NELLIE LEECH

Nellie Hotinger Leech passed away peacefully on Feb. 15, 2026, at her residence at Havenwood in Lexington. Born on May 11, 1927, she was a young age of 98 and had lived a full life. 

She was the daughter of the late Ray W. and Mary T. Hotinger and was preceded in death by her beloved husband H. Phil Leech.

She was raised in a large family on Cave Hill Farm in the Collierstown community. She graduated from Effinger High School and Madison College, then had a long career as a teacher for Rockbridge County, primarily at Central Elementary School.

She was a lifetime member of Collierstown Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, officer of the Women of the Church, on many committees, and a member of the Night Circle.

In the community she was a member of the PTA, Home Extension Club, Rockbridge Retired Teachers, assisted with the blood bank, worked the voting polls, and wrote Airport Acres neighborhood news for The News-Gazette. She also helped at the Effinger firehouse, cutting apples for apple butter, and assisted with the Effinger Ruritan Club events, eventually becoming a member.  

She is survived by her children, Randy Leech (Irene) of Ironto, Rick Leech (Lynn) and Raynelle Ankney, both of Lexington, and Rodney Leech (Marty) of Monterey; grandchildren Andrew Reed, Sam Leech (Patrick), David Leech, Luke Leech, Sarah LaBruce (Lawrence), Kate Hurt (Chris), and Brian Ankney. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, her sister Ruby Brankley, and sister-in-law Shirley Leech.

Nellie reaped the rewards of her many lifelong associations with people, delighting to see former students and her many friends at community events and activities after retirement. She loved working in her kitchen, helping out at church, and was thoroughly involved in her families’ lives and achievements. In her last years before her health declined, her helpers drove her far and wide so that she could stay connected to all the things she loved.  

The family would like to thank everyone at Havenwood for their wonderful care, to all the caregivers prior to that who provided for her needs at home, and to Hospice who helped ease her last days.  

The family will receive guests at 407 Collierstown Road, Lexington, on Friday, Feb. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Collierstown Presbyterian Church with burial afterward. A lunch will be hosted by the church ladies in the fellowship hall following the burial. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to Collierstown Presbyterian Church at 31 Church Drive, Lexington, VA 24450 or ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice at 315 Myers St., Lexington, VA 24450.  

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.