Leann Jean Heckathorn

1957-2023

LISBON — Leann Jean Heckathorn, 66, of Lisbon passed away Dec. 22, 2023 at 9:15 a.m. following a brief illness. She is united with the love of her life, Brian, who preceded her in death. She lived her life to love and serve others and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity.

Leann was born June 11, 1957 in Salem, a daughter of the late Donald and Laura (Pannier) Ward.

Leann spent 30 years as a special education teacher at Lisbon David Anderson High School. Much like her patience, her generosity was immeasurable. She tutored students and provided home instruction to those unable to attend school. There is no doubt she paid for hundreds of school lunches, thousands of school supplies, very likely gas money and many, many needed Christmas gifts during her years in teaching. Even after retirement, she continued to work in education for several years substituting and working for Shale Academy. Students and teachers alike loved and respected Mrs. Heckathorn.

Leann was a loving daughter, wife, sister and aunt. In her retirement, she took care of babysitting her great-nephews and -niece. They brought her so much joy, and she spoiled them to no end. The mere mention of a toy — a new tractor, a sword, and art set — meant that it would arrive in two days, thanks to Aunt Lee. She loved vacationing with her family and taking trips with her friends to Geneva-on-the-Lake. She was the very best friend, sister, aunt and support system. She loved and was dedicated to her family and friends.

She was loved and will be deeply missed by her sisters, Marilyn Dailey and Janice (Jeff Faloba) Pierce; her nieces, Emily (Jed) Coldwell, Sarah (Michael) Brown, Stephanie Pierce and Pamela Pierce; her nephew, John (Kaitlyn) Pierce; and her great-niece, Caroline, and great-nephews, Silas, Ezra and Callum; her mother-in-law, Maryann Heckathorn; brother-in-law, Jeff (Leslie) Heckathorn; and three nephews, two great-nephews and a great-niece.

A memorial service celebrating Leann’s life will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 at the Eells-Leggett-Stauffer Funeral Home with Pastor Phil Bartholomew officiating. Burial will take place Monday, Jan. 8 at the Yellow Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

The family will receive family and friends from 2 p.m. until the time of services Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support strong women by giving to the Minerva Girls Wrestling Fund, in care of Minerva High School, 501 Almeda Ave., Minerva, Ohio 44657.

Friends may also view Leann’s memorial tribute page, share a memory, and leave condolences at www.eells-leggett-stauffer.

12/26/23