LEEDS, Lydia Mae

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/14/2011 Lydia Mae Leeds A long and faithful life of 91 years ended on Oct. 7, 2011, Lydia Mae Leeds has gone to be with Art, her beloved husband. Lydia was born in Howe, Okla., the second youngest of five. She moved with her family to Arizona when she was very young. This move led to the beginning of a great love story between Lydia and Art. As a young married couple in the early ‘40s, they purchased land in Greer and built Leeds' Northwoods. True partners in every way, Lydia loved working side by side with her husband. His dream was always her dream. Friends and relatives noticed that no amount of hardship could dampen her remarkable pioneer spirit. "Our family will remember Lydia as a devoted wife and mother, an exemplary mother-in-law and grandmother, a wonderful cook, a creative homemaker, and an enthusiastic volunteer. She had a quick sense of humor and the kindness God only bestows upon a truly sweet soul. She has honored us with her incredible courage and now we can honor her with kindness to a neighbor or a stranger." The early days required countless hours of volunteering to establish the Greer Civic Club and Fire Department, White Mountain Hospital and First Baptist Church in Springerville. Lydia was always there to raise funds, bake pies, organize and assist in any way. Somewhere in there she found time to author a Christian pioneer story and a children's book. She was a member of Business and Professional Women and a Realtor in Greer and Payson for over 20 years. After retiring, she moved with her daughter June to Texas, where even in her 80s she continued to serve as a church and civic volunteer. When most folks are winding down, she was there working to restore an old building to what is now the local senior center. She assisted in a mission to feed the homeless, standing for hours to make sure everyone was fed. She was a "nurturer" to family, friends or strangers. Lydia prided herself on completing each of life's tasks with diligence and enthusiasm. "We see all that she has accomplished and we say, ‘Well done Lydia!'" With loving memory, she is survived by her son, Dan Leeds of Greer; a daughter June Schell (Marvin) of Texas; a brother Warren Nealy of Texas; a granddaughter Shaila (Gene Martin) of Texas; grandsons: Daniel Leeds of Greer, Arthur Leeds (Sonja) of Flagstaff; and nieces: Patricia Omara and Barbara Ann Leslie, both of California. She adored her grandchildren both great and grand. She felt privileged to have experienced the joy of having great-grandchildren; six in all. One great-granddaughter and six great-grandsons. Special acknowledgement and gratitude to Marion Schwader, a dear family friend who claimed Lydia as her second mother. Lydia was easy to love and will be hard to forget. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Johns Leeds; and a niece Becky Omara. A memorial service celebrating her life was held Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Burnham Mortuary in Eagar. Interment followed at Eagar Cemetery.