Perna Ruth Leach, age 85, of the Fairview Community

Perna Ruth (Fredericks) Leach, age 85, of the Fairview Community of Whitley County, Kentucky, passed away Monday evening, April 10, 2023, at the Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on December 30, 1937, to the late Charles Fredericks and Beatrice (Siler) Fredericks in the Fairview Community.

As a child, she placed the first penny in the “Penny March” in the “new” Fairview Baptist Church which her father helped to found and build.  Ruth, and her fiancé, Bill, were the first couple married in the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church.  They were married on July 18, 1959, and subsequently moved to Cincinnati area.

Ruth had already graduated from Cumberland College which was then a two-year institution.  A few years later, she received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1973.

Ultimately, she received the Master of Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati in 1985.  She retired from the Loveland, Ohio School System in 1996, after working approximately 30 years.

During retirement, she really enjoyed tutoring several children.  She also enjoyed reading, bike riding, and crossword puzzles.  Eventually, Ruth and Bill, along with their son, David, moved back home to Whitley County.
Her sister, Sarah Fredericks, had served as church clerk for 50 years and Ruth was honored to assume that position upon Sarah’s request.

Ruth was a faithful member of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, and trusted in the Lord with all her heart, and truly looked forward to going home to be with the Lord.

In addition to her husband of nearly 50 years, Bill D. Leach, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sarah Fredericks; four brothers, Earl Fredericks, G. L. Fredericks, Paul Fredericks, James Carl Fredericks, and infant sister and brother, Mary, age 3, and J. B., age 14months; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe L. Leach and Geneva (Jones)Leach, and brother-in-law, E. G. Leach.

She is survived by her son, David Alan Leach, of Williamsburg; two sisters, Anna Mae Collins, of Augusta, Georgia, and Charlotte Bays, and husband, Larry, of Loveland, OH; brother, Charles Kelly Fredericks, of the Fairview Community, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; her church family at Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, and a host of friends of all ages, neighbors, and other relatives who will always remember her fondly.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday afternoon, April13, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Cox & Son Funeral Home Chapel.

The funeral will immediately follow on Thursday afternoon, April 13, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cox & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ronald Wilson, Bro. Larry Bays, and Rev. Paul Anglin officiating.

Pallbearers will be Elvis Lawson, Brandon Lawson, Peyton Lawson, Richard Leach, Steven Blaylock, Michael Arnstead, and Tyler Lawson.

Interment will follow the funeral service in the Clearfork Baptist Church Cemetery located on Highway 1804 in Whitley County, KY.

Cox & Son Funeral Home of Jellico is in charge of all arrangements.

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