Bernice Leach

Wanda Bernice Leach, lovingly known as Bernice, was born on April 17, 1930 in Stroud, Oklahoma. She was the second of four children born to Arthur Clarence Ruth and Mary Elizabeth Hughes. Susan McCullough Pearce, Evelyn Edwards Leach and Art Ruth comprised the rest of the Ruth family. They migrated to California in 1936 and made their home in Madera. 
As a young girl in high school, Bernice learned to play the piano and organ. She was able to practice and strengthen this skill when her family moved to a home that had a piano. Bernice played the piano and organ for many years at Grace Assembly Church in Madera.

Bernice was playing the piano when the love of her life, Kenneth “K.O.” Leach first laid eyes on her in church. They married on August 31, 1947 and remained married for 75 years, until K.O. passed in August 2022. K.O. and Bernice were proud parents to Timothy Alan Leach, Laurel Janette Leach Lewis and Elizabeth Carol Leach Earls. Later they became grandparents to seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren. Truly blessings from the Lord!

Even while mothering her children, Bernice was always available to help K.O. on the dairy and later, on the farm. On any given day, she could be found milking cows, tending chickens and caring for the different animals. In the early 1970’s, Bernice traded her boots for heels when she became store owner and operator to Mode O’Day/Fashion Crossroads. She owned the store for 25 years. 

Bernice partnered with K.O. in setting the expectation that their children would attend college. This echoed to their grandchildren and beyond. Bernice was an active participant in the raising of her grandchildren and could often be found playing Barbies with her granddaughters or helping them put on fashion shows. 

Bernice truly lived her faith. She was kind and generous and loved sharing with others. She shared her musical talent and helped teach others how to read and play music. Bernice encouraged all her grandchildren to walk in faith and live generously. A couple days before she passed, she shared with her granddaughter that she was ready to be with Jesus. 

Bernice was a respected successful business woman. She was a wife of noble character and a loving mother. She welcomed everyone in her home; she would never turn anyone away. Bernice graciously served others. She took much pride in her family and had great love for everyone.

Bernice was preceded in death by her eldest child, Timothy Alan Leach and her husband, K.O. Leach. She is survived by her daughters Janette Lewis and Carol Earls, sister Evelyn Edwards Leach, many beloved nieces, nephews, grandchildren and church family. 

Private graveside services will be held.

A memorial service will be held for Bernice on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 11:00 am at Valley West Christian Center in Madera.