Leah Kathryn Stauffer Kiesling of Ellwood City died in the Christian faith and in hope of the resurrection to eternal life on the morning of Saturday, January 23, at the age of 99 years. At the time of her death, she was convalescing at Seneca Place in Verona, PA. She was the daughter of the late Howard L. Stauffer, Sr and Katherine E. (Buehler) Stauffer and was born July 9, 1921, in Harmony, Pa.
Leah is survived by her two sons; Terry G. Kiesling (Karen) of Scottsdale, AZ, and Dennis D. Kiesling (Margaret) of Cranston, RI, and one daughter; Kimberly K. Shaffer (Wayne) of Fallston, MD; her grandchildren; Rachael Kiesling Moore of Greensburg, PA, Philip Kiesling of Cranston RI, Renee Kiesling of El Mirage, AZ, Jennifer Kiesling of Scottsdale, AZ, and Matthew Shaffer of Fallston, MD, her great-grandchildren; Victoria Kiesling of Monroeville, PA, Maeve Moore of Greensburg, PA. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
To put her life into perspective, when she was born, the American Civil War was of more recent memory than World War II is today. She was a 1939 graduate of Lincoln High School. She was employed by J. C. Penney Co at the time of her marriage to George Edward Kiesling, on September 5, 1941. Leah was employed by the Ellwood City Federal Savings and Loan Association for thirty years, known to residents today as WesBanco Bank. Leah enjoyed travelling, and her long life afforded her many opportunities to pursue this interest. In addition to weekend excursions to attractions like Niagara Falls and the Amish Country, she embarked on longer trips to destinations like Jamaica, Scandinavia, and Russia. Other pleasures included gardening, reading, antiquing, and visiting family and friends. Her love of adventure and disarming personality always made her a welcome guest and gracious host.Faith in Christ crucified and risen was central to the story of Leah’s life.This is the faith that she embodied in her daily interactions and relationships and this is the faith that will give birth to sight in the kingdom for which she prayed. Leah was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellwood City. Throughout the stages of life, she was an active member of various women’s groups and circles.Leah will be remembered as a devoted wife and loving and beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed as will her kindness, generosity, and patient caring.
Leah was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, George Kiesling; a brother, Howard L. Stauffer, Jr.; and a sister H. Lucille Scheidemantel.
The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation for the care provided Leah by Kathy Tillia, an employee of Home Instead, and to the health professionals at Seneca Place.
Her viewing and Graveside Committal Service will be private to her family only.
Interment will be in English Lutheran Church Cemetery in Zelienople, PA.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Leah’s Memorial Service will be celebrated at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made, in Leah’s name, to Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 207 Spring Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117, the Ellwood City Public Library, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the TURNER FUNERAL HOME located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.
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