Cynthia Ann Leach

Leach, Cynthia “Cindy” Ann (Mohley). Age 80, of Athens, died on December 6, 2022, after a series of health issues. Cindy was born on June 26, 1942 to the late Elwood and Mary Kathryn (Yeagley) Mohley of Sherwood, Ohio. She graduated from Fairview High School in 1960, and went on to attend Miami University in Ohio, receiving her bachelor’s degree in education.

Upon graduation, Cindy moved to Michigan after being recruited by Battle Creek Central High School (“BCCHS”) to teach shorthand, typing, and other business-related topics. While at BCCHS she met fellow teacher Robert Leach, who eventually became her best friend and husband. After marrying, Cindy transferred to Pennfield High School, where she taught for five years. Upon starting a family, Cindy began teaching business part-time at Kellogg Community College, and went back to school to earn her master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

Eventually, Cindy made a career change and became the first in-house accountant at the Battle Creek Community Foundation, serving 16 years before transitioning to the Athens Area Community Foundation (“AACF”), where she was eventually promoted to Manager. While at the AACF, Cindy founded the Athens Farmers Market, initiated a community adult exercise class, opened an Athens’ Helping Hands Fund to support community needs, and assisted the AACF in reaching one million dollars in assets. She was also finance lead of the Community Foundation Alliance of Calhoun County, which granted over three million dollars to nonprofit organizations. Cindy and her husband opened the Robert A. and Cynthia A. Leach Adult Education Fund, which supports students who are pursuing post-secondary education. She retired in January 2019 after 28 years of Community Foundation employment.

In addition to her extensive career accomplishments, Cindy was a devoted wife, mother, Christian, public servant, and lover of the arts. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, and cooking meals from scratch for her family. She was active in the First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek for many decades and continued in the Partners in Prayer group until the present. When she and her husband moved to Athens, she joined the Athens United Methodist Church, where she served on the Pastor Parish Committee, the Finance Committee, and worked at/organized many sales, bazaars, and the summer homecoming. Cindy was the President of the Junior League of Battle Creek and received the Sustainer of the Year Award. She was also Board President of the Volunteer Bureau, a member of the Athens/Union City Lion’s Club, and a board member of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. Cindy played the piano and sang in churches and other venues. She enjoyed playing Bridge, going to concerts and attending the theater, most especially the Barn Theater, where she was a life-long season-ticket holder. Her favorite TV shows were Antiques Roadshow and Young Sheldon.

In addition to her other pursuits, Cindy had an antique and collectibles business with her husband, Bob. They sold at antique shows, malls, online, and at one time were co-owners of Marshall Town and Country Antiques in Marshall, MI.

Cindy was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Robert Leach, and sisters Barbara Mohley and Nancy Agler. She is survived by her son, Todd Leach of Port Saint Lucie, FL; daughter, Tanya Leach (Brian Ramnath) of New York, NY; sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Liz) Fullerton of Jackson, MI; nephew, Troy (Roxana) Agler of Chicago, IL; great-nieces Ariana and Katie Agler of Chicago, IL; and many beloved cousins and cousins-in-law.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Kempf Funeral Home, Battle Creek.

A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Athens United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Battle Creek.

Condolences can be left for the family at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be made to the Athens Area Community Foundation, Robert A. and Cynthia A. Leach Adult Education Fund, P.O. Box 205, Athens, MI 49011, or at https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2229&sorg_id=1000