Barbara J Leach

Celebration of Life Services for Barbara J. Leach will be held on Monday, December 31, 2018 at

11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Oxford, Nebraska with Pastor Brian Jenkins officiating.  Private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Barbara Jo Leach, 68 years of age, of Oxford, passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2018 surrounded by her family at her home in Oxford, following a courageous battle with cancer.  Barbara was born April 4, 1950, in Elm Creek, Nebraska, the youngest of three children born to Earl and Edith (Hasbrouck) Schleeter.  At a young age, Barb's father passed away, and her mother was later united in marriage to Edwin "Pat" Streeter.  To this union three additional children were born:  Sheila, Rick, and Randy.  Barb received her education from Elm Creek Public Schools, graduating from Elm Creek High School with the class of 1968.

In 1968, Barb was united in marriage to Jerry L. Leach and to this union three children were born:  Bill, Jerilyn and Shelly.  The family made their home in Edison, Nebraska, until settling to Oxford.  Besides caring for the needs of her family, Barb also worked outside the home as the activity director at the Walker Post Manor in Oxford for several years.  She then began a thirty year career as a clinic receptionist between the Tri-Valley Home Health, the Tri-Valley Health Systems, and at the time of her passing she split her time between the clinics at Alma and Oxford for Heartland Family Medicine.

Barb's life was centered on her grandchildren; she treasured each moment spent with them.  Throughout the years, Barb always had a special place in her heart for her dogs.  She loved collecting ceramic, especially every size and design of Hens on the Nest that were ever made!  Barb was a devoted fan of Elvis Presley, collecting all kinds of memorabilia; she also enjoyed bird watching, tending to her flower gardens, and was an avid fan of the Husker football team.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Oxford.

Besides her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry on November 19, 2013; one sister, Shirley Schleeter at the age of three; brothers-in-law:  Ray Peterson; and Marvin Odell; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law:  Conner and Betty Leach.

She leaves to celebrate her life; her three children:  Bill Leach and his fiancé, Janiece Jones of Grand Island, Nebraska; Jerilyn Mayo and her husband, Bill of Oxford; and Shelly Broeker and her former husband and friend, Steve Broeker of Oxford; eight grandchildren:  Jackie Mayo; Alex Kermmoade; Miranda and Arika Mayo; BaiLeigh and Brennin Leach; and Callie and Cole Broeker; one great-grandson, Hager Kermmoade; and in addition, Barb was a devoted guardian to her nephew, David Leach. Additional survivors include her brothers:  Rick Streeter and his wife, Darrie of Holdrege; and Randy Streeter and his wife, Terry of Hastings, Nebraska; sisters:  Beverly Refior of Odessa, Nebraska; and Sheila Streeter of Holdrege; brothers-in-law:  Garey Leach of Arizona; and Robert Leach of Beaver City; sisters-in-law: Myrna Peterson of Tucson, Arizona; and Linda Odell of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Memorial Book Signing will be held on Sunday, December 30, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford.

A memorial has been established in Barb's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com .

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.