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Phyllis Jurene Leonard
09/18/1934 — 01/04/2010
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Minatare, NE
Phyllis Jurene Leonard
Phyllis Jurene Monasmith Leonard
Phyllis Leonard age 75 passed away on January 4, 2010, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Phyllis was born to Clifford and Florence Monasmith in Minatare Nebraska on Sept. 18, 1934. Phyllis experienced geography first hand as her father traveled around the country as an electrician on many large construction projects.
Graduating from Fort Vancouver High School in Vancouver Washington she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Central Washington College of Education in 1956. While there she served as an officer in the National SPURS, a collegiate women's service organization.
Phyllis began her teaching career in Shoreline school district near Seattle, while attending the University of Washington to earn her Masters in education.
In 1959 she met and married Roger Leonard in Seattle, they relocated to Pasco in 1960. Their daughter Susan was born In 1963. Phyllis taught elementary school in Pasco for short time before moving to Richland. Phyllis continued her teaching career at Spaulding Elementary in Richland, from 1963 until the school closed in 1983. She was teaching at Jason Lee Elementary when she retired from teaching in 1992.
Phyllis received guidance and comfort from her Christian faith. She was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Richland. Phyllis was an inspiration and strength to all who knew her.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter Susan, her brother Charles Monasmith and his wife Kathy Zeleznikar. Nieces: Lisa Monasmith, Amy Johnson, Angelina Krug and Amy Curtis. Her great nephews and nieces, Evan, Brooke, Kailey, Preston and Kristin were a highlight of her life.
A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran church 520 Thayer Drive in Richland at 1 PM on Saturday January 9. Memorial contributions may be sent to NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness P.O. Box 1135, Richland, WA 99352 or Redeemer Lutheran Church.
I value Phyllis’ kindness and remember her gentle spirit. We had family member’s with mental illness and that also connected us. Many blessings to her family at this time of loss.
Mrs. Leonard was a favorite teacher of mine at Spaulding Elementary. She made a lasting impression on me and I never forgot her. May God bless her family during this difficult time.
Phyllis was a wonderful role model as president of the local NAMI organization. She kept us organized, informed, and all moving in the right direction. She was especially considerate of the new person who came into a meeting as she understood their discomfort and were welcomed by her with a kind smile and the warmest eyes.
We were blessed by her presence and she’ll be missed for a long time to come.
Our most sincere sympathy goes out to the family.
Ginger Griffin
Phyllis you are remembered and thought of often. You offered me as a young teacher assistance and strength. You showed me what a radiant smile can bring to a classroom and shared laughter to brighten days. Now 33 years later I hope I have brought to my students special memories too. Thank you
T-truth
E-Encouragement
A-Assurance
C-Care
H-Heart
E-Effort
R-Respect
It takes a special person to be a great teacher. Phyllis was that special teacher and friend.
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Phyllis Jurene Leonard