It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann Leavell, aged 70, of Fulton, Indiana. She peacefully departed in her home on August 27, 2024. Patricia was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many. She is survived by her son Shane Leavell and his wife Darla from Simpsonville, KY, daughter Kim Crawford and her husband Brian from Fulton, daughter Heather Leavell from Fort Wayne, brother Mike Eckert from Wisconsin, brother Chuck Eckert from North Manchester, grandchildren Keisha Troutman and husband Ryan Troutman and Bryant Brown from Fulton, Xander and Liam Leavell from Simpsonville, KY, Mackenzie Leavell from Rochester, Adrian Pemberton from Lafayette, Ethan Sanders from Fort Wayne, and four great-grandchildren. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, David Leavell, and her parents, Richard and Darlene Eckert.

Pat's life was rich with joy and affection. She was born on a warm summer day in Warsaw, Indiana on July 19, 1954. As a young girl, she attended Sidney Elementary School and later graduated as part of the inaugural class of Whitko High School in South Whitley, Indiana, in 1972. Throughout her youth, she was an active member of the Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren. During her high school years, she gained work experience at Lamp Light Restaurant in Pierceton, IN. Following her graduation, she secured a local position at Diamond Automation near North Manchester, where she crossed paths with David Leavell, a Diamond salesman from a neighboring town. It was love at first sight.  Their immediate connection led to a swift engagement after just two weeks of courtship. They exchanged vows two weeks later on December 20, 1974, at the residence of Pete and Goldys Leavell in Fulton, Indiana. This same residence is now home to their granddaughter Keisha and her family.

Throughout their nearly 49 years of marriage, they dabbled in various business ventures, such as running the local Fulton lumberyard, a Leavell construction company, a veal farm, a chicken system installation company, Leavell Sales and an apartment business. Despite their busy schedules, they always made time to be active members of the community and devoted parents to their children. Their generosity extended not only to their family but also to the community, as they welcomed foster children and adopted children into their home with open arms. Pat and David were known for their forgiving nature and generous spirit. Pat was a hard worker who earned the respect of her employees for leading by example and putting in long hours. She managed the apartment business with a firm hand but a kind heart, earning the admiration of many tenants who considered her one of the best landlords they had ever had. Despite battling arthritis and facing challenges in her later years, she remained a devoted mother and grandmother. She persevered in her work until just two years ago, despite enduring significant pain. Rarely did she voice her discomfort, always choosing to put on a brave face for her family. Earlier this year, with Kim's help, she even made the journey to Louisville to see Xander Leavell perform in the high school production of "The Sound of Music." Though it was a difficult experience for her, it will be a cherished memory for all who shared it with her.

She took pleasure in preparing chicken parmesan and prime rib for family gatherings, indulging in reading, herbal medicine, crime TV shows, but most of all, in spending time with her loved ones. She seldom complained, bore her pain with stoicism, and offered encouragement to those around her. Her presence will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A celebration of life service will be  at  2:00 PM  on  Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in the Good Family Funeral Home , 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. The family will receive friends and relatives from 12:00 - 2:00 on Wednesday in the funeral home.