Phyllis May Leach 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Hartville on April 23, 2017, surrounded by her family. Phyllis is preceded in death by her loving husband and soul mate Gene Leach. They shared 64 wonderful, enchanted years together and were so perfectly matched that they both passed on the same day four years apart. Phyllis was born in Akron, Ohio in 1928 to Harley and Zula Cox.

She graduated from Garfield High School in 1946 and attended college at St. Louis School of Music. Phyllis taught piano lessons for many years and retired from O’Neils Department Store in 1988. She was a lifetime member of the Firestone Park Presbyterian Church. Phyllis and Gene loved to travel and see what the world had to offer. They traveled throughout the United States and overseas many times. They lived in Japan for six years while Gene was in the service, falling in love with the people and culture of Japan. Phyllis enjoyed painting, reading, crocheting blankets, making jewelry, camping, square dancing and Sunday family dinners. She had a Southern-style etiquette which appeared in her thoughtfulness, empathy, kindness and genuine love for others. Phyllis always had a smile on her face and time to listen to those lucky enough to have known her.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey and his wife Terry Leach and Carolyn and her husband Frank LaQuaglia; her brother-in-law Carroll and his wife Barbara Leach; grandchildren, Sean, Kyle, & Sasha Leach,Kelly & Casey Klein and Wesley LaQuaglia; nieces, Cindy (Dan) Atterholt, Cathy (Steven) Boyd, Sue Adams-Hintz, and Cathy (Vernon) Stone; and nephew Ken (Amy) Leach. Phyllis was preceded in death by; her parents and her sister, Joan (Cox) Adams.

Her life will be celebrated with a memorial service at the Firestone Park Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Her family will receive friends and other family members at 10 am and the service will begin at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in her name to: Firestone Park Presbyterian Church, 275 S Firestone Blvd, Akron, OH 44301, Hartville Volunteer Fire Department and EMS,P.O. Box 458 Hartville, OH 44632 or to Lighthouse Ministries, 1931 3rd St SE Canton, Ohio 44707.

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