Carol Ann "Rusty" Leach was born October 26, 1945, to Robert Aloicious Cornelius and Florence Pearl Smith in Summit, New Jersey.  She departed this life February 3, 2025, at the age of 79.

She graduated from Grosse Ile High School in Michigan and later attended Central Area Vo Tech to complete her certification to become a licensed practical nurse.

On November 21, 1969, Carol Ann Smith and Robert Andrew Leach were united in marriage.  From this union were born two children, Jennifer Joan and Max Andrew.

Rusty worked as a LPN for Hillcrest Medical Center in the burn center for many years.  She was a member of the Bristow First United Methodist Church where she served as the choir director for a few years.  She loved music and sang in a trio called "Spiritual Connection" with Gina Eslick Cathy Darnell and Susie Howard. One of her greatest passions was being involved in the prayer Shawl ministry that she began at the Methodist Church in Bristow.

She had many other interests as well, such as knitting, sewing, baking, swimming and watching birds. She had a great sense of humor and had a genuine love for people especially her family.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Robert Leach; two children, Jennifer Joan Leach, Max Andrew Leach and wife Allison; eight grandchildren, Alexandra Hays and husband Olis, Courtney Leach, Stevenson Hayes, Maggie Leach, Jamison Mejia, Jaxton Mejia, Penelope Leach, and Vera Leach; one great great grandchild, Huxley Hays.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Sandra Rigabar.

Funeral services are scheduled 2:00PM, Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Bristow First United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow at the Bristow City Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Hutchins Maples Matherly Funeral Home.