. After her retirement, she enjoyed babysitting her great-grandson and helping her sister-in-law at Bonnies Corner Cafe'. She enjoyed being outdoors when the weather permitted. You could usually find her raking leaves or mowing the grass, which she so enjoyed. She was a talented craftsman and seamstress. She shared her talent of sewing with her family, giving each of them a handmade quilt. Leah was known by her family and friends for her smile and raspy laugh, sassiness, and quick sense of humor. She enjoyed a good Maxine comic, a cup of hot tea or a good cup of coffee, and had a real sweet tooth. She is survived by her children and their spouses; Linda Barker & husband John, Cheryl Crews & husband Ted, William (Willie) & wife Tracy, and Brenda Kern & husband Lyle; 11 grandchildren, John David, Dusty, Angela, Ryan, Eric, Jared, China, Emerald, Allegra, Lyndon and Cameron, and 18 great-grandchildren. A brother, Jack & wife Bonnie, Iola; and a sister, Suzie Clark & husband Porter of Independence, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Wendell, Larry, and Donald; sister, Daramis; and granddaughter, Mindy. The family will greet friends at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:30 at the chapel. Burial will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. Memorial gifts to Allen County Hospice may be left with the funeral home. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com . Her sweetness will be greatly missed by her family and all of those who knew her.