Leotha Hardy

Popie Hardy closed her eyes July 9, 2009 at 10:04 P.M and opened them in the presence of her Heavenly Father and Christ Jesus her Lord, who had purchased her as His special treasure so many years ago. She lived for Him and for her family. We rejoice with her as she experiences Christ?s welcome, ?Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter now into the joys of heaven.?

Alzheimer?s disease had taken much of her memory and abilities, but she never lost love, and she never lost the ability to pray. Seemingly unaware of so much around her, she would begin, ?My Precious Heavenly Father,? and the Spirit would pray in a firm and strong voice and with great intelligence. Popie is a shining testimony to the reality of continuing eternal life.

Her life was a love story. She and Heber shared 72 years of ?the two shall be as one.? She lived in the crook of his arm, always protected, always treasured, always happy. To the end, her place of peace was under his wing as he, in turn, stayed steadily under the shadow of the Almighty.

Her children, Beverly and Mark, rise up today and call her blessed. She has been the ultimate in motherhood. Her joy has been to pour out her life in raising and loving her family. Popie has been salt and light. Her prayers have covered her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and continue, even today, to come before the Lord as a sweet-smelling offering. What a beautiful privilege it has been to belong to her.

It would take pages to list her accomplishments and the effect she has had on so many others. Please refer to the 31st chapter of Proverbs to see the list in detail.

Leotha Lela Hardy was born on February 10, 1917, one of twelve siblings born to Harry and Alta Montgomery. She gave her hand to Heber Hardy, October 18, 1936 and gave her heart to the Lord in June of the following year. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Heber Hardy of Potosi; daughter Beverly McColloch and husband John of Potosi; son Mark Hardy and wife Dorothy of Park Hills; grandchildren Shawnee Douglas and husband Jesse of Potosi; John Matt McColloch and wife Sally of Salem; Luke Hardy and wife Christal of Park Hills; Leigh Francis and husband Dan of Mehlville. She also leaves seven great grandchildren, two brothers Leo Montgomery and Jack Montgomery; four sisters Fern Chamanick, Frankie Conway, Ruby Dix and Norma Jean Hopp and a host of other relatives and friends who will sadly miss her.

Leotha was preceded in death by her parents Alta and Harry Montgomery, two sisters Virgilene and Elmyra and three brothers Buss, Edmond and Elmo.

Funeral Services were conducted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at the Potosi Southern Baptist Church with Rev. H. Wayne Isgriggs officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Luke Hardy, Dan Francis, Matt Beach, Dylan Barnett, Jesse Douglas and John Matthew McColloch.

Interment and final prayers were held at Big River Cemetery. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.