Shirley Mae Leep

1936 - 2016

Shirley Mae Leep obituary, 1936-2016

BORN

1936

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Heady-Hardy Funeral Home

7710 Dixie Highway

Louisville, Kentucky

Shirley Leep Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 6, 2016.

LEEP, SHIRLEY MAE, 80, lost her sudden battle with cancer and was called home to Heaven on December 6, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years Eugene Leep, her brother Reginald "June" Raggard, sister Doris "Dot" Ford, and parents Reginald and Belle Raggard.

Her family has lost a devoted mother, grandmother great-grandmother, aunt and great aunt. The list of cousins, double-cousins, nieces, nephews and friends touched by Shirley's life cannot be contained in this column.

Shirley grew up in Pleasure Ridge Park as part of the numerous Bailey/Raggard family and was a lifelong member of Beechland Baptist Church. Shirley was a graduate of Valley High School, but she honed her math skills over many nights playing Rook, Double Pinochle and a myriad of other card games with family. It was during these nights where Shirley also gained her affinity for hot black coffee. Anyone who has been to a restaurant with Shirley will know that the HOT part of the coffee was key, as she was quick to inform any waitress when she was served a drink at cooler than 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

Shirley's home was always open to her family and a great many relatives can say they took up residence with the Leeps for a time. Shirley cared for many of the children in the family, a labor which lasted into her final days which were spent with her great-grandchildren.

During the 70's Shirley struck out on her lifelong career at the United States Postal Service. Shirley has many stories of nights spent fulfilling the famous motto that neither rain nor snow could keep her mail couriers from completion of their appointed rounds, including serving for a time as Postmaster of a small Kentucky town. Those present at the time will recall how excited Shirley was when her USPS Early Retirement was announced, a fact which she learned via the nightly news while on a beach vacation.

After retirement Shirley made many new friends while living the "snow-bird" lifestyle. Each year in Texas brought new memories and new card games to play. Shirley and Leep also entertained family and friends for many years in their log cabin at Rough River Lake.

Shirley's only child, Debbie Gibson (Joe); brother Donald Raggard (Frankie); grandchildren, Joey Gibson (Malandra) and Rebecca Gibson; and great-grandchildren, Mara, Graham and Ella Gibson are left behind to cherish her memory while wishing that recipes could taste the same way they did when Mamaw made them.

Service is 12 p.m. Saturday at Heady Hardy Funeral Home with burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Beechland Baptist Church "Living Legacy Fund" 4613 Greenwood Rd., Louisville, KY, 40258 or online at www.beechlandbaptist.org/giving

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Leep

What is your first memory of Shirley?

Share a favorite memory you have of Shirley.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Shirley.

Describe a time when Shirley made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Shirley?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Shirley.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Shirley.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Shirley.

What is something you learned from Shirley?

Not sure what to say?

5 Entries

December 8, 2016

Genia Doyle

Aunt Shirley....You were always a beacon of light, love, strength, endurance to all those lives that you embraced. Now you are embraced by the light of Angels and the love of God and the family members that preceded you. Your family will miss you, but you will continue to be the keeper and watchful guardian of your family from the other side. Love and Memories Forever ...The Marburger/Doyle Family

December 8, 2016

With deepest sympathy, may the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time. Matthew 21:22

December 8, 2016

Will miss you. You very special. Now enjoy be with you love GOD and "Leep". Love Pat and Mike Rhudy

December 8, 2016

May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time Psalms 29:11

December 8, 2016

Jackie Mcgee

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I know she meant a lot to you all

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Shirley Leep's name

Memorial Events
for Shirley Leep

Dec

9

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Heady-Hardy Funeral Home

7710 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40258-1482

Dec

10

Service

12:00 p.m.

Heady-Hardy Funeral Home

7710 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40258-1482

Dec

10

Burial

Louisville Memorial Gardens West

KY

Funeral services provided by:

Heady-Hardy Funeral Home

7710 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40258-1482

How to support Shirley's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Shirley Leep's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more