Celebration of Life to be held September 6

Janet M. Leonard, 87, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at 3:15 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 12, 1938, in Bluffton, Ohio, to Howard "Scottie" and Ethel (Holtzapple) Edinger, who both preceded her in death. On August 17, 1968, she married Michael "Mike" Leonard, who preceded her in death on February 26, 2009.

Janet graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1956. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Bluffton College and dedicated over 45 years to teaching--33 of those years at Shawnee Maplewood School, where she taught in the science lab, inspiring students from third through fifth grade. Her innovative work continues to influence classrooms to this day. Janet also volunteered for many years at the Lima Adult Learning Center, helping adults achieve their educational goals.

A devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, Janet and her husband Mike were active in Sunday school, church council, and the Ladies Altar Guild. She enjoyed gardening, scrapbooking and occasionally repurposing furniture. Janet was passionate about crafts and delighted in designing costumes for Encore Theatre productions and for her grandchildren’s plays and Halloween celebrations. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Pamela "Pam" (David) Markley; grandchildren: Katherine (Austin) Spence of Sartell, MN, Benjamin (Alyssa Dotson) Heffner of Lima, OH, David Heffner of Lima, OH, Andrew Markley of Lima, OH, and Aiden Markley of Milan, OH; one great-grandson, Bentley Heffner of Lima, OH; siblings: Thomas (Renee) Edinger of Surprise, AZ, and Jean (Steven) Beach of Bluffton, OH; as well as several loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Edinger and sisters-in-law, Nancy (King) Edinger and Rachel (Smith) Edinger.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1300 Edgewood Drive, Lima, Ohio 45805. Visitation will be held at the church from 1:00pm until the time of the service.

A private burial will take place at Clymer Cemetery in Mount Cory at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lima Adult Learning Center, 563 W Spring Street, Lima, Ohio 45801 or Zion Lutheran Church, 1300 Edgewood Drive, Lima, Ohio 45805.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/