Janice Kay McLeavy, 82, passed away March 27, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Lakewood, Colorado, following a short illness. She was born April 3, 1941, in Hutchinson, Kansas to John J. and Vida (Thomas) Russell. She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1959 and Kansas State University in 1963 with a B.S. in Elementary Education.
Janice married Robert G. McLeavy on Aug. 4, 1963, at the South Hutchinson Methodist Church, their wedding being the first held in the newly-completed sanctuary of the church. She and Bob then moved to Denver, CO, where she began a teaching career of over thirty years at Allendale Elementary School in the Jefferson County School District of suburban Denver. She retired in 1995 with the designation of Master Teacher, having impacted the lives of over 700 students.
Retirement allowed Jan to pursue more of her hobbies and interests. Gardening from the first green sprout of spring to the first frost brought her great joy. She was an outstanding cook who was always reading cookbooks and watching culinary shows for new ideas and recipes. Jan was an avid baseball fan and loved attending Colorado Rockies’ games and Spring Training. Nature in its many forms fascinated her, whether it was watching the birds and observing deer in the backyard, or enjoying the mountain peaks of Colorado and exploring the Jeep trails of Moab, UT, with Bob.
Jan is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Bob McLeavy of Golden, CO, her brother, Ronald T. Russell of South Hutchinson, KS, four nieces and nephews, and other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Vida Russell and her parents-in-law J.C. and Millicent McLeavy.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Foothills Animal Shelter, care of Mt. Olivet Funeral Services, 12801 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.