Elma Ann Lantz Leaman, 73, of Kingwood, died Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at J.W. Ruby Hospital.
She was born Dec. 19, 1946, in Rowlesburg, a daughter of the late Ersel W. and Evaleen Frances Shaffer Lantz. Her parents were former residents of Rowlesburg.
She was a graduate of Rowlesburg High School, Salem College and did graduate work at the University of Virginia. She retired from Clear Spring Middle School in Washington County, Md., after 35 years of service.
She loved teaching school as she inspired and touched the lives of many children. She also loved antiques, Doo-Wop and anything related to “Gone with the Wind.” With undergraduate work in music, she was known to have a lifetime yearning to play keyboard for either Bruce Springstein or Bob Seger.
In Feb. 2018, she was named a West Virginia History Hero for her outstanding work and significant contributions to the preservation of West Virginia History. She was most proud of that award. Her greatest love was Red Rock, where she was a co-owner of the farm belonging to her great-great-grandmother, Joanah Robinson. Elma enjoyed being a direct, straight shooter. She wanted to leave “no doubt” where one stood with her. She lived by the philosophy, “I Did It My Way.”
She was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, the Maryland Retired School Personnel Association, the Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, the Rowlesburg Historical Society, the Red Hat Society and a trustee of the Red Rock Cemetery Association.
She is survived by two nieces, Amanda Brown and Dawn Gentry, two nephews, S-Sgt. Roger L. Walker, USMC and Donovan Lantz, and several cousins and a lifelong friend, Roxanne Hare.
She was also preceded in death by her loving sister, Frances “Dutch” Lantz, brother, Dale W. Lantz and uncle, Donavon Shaffer.
A private service will be held for the family with interment at the Red Rock Cemetery.
The family knows she had many friends and is looking forward to reading your condolences on the Burke Funeral Home website.
Condolences:
www.burkefuneralhomewv.com
