LaRetha J. "Lee" Leyman

LaRetha J. “Lee” Leyman, age 92, of Monticello, passed away at 11:05 p.m. (June 19, 2013) at White Oak Health Campus, Monticello, Indiana. A private graveside burial will be held Monday (June 24, 2013) in Funk Cemetery, Huntington County, Indiana Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to The Y.W.C.A of Cortland 14 Clayton Avenue, Cortland NY, 13045. Lee was born May 9, 1921, in Huntington County. She is the daughter of Albert L. and Veda Blanche (Wetters) Leyman. She graduated in 1938 from Bippus High School. Lee received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education and Physical Education at Ball State University in 1942, her Master of Science degree in Physical Education from Indiana University in 1951 and a PhD in 1955 from Indiana University. Lee taught physical education in public schools in Lebanon, Rochester and South Bend communities from 1942-1955, she was a Professor in the Physical Education Department at the State University of New York at Cortland from 1955-1985 and during her tenure the PE department enrollment increased from 500 - 1,200. She retired as Professor Emeritus of Physical Education, SUNY Cortland in 1985. Lee provided leadership for Indiana League High School Girls Athletic Associations, was a designated member of the Delta Kappa Gamma an International Society for Key Women Educators. Lee was a founding member, former president and vice-president of Cortland’s Winning Way Investment Club. Lee was a Board Member from 2003-2009 for the SUNY Cortland-Cortland College Foundation and provided two Women’s Scholarship in Physical Education. Lee was a YWCA Volunteer and Benefactor. In the 1980’s she volunteered to help with the YWCA’s Bargain Box, a used-clothing fundraiser that operated most of the year, she served as a YWCA Trustee and was the treasurer for 15 years. Lee was Co-Chair and Major donor in the “More Than You Imagine” capital campaign, which had a $3 million goal. She was honored with the naming of a YWCA facility, The Dr. LaRetha “Lee” Leyman Aquatic Center. After Lee retired, she enjoyed traveling with Elderhostel on many occasions, volunteered with the NYS Senior Games and the Cortland County Convention and Tourism Bureau and assisted with hundreds of senior citizen’s tax returns through a program jointly sponsored by the IRS and the American Association of Retired Persons. Lee was known as a quiet leader, thoughtful friend and an “ultimate goodwill ambassador”. Lee is survived by her sister - Lavonne (Dick) Leyman Goebel Haines of Huntington; two nephews - Richard (Michele) Goebel of Monticello and Robert K. Goebel of Franklin; a niece - Melony G. (Dave) Nicoli of Glenwood, Maryland; a great-nephew - Kyle Goebel; two great-nieces - Heidi (Jason) Goebel Gregory and Heather (Timothy) Goebel Hatch. Her parents precede her in death.

LaRetha J. "Lee" Leyman

May 9, 1921 - June 19, 2013