Ella M. Leeds

Ella M. Leeds, of Kearney, age 96, died Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Mt. Carmel Home in Kearney. Graveside services will be Friday, March 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Miller Cemetery near Tryon, NE. Rev. James Paine will officiate. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Miller Cemetery near Tryon, care of the family. A message of condolence, tribute or memory can be left at www.hlmkfuneral.com. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney are in charge of arrangements. Ella was born on April 3, 1915 at the home of her parents Edward and Florence (Cumpston) Winters. She grew up in the Tryon area and attended McPherson County High School. On April 4, 1932 Ella was united in marriage to John C. Leeds of Stapleton, NE. To this union four children were born: Don (Donald), Sandy (Alice), Del (Dellas) and Kendy (Kendlyn) who were all raised in the sandhills of Nebraska. Ella was always a country girl. She milked cows, raised chickens, cooked for thrashing crews, planted and raised a large garden and was always available to help anyone wherever and whenever she was needed. She was known for her kind and generous heart and her love for family and friends. Ella was a woman of strong faith, relying on the Lord in difficult times and remembering to thank him when times were good. She was faithful, not only to God, but in her attendance in worship services, women’s missionary society and also in teaching various Sunday school classes throughout the years. Ella had what many called a green thumb. Early each spring she planted a huge vegetable garden. While raising her family the produce found it’s way to the family dinner table and often the neighbors too. Her love for and touch of flowers was truly magical. In 1972 Ella decided to return to school where she received her Graduate Equivalency Diploma. Then she went on to graduate from Mid Plains School of Nursing, receiving her Licensed Practical Nursing degree. In 1975 John and Ella moved to North Platte, NE where she cared for many elderly patients in their home. Ella cared for each one with a loving heart and gentle hands. In 1990 John and Ella moved to Florence, KS. After John’s death in 1992 Ella lived alone until September 2006 when she moved into the home of Larry and Judy Creamer. She resided with the Creamers until March of 2008. In March of 2008, Ella was brought to Kearney, NE and she resided in the Mount Carmel Nursing Home until her death. Surviving Relatives: Son: : Donald and Charlotte Leeds, of Riverdale, NE Daughters Sandy (Alice) and Phil Parsons, of Salina, KS Kendy (Kendlyn) and Kim Herrick, of North Platte, NE Daughter in Law: Darlene Leeds, of Florence, KS Sisters Pearl Osborn, Ethel Butolph, Vera Butrick, Bernice Andreasen 4 Grandchildren; 5 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great Great Grandchildren Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends Ella was preceded in death by her Husband, John; Son, Dellas Leeds; Grandsons, Steve Andre and Chance Herrick; and Great Granddaughter, Shasta Bosshamer. PDF Printable Version

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Ella M. Leeds

April 3, 1915 - February 28, 2012