In 1994 the Leaf family moved next door to us.  Patti and our daughter Kathryn became fast friends.  Chris and I raised our families together. Jessie and Allie babysat Kathryn. Kathryn considers Chris her “second mom”. Our families did life together.  I have many fond me memories of each of them.

Chris was a warrior.  She fought cancer with faith, courage, optimism and grace. Hers was a life well lived, she was deeply loved and thus greatly mourned. My family’s lives were blessed by having her in it. You are missed, sweet friend. 😘😘

Patti’s bridal shower at my home (Allie, Patti, Chris, Jessie) — with Allie and Patti Agard

I am so sorry for your loss Duane.  I was so blessed to know Chris through you.  She had such a kind heart with a warrior spirit....an amazing person.  Not to mention she made the most delicious baked goods.

What a wonderful memory. Enjoying an evening at the ballpark during a TRRWA event.

My name is Judy Walter, I’m Duane’s sister.  I actually met Chris before Duane!  Chris and I were both freshmen living in the same dorm at Eastern Illinois University, where Duane was also a student.  On the very first day of class, I was making my way to Chemistry when I noticed a girl headed the same way.  We started talking, and she was so friendly, so nice, and she had the most beautiful welcoming smile.  It was Chris!  We got to class, and within minutes I realized I was in way over my head.  I looked over at Chris, and she was taking very detailed notes, nodding her head, and even raised her hand to answer a question!  After class I told her I was going to have to drop the class, and she said “No, I’ll help you, we can study together!”  All this from a very kind person I had literally just met!  I was taking the class to fulfill a requirement, but Chris was a serious science student using it as a stepping stone to getting a degree in Chemistry.  But I knew that no amount of coaching or cheerleading was going to help me, even from a brainiac like Chris!  Luckily my replacement course met at the same time in the same building, so we continued to become friends.  Cut ahead a few years, I was living in an off-campus apartment and Duane asked if he could stay there during break when the dorms were closed, as he had a job and had to stay.  I said of course!  He invited over a girl he’d been seeing, and she was looking at some photos.  She said” That’s my friend Judy - I wonder if she lives here?”  To which Duane replied “That’s my sister!” Chris said “That’s not possible, it’s my friend Judy…”. Turns out both were true❤️.  We all know what happened next, they fell in love, got married, and raised a beautiful family together.  But I can say I’ve got bragging rights that I met the amazing, brilliant, kind, generous, supportive Chris first!  She was an incredible person, a much loved addition to our family, and we’ll all miss her forever ❤️

Duane, sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. She was valiant throughout her long battle and now rests in peace. My condolences to you & the kids.

So sorry for your loss, and grateful for the impact Chris' life had on so many. 

We are so sad for you Duane, and all the kids and grandkids. You all were so blessed to have such an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. 

Wedding — with Dwayne and Paula Beyer and Duane and Chris Leaf

My heart goes out to you Duane and all my Grandchildren  Chris will be always remembered.

Love, Mom

With our love, Deb and Tom

Your friendship will always be cherished! 

Howard & Lynn

I’m sorry for the tremendous loss for your family. She was very loved. 

I was so sorry to hear of Chris' passing.  She was always positive, regardless of what was going on around her.   She will be missed.

I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.  I would be honored to attend her service.

My condolences to Chris's family. I first met Chris when I was a freshman at Eastern Illinois University and we were both chemistry majors. Being chemistry majors we would take numerous classes together every semester and we would spend much time both studying together and also socializing together. She was both very intelligent but also a great friend. I was very much privileged to spend almost four years having her as a friend to navigate what was a difficult but very satisfying journey being a chemistry major in college.

After college we lost touch for many years, but just a few months ago we were able to reconnect. I feel very blessed that was able to happen before her passing. She was the same intelligent, caring, joyful person that I knew in college and I very much  enjoyed talking and texting with her during these last couple of months. Even though she was having very serious health problems she enquired and asked about myself and the health of my wife (who has also had some health problems) every time we spoke.

I just wanted to let family know that I am sending them my thoughts and prayers on receiving the sad news of her passing. Thank you.

So sorry for your loss! Prayers for you all during this difficult time…miss you all!

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the memories bring you some comfort and peace as you remember the beautiful life of your mom. She definitely lives on through you.

Much love,

Penny

So sorry for the loss of your sweet Mom. Sending love and prayers 🙏🏻

Patti, 

So very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers. ♥️

I can't pick just one story of Chris - she was just constantly a presence for us girls every time we got together at the Leaf house. She let us have bonfires out back, play horses for hours in the living room, and let us all sleep over despite having three other young kids she was trying to NOT have up all night. Chris's love and laugh were passed on to her kids who continue to make everyone feel as Chris did - accepted, loved, and like you're right where you need to be. 

Mrs. Leaf was like my second mom. Words can not describe the impact she had on my life. She was a warrior with a heart full of love. She will be missed. I’ll always be her Katie Girl.