Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
(Psalm23:4)

Mary K. Lesh, of Newport, our beloved mother, Nana, loved one, friend, and matriarch peacefully ended her journey on Earth December 6, 2024 after a brief illness , with loved ones by her side.

Mary was born on November 16, 1939 to Orville “Tom“ and Catherine (Henderson) Fulton. After marrying the love of her life , Art in 1961 , she went on to become a lifelong educator. Mary graduated from Newport High School Class of 1957 before earning her Bachelors degree in Education from Kutztown University.
She had a passion for teaching which led her to a successful career in education. She would go on to teach third grade at Carroll Elementary School, Shermans Dale for 35 years, where she loved and embraced the challenges of educating the next generation. She retired in 1995 but the lessons she invoked on hundreds of people are limitless. In retirement, Mary and Art enjoyed spending time at the bay at their second home in Chincoteague, VA . She was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association, Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, and the Perry County Retired Public School Employees Association. Mary is remembered by countless students and colleagues as a caring influence whose passion to assure the success of every student will not be forgotten.

Mary was a present and dignified member of her community. She was an active member and faithful attendee of Incarnation United Church of Christ, Newport. She was a devout Christian and was steadfast in her faith. In addition, she was an active figure in community service through the years— volunteering her time to such organizations as Beth’s Lunchbox , Perry County Fair Association, and Meals on Wheels, to name a few. She also belonged to Millerstown Moose, American Legion Auxillary, and was a member of the Newport Civic Club. Mary and her late husband were also very generous benefactors to various organizations and charities.

An avid reader, she enjoyed and belonged to her monthly book club, Hooked on Books. She would spend her mornings at Bitting‘s restaurant congregating with friends where she was a proud “Spice Girl” of Bitting’s Breakfast Club. Mary enjoyed birdwatching as she was very knowledgeable of bird species, with never an empty birdfeeder outside her dining room window. She enjoyed cooking meals for her family every Tuesday evening and game nights, especially those with her grandchildren. She was a lover of crossword puzzles and spent countless hours exercising her Solitaire skills and being an “off screen “ contestant of any game show on Game Show Network.

Never short on words, she was a novel conversationalist who was known to her family and friends for her humor and warmth. She had an unconditional love for her family, genuinely loving her children and grandchildren, bragging about silly baby pictures, and making sure she never missed a birthday or holiday, whether a card, a call, or a gift. She was well known throughout her small town, always encountering someone she knew on her daily errand run.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Arthur of nearly 58 years. She is survived by a son, Dr. Mark Lesh and wife, Stephanie Gill of New Albany, Ohio, a daughter, Amber Kitner and husband Brad of Newport, five grandchildren, Neil(wife Paige) and Andrea Kitner and Alex, Sydney, and Makenzie Lesh, and her dear friend and companion, Leroy Fleisher of New Bloomfield.

She was an amazing person whose personality was as vibrant and warm as the sun. Such an honor it has been to have been loved by someone so admirable and selfless. Her legacy is indelible and infinite.

Services will be held Saturday December 14 at the Incarnation United Church of Christ, Newport,  with a visitation from 11 AM until the funeral service at 12 PM. Burial will follow in the Newport Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution  to the Incarnation UCC,  47 N. 4th Street, Newport,PA 17074