Leatha Hale

Leatha M. Hale age 85, entered eternal rest on February 10, 2024 in Merriville Indiana. She was born June 12, 1938 in Wyatt, Missouri. The youngest of 9 siblings, she was born minutes after her twin sister. She and her twin Reatha, have always shared a special bond.

Leatha, affectionally known as “Fat”, was a woman of faith, confessing Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age.

After graduating from Charleston High School in Missouri, she moved to Chicago Heights, IL and married Charles Hale.

Leatha later moved to Chicago with her 2 daughters and worked briefly for Montgomery Wards.  After earning an Associate Degree in Accounting, she began her career at the Internal Revenue Service where she worked diligently until retirement. After some time, she and her daughters moved to Gary Indiana and joined Peter's Rock Baptist Church where she worshiped and served faithfully.

Leatha dearly loved her extended family and looked forward with excitement each time she was able to gather with them, creating lasting memories.

A diva and queen of fashion, she also enjoyed shopping and accessorizing. After retiring from the IRS, she worked part time at the retail Store Carson Pirie Scott, where she enjoyed assisting ladies with make-up and accessories. As a true Chicago sports fan, she cheered on the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears, with excitement. She enjoyed attending zumba classes and line dancing and she found peace and joy in nurturing her beautiful flowers and tending to her vegetable garden.

Leatha was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Her two daughters, two granddaughters, and great- grandson, were the joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, W.T. Sr. and Lucinda Crenshaw, her oldest daughter, Sheila Hale, and seven older siblings.

She leaves to cherish her memories - daughter, Valda (Glen) Adams, granddaughters, Ebony Adams-Walker and Tiffany Adams, great-grandson Christopher Walker, twin sister Reatha Johnson, loving cousin, Monica “Ernestine” Koehn; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of having her in their lives.

Friends may call Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 12:00 noon for graveside services at Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston, Missouri.