Leila Elaine Leach

Leila Leach, age 84, of Marshall and formerly of Milroy, Minnesota, died on Friday, October 13, 2023, at the Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the Ashford Presbyterian Church in Milroy. Interment be in the Milroy Community Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Milroy American Legion Hall. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. The evening will conclude with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to her celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday at the church in Milroy.

Leila Elaine Wille was born on April 24, 1939, on a farm near Lucan, Minnesota. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lucan. When she was in the second grade, the family moved to a farm near Lamberton, Minnesota. Leila was confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lamberton where she proudly served as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. After graduating from Lamberton High School in 1957, she attended the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis for two years. She earned her nursing assistant degree there, and she worked in various nursing homes and the Eitil Hospital. Leila recalled many fond memories of the time she spent with friends while living in Minneapolis.

In 1963, Leila was united in marriage to Larry Leach and they settled in Milroy, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with three sons. The family was members of the Ashford Presbyterian Church in Milroy where Leila taught Sunday School, and she was a dedicated member of the Ladies Aid Society. She was also an active member of the Women's Auxiliary for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Leila loved her family dearly, and they were her life. She was a loving wife for almost fifty years. It was rare to see Larry without Leila by his side. She enjoyed farming, and together they taught their children how to lead simple, yet meaningful, lives. Leila's boys frequently stopped at "Ma’s” for a good cup of coffee and cookies. She always greeted her grandchildren with a big smile, and she was so proud of them. They fondly remember her cookies and the time she spent reading to them, watching cartoons, and listening to their joys. Leila had a deep love for Jesus and she enjoyed watching all of God's glorious nature and reading her Bible.

Leila is survived by her sons, Daniel (and Kim), Daryl (and Karen), and David (and Stephanie) all of Milroy; sixteen grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Elaine Wille of Arizona and Kathy Wille of Florida; and other relatives, and many friends.

Leila is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Leach; parents, Ervin and Leona (George) Wille; brothers, Lester Wille and Kenneth Wille; and grandparents, Gustava & Bertha Wille and William & Mary George.

“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. I am holding you by your right hand – I am the Lord your God – and I say to you, Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you.” Isaiah 41:10,13.

Blessed Be the Memory of Leila Elaine Leach