Leatha Mae Middleton Obituary (1925 - 2018)

Leatha Middleton, age 93, of Ottumwa, passed away on Thursday evening, December 13, 2018 at Vista Woods Care Center, under the care of Hospice, Serving Davis & Wapello Counties. She was born on September 12, 1925 in Green Castle, MO to Larkin Cecil and Bessie (George) Baskett. Leatha went to a country school named Maple Grove and graduated from High School in Kirksville, MO in 1944. She married Harold Findling on March 15, 1946. They were married for forty-five years, and blessed with four children: Marlyn, Lin, Helen, and Richard. Harold passed away on April 27, 1986. She later married John Henry Middleton in 1991. John passed away on October 5, 2009. Leatha was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Ottumwa. She went to events at Izaak Walton League and was a member of the PTA. She was a campfire leader for the two oldest daughters. Leatha was an avid bowler, and enjoyed square dancing, reading, word search puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Marlyn Copeland, Lin Drumm, Richard Findling, all of Ottumwa; step son, John Middleton Jr. of Kansas City, MO, ten grandchildren, thirty-seven great grandchildren, and thirteen great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Larkin and Bessie Baskett; husbands, Harold Findling, and John Middleton Sr.; daughter, Helen Marie Campbell; one great great grandson, Emmett Lee Williams; two sons-in-law, Phil Drumm, Bruce Copeland; step daughter, Charlotte McSparen, nine brothers, and one sister. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Sinnott Funeral Home in Ottumwa with Pastor Bill Alexander officiating. Burial will follow services in Shaul Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018, opening to the public at 2:00 p.m., and Leatha's family will be present to greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Monday evening at Sinnott Funeral Home in Ottumwa. Memorials may be directed to Plymouth Congregational Church in Ottumwa. Online condolences may be left for the family at sinnottfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted with Sinnott Funeral Home in Ottumwa.