Notifications

No notifications
We will send an invite after you submit!
  • Helping hands

    In lieu of flowers

    Please consider a gift to Vail Veterans Foundation.
  • Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Elissa's obituary

Elissa Suzanne Leonard, born on December 26, 1970, in Anaheim, California, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, in Huntsville, Alabama, at the age of 54.

Elissa is survived by her devoted husband, Steve; her twin daughters, Heidi and Annika; her son, Jackson; her loving parents, DeAnn and Ben Pruett; and her sister, Tara Kyrk.

Elissa earned a bachelor's degree in politics from Washington and Lee University. She built a distinguished career as a communications and public affairs specialist, serving on the congressional staff and working for the White House. Her dedication led her to serve in various departments, including State, Education, and Labor.  She completed a tour in Iraq, where her exceptional service was recognized with the Defense Joint Civilian Service Award for meritorious achievement.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Elissa was a loving wife and mother who poured her heart into her family. She was an active member of her community and was known for her cheerful personality and willingness to volunteer her time to help others.

A memorial service will be held at Asbury Church in Madison, Alabama, on February 2, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a veteran's charity, a cause that Elissa deeply valued.

Elissa's warmth and dedication touched the lives of many. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.  

Print this obituary

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Want to stay updated?

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a gift to Vail Veterans Foundation.
$750.00
Raised by 7 people

Recent contributions

$250.00
Peter Schmidt
$50.00
Peter Jewson
$100.00
Sam and Barb Heth
See all contributionsRight arrow

Recent contributions

$250.00
Peter Schmidt
$50.00
Peter Jewson
$100.00
Sam and Barb Heth
See all contributionsRight arrow
Flower

Send flowers

Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Elissa's family or funeral.

Memories & condolences

A fine and fun person, a superb student, who served honorably in our W&L Washington Term Program, then went on to even …
A fine and fun person, a superb student, who served honorably in our W&L Washington Term Program, t…
A fine and fun person, a superb student, who served honorably in…
She was young and lovely. She and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers 
She was young and lovely. She and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers 
She was young and lovely. She and her family will be in my thoug…
My sincere condolences to you and your family. May you feel God's comfort and may Elissa"s memories be a blessing.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. May you feel God's comfort and may Elissa"s memories…
My sincere condolences to you and your family. May you feel God'…
I am praying for your family.  I was able to see Elissa many, many times at Heritage as she was so devoted to her kids.…
I am praying for your family.  I was able to see Elissa many, many times at Heritage as she was so …
I am praying for your family.  I was able to see Elissa many, ma…

Share your memories

Post a photo, tell a story, or leave your condolences.

Get grief support

Connect with others in a formal or informal capacity.
×

Stay in the loop

Elissa Leonard