Julia Ruth Leatherman

Julia Ruth (Steiner) Leatherman passed away at Greencroft Healthcare, Goshen, IN, on Thursday, August 29, 2024. 

She was born on September 13,1934, to Ray and Letha (Miller) Steiner. She was the third of six children, who lived on a 120-acre farm located near Sterling, Ohio.

Julia received her nursing degree from Goshen College. She married David Leatherman on June 26, 1955. David and Julia had four children: Duane (Nancy Kuhns), Diane (Richard Yoder), Ronald (Miriam Santiago), and Lee (Donna Parcell). There are eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dr. James Steiner; sister, Joan (Steiner) Lehman; and son, Duane Leatherman.

Julia obtained a master’s and doctorate degrees in nursing. Her nursing skills were used in a variety of settings such as the birthing floor in Elkhart Hospital, doctors’ offices and clinics, the Association for the Disabled of Elkhart County, Elkhart County Health Department, and First Steps. Julia used her gifts of nursing, administration skills and hospitality to serve others. 

During retirement, David and Julia served short-term missions in Mexico, Bangladesh, Kenya and India, where she taught nursing at hospitals and schools of nursing. 

Julia was a long-term leader of Bible Study Fellowship. David and Julia helped start Sunnyside Mennonite Church, where they were actively involved for many years. Recently, they attended Waterford Mennonite Church as they were able.

In recent years, Julia experienced a different stage of life, dealing with memory loss.

A memorial service will be held at the chapel at Greencroft Healthcare on Saturday, September 7, 2024, with visitation from 2:00-4:00 PM. The service will begin at 4:00 PM.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with her care.

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