Leah was born on Sept. 12, 1924, in Parsons to Harold and Ruby Caulkins.
She married Theodore (Ted) Edward Buckland Jr. in 1952 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a minor in English from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg. She taught P.E. at numerous high schools and junior colleges in Kansas, Missouri and Florida. After moving to Texas, she continued her career as an instructor, working at a variety of schools in the Panhandle, including Stephen F. Austin Junior High and Girlstown, U.S.A. In her mid-60s, she returned to college at West Texas A&M University to expand her education.
Loyal in her faith, Leah was an active member in Borger’s First Presbyterian Church. A leader in the church, she was elected on multiple occasions to serve as an elder, worked as a teacher in both Sunday school and vacation Bible school, and was highly devoted to her work in women’s ministries on a local, regional and national level. She was involved in Girl Scouts of America, acting as both participant and leader over the years.
She will be remembered as a woman of great strength and determination who had a fierce love for her family and friends ... and a good crossword puzzle. She cherished time with her loved ones and worked hard to promote family ties. In her free time, she was an avid football fan, particularly for her prized Pittsburg State Gorillas. She loved to read, especially murder mysteries and poetry books, and had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel.
She is survived by her children, Teddy Buckland of Stinnett, Texas, Sandra Farr of Stinnett, Texas, and Linda Lanier of Phoenix; grandchildren, Eric, Brittany, Mandy, Ben, Jamie, Ruth Ann, Robin, John and Christina; great-grandchildren, Jade, Lauren, Michelangelo and Brody; her sister, Rosie Stocker; a nephew, Stephen Stocker of Parsons; two great-nieces, April Amos and Callie Carpenter, both of Parsons; and a great-great-nephew, Emery Curtis of Parsons.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ted Buckland; her daughter, Katie Irene; and her great-granddaughter, Lily.
The service was on Saturday morning at First Presbyterian Church in Borger. Minton-Chatwell Funeral Home, Borger, Texas, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to Texas Special Olympics, 203 Southwest Eighth Ave. No. 14026, Amarillo, TX 79101 or www.sotx.org.
Post a Comment