LeaAnn A. Kays

LeaAnn Kays, of Sparta, NJ passed away at home surrounded by her close family on November 1, 2024, following a brief illness. She was 79. LeaAnn was the loving wife of Hugh Kays for 60 years and grammie to Wyatt Ulrich whom they both raised. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. Also, she would listen to people's problems just so they had someone to talk to and was a mentor to some transplant patients.

LeaAnn was born at home in West Nicholson, PA on October 20, 1945 to her parents Charles and Julia (Johnson) Mack, who she will now meet in heaven again. She was raised with three brothers, Robert, Fred, and David Mack and two sisters, Marylin (Barlip), and Linda (Bennett). She was in the Graduating Class of 1963 which was the 1st class at the Newly Built Sparta High School (1959) which went all 4 years. She was one of the longest living Liver Transplant patients.

LeaAnn worked as an office manager for Sparta dental for many years before retiring. After a while, she got bored and started working as a bus aide for the Sparta Board of Education transportation department. Because she loved having people around and cooking, LeaAnn enjoyed holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was also a fan of jigsaw puzzles. Hugh, Wyatt, and LeaAnn would escape to their cabin in PA, where they would meet up with Marylin and Tom. She enjoyed watching her grandsons, Charlie, Cody, and Cole play and swim in the pool even though she herself hated the water.

Predeceased by her parents, Charles and Julia Mack, brothers, Robert Mack of Hampton, NJ and Fred Mack of Forest Lake, PA, sister, Marylin Barlip of Greenwich Township, PA, and her grandson Cody Ulrich of Sparta, NJ, she is survived by her husband Hugh, great grandson, Wyatt Ulrich, daughters, Julie Ulrich, with husband Charlie of Sparta, NJ, Kathy Kays of Scranton, PA, and Frances Campbell of Delaware. Also her Grandson Charlie Ulrich lll of Charlotte, ME and Cole Ulrich of Sparta, NJ. She also leaves behind a sister Linda Bennett of Sandyston, NJ a brother David Mack wife Kay of Friendsville, PA. Her Brother In Laws George Kays wife Jane of Sandyston, NJ and Robert Kays and wife Linda of Callicoon, NY. Also 2 grandson and 1 granddaughter and 4 great grandsons.

A memorial visitation for LeaAnn will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, NJ 07871. Contributions in her memory may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice.