Susan Lynn Leach, 74, passed away on June 5, 2026, in Edmond, Oklahoma. She was born on January 31,1952 in Clinton, Iowa to Richard L. and Mildred (Brown) Walter.

At nine months, Susan became sick and was diagnosed with diabetes, close to being in a coma. She spent five to six weeks in a University Hospital in Iowa City. Susan spent her childhood growing up on a farm in Lenox, Iowa. As Susan grew, her life became a ritual of doctors, insulin shots, special diet, and watchful eyes on her blood sugar levels, and through that she decided at a young age that she wanted to become a nurse. Doctors told her that she couldn't be a nurse because of her diabetes, which was a blow to her dreams. But she was determined to fill her dream and one doctor said he thought she would be a great nurse and after graduating from Lenox High School in 1970 he signed her recommendation letter to nursing school at Bishop Clarkson School of Nursing in Omaha, Nebraska. Susan received her nursing cap on January 30,1972.

In 1974, Susan married Gilbert Yates and two children were born to that union, Jennifer and Christopher. In 1994, Susan married J.R. Leach & doubled her family with J.R.'s two boys. Susan and J.R. were devoted scout leaders and enjoyed many camp trips and scouting adventures for many years.

Susan continued her work as an RN until 2001 when a severe injury ended her nursing career, which was her biggest disappointment. After a long recovery and rehab she became the outreach coordinator for the First Baptist Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. Susan loved God and her family most of all and spent many hours deeply reading the bible and studying scripture growing stronger in her faith.

Susan is proceeded in death by her parents Richard and Mildred, and brother David. She is survived by her husband of 34 years J.R.; sisters Jeanne and husband Jerry Masters of Dover, AR, Janis and husband Tom Christensen of Lenox, IA, brothers Mark and wife Juliann Walter of Manson, IA, Dr. John & wife Jane Walter of Tarkio, MO.; her four children Jennifer Yates of Okarche, Christopher and wife Erica of Seminole, Clint Leach of Stillwater, Christopher Leach of Guthrie, father-in-law Darrell and wife Corrine Leach of Guthrie, brothers-in-law Mike Leach of Guthrie, Kevin Leach of Maysville, as well as ten grandchildren and a host of extended family and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

In lieu of flowers, family ask that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org) the American Heart Association (heart.org), or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Hayes Funeral Home from 12:00 - 7:00 P.M. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Hayes Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Memorial Park Cemetery in Guthrie.