Leatrice Joy Pope, 79, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, went to be with the Lord Saturday, January 23, 2010, at 8:24 a.m. in her home. She was born May 31, 1930, in Bellefontaine to the late Alva and Oleta McAdams Burroughs. In February of 1949, she married Paul L. Pope and he preceded her in death on July 31, 1998.

A homemaker, she was a member of New Richland Baptist Church, where she played organ for fifty years and taught Sunday School for forty five years. Leatrice loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed teaching children about the Lord. She was loved by all who met her.

Survivors include three sons; Mike (Kathy) Pope of Rushsylvania, Ohio, David (Jean) Pope of Billings, Montana, and John (Cheryl) Pope of Rushsylvania; a daughter, Kathy (Phillip) Bailey of Bellefontaine; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; a sister, Helen Woods of Lima, Ohio; several nieces and nephews; and best friend, Vivian Boles of New Carlisle, Ohio. She was preceded in death by a son James K. Pope.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Belle Center, Ohio, with Pastor Ron E. Sanderson officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 from 2 to 4 P.M. & 6 to 8 P.M. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Belle Center. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Belle Center. Memorial Contributions may be made to Universal Home Health and Hospice Care  701 S. Main St.  Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 or the New Richland Baptist Church  8651 County Road 39  Belle Center, Ohio 43310

The staff at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Belle Center assisted the family with the arrangements.