Lenda Kay (Gibler) Leavell, 79, Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away May 21, 2023, at home. She was born September 17, 1943, in Grain Valley, Missouri, the daughter of Clinton Brooks Gibler and Lottie Mae (Crawford) Gibler. She was a graduate of Grain Valley High School, class of 1961 and attended Central Missouri State University. Kay was a breast cancer survivor and worked as cafeteria manager for the Blue Springs school district.  She cherished her family and had much joy watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren growing over the years. When health issues limited her mobility, she continued to enjoy their growth and accomplishments via social media and outings for birthdays and holidays. She was excited to see advances in careers, graduations, births, children’s firsts, and most recently, the knowledge of another great-granddaughter coming. She married John Edward Leavell, the love of her life, on January 7, 1964, in Independence, MO, and his care and love allowed her to spend her final days in the home.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by brother Maurice Gibler, children John Edward Leavell Jr. (Suzee), Mark David Leavell (Billy), Michael Steven Leavell (Amy) and Melissa Lynn Woolridge (Joseph); Ten grandchildren Brian, Garrett (Kaylin), Alex (Emma), Maggie, Joey (Kaleigh), Eli (Nina), Graham (Jacqueline), Jackie, Jessy (Troy) and Christian; and eight great-grandchildren Lorelei, Kingston, Elijah, Ireland, Reid, Leon, Lilah, and Collins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Lottie Gibler; siblings Malcolm Gibler, Louise Gibler Huggins, Clinton Gibler Jr, Kenneth Gibler, and Denzil Gibler; grandchildren John Taylor Leavell and Sarah Elizabeth Perry.

Funeral services will be held Friday June 9, 2023, at Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley MO. Family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 PM with a life remembrance celebration to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to The American Cancer Society to help fight breast cancer and support survivors.

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO   816-847-4441