Loretta Louise Leeper

Loretta lived to appreciate life’s adventures, uncertainties, and opportunities. To recall her story, it is not without a good laugh and smile. She was born in Mokane, Missouri, and attended the Old Mokane High School from where she graduated Class of 1951. She grew her family and paved her path professionally with the Fulton State Hospital. She worked various positions, learning, and certifying her trade, until she reached her position as a physician’s assistant. In total, she dedicated 33 years to the hospital, retiring in September of 1995.

Loretta enjoyed the thrill of a spontaneous daytrip, often to see the sights and indulge in the splendor of her favorite winery towns, most notably in Hermann, MO. In her younger years, she ventured abroad, documenting explorations across the country, some of her favorites to include Colorado, Arizona, Kentucky, and Arkansas. Loretta always created excitement at home too. She never missed the opportunity to celebrate, decorating for holidays, and ringing in new seasons with cheer, and Christmas decorations were donned fully around her home.

Family gatherings were always a little tastier at Loretta’s, as her fried chicken and homemade pies were staples on the table. She made a beautiful home working her gardens and tending her lawn. She loved the colors that bloomed across her pansies, lilies, and morning glory trellis. It was the perfect haven for butterflies to visit, a whimsical backdrop for her angel collection, and the perfect retreat for working her crossword puzzles in the evening after supper. When Loretta relocated to call home to Fulton Manor, she made a lasting and joyous impression on the entire community. She cherished the friendships made, the chance to enjoy fellowship and good country music with local performers, and quality visits with her family. Loretta lived, and lived well.

Mrs. Leeper is survived by her children, Brenda Hoover Saxe of Fulton, MO, Robert Gerald Hoover, Jr. (Jeanette) of Dothan, AL, and Nancy Louise Hoover of Auxvasse, MO; grandchildren, Monique Hoover Lopez of St. Augustine, FL, Levi K. Saxe (Megan) of Columbia, MO, Cody K. Saxe (Amy-Louise) of Colorado Springs, CO, Bobbi-Jean Hayes of Bunnell, FL, Ciera Saxe Harris (Michael) of Imperial Beach, CA, and Chastidy Hope Hoover of Auxvasse, MO; great-grandchildren, Reece and Landon Lopez of St. Augustine, FL, Jordan Saxe of Jefferson City, MO, Brandon and Dylan Papaioannou Saxe of Bakersfield, CA, Jackson Saxe of Columbia, MO, Myles Alexander Harris of Imperial Beah, CA, and Karma Pellicer and Aubrey Hoover of Bunnell, FL; sisters, Wilma White and Roberta Garrett both of Fulton, MO, and Delma Dauer (Jack) of Rock Hill, SC; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Leeper; parents, Ray Dean and Blanche Ruth Cheney Litel; and siblings, Mary Stuart, Shirley Peters, Paul “Sonny” Litel, Albert Litel, and Richard Litel.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm at Debo Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 1:30 pm at the funeral home with Bishop Gary Nevels officiating. Burial will be in Callaway Memorial Gardens in Fulton, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251.