Leseley J. Simpson

Leseley J. Simpson, age 85, Independence, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at Eagle Estates in Independence. 

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan 8, 2024 at  Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. A private burial in Mount Hope Cemetery will follow. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Independence Children’s Summer Theatre and may be left with the chapel. 

Leseley was born June 30, 1938, to Wesley and Dorothy (Parsons) Adey in Cherryvale. Leseley attended Cherryvale city schools and graduated in 1956. 

Following her high school graduation, she attended Independence Community College and was a cheerleader. Leseley then continued her education and attended Pittsburg State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Also, while attending Pitt State, she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. 

Leseley started teaching career in San Bernardino, Calif., in 1960s. She also taught for one year at a U.S. Army installation in Landstuhl, Germany.

Leseley was a member of the Civic Light Opera in California in the 1960s and ’70s. 

On May 22, 1970, Leseley married Gary Simpson in Las Vegas, Nev. In 1979 they moved back to southeast Kansas where she began teaching in Independence. 

Leseley returned to Pittsburg State University, getting her master’s degree in elementary education in 1992. 

Following her retirement from teaching, Leseley and Gary enjoyed traveling and hanging out by the pool. 

Serving on several Neewollah committees and William Inge Theatre Festival committees, Leseley was also involved with the Independence Children’s Summer Theatre, where she was a founding member. 

Leseley was a member of PEO and a member of the First United Methodist Church, where she also sang in the choir. 

  Leseley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gary; one niece, Melissa Reynolds; and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Finlayson. 

Those left to cherish her memory include one sister, Elizabeth Reynolds, Julie and Steve Crichton, Bethany (Joseph) Taravella, Brady (Taylor) Larson and Ethan Larson. 

To leave a special message for the family, visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.