LEAF, Helen Rodgers
Source: The Neighbor, June 30, 2008, pg A3
ATTICA — Helen R. (Rodgers) Leaf, 100, Attica, died in the Woodland Manor Nursing Center, Attica, on Saturday, June 28, 2008, at 7:50 a.m. Helen was born in Mound Township of Warren County, on April 2, 1908. She was the daughter of the late Peter M. and Martha (Cronkhite) Rodgers. Helen graduated from Covington High School. She began teaching school at age 17 in Mound Township of Warren County. She taught at Foster and Gopher Hill, later receiving her BA degree in the College of Arts and Sciences from Indiana University in 1931, majoring in mathematics. She also taught in Judyville, El Paso, Ill. and Prospect Heights, Ill., where she retired in 1973. She began teaching in one-room schools and taught math, physics and English in High School, but was most proud of teaching first graders to read. Helen enjoyed traveling in her Airstream travel home. She had traveled to Central America, Mexico and Alaska along with the continental United States. On March 23, 1934, Helen married G. Owen Leaf in Chicago. He preceded her in death on October 14, 1971. Surviving are two sons, Ronald (Jimma) Leaf, Crystal Lake, Ill.; Daniel O. (Barbara) Leaf, Attica; two daughters, Shari Lee Bolander, Rapid City, S.D.; Judith Ann Leaf, Attica; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Steven Leaf; a great-granddaughter, Sarah Markstein, six sisters, Mabel Bradbum, Nellie Siddens, Mary Rodgers, Ruth French, Dorothy Hickman and Frances Ricketts; five brothers, Stanley, Frank, Hubert, Golden and Ray Rodgers. Friends may call at the Maus Funeral Home, Attica, on Wednesday, from 12 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. with Donald French officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica. On line condolences may be sent to www.mausfuneralhome.com. – jlr