Anna Ruth Leenheer 1919-2025

She was born July 13, 1919, in McDonald, the daughter of Teresa Fratzuly Filipan-Petkovich and Joseph Filipan, who both came to America from Croatia in 1908, and stepdaughter of Nicholas Petkovich.

Anna graduated from McDonald High School, McDonald, in 1937. She grew up in the Hilltop area of McDonald.

She worked at Packard Electric, where she inspected spark plugs and wiring harnesses during WWII.

She was married to Edward Leenheer, originally from Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 5, 1942, and they celebrated 46 years of marriage before he passed.

She was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner at Christ Our Savior Parish-St. Nicholas Church, Struthers, for most of her adult life.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Anna was a fabulous baker and loved making delicious cookies, pies, cakes, kolachi and strudel. She loved attending Mass weekly and for decades prayed the Rosary daily, and was always keeping the needs of others in her prayers. She prided herself on keeping a spotless home while she lovingly cared for her family. She rekindled her passion for polka dancing through her 70s and 80s, making many new friends at the SNPJ, Avon Oaks and other senior dance halls. She was a great homemaker and gave her all as a wife, mother and friend.

She is survived by her four sons, William Leenheer of Norwood, Colorado, Thomas (Cathy) Leenheer of Zelienople, Pa., Leonard (Barbara) Leenheer of Parma and Ronald (Victoria) Leenheer of Struthers; nine grandchildren, Chandra Leenheer, Christina (Anthony) Augustine, Thomas (Christy) Leenheer, Joseph (Jana) Leenheer, Kristen (Grant) Burcham, Brian (Samantha) Leenheer, Mark (Alexandra) Leenheer, Corey (Sarah) Higham and Justin (Kinsey) Higham; 19 great-grandchildren; and several dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Leenheer, who passed Oct. 14, 1988; sister, Josephine (Jay) Pavlacich; brothers, Raymond, Ignatius and Martin Filipan; two stepchildren, Edward Leenheer (Dolly) and Joan Utley; and one miscarried great-grandchild, Noa Maris Leenheer.

Anna so appreciated all the friends and family that sent her cards, flowers, prayers and gifts over the years.

The family thanks the staff at Shepherd of the Valley-Poland and Hospice of the Valley for their gentle concern and professional care for Anna during the last few weeks of her life.

Burial arrangements have been placed to the trusting care of Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers.

Calling hours will be 9 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at Christ Our Savior Parish-St. Nicholas Church, 764 Fifth St., Struthers, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Thomas Kraszewski officiating. A Final Committal will be held at the church at the end of Mass.

Internment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boardman.

This obituary will be viewed and condolences sent at www.ClementeFuneralHomes.com.

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